[Rmeju]

I've been wanting to get a gun safe for awhile, but I'm getting a little overwhelmed. It seems that since there are so many safes out there, a little buyer-specific info helps to narrow things down a little bit. Here's mine:

My brother bought me a Sentry T6-331 (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11678934&search=gun+safe&Mo=6&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=gun+safe&Ntt=gun+safe&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1) for my graduation yesterday, but I want a gun safe that stores rifles. I was thinking about exchanging it at Costco for either a Bighorn 19ECB (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11642080&search=gun+safe&Mo=6&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=gun+safe&Ntt=gun+safe&No=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1) or maybe a Bighorn Classic 36 ECB (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11751434&search=gun+safe&Mo=6&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=gun+safe&Ntt=gun+safe&No=2&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1), since it's on sale right now and only costs a little bit more than the 19. Basically, I figure I could return what I've got and get a decent safe for under $1,000. I'm looking at these particular safes because that's what Costco has that I could trade up to, and it'd be easier to exchange that way.

I currently have 4 rifles, and I plan to buy a shotgun in the foreseeable future. I also have a couple of pistols, but don't plan on expanding that collection any time soon. I expect my rifle collection to grow, but pretty slowly, maybe a new rifle every other year, if that. I don't currently own any optics, but that will change for at least one or two of those rifles in the foreseeable future.

I own my home and my wife and I are happy, but moving isn't out of the cards.

Are these Big Horn safes any good? Am I overlooking any obviously better-value alternatives? Do I need to worry about the fire-retardant rusting my guns (I don't know if this is an old wives tale, or what)? I know that no safe is foolproof against a determined/skilled burglar, but I'd like to get a sensible safe that isn't junk and can keep my collection in good condition and out of most burglars' hands.

Am I on the right track?

Thanks for any help!

[heeler]

I followed your links and could not find anywhere what the gauge thickness was of the body of these safes.
Could be 12 gauge or possibly even less.
For firearms not exceeding a couple of thousand dollars in value they would probably be worth it.
Although I did see in a sales flyer this morning that Gander Mountain has the Liberty Fat Boy JR. on sale for around $1100.00 and they come with a very good trustworthy warranty and have the bonus of being American made.

[TXdefender]

I'd get the biggest and best you can afford. You'll be surprised how quick they fill and it's not an item that usually wears out so you'll most likely have it a while.

[heeler]

^^...Yes,absolutely.
I bought my first safe in early 2004 without doing any research and purchsed an imported Amsec Highland safe on sale.
By 2008 it was maxed out.
It now stores low priced shotguns and .22's as I stepped up and had to buy and much more expensive and secure Amsec BF.
Buy once and cry once.

[armoredman]

I spent my money on a Fort Knox. Cost abit, but it's an excellent safe. I agree, save your money, get something that is nice - a good safe is an investment.

[theicemanmpls]

Do research on the safe.

IMO, a safe with good thickness, hinges, fire rating and a good lock will keep out most thieves. Remember, most burglars are druggies, or kids. They are not the brightest bulbs on the Christmas tree.

I wouldn't go cheap on this product, nor would I go top of the line. Unless, you have $10,000. firearms.

In addition to my safe, I have a rider on my home owners policy to cover the firearms.

I would recommend central station monitored security system. If the bad guys get in the house, they have hours to defeat the safe.

One thing I do is to lock up all of my "safe cracking tools" when I go on vacation. The saws all blades, pry bars, chisels, and C4 goes in the safe.

[Shadow 7D]

Remember security is like an onion, it's all layers
and the safe is one of the last ones

[Savage99]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8160785#post8160785