AmSec 7250 or Sturdy

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Triumph

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Just making sure I am not missing anything.

This is what I am contemplating.

AmSec 7250
All Options
Electronic lock
$4000

I've looked at the Sturdy website a few times. Sounds like they are pretty good safes. Not impressed with the website (the girls standing in front of the safes kinda remind me of tool & chopper calendars).

All the same just want to make sure I am not missing anything. Having a hard time matching what I am currently looking at. The AmSec interior & options seem to be superior.

Also - AmSec guarantee unmatched. Any attempted break in or fire & they repair replace.

Sturdy charges extra for transport.

Books could be written about cement (concrete) vs. Steel (sturdy). I have read all the threads & not interested in rehash.

Just curious about price, options & if Sturdy has something to offer me that AmSec does not.
 
Both safes are an excellent choice. Both are US made.

AMSEC is by far the larger company, and will obviously back their warranties. The family that owns Sturdy seems to be a group of stand up people, and I'm sure they would back their warranties as well.

Aside from the bodies, the AMSEC has the heavier door. Although safe bodies are almost always weaker than the doors, the doors are the most often attacked. Heavy plate can't be beat in this situation, so I'd tend to lean AMSEC.

The AMSEC also has a nicer interior, if that makes any difference at all.
 
I think you mixed up the 2. First off Sturdy doesn't charge extra for delivery, I believe Amsec does but that may depend on the distributor. Frank will tell you that's delivery is incorporated into the price already. Of course it is. You just need to look at the toal price including any delivery charges to make it apples to apples.

Any attempted break in or fire & they repair replace.

I believe Sturdy does as well. Although I'M not sure if Amsec does. Sturdy will also pay for the locksmith to get into your safe and replace the lock if it fails.

Books could be written about cement (concrete) vs. Steel (sturdy).

It's actually cement vs 2300° Ceramic & 1000° High Temp Glass.

(the girls standing in front of the safes kinda remind me of tool & chopper calendars).

That's Alyssa, the owners daughter who comes on here to post corrections to misinformation spread by other posters.

The AmSec interior & options seem to be superior.

As I mentioned in another post I was pleasently surprised by the Sturdy interior. I much prefer it to the Liberty I have which is the same interior you see in a million gun safes. It looks like it was made by a human not a machine.

Not sure about the options, although I do like the look of those storage thing's you can buy for the inside of the Amsec door.

One option that does matter to me is that Sturdy will build to your specifications. I had them add 3/16 stainless to the door and 3/16 steel to the only other part of the safe that's exposed. I'm not sure if Amsec will do this for you.
 
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Both gun containers will serve you well. But, I do agree with you that AMSEC has a better interior. I was reading another thread today about a guy that bought a Sturdy safe. He was happy with it except for the interior. He said it was pretty shoddy workmanship.

I searched for that thread but couldn't find it again.
 
Thanks for the replies. It's very hard to get an idea of Sturdy's finish & interior on the website.

It sounds as if either safe would serve my needs as far as burglary & fire protection (without any modification).

Interesting I visited a Fort Knox dealer the other day & had a look at the Defender series. Not only are they considerably more expensive than the AmSec BF but the interior/exterior finish is not that nice.

Right now leaning heavily towards the BF7250. It helps that I can see it in person.

Of course if someone wants to sell me a used Graffunder that might change my mind.
 
I bought a Sturdy safe after a lot of market research. It's not as pretty as others, but it's rock solid, thick steel, and I'm very confident in the product. The customer service is about the best in any industry I've ever experienced. Terry is the man! Built in the USA. I liked it so much I bought a second one when the time came. Let me repeat that Sturdy is 2nd to NONE in customer service. They are outstanding. Truly great people. If I need a 3rd safe, I would buy from Sturdy again without hesitation.

Frankly, the interior finish is bland. The gray carpet is adequte. Not as refined as you might find on higher priced models, but I don't care at all about that. I want something that will offer the best protection for the price and Sturdy is it. And really, if you wanted something different you could get free scrap carpet and host an interior design competition if that's what floats your boat. I want a safe that is tough, fire resistant, and well designed and that's exactly what Sturdy provides.

Go with the combo dial lock, not a digital lock (for any safe).

PS - the model is the owners daughter/model.
 
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All the same just want to make sure I am not missing anything. Having a hard time matching what I am currently looking at. The AmSec interior & options seem to be superior.

Also - AmSec guarantee unmatched. Any attempted break in or fire & they repair replace.

Sturdy Safe has the same warranty and also have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Sturdy charges extra for transport.
Shipping is included in their price.


Just curious about price, options & if Sturdy has something to offer me that AmSec does not.

Sturdy allows you to double plate commonly attacked areas such as the sides so now you would have 3/8" of steel for someone to have to cut through. Also, you can plate the lockbox with stainless which will make a torch attack more difficult against a sensitive area.

Additionally, you can upgrade the hardplate over the lockbox to diamond carbide machine tool resistant plate but that will void the locksmith part of the warrantee if you do that.

With all of above options plus the fire lining, you are right just under $4000 for the safe of that size and you'll have a very nice gun safe IMO and the one I'd order myself if in the market.
 
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Sturdy allows you to double plate commonly attacked areas such as the sides so now you would have 3/8" of steel for someone to have to cut through. Also, you can plate the lockbox with stainless which will make a torch attack more difficult against a sensitive area.

If you wanted a modified AMSEC, that could be done as well (so long as the modifications were of sound design).

I have seen several residential burglaries, and the use of a cutting torch is very rare, and usually involves the use of a torch sitting in the garage/barn. If you're trying to protect assets from a torch attack, they make torch rated safes. You should not use a gun safe.

Additionally, you can upgrade the hardplate over the lockbox to diamond carbide machine tool resistant plate but that will void the locksmith part of the warrantee if you do that.

These types of add ons don't really buy you any security. Common theives are rarely attempting to drill locks. Even if they do drill, there's a bit more to it than just making a hole.

In addition, these type of upgrades won't stop professionals who do drill safes, because they are equipped to penetrate these types of barriers.

With all of above options plus the fire lining, you are right just under $4000 for the safe of that size and you'll have a very nice gun safe IMO and the one I'd order myself if in the market.

For $4,000, you're in the neighborhood of a nice, large, used name brand safe with a true burglary rating. Going this route would make much more sense than buying a gun safe.
 
Sturdy Owner

+ 1 on what others have said about the solid design and construction, the owners, and the great customer service.
Either safe will serve you well. I purchased a Sturdy about 3 years ago. I have never regreted my decision.
 
Be weary of the Amsec 1 year warranty.

This is a quote from a safe expert on another site earlier today. I know nothing about Amsec's warrenty but I would double check if I was you. I do know that Sturdy offers a lifetime warranty.

For $4,000, you're in the neighborhood of a nice, large, used name brand safe with a true burglary rating. Going this route would make much more sense than buying a gun safe.

$4000 is not even close to how much you would pay for a B rated safe in the size you are looking for. For example a B rated Graffunder, that's a little more then half the size, would cost you close to $6000. That's 50% more for half the size.
 
$4000 is not even close to how much you would pay for a B rated safe in the size you are looking for. For example a B rated Graffunder, that's a little more then half the size, would cost you close to $6000. That's 50% more for half the size.

Look, I don't know what your problem is, but it is obvious you don't read the plain english I type. Why don't you just refrain from commenting on anything I say until such time that you can do so?

As a person who sells plenty of used commercial safes, $4,000 is exactly close to how much you would pay for a nice, large, used brand name safe with a TL rating.

Quote:
Be weary of the Amsec 1 year warranty.

This is a quote from a safe expert on another site earlier today. I know nothing about Amsec's warrenty but I would double check if I was you. I do know that Sturdy offers a lifetime warranty.

As somebody who's not in the safe business, I'm curious why you have so much contact with safe experts on various boards?

I do warranty work for AMSEC. I've never worked on any of their BF gun safes. There's not much that can go wrong with a safe, and the types of things that do go wrong (that are warranty related) tend to happen quickly (electronic locks excluded).

I do the most warranty work for Liberty. Is that because they sell more safes than everybody else? Perhaps. Most manufacturers have very similar warranties, and although some make it sound like a great selling point, most of them are hot air.
 
I stand corrected, I did miss the "used" part. Sorry about that.

I will tell you when I was looking for a safe I didn't find that much of a difference between new and used prices for TL Rated safes in my area. And I was actually surprised at how little "used" inventory was available. I'm in NYC and checked NY and NJ. My guess, and this is just a guess, is that these safes get sold here with out going on the open market.
 
As somebody who's not in the safe busines, I'm curious why you have so much contact with safe experts on various boards?

Because, as you are well aware, I just bought 2 safes.

Instead of attacking me why don't you just tell the poster what the warranty is. I admitted I don't know. However you do since you're an Amsec dealer.
 
These types of add ons don't really buy you any security. Common theives are rarely attempting to drill locks. Even if they do drill, there's a bit more to it than just making a hole.

In addition, these type of upgrades won't stop professionals who do drill safes, because they are equipped to penetrate these types of barriers.

Frank, I don't value your opinion and would rather you didn't make remarks on any comments I make in the future like you have always done in the past with regards to Sturdy Safe.
 
Frank, I don't value your opinion and would rather you didn't make remarks on any comments I make in the future like you have always done in the past with regards to Sturdy Safe.

I have an idea, why don't you have respect for the OP, who stated:
I have read all the threads & not interested in rehash.
 
Actually adirondack seems to be the one who did read what the OP said.

I for one am going try to avoid what happened on the last thread. Why don't we all try to move on.
 
For the safe you listed, is there a particular reason you settled on it? All options security-wise or cosmetics? Is that particular size required or can you go with two smaller safes? $4k is a sizable chunk of money that opens up a lot of new avenues. It also depends on the contents. If it's something that cannot be replaced, you can go high security. If it's a collection that insurance will cover, it might not be as big a deal.

In general, a lot of the markup/cost on a gun safe is for the interior because people are willing to pay for a luxury interior. For example, Sturdy puts in a very functional interior and spends it's efforts on building a stronger box because they're more oriented towards security than cosmetics. It's why their safes are all batch sprayed in one color instead of doing a handful at a time in glossy hunter green, then another in burgundy, and perhaps four in piano black. As a result, your dollar buys a stronger safe versus other gun safes that'll give you lights, mirrors, and disco balls.

If you are handy, you can always do your own interior if you don't want to pay a premium for it and settle for a used commercial safe which can save you big dollars. Unless you're getting an exotic wood interior, it's just particle board with carpeting which is less than $100 in materials. Personally I never understood why people put such a huge premium on gun safe interiors. It's a box to keep your stuff secure. Unless you're always keeping the door open for yourself and friends or family to admire. Heck, maybe Fireking and Sentry needs to cash in and start offering luxury interiors for their fire safes :)

For example, AMSEC's top of the line TL-30 burglary-rated RF6528. Depending on cosmetic options, that puts you at $6-10k (prices vary a lot online and by options). Now look at AMSEC's commercial line, AMVAULT. The CF6528 is the safe AMSEC dolls up into the RF6528. They cost $4-5k. If I wanted, for $2-4k savings, I can have a cabinet maker build a nice interior, get a bodyshop to shoot a coat of paint, and still spend the extra buying another 3-4 guns...or just build an interior for $100 and live with the beige paint.

I've been researching commercial safes for several years waiting for the right time and product to pop up on the used market. There is a sizable price difference between used and new TL+ rated brand name safes unless the company is simply marking up the used safe by a lot. I'm not sure if you can haggle on prices but someone like Frank would know what they typically offer to buy old safes and how much they mark them up after reconditioning the mechanical bits. However I've noticed (what I assume are import) some brands offer new safes for a lot cheaper than the established brands so if they do come up used, they're even cheaper. Not sure how quality of the build stacks up but the locking mechanisms are still S&G typically. A website currently has a used 77"Hx43"Wx37"D TL30x6 safe for $4700. That'll defeat every single currently marketed gun safe (many of those well over $5000). The only downside is the excessive weight (which is beneficial for security). If you don't have a collection worth that much, then it's pointless to go this big. However if you're into the five-figure range on your collection, dealing with the weight by reinforcing floor joists or finding a concrete slab is a small price to pay.

A torch attack might not risk harming assets like jewelry, gold, or diamonds inside a safe, but a torch attack will risk harming firearms made of steel, wood, and plastic. It would seem that torch attack is unlikely even if the equipment was available because a burglar risks wrecking his loot. It's always possible your burglar is a tweaker with no brains but unless you have a torch in your home, I think the tweakers have already pawned any tools they own before resorting to burglary.
 
Instead of attacking me

I wasn't attacking you. It just seemed odd, especially considering that even I rarely run into other safe techs online. If you don't mind me asking, where did you run into one of these guys at? Aside from myself and CB900F here, I've only run across one other.

why don't you just tell the poster what the warranty is.

AMSEC warranties every safe they build (or import) for at least one year including parts and labor, and there are several exceptions that have longer, or different types of warranties.

Gun safes are one of those exceptions. AMSEC has a lifetime warranty on their gun safes very similar to what most other gun safe manufacturers offer.

My opinion of these warranties reflects a quote I heard in a movie once:

Tommy: Let's think about this for a sec, Ted. Why would somebody put a guarantee on a box? Hmmm, very interesting.

Ted Nelson, Customer: Go on, I'm listening.

Tommy: Here's the way I see it, Ted. Guy puts a fancy guarantee on a box 'cause he wants you to feel all warm and toasty inside.

Ted Nelson, Customer: Yeah, makes a man feel good.

Tommy: 'Course it does. Why shouldn't it? Ya figure you put that little box under your pillow at night, the Guarantee Fairy might come by and leave a quarter, am I right, Ted?
[chuckles until he sees that Ted is not laughing]

Ted Nelson, Customer: [impatiently] What's your point?

Tommy: The point is, how do you know the fairy isn't a crazy glue sniffer? "Building model airplanes" says the little fairy; well, we're not buying it. He sneaks into your house once, that's all it takes. The next thing you know, there's money missing off the dresser, and your daughter's knocked up. I seen it a hundred times.

Ted Nelson, Customer: But why do they put a guarantee on the box?

Tommy: Because they know all they sold ya was a guaranteed piece of ****. That's all it is, isn't it? Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for now, for your customer's sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality product from me.

Ted Nelson, Customer: [pause] Okay, I'll buy from you.

The after fire, flood, burglary, zombie mob attack warranties sound impressive, but they are rarely used. Your homeowners or renters coverage will usually not only cover the safe, but will also cover expenses these warranties may not cover.

The mechanical warranties are also not used very often. Again, safes aren't rocket science, so there's usually not much that goes wrong that isn't a result of normal wear and tear. If there is something wrong, it tends to pop up quickly.

The warranties on the lock are actually through the lock manufacturers themselves. People tend to think locks are included as part of the lifetime warranty, and usually are not. Most mechanical locks have a 5 year warranty, and most electronic locks have a 1 year warranty. These claims make up the vast majority of warranty work.

Edited to add:

This is also the main reason I suggest buying safes locally from a real safe company (not one that just sells safes). The person you buy the safe from will also fully support the products. In an emergency, you may not have to wait to make a claim first. We also have more pull with the manufacturers than you do as a customer. If there is a disagreement between my customer and a manufacturer, that disagreement will go away once I get involved.
 
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Two great safes equally a tied

From what i've read about the amsec and the sturdy safe is that they are both excellent safes and offer great protection & price---(i have read that they both agree on that) and they both sell safes(so both have interest) a1abdj sleeps,eat,sale,educate & open safes so his knowledge is great---sturdy sale,molds,bends,build & create safes( so his knowledge is great)---i guess it comes down to ..........just my opinion
 
Frank, I don't value your opinion and would rather you didn't make remarks on any comments I make in the future like you have always done in the past with regards to Sturdy Safe.

Sorry about that earlier statement Frank. I do value your opinion and hope you'll do the same for others including myself. And, feel free to offer your insight if you like on my posts, I do enjoy the debate as long as it's objective verses subjective. Anyway ... sorry.
 
leadcouncil - Still laughing about this -

And really, if you wanted something different you could get free scrap carpet and host an interior design competition if that's what floats your boat.

Cesiumsponge - good as well

If you are handy, you can always do your own interior if you don't want to pay a premium for it and settle for a used commercial safe which can save you big dollars. Unless you're getting an exotic wood interior, it's just particle board with carpeting which is less than $100 in materials. Personally I never understood why people put such a huge premium on gun safe interiors. It's a box to keep your stuff secure. Unless you're always keeping the door open for yourself and friends or family to admire. Heck, maybe Fireking and Sentry needs to cash in and start offering luxury interiors for their fire safe

I am open to either safe & feel they are both adequate for my needs on burglary & security.
I am also not interested in a used commercial safe because I do not need the extra weight or security or fire resistance (No super expensive guns or jewelry in this house). I also don't have the time or inclination to go on a search for used commercial safes.

So I am left with 3 criteria to decide between the Sturdy & AmSec
1. Service
2. Warranty
3. Interior

1. Service:
Sturdy - Interestingly enough Terry (Sturdy Safe Owner) called me yesterday. Very impressed with his level of commitment & service. Called me on a Saturday morning & talked to me for 30 minutes.
AmSec - Unknown. I have seen good & bad on the forums. a1abdj accurately warns of who you buy the safe from. My $4000 price for the BF7250 includes interior lighting and door organizer but comes from a huge gun dealer in town. They sell a ton of safes & guns and order AmSecs a truckload at a time. If it came to a service requirement I would probably be dealing with AmSec directly.

2. Warranty:
Sturdy - Appears to be good from everything I have heard. It sounds like they will repair or replace a burglary or fire damaged safe but I would have to pay the freight
If I have that right its a big warranty difference between Sturdy & AmSec (see below)

AmSec - Here is the link to the PDF

http://www.amsecusa.com/Support/SupportElectronicLocks.aspx?ID=2388

The second attachment on this page details AmSecs warranty for their BF safes (RSCs). Any attempted burglary damage or fire & they repair or replace on site or pay for freight.

3. Interior:
Sturdy - Unknown - If I were to buy one & it showed up with a Liberty type interior I won't be happy.
leadcouncil & cesiumsponge - you are open to ridicule me if you like.
I could build out the interior myself but if I'm going to go to that trouble I might as well buy the AmSec. Of course I can't see any pictures of the Sturdy interior so who knows.

AmSec - My attraction is that I can see it. The AmSec interior is convertible and I can adjust it as my needs change. The unneeded gun racks can be covered with an included carpeted plate & converted to shelves if not needed. I can change the interior as I go.
I also have interior lighting in the safe included in the price I have been quoted.

You guys have all been great & I value your opinions. Please keep in mind the beginning of the thread - I am holding the burglary & fire protection as equal. For me it is a comparison about service, warranty & interior.
Any further advice or harassment is welcome.
 
I actually just started a thread on gun safe warranties, so hopefully we may get some of those with experience to chime in.

The nice thing about AMSEC is their dealer network, many of which are are true safe companies or locksmiths. They have a worldwide dealer network, and in the event of a problem, they usually have somebody near by that is not only capable and experienced, but actually has a track record with AMSEC.

Smaller companies like Sturdy need to rely on those outside of a dealer network. Sturdy has had me install safes locally for their customers, and just got lucky that they found somebody as good as me ;) They may or may not be as lucky if they needed to find somebody near you.

Either way, the odds of a warranty claim are very low (you can read my thoughts on the other thread), so I wouldn't really put much weight one way or another.

Here's a photo of a Sturdy interior:

100_1768.jpg
 
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