AMSEC Gun Safe Question

[dcashel]

Hi all,

I am looking at the following gun safe: AMSEC BF6032.

Does anybody know the type of welding used on this safe (continuous or spot)?? Are areas of the safe spot welded and areas of the safe continuous welded??

Thanks for your help...

[CB900F]

Cashel;

AMSEC's toll-free phone number is: (800)421-6142, ask for customer service.

900F

[Elessar]

I was told directly buy an AMSEC rep at the shot show that the body was 12g and spot welded, as continuous welds "would damage the steel"...

[Cesiumsponge]

I think Frank has mentioned that sometimes different Amsec folks will give you different answers, given their huge product line. Not every sales rep or customer service agent is well-versed in the entire product line, and amsec makes hundreds of models and lines. I've gotten different answers on their amvault line before.

[a1abdj]

Indeed they will.

My opinion is that spot vs. continuous weld makes little to no difference IF (this is the important part), the welding is good.

Burglar rated steel plate safes are rarely welded with a continuous bead. Modular vaults used in most banks are "spot" welded (6" runs). When you see these cheap Chinese safes with spot welds that have been ripped apart, it's because the welding isn't very good.

I believe the bottom of the AMSEC is indeed spot welded. If it's bolted down (as it should be), that makes it even that much less of an issue.

[dcashel]

Thankyou to everybody that responded to my question.

I am seriously looking at getting the AMSEC BF 6032/6030. I have a corner in my closet picked out and I may have to go with the BF6032 since it's only 21" deep istead of 26" deep. I just have to wait until the Christmas CC bills are paid and the wife gives the ok which will probably be in March.

One more Question: The AMSEC website says that the BF6032 is 21" deep. Does anybody know if this is including or excluding the handles?? I emailed AMSEC two days ago but I have not yet received a repsonse. I just need the depth of the safe in inches excluding the handles so I know that it will fit in the spot in my closet that I have picked out.

Thanks for everbody's help...

[heeler]

No it does not include the handle and lock.
My BF 66X36 is 26 inches exactly measured from the outside back wall to the front corner which is the number Amsec says it is.

[a1abdj]

You'll want to add +/- 2" for the additional depth of the dial, handle hub, and hinges for moving purposes. Since the handles flare away from the safe once installed into the hub, I would figure +/- 3" of additional depth for installation purposes.

[dcashel]

Thanks for the information "a1abdj".

[dcashel]

Hi a1abdj,

I am debating between getting mechanical lock versus getting a digital lock on an AMSEC BF safe. I know that mechanical locks are more reliable and digital locks let you get into the safe much faster. I work in the electronics industry so I do know that the digital lock will probably fail at some point in time.

1. What type of mechanical lock does AMSEC put on there BF safes (i.e. S&G, etc..) and what is your opinion about it?

2. If I do decide on a digital lock which of the digital locks that AMSEC offers would you recommend getting??

Thanks for your help....

[a1abdj]

AMSEC is the only safe manufacturer that has their own UL rated electronic locks. You can order a safe from them with locks from other manufacturers, but their lock is the one they install if nothing else is specified.

I've had pretty good luck with AMSEC's lock. In fact, we installed a few in a local bank which are used on their cash lockers. They see quite a bit of abuse, and we haven't had one fail yet. They're about 3 years old now.

[dcashel]

Thanks a1abdj. What is your opinion on the AMSEC mechanical locks that put on the BF Series?

[a1abdj]

They are OK, and I've never had any issues with them.

Many people have heard of S&G, as they have been around the longest. However, there are several companies that build UL rated locks, many of which a typical consumer has never heard of. S&G pretty much designed the modern day combination lock, and when their patents expired, their design was "borrowed" by all of the other manufacturers.

[dcashel]

a1abdj,
I want to try to get my safe from a local safe company so that if I have any problems they are there to help out. Do you know of any reputable AMSEC safe dealers in the Plano, Texas area (i.e. a suburb of Dallas)?

Thanks for the help...

[dcashel]

Thanks a1abdj. I have read alot of your posts on this site and another site and your posts gave me alot of information when making my safe choice decision.

I ended up purchasing a AMSEC BF6032 this week from a local Safe Dealer here in Dallas (Rolland Safe). I got a price a little more than the online prices (i.e. pretty close to the price you advertise on your website) you see but if I have a problem I know they are just down the road.

Question on dehumidifiers for a gun safe. I have seen Dri rod, golden rod, and Eva Dry. Is any one of these better than the other for removing humidity from the safe?? What is your recommendation??

Thanks....

[a1abdj]

Rolland is a very reputable company.

I prefer the Dry Rods for a variety of reasons. You should only use dessicant if you have actual knowledge of the humidity level within the safe, and it is high.

[dcashel]

a1abdj,

For a AMSEC BF6032, what size Dry Rod would you recommend?? (12", 18", etc...).

[heeler]

You chose a good safe dcashel and I am sure you will be very happy with it.
What color did you choose?

[a1abdj]

For a AMSEC BF6032, what size Dry Rod would you recommend?? (12", 18", etc...).

I don't think using one larger would cause you any harm, but the smaller 12" versions tend to do just fine.