Anybody have or use the Bighorn "gun safe" from Costco?

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rogerjames

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Here's a link... On sale for $699 delivered to door. Seems like a no-brainer as far as "value" goes.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc..._Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

I am not looking for a debate about UL fire ratings, "safe" vs "RSC", etc etc. and all the other locksmith/purist recommendations. I am primarily looking for an anti-theft deterrent and anti-child storage system. This is going in a closet and this safe has the absolute max external dimensions that I can fit.

I am not a safe/rsc expert but I have done enough research to understand what I get for the money. I fully understand that $2000 will get me into an AMSEC BF and if I had $$ I would do it.

I am primarily interested in any personal reviews of this particular safe, ie... internal shelf quality, lock issues, etc. OR... any other recommendations of similar sized/equipped/priced "gun safes" Thanks!
 
Most of these "big box store" safe's are going to be pretty much the same in a specific price range.

For home/anti-kid security ... very adequate. Just don't forget to bolt them either to the floor or to a wall so your entire collection can just walk out on a hand truck.
 
I have this one. No problems. Realistically, it will hold more like 16 long guns if they are scoped but I have the same problem with all stated capacity on safes. It fits through closet doors. The shelf quality is fine and the lock has been flawless but I have only had it for a couple of months. Let me know if you want any more specifics.
 
I just helped a friend move one, I think he owes me a few beers. Great safe and nobody is going to walk out the door with it.
Click to expand...

but they will pry it open and walk out the doors with all your guns. the truth about these costco, dicks, gander mtn, etc, safes is that they are only really good for keeping your guns away from kids and maybe for delaying a burglar
 
I've seen the Youtube videos from various safer makers showing how easy it is to pry open cheaper safes. I think the big thing is to make sure the safe is bolted to the floor from the inside of the safe and that it be recessed to a degree, maybe in a closet or have some walls built around it to limit access.

I haven't seen any videos where the door was able to be opened with the safe in an upright, bolted down position where access was intentionally limited for large pry bars. I'm not saying it can't be done, but you can take steps to mitigate the burglar's chances.
 
I have one, and I like it a lot. Would it deter a determined thief? Maybe not, but with the home alarm system to contend with, the bad guy would have a few minutes to muscle the safe open. It has eight solid door bolts, so I don't think a quick smash and grab style robbery can be accomplished all THAT quickly.

One thing: I got mine (the same model or very similar) for about $500. You might want to see if the price comes down a bit this fall.
 
Vyacheslav said:
but they will pry it open and walk out the doors with all your guns. the truth about these costco, dicks, gander mtn, etc, safes is that they are only really good for keeping your guns away from kids and maybe for delaying a burglar
Click to expand...
Question: What is it about those safes that makes them inferior? I know the fire protection is a bit longer on the more expensive types, but I'm very comfortable with the value of the Big Horn.
 
Question: What is it about those safes that makes them inferior? I know the fire protection is a bit longer on the more expensive types, but I'm very comfortable with the value of the Big Horn.
Click to expand...

What gauge/thickness steel is the body made of?

What lock does it have?

What is the fire material?
 
It's 10 gauge steel, 1/8" thick, electronic lock with a spring-loaded re-locker (if the lock is tampered with), and 1200 degree/30 minute fire protection, with an expandable door seal. It has a 1.5" thick formed front.

Fort Knox offers one with 3/16" steel (also 10 gauge), 1 3/4" formed front, and various other qualities that make it somewhat better. However, those are also three to four times the price.

Is it the very best? Nope. I concede that. But for the price and size, I don't think it can be beat.
 
What is the material used for that fire proofing?

Who makes the electronic lock?

You can do better than Costco without going all the way up to Fort Knox.

I don't have one yet. Maybe for Christmas. Still considering everything myself. Wish I could afford a Sturdy Safe. It would push $2k though.
 
Here's an AMSEC Teton model, with almost the same characteristics (although it has 12 1" bolts, not the 8 1" that I have).

http://www.gunaccessories.com/AMSEC/Teton.asp

Price? $1900.

Scroll down a bit and you can see one with 14 gauge steel, 5 locking bolts, thinner doors and steel, that goes for over $1000.


The Big Horn is, IMO, a good value.
 
Never said nor implied that there was something better on that budget. Go back and read the discussion if you don't understand.
 
I think that was uncalled for. I have read the discussion and understand the issues of the OP.

What you have said is that one can do better than the Costco safe, which DOES imply that one can do better on that budget. You did ask someone about finding a Ft. Knox for $700, I grant you. But I answered your question about the quality of the safe I have (and recommend). I challenged one to find a better safe for the money than the Big Horn.

Go back and read my posts if you don't understand.
 
You have a point, I see what you are saying.

For the money it may be a good choice.
 
Thank you. I appreciate that.

I am genuinely (and respectfully) curious if you have found a safe that is at least similar in price, but is superior. If it is a few hundred dollars more expensive, but superior in a key way, that would be excellent information to have. You obviously have good knowledge of the key aspects to look for in a safe. What do you recommend?
 
That is just what I am looking for but I have not found it. :(

Not new, anyway.
 
I'm not sure it's out there. I did a lot of research before I pulled the trigger on the Big Horn, and failed to see anything better myself. I would love to have had a Cannon or Ft. Knox, but when I balanced the price with the capability (and realized I could buy a couple more guns for the difference), it was an easy choice. I would not have ANY safe if this model had not been available.

I think what I need is more money. LOL

I got to the point where I realized that the money I had invested in firearms warranted the expense, but I still had to be budget conscious (since my money was tied up in guns!). Will the Big Horn deter anyone who really, really wants your guns? No. I would take the savings and get a home alarm, actually. That will likely reduce your homeowners insurance, be useful for other purposes, and add value to the home.
 
I understand cost is important here, what throws me off is the external hinges. I frankly do not know who builds a safe with interior hinges in the price range you are looking at. Any safe is better than guns being stashed in the closet.
 
Internal hinges only limit how far you can open the door and does absolutely nothing for the strength of said safe. It is just a marketing ploy.
Good luck
God bless
 
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