Grim Peeper
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Im looking for a gun safe around the $600 area. I have 4 pistols and 4 rifles but will probally expand my collection. I want a heavy safe too no flimsey stuff. Any suggestions?
Best gun safe around 600 dollars?
- Thread starter Grim Peeper
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ColtPythonElite
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- Jan 8, 2011
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Give the 24 gun Cannon at Tractory Supply a look. They have a good warranty on a nice safe....Before anyone says it....Yeah, we know it and most others like it aren't really safes, but RSC...LOL.
a1abdj
Member
There's not much that you're going to buy for $600 that isn't flimsy.
I'm usually a bigger fan of reinforcing a closet than I am of buying a gun safe in these types of situations. You will spend less money, and can get just as much protection.
I'm usually a bigger fan of reinforcing a closet than I am of buying a gun safe in these types of situations. You will spend less money, and can get just as much protection.
srwshooter
Member
spend a little more and get one twice as big as you need. 1000.00 will get you a monster safe at tractor supply. don't forget ,when you get it home,call it a home safe because you can then claim it on your taxes . any safe that is used for your important papers is a tax wrightoff
MtnSpur
Member
Canon at TSC
Apparently Canon makes these just for TSC as the dimensions vary by 1" here and there. I have 2 of them, electronic lock, spoke turn wheel. They weigh 580 lbs if memory serves. Couldn't be happier. The monster safe they have for 999.99 or something is huge but I wondered how the heck I would get that baby through the front door let alone down a hallway and through a bedroom door
Apparently Canon makes these just for TSC as the dimensions vary by 1" here and there. I have 2 of them, electronic lock, spoke turn wheel. They weigh 580 lbs if memory serves. Couldn't be happier. The monster safe they have for 999.99 or something is huge but I wondered how the heck I would get that baby through the front door let alone down a hallway and through a bedroom door
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors // +1 Cannon at TSC
I have mine in a reinforced pantry.
The large items inside the pantry (safe ,lrg metal box with ammo boxes locked inside...) have to be removed in a certain order, after unbolting several supports, or they will not fit through the door. Like a Chinese block puzzle.
I have seen one of these safes breached with an 18volt reciprocating saw, in about 15 min., after the lock smith failed to fix a failed lock. No idea if the guy still had warrenty coverage.
I have layered security that must be breached before needing to worry about the safe.
I also like the fact that everything is hidden from view, safe included, in case friends of friends or repair personnel should be in the house.
I have mine in a reinforced pantry.
The large items inside the pantry (safe ,lrg metal box with ammo boxes locked inside...) have to be removed in a certain order, after unbolting several supports, or they will not fit through the door. Like a Chinese block puzzle.
I have seen one of these safes breached with an 18volt reciprocating saw, in about 15 min., after the lock smith failed to fix a failed lock. No idea if the guy still had warrenty coverage.
I have layered security that must be breached before needing to worry about the safe.
I also like the fact that everything is hidden from view, safe included, in case friends of friends or repair personnel should be in the house.
a1abdj
Member
You do have to be careful with this, as the IRS would not consider a gun safe (unless used for business purposes, for example, running an FFL out of your home) eligible for these types of deductions.
I had the same question as the op and ended up with a cannon from Costco. Wait until it goes on sale. I don't think you can beat it as long as 600 is your limit. Just remember to bolt it down.
As for tax purposes...be very careful. You don't want to trigger an audit over trying to save a few bucks. Send a pm if you want to do something that will get you a 10-99 to claim business expenses next year.
As for tax purposes...be very careful. You don't want to trigger an audit over trying to save a few bucks. Send a pm if you want to do something that will get you a 10-99 to claim business expenses next year.
If you're still looking and have a Tractor Supply nearby, check out their Memorial Day add. They have a nice Winchester RSC on sale which knocks it into your price range. They also have some Cannon RSC's on sale too, but I prefered the Winchester after looking at them.
The size is more than adequate for a what you currently have and should comfortably provide room for at least double your current collection. It is listed as 24 gun safe, but that is optimistic. Be aware this is an RSC so it is made with a 12 gauge steel body, but has (2) layers of fireboard in the walls and door for protection of 30 min @1400 deg, (12) active locking bolts, 5-spoke handle, UL Listed LaGard Digital lock, new door panel organizer, and weighs 507-lb. I was very impressed with the paint finish and interior fabric as well.
I've been going back and forth with buying a much more expensive safe, but finally decided that bolting this RSC down and keeping it housed in a closet or confined area will limit any burglars ability to knock it over and pry or cut on it from any angle. Sure if they carry a fire axe with them or have a saw-zaw or industrial metal shearer on hand they can get in, but that's not likely.
The size is more than adequate for a what you currently have and should comfortably provide room for at least double your current collection. It is listed as 24 gun safe, but that is optimistic. Be aware this is an RSC so it is made with a 12 gauge steel body, but has (2) layers of fireboard in the walls and door for protection of 30 min @1400 deg, (12) active locking bolts, 5-spoke handle, UL Listed LaGard Digital lock, new door panel organizer, and weighs 507-lb. I was very impressed with the paint finish and interior fabric as well.
I've been going back and forth with buying a much more expensive safe, but finally decided that bolting this RSC down and keeping it housed in a closet or confined area will limit any burglars ability to knock it over and pry or cut on it from any angle. Sure if they carry a fire axe with them or have a saw-zaw or industrial metal shearer on hand they can get in, but that's not likely.
Gotta agree with renovating a closet as a better solution to a cheap "gun safe".
Read some of the threads on how little effort it takes to peel one of these residential security containers and then consider what it actually would cost to put up solid door and some welded wire fencing to covert a closet in your home into a more secure storage "room".
Read some of the threads on how little effort it takes to peel one of these residential security containers and then consider what it actually would cost to put up solid door and some welded wire fencing to covert a closet in your home into a more secure storage "room".
KingMedicine
Member
I just picked up a Rhino safe on Ebay for 600 shipped. 24 gun, on discount because of some light damage when shipped (paint scrapped off). Overall, i could not be happier.
And I still say that unless one is good with tools and actually owns them the time and labor if one cant do these things will be fairly high vs a 12 gauge 4-600 pound gun safe that hopefully has at least a 1/4 plate steel door,which the Tractor shop box store does not have,then it will probably be cheaper than the effort to fortify a closet and truely make it as secure as steel...Even 12 gauge steel,provided a good door is on it.
Edit to add...Again guys we are talking about a residential burglary,not a guy or several guys with lots of time on their hands.
Bolt even that 12 gauge safe with a decent door in a place that offers little prying or beating and then see.
Edit to add...Again guys we are talking about a residential burglary,not a guy or several guys with lots of time on their hands.
Bolt even that 12 gauge safe with a decent door in a place that offers little prying or beating and then see.
Last edited:
1911s
Member
I was in your spot a few weeks ago. Researched forever. Settled on a Champion model T. I have had it for a few weeks now and love it. 45 min fire protection and heavy enough, and bolted down. I like it
I got it for $650 with dig lock, was the only lock they had and I like how fast it is to get in and out of. Good luck! Oh, and I almost got the Rhino from Costco. Let us know what you end up getting.
http://www.championsafe.com/model_t.html
I got it for $650 with dig lock, was the only lock they had and I like how fast it is to get in and out of. Good luck! Oh, and I almost got the Rhino from Costco. Let us know what you end up getting.
http://www.championsafe.com/model_t.html
There's lots of good information in this thread and others on this site to use to your advantage. I personally would have liked to buy a 10 gauge or thicker safe, but couldn't find one in my price range or weight limits. My goal was to find one large enough to grow with, and to not break the bank (or stairs). I also planned to put it in a closet, bolted down.
After searching and comparing for the last few months I decided on the Winchester TS-22-11 at Tractor Supply. Found it on sale for $599 and picked it up so no delivery charges. It has a 12 gauge body, 30 min @1400F fire rating, weighs in at 507-lbs, has (12) active 1-1/4" locking bolts, 5-spoke chromed steel handle, external hinges, LaGard Kaba-Mas metal cased e-lock, full door panel organizer, lifetime warranty, and pretty nice paint job. The say it's a 24 gun safe and has an internal volume of 14 cuft (easily enough for 8-10 rifles and 20-30 hanguns, with accessories).
Believe me when I say, nobody is getting this thing out of the basement without a winch and a bunch of pro-wrestlers. Because of my stairwell configuration I'll probably end up selling it with the house if I ever move...geez this thing was bear to get down there (a dolly won't even work). Anyways I'm bolting it down and putting it in a closet which should limit any would be thieves ability to knock it over and pry at it or swing a sledge hammer at it.
I know there are stronger more secure safes out there, but they cost and weigh a lot more too. Prior to this I was using a small Sentry Gun Cabinet just for keeping idle hands at bay. I'm pretty happy with my decision and would recommend this RSC to anyone in a similar financial and structural situation.
After searching and comparing for the last few months I decided on the Winchester TS-22-11 at Tractor Supply. Found it on sale for $599 and picked it up so no delivery charges. It has a 12 gauge body, 30 min @1400F fire rating, weighs in at 507-lbs, has (12) active 1-1/4" locking bolts, 5-spoke chromed steel handle, external hinges, LaGard Kaba-Mas metal cased e-lock, full door panel organizer, lifetime warranty, and pretty nice paint job. The say it's a 24 gun safe and has an internal volume of 14 cuft (easily enough for 8-10 rifles and 20-30 hanguns, with accessories).
Believe me when I say, nobody is getting this thing out of the basement without a winch and a bunch of pro-wrestlers. Because of my stairwell configuration I'll probably end up selling it with the house if I ever move...geez this thing was bear to get down there (a dolly won't even work). Anyways I'm bolting it down and putting it in a closet which should limit any would be thieves ability to knock it over and pry at it or swing a sledge hammer at it.
I know there are stronger more secure safes out there, but they cost and weigh a lot more too. Prior to this I was using a small Sentry Gun Cabinet just for keeping idle hands at bay. I'm pretty happy with my decision and would recommend this RSC to anyone in a similar financial and structural situation.
srwshooter
Member
listen guys,i sold gunsafes for a few years and have never seen anyone get audited for claiming one on there taxes FOR HOME USE. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A BUSINESS TO CLAIM IT. anything used to protect your important personal papers can be claimed.
Heads Up!
Re: Tax write-off - Be sure you look up the law and comply fully. Double check to be sure. Advocating or committing fraud is unacceptable. Not getting caught is not an excuse.
Re: Tax write-off - Be sure you look up the law and comply fully. Double check to be sure. Advocating or committing fraud is unacceptable. Not getting caught is not an excuse.
a1abdj
Member
Definately check with a tax professional
As somebody who sells all sorts of safes to all sorts of customers, it is my understanding that most safes can only be depreciated/deducted as a business asset, or when very specific requirements are met regarding the contents. Once personal items are stored within the safe, then this option is lost as well.
In addition, there is currently no gun safe on the market that is designed or rated for document storage. The IRS is smarter thanost give them credit for, and very ruthless. I would be very suspect of any salesman telling you that you can write off your gun safe outside of business use.
As somebody who sells all sorts of safes to all sorts of customers, it is my understanding that most safes can only be depreciated/deducted as a business asset, or when very specific requirements are met regarding the contents. Once personal items are stored within the safe, then this option is lost as well.
In addition, there is currently no gun safe on the market that is designed or rated for document storage. The IRS is smarter thanost give them credit for, and very ruthless. I would be very suspect of any salesman telling you that you can write off your gun safe outside of business use.
srwshooter
Member
fire rating has nothing to do with being able to deduct a home safe on your taxes. i had customers deduct safes 25 years ago and none were ever audited.with all the stupid stuff people claim on there taxes a home safe will never be a problem.
a1abdj,there are 3 different places that sell gunsafes in my area that tell customers that they can deduct them when used as a home safe.
a1abdj,there are 3 different places that sell gunsafes in my area that tell customers that they can deduct them when used as a home safe.
a1abdj
Member
If you would be so kind to post the section of the tax code that allows the deduction for a gun safe used as a home safe I would like to read it.
A business safe is certainly deductible. A safe deposit box is deductible for personal use if it houses only documents related to the production of income. I know some people may say that you could extend that to a safe itself.
I don't care what a gun safe salesperson says in most cases as they usually know very little about safes, let alone tax code. You'll find that many of them will say whatever they need to say to make a sale or sound more knowledgable than they are.
A business safe is certainly deductible. A safe deposit box is deductible for personal use if it houses only documents related to the production of income. I know some people may say that you could extend that to a safe itself.
I don't care what a gun safe salesperson says in most cases as they usually know very little about safes, let alone tax code. You'll find that many of them will say whatever they need to say to make a sale or sound more knowledgable than they are.
srwshooter
Member
i do not know what the code is,all i know is that i did it and so have all of my friends. its been 15yrs sense i claimed my first one. and i bet i've seen 50 people claim them for home use.
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