Bought A New Gun Safe

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brockgl

brockgl

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I was just wanting some opinions on the safe I just bought last night. It is my first gun safe, and I currently have 7 guns to put inside it: 2 shotguns, 2 rifles, and 3 handguns. It is a Stack-On Elite 24 Gun Safe that is rated to withstand half-an-hour inside 1400 degree flames. I'd like to know if anyone else has this safe or one similar, and if it is a good quality unit, especially for my first safe. I paid $499 for it, which seemed like a good price; I know I've seen this safe at a number of other places for $599. Here is a picture of it below:

gun_safe2.jpg


Thanks!
 
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Brock;

What you have is an RSC, Residential Security Container, not a U.L. rated safe. Unless you know exactly what the test parameters are on the fire rating, rise time to temp., etc., be suspicious of that rating offering full protection.

The body of the unit is sheet metal, not plate steel. That's the critical difference that makes U.L. rate it as an RSC rather than safe. Check to see if the frame that the bolts lock up behind is made of folded body material, ie. sheet metal, or plate steel. That materially affects the ability of the door to resist being peeled.

I'll suggest locating the unit as far as practical from high-temp fuel sources in the home, and bolting it to the structure. High-temp fuel sources include the natural gas pipe into the home, lawn mower gas, etc. If possible, a corner with two exterior walls would be a good place to put it.

900F
 
It will protect you from most casual thieves and keep kids out. That is the main concern. Bolt it down and or put lead/bullets in the bottom to make it tough to move. Most thieves want a quick score and get out.

No, it is not a real safe, just like my two from Liberty, but they are a D*** sight better than nothing, which is what many folks have. Kudo's to you for being responsible enough to lock up your guns. :)
 
Brock;

What you have is an RSC, Residential Security Container, not a U.L. rated safe. Unless you know exactly what the test parameters are on the fire rating, rise time to temp., etc., be suspicious of that rating offering full protection.

The body of the unit is sheet metal, not plate steel. That's the critical difference that makes U.L. rate it as an RSC rather than safe. Check to see if the frame that the bolts lock up behind is made of folded body material, ie. sheet metal, or plate steel. That materially affects the ability of the door to resist being peeled.

I'll suggest locating the unit as far as practical from high-temp fuel sources in the home, and bolting it to the structure. High-temp fuel sources include the natural gas pipe into the home, lawn mower gas, etc. If possible, a corner with two exterior walls would be a good place to put it.

900F
Click to expand...

I think you are wrong, here is the description of the safe on Stack-On's site.

* This safe holds 24 rifles or shotguns or can be converted to hold 16 guns with adjustable shelving.
* 3 number combination lock with a drill resistant hardened steel plate in the door resists drill attacks.
* 5 live action steel locking bolts and 3 steel dead bolts provide 8 locking points.
* Solid steel, reinforced pry resistant door provides greater security.
* Adjustable shelving includes 4 carpeted shelves.
* Exterior has a hunter green epoxy paint finish with gold accents and silk screen on the door.

And the website lists the shipping weight (minus a pallet) as 492lbs. Here is another picture showing the inside.


gun_safe2.jpg
 
brockgl,

There is more to the term 'safe' (in this context). There is the general term that folks (including manufacturers) call these containers. When you say 'safe', most folks know what you are talking about which is basically the type of container you and I and many others have bought.

There is, however, an official definition of 'safe' as determined and rated by standards organizations like Underwriters Laboratory. What 900F describes is the correct official definition. (Search on 900F's previous posts.)

So, even though what you and the manufacturer may call the Elite a 'safe', it is, officially speaking, an RSC. (But we all know what you mean. I've got a few myself. Not too many people can actually afford true safes.)
 
The bottom line is a safe is a box with a lock but a lock on a box is not necessarily a safe.

It doesn’t mean you purchased the wrong thing or that you got ripped off. But like with everything else gun related, it’s important to use the correct terms. And it can be important to really know what you have.
 
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