Buying another new safe, Fort Knox, Liberty or ?

[Peter M. Eick]

I have outgrown my current safe so I want to get a better one for the space I have and move the lesser pieces to my older safe in a divide and conquer approach. I figure unless I am specifically targeted by a determined thief, they won't get by the security and both safes at once. If I split the collection up then I will at least have some once an incident is over.

My old safe was/is a reasonable 10 gauge fire safe but when I compared it to a Fort Knox yesterday I was shocked. My old one is nice and solid but nothing like the Fort Knox in terms of sturdiness and solid feel to it. The old one is about 800 lbs and the big Fort Knox Yaerger's are over a 1000 lbs more then that.

So, having spent the last 2 hours in the search function and learning about RSC's vs. real safes and fire ratings vs. just trying to keep things from charring I am looking for advice on what I should look for.

My circumstances are a reasonable collection, but not true collector's pieces. I recognize that fire is a big concern, but living in the center of a subdivision we have excellent police and fire. When my alarm system was triggered before we had under 2 minute response of the local police and fire alarm up the street was a 3 minute response.

Thus, given a particular space and a reasonably good budget what should I be looking for and what brands should I consider. Any advice will be carefully considered. Thanks!

 

[CB900F]

Peter;

The first thing you have to do is make the decision as to whether or not you want a safe, or an RSC. I completely understand that budget may drive that decision rather than the protection level you want. But, narrow the field to what's possible, then ask the question.

Safes cost more than RSC's no question about it. But, keep in mind the rule of 80/20 is firmly in place in the comparison. It is very possible, when considering the high-end RSC's, to pay 80% of the price of a true safe, and get 20% of the protection.

900F

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I have been thinking that way. Here in Houston there are a lot of Safe companies so I will be calling them next week to see what I can find in terms of a Safe and the RSC.

Right now my thought is go with a moderate to high end RSC since the hurdle to a real safe is significant in terms of money. It seems from what I found that a high end RSC tops out in the 5000$ give or take range and a real safe starts at around $6000 for the size I am looking for.

In my mind I am guessing my budget is in the 4000$ range give or take a 1000.

Any comments or advice?

 

[a1abdj]

Since you have a lot of safe companies in your area, I would look for something used. The average cost of a used burglar rated safe would be about half of its cost new.

Although it varies across the country, you could certainly get a used composite jeweler's safe for $4,000 in my area. I have a steel plate TL-15 double door that's almost 80" x 80" x 24" (5,000 pounds) that would run in the $5,000 range. A safe like that should be big enough and secure enough to last you a lifetime.

If you're into antiques, you're also pretty close to getting a nice large double door that has been restored.

I would look under "safes & vaults" in the yellow pages, and call a few of them. Make an appointment to stop by and look at what they have. The education you will recieve will be well worth the trip, even if you decide you still want to look at plain old gun safes.

 

[CB900F]

Peter;

OK, what size are you looking for? There is a Graffunder dealer in Houston if I remember correctly. Be sure you take a look at the construction there.

900F

 

[xcop]

safe

I was recently in the same boat. I realized finally that for the value of my collection I needed a true safe. I purchased a Graffunder B7248 from CB900F and had it installed by a local safe mover. CB900F gave me a great price and shipping to S California was reasonable. You will never regret buying a true safe or dealing with CB900F.

 

[jdomin]

By The Largest One You Can Afford

 

[heeler]

There is definitely a Graffunder dealer in Houston and that is Lone Star safes on F.M. 1960.
They also sell Champion safes.
But you wont be buying a Graffunder gun safe that has any size to it for 4k.
Not even close.
They are nice though.

Fwiw i have seen several heavy duty safes on Craigslist in Houston the last couple of weeks.
Good luck.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Thanks guys. I will chase up the Graffunder dealer later this week. The next few days are going to be a zoo at the office but then things will settle down to the point I can just spend a few hours on the phone and take a day off and "safe" see them face to face.

 

[xcop]

safe

Peter be sure and email CB900F. I priced Graffunders at another dealer and CB900F was much lower in price and a local safe mover can pickup at a freight terminal and do the install/bolt down. I saved a lot of $$$. The price ended up being very close to the Ft Knox Titan.

 

[262runner]

I have a need for a safe which will have 6 long and 6 short arms, plus ammo and paperwork. US Made is a major concern because I want to spend my government check to support our economy.

 

[Hiland]

My first safe was a "real" one that I bought for $1,100 from a safe dealer. It was insulated and held about 25 guns. I sold it and bought a Wright-Line Data Bank safe that a company wanted to get rid of for $15 plus some transportation and repair costs. It is about 7 feet tall, 5 feet wide, and 4 feet deep. I have over 130 guns in it and still have room. I really think the best deals are used "real" safes. Check local safe and locksmiths. Many times they deal in good used safes that make "gun" safes look like toys. Or ask around and you might find a business wanting to get rid of one cheap. If you do buy a used safe from somebody, have a qualified safe dealer inspect and service it before you use it. You don't want the lock to fail after you lock your treasures in it.