Consumer Information Re Gun Safes?

[Essayons]

Can anyone here direct me to some good, preferably independent, consumer information on Gun Safes? Ideally, something comparing various brands and models feature-by-feature.

I am looking for a good theft, fire and water resistant safe for my firearms and other valuables.

 

[bogie]

Guys, let's not flog safe vs. residential security container, okay? Let's just answer the question.

I'd go for one of the name brands, and that'll probably do a nice job of persuading the average burglar that he should shop somewhere else. For water-resistance, I'd just figure on a small heater unit inside.

All that is really left is "how big are your doors," and "how much weight will the floor support?"

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

This page has a lot of info on what to look for in a safe and has links to a bunch of the major manufacturers: http://www.6mmbr.com/gunsafes.html#size
Seems like a lot of good info. I'm sure one of the resident safe gurus on THR could let us know if anything on there is wrong.
It's confusing, every safe manufacturer claims to be the best.

 

[bogie]

Well, from what I understand, they all use pretty much the same locks.

And they all, within their respective price ranges, have pretty much the same thickness of metal. And the same amount of drywall/concrete.

Buy the one your wife hates the least.

(oh, and I've been wishing I'd got the electronic keypad myself...).

 

[Essayons]

Thanks

Thanks, all. for the good info.

I want a good safe that provides at least some fire protection. I'm drawn to the higher-end safes - e.g. Brown, AMSEC and Graffunder. Graffunder is here in WA, so other things equal, that is probably the route I will go. Looks like it will set me back $5K to $7K.

 

[Mannlicher]

google does not work on your computer Essayons?

 

[Christianninja]

If you search the forum for "safe" or "fire safe" you should find more info than you could ever want or need. Look for the long threads. They usually start with some simple post, go into a debate about RSCs and whats crap, then the Safe makers who post here chime in and actually start educating people.

Theres a LOT of good info there if you get past the crap.

 

[Essayons]

google does not work on your computer Essayons?

Yes it does. Can you show me some google search results that include what I asked for in my first post? My Google search results didn't. The responses here and on other forums where I have asked the question suggest it doesn't exist (although I'd like to be wrong). Thanks for the help, though

 

[C96]

Essayons ~ Go to near the top of the forum and click on Search. Enter safes RSC and you will get pointed to:

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=255836&highlight=safes+rsc

and

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=255836&highlight=safes+rsc

plus many others.

Like suggested, look at the threads with many posts, a bunch of very good info there.

allan

 

[Jim K]

If you want the safe somewhere that is hard to get to, you might consider a modular safe that can be built in place. Problem is that they are not fire resistant.

Jim

 

[busstuf]

Graffunder

I just bought one a few months back and shipped it to the midwest from WA. Nothing compares as far as build quality compared to every thing else in it's price range. It's a "no brainer" if you live there. Shipping a 2100# safe is a little pricey,but worth it.

 

[Essayons]

Thanks all. Mine is going in a basement, which is accessible via the driveway, garage door and a decent sized interior door, so I don't need a modular (it will be bolted to the concrete floor). I will definitely check out the old threads before I pull the trigger. Unless I learn there is a reason not to, I'll probably go with Graffunder. I like spending my money as close to home as possible, and it will be cheaper to ship.

 

[saltydog452]

Graffunder safe

OK, maybe I can't see the forest because the trees are in the way, but after looking at Graffunder's web site information, it seems as though their safes have locking bolts only on the side.

Graffunder is supposedly a high dollar, but good value for the dollar safe. It that is correct, why would they not use bolts on the top and bottom of the door in addition to the sides of the door?

I'd kinda like to know more about Graffunder, preferably from someone who has personal or professional knowledge of their product. If anyone has Graffunder informationand is reluctant to post on an int'l forum, please feel free to send me a pm or e-mail.

Thanks,

salty.

 

[CB900F]

Salty;

I'm a Graffunder dealer, have been for years. Where in the world did you get the idea that they only have active bolts on one side?

In any case, all the B series units, and up, have active bolts on both the hinge and jamb sides of the door. The minimum door thickness is one half inch of A36 plate steel on the B series. It goes up from there. The fit of the door to frame is such that you cannot get a credit card into the seam, much less an effective prybar. The frame is three quarter inch solid steel. The door to frame fit is frequently tight enough to provide an air spring effect when you shut the door. With the stiffness of plate and that kind of fit, the chances of having your door peeled are literally laughable. Ergo, no need for an excessive number of bolts, bolts that shoot from the corners, or other such hype.

If you'd care for more information, please let me know. Hope this answered your concerns.

900F

 

[saltydog452]

Thanks for the reply CB900F.

From looking at their photos and visiting their website, I 'looked' as though the bolts are only on the sides.

If I said that they 'were' only only on the sides, I mis-spoke. It was an impression not factual information.

My bad.

CB900F, if you have the time, could you send me a PM or e-mail? Information that I'd like to have is related to cost, transport, and set up.

There isn't enough closet space in the house to start with, so I don't have a spare closet for the safe. It'd have to go into the garage. That opens the door for moisture condensation. Would a hole need to be drilled into back wall for an electrical cord to power a dehumidifier? Would that compromise security?

In short, lots of questions and not a clue about asking any that are at least partially intelligent.

If transportation expense makes the cost prohibitive, do you know of anyone in the Dallas/Ft.Worth Metro Mess that you'd care to recommend for this or equivilent safe?

Thanks,

salty.