Batty67
Member
From the minivan, where it sat for 2 weeks much to the increasing irritation of my wife, to my basement workroom. I got the 509-lb, 24-gun Winchester safe from Tractor Supply. I had to rent an appliance dolly from Uhaul (great use of $10!) and get my brother and nephew (both over 6') to help. That was a sucky enterprise. Hot and humid and back-breaking work. My greatest fear was that it would not work once I got it in place. But in place it is, works flawlessly, and I have plenty of space to start filling it up...
I'll need to bolt it to the floor before too long. But I do rest easier having it in place and operational. I had done a lot of internet research on safes (and RSCs, as this is) and realized that 24 long guns probably means 16 and I got twice (or more) the safe I expect I'll reasonably need. Has 1 and 1/4" locking bolts, 10 total, spread out on all 4 sides of the door. Moderately fire-resistant too, but that was a very distant second consideration. Electronic lock, I'd have preferred (I think) a combination, but did not have a choice. Still, quick access is very nice.
Of course, a dedicated safe cracker with knowledge, tools, and time could get into it of course, but then again, a safe that weighs twice as much and with twice as good of a lock can still be defeated in time. So, I think I struck the right balance between size, weight, security, cost, and future needs. Only time will tell I guess.
Cost $700, and a week earlier I could have gotten it for $600 as it goes on sale a few times a year. The Winchester 19-gun safe is only $75 cheaper or so, and would have been enough, but the price break was too good to resist. And honestly, when I move in 8-12 years (at the earliest), it can stay with the house, or I'll have professionals move it.
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I'll need to bolt it to the floor before too long. But I do rest easier having it in place and operational. I had done a lot of internet research on safes (and RSCs, as this is) and realized that 24 long guns probably means 16 and I got twice (or more) the safe I expect I'll reasonably need. Has 1 and 1/4" locking bolts, 10 total, spread out on all 4 sides of the door. Moderately fire-resistant too, but that was a very distant second consideration. Electronic lock, I'd have preferred (I think) a combination, but did not have a choice. Still, quick access is very nice.
Of course, a dedicated safe cracker with knowledge, tools, and time could get into it of course, but then again, a safe that weighs twice as much and with twice as good of a lock can still be defeated in time. So, I think I struck the right balance between size, weight, security, cost, and future needs. Only time will tell I guess.
Cost $700, and a week earlier I could have gotten it for $600 as it goes on sale a few times a year. The Winchester 19-gun safe is only $75 cheaper or so, and would have been enough, but the price break was too good to resist. And honestly, when I move in 8-12 years (at the earliest), it can stay with the house, or I'll have professionals move it.
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