Good Gun safe for around 1K ?

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RaisedByWolves

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OK, Im in need of a gunsafe and dont know much about them. I was looking at a couple Brownings..... Untill I saw them in person, I wasnt thrilled with the finish or weight of them at all. The same shop had Century safes for a lot less, but I have never heard of them. These "felt" more like what I was expecting from the Browning, but again, I know nothing about them.



Heres my Criteria in order of importance:

Around $1000.00

Good quality.

Fire proof.

Hold 20-30 guns.

Look nice




Any suggestions greatly appreciated.


Eric
 
Start with the phone book. Call some locksmiths. A LOT of them handle used safes. Saves you money, and they can move them.
 
I've done a lot or research lately on the subject of acquiring a gun safe (residential security container). For 1K, you're probably limited to a Chinese-made safe. This is unacceptable to me--damned if I'm supporting a communist country's construction of the super carrier it's going to use to attack the U.S. For that price you're also probably limited to a 12 gauge body--thin enough to "skin" with simple tools like axes. I agree that Amsec is a nice safe, although its 10 gauge body I find troubling. Heritage Safe Co. has an inexpensive line, they're american-made, and I believe 11 gauge in the body in their cheaper line. Find catalogs of companies, and compare, and ruminate. No need to rush a decision. Among the American-made safes I'd research:
Heritage Safe Co.
Amsec
Sturdy Safe Co.
Browning
Fort Knox
 
Raised by;

OK, fire proof is not even in the cards at the price level you've indicated you need to be at. What you're going to get is minimal fire, or more accurately thermal, protection.

Unless and until you know exactly the test parameters used to establish the degree of fire protection the RSC you're considering is claiming to have, you don't really know anything about the actual protection provided. Outside of Underwriter's Labs, I've never seen an RSC manufacturer publish the specs. And, of course, U.L. is not a manufacturer, they just test the product for the manufacturer. But, and it's a big but, they do publish the test specifications.

Without the specs, the ad can make the sow's ear into a silk purse. Trouble is, when you open the P.O.S. after the fully involved home fire, the contents are actually destroyed.

What's the rise time to temperature? Is the claimed temperature of protection held constant for the entire test period? These are disturbing questions for RSC's that claim high protective numbers without stating the test parameters.

At your price cap, just buy the least expensive container that provides the protection you can live with. There is no essential protective difference among them.

True safes simply cost more than you've indicated you're willing to spend. You were given good advice about contacting a local ALOA locksmith & inquiring about used safes. Sometimes, it's possible to run across a bargain!

900F
 
I agree that Amsec is a nice safe, although its 10 gauge body I find troubling.
Click to expand...

True but you forgot to mention. That the AMSEC is double steel walled with a concrete poured fire wall. :D

That is what sold me. Kind of hard to get through all that with an axe or prybar or grinder. Also AMSEC has a 1/2 inch plate door. A real 1/2 inch plate door. Most other companys stack thin metal sheets to make the door. Most use 1/8 and 1/4 to make a 3/8 door or they will use two 1/4 plates to make a 1/2 plate. :eek:
 
Pure;

The AMSEC does not use a concrete based insulator. It uses a lightweight proprietory high-tech insulating fill. It's good stuff, but does not have the weight or density of concrete.

900F
 
Pure;

The AMSEC does not use a concrete based insulator. It uses a lightweight proprietory high-tech insulating fill. It's good stuff, but does not have the weight or density of concrete.

900F
Click to expand...

I knew that, but concrete was easyer to spell!!!!:D
 
Good info guys, thanks.

My Original outlook on this has changed somewhat and with most things i do Im looking to spend more money. I found something I think I like with the following company, its the second one down, only comes in white but I could live with that.


What constitutes a class V (5) safe?


Good deal for the money?



Rumination in progress....




http://www.homelandsafes.com/safe-shotgunner.php
 
Raisedby;

What constitutes a level V safe? Near as I can tell, their advertising dept. For all practical purposes, 10 gauge is eighth inch thick sheet metal, ie, mild steel.

At that amount of money, invest at least a phone call to A1abdj at Zykan. You might be surprised at what he can get you into a BF series AMSEC for. Personally, I'd rather have the AMSEC if I had to choose between the two.

900F
 
I have a Century although I paid somewhat more. Nice paint, upgraded door seal, better fire rating. 36". Dri-rod. Electronic lock. And the dealer made me an extra shelf using the same carpet, free.
After seeing them move it, I would recommend buying locally and having them place it.
You'll never regret buying the safe. Get the biggest you can swing, they have a way of filling up.
Oh, and my Century is great.
 
never understood putting a $ cap on something that'll be protecting multiple times more in value what it cost. Maybe it's me, but if there's to be thousands of dollars worth in a safe I want a darn good safe and surely wouldn't cap the cost so much less than thier value.
 
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