Gun RSC's vs Non-RSC Rated

[USMC22]

Hi Guys,

I've been going nuts on trying to decide on a gun locker. It seems everything is a trade off and I can't find what I'm looking for.

I like the idea of Secureit's Fast Boxes ( https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/product/hidden-gun-safe-model-47/ ) and Model 52 ( https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/sporting/model-52/ ). I particularly like how they hold tactical and scoped weapons with direct access, no picking through the safe. I'm concerned about the security based on neither being RSC Rated. I called the company requesting information on the locks and was told "their electronic" without much more information.

I've also been eyeing the American Security Defense Vault ( http://www.amsecusa.com/residential/gun-safes/defense-vault/ ) but don't like the 3 5/8" height limit. It's also shallow enough that I'd have to get creative with storing more than one long gun in their. Mainly considering it as a home defense shotgun storage.

I briefly looked at the Monster Vault online ( http://www.monstervault.org ) but couldn't find much information and it seems like a lower quality than the AMSEC with a premium price.

I just don't like the idea of moving a 1000 lb safe and looking at the RSC Requirements it doesn't seem like a ton extra outside of maybe some fire protection. The web has plenty of photos of people getting into these safes, while I'm sure they may take longer or stop the casual thief I just don't know the price and hassle is worth it.

Can someone offer me some feedback on any of the above safes and their thoughts? I don't want to pay a premium for smoke and mirrors and I have home owners insurance. I'd be more upset about the other sentimental things I couldn't replace in the event of a fire. I also just had a kiddo in May (my first) which has sent me on this adventure to find the unicorn of gun safes it seems.

-Aaron

 

[cdk8]

What performance features do you want in the products you are considering?

In my opinion, the lockers you are looking at are arguably best suited for fast access, child resistance, being hidden somewhere that makes them hard to find (buying you precious time), and keeping honest people out. However, (as I am guessing you are already well aware) if attacked they won't provide significant burglary resistance, (and even in smash and grab situations the outcome is uncertain.) But I would also say the same thing about a RSC that is built to minimum standards. (If you do want burglary resistance beyond the absolute most basic, it might be worth checking out something along the lines of a B-rate chest (1/4-inch of steel)?)

AmSec makes numerous good products, but IIRC they have had some complaints regarding both their pistol boxes and their lockers. For me personally, I would have reservations using any of the three for defensive purposes because they all appear to use electronic locking mechanisms. For fast-access safes, I prefer the Simplex mechanical lock. I believe it is superior to electronic and biometric alternatives for a long list of reasons.

The pistol box I use is the Fort Knox Pistol Box, and there are several other Makers that produce similar fast-access pistol and rifle boxes that utilize many of the same basic design principles (mechanical Simplex lock, deep welds, 10 gauge body or greater, no electronic parts, quality steel.) They make a version similar to what you are considering and I am betting some of the other companies with products that have the same reputation as the Fort Knox Pistol Box also offer versions of this.

(While the price is usually higher on the Simplex products, their usable service life can easily be measured in decades, outlasting their electronic or biometric counterparts by such a margin that a Simplex-driven vault is much cheaper in the long run!)

http://www.deansafe.com/ftk-shotgun-box.html

If you do want more burglary protection, another option is looking for a used B-rate plate safe. These safes use 1/4 inch of steel, providing considerably more protection than a RSC built to bare bones requirements, but are still relatively light and can often be found for a reasonable price on the used market (with a little bit of hunting for that bargain.)

However, if you also want fire protection, none of these products provide any. One option would be a used safe with fire protection (you get a lot more safe buying a quality used safe than an economy new safe) or one of the fireproof chests that are UL rated. (Note that electronics are far more delicate to heat than paper, so protecting electronics is another story altogether)
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Honeywell-.38-cu-ft-Legal-Size-Waterproof-1-Hour-Fire-Chest-1104/19344504

 

[rbernie]

Whatever you choose, it has to be something that can be physically bolted from the inside to studs or joists. Having a portable steel container that isn't bolted down is just making it easy for Da Bad Guys to carry your stuff away - it's already packaged up and ready to tote off. They don't have to break into it while in your crib - they just grab it, run away with it, and break it open in the comfort and convenience of their own crib.