Gun Safe Question(s)

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Hurricane

Hurricane

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Looking to obtain a new safe in the near future. Pretty sure I have it narrowed down to this one here:

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...Id=4463006&cp=2367438.2367824.2292572.2292624

I was curious how those of you felt about this particular model. I like the 8 locking points and the fire rating of 1400 degrees for 30 minutes. I'm not concerned about flooding where I live. 32 gun space is more than I will ever need.

I currently have a stack-on "cabinet" and really want something more than 5 minutes with an ax capable. I have noticed they go on sale usually in November.

I appreciate any and all feedback.
 
Here's my two cents (and I don't sell safes.)
Any safe is better than no safe.
Get one as big as you're sure you need, then go up one more size, they're never big enough.
When they say 16 long guns, think about half that. I wouldn't cram guns in to fit that spec, and I don't think you can get that many in anyway.
Unless it's under 500#, I'd consider having safe movers position it. They have the tools to make it easy, and your kidney won't be laying in the driveway.
Internal hinges appear safer, but in reality they are equal to external. You could cut the hinges off and the bolts still will hold the door, BUT external hinges will allow the door to open beyond 90 deg. (Trust me.) If you choose internal hinges, be careful which wall to put it by, since the door will only open 90 deg. Don't create a dark tunnel.
I couldn't tell the dimensions of yours, mine is 60" high, 35" wide, and most are about 27" deep. They had a hard time getting mine through a bedroom door.
I wish mine had more shelves, and was taller. I have the E-lock and I love it, but I hear they fail more than a dial, but I can open the E-lock in 3 seconds, and I could never do that with a dial. So I tend to open and close mine a lot. (The safe won't do you any good if you leave it open and someone walks off with your stuff.)
No gun safe is very good for fire and water protection. I'm more worried about a smash and grab thief.
Put a goldenrod inside. (under a bottom shelf) It doesn't take up any space and it will keep rust away.

OH, here's the best advice.
You will never regret buying a gun safe. The peace of mind is worth the price alone.

I spent more than I planned, and I'm glad I did.

OBTW: Mine is a Champion, and has been flawless for several years.
 
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I've got a Browning, my dad has an Oxbow, which is an upscaled Cannon, and my brother has a Cannon like is commonly sold at Tractor Supply. IMO, the Cannon's have one of the best warranties going. Browning doesn't make safes. They are made by ProSteel, who makes safes for others including Gander Mountain's Redhead safes.

Regardless of what a safe weights, you should bolt it down. Mine weighs 600lbs. I moved it in on a hand truck by myself. My dad's weighs 1100lbs. 3 of us moved it using those "As Seen On TV" furniture sliders. We tilted it back against the truck bed and "squatted" it up level and slide it on...Point is...If it isn't bolted down, it can be carried off.

The only thing I don't care for about the one in your link is that it has a dial lock. I prefer electronic, because I'm in my safe at least daily and usually several times a day. Plus changing the combo is easier.
 
Well I'm not a safe salesman but I agree with the others here and their advice. Cannon makes a much better safe in the price range and with a better warranty also it won't have Chinese Sheetrock (I.e., the possibility of sulfur fumes).
 
Back in the mid '80's I had 5 rifles and a couple of handguns. I bought a big Fort Knox (74X43X36) that weighs 1500 pounds. Got it from Orem, Utah and had it shipped to Ft. Lauderdale.. Well, it has been filled up for 5 years with over 50 guns.

I should have bought a bigger one!
 
I've been shopping for a safe as well I wish fort Knox had prices on their site
 
G1785,Fort Knox pretty much deals thru dealer networks but you can search online to get an idea.
Fort Knox safes will generally cost more than others as one they are not Chinese imports but also they offer the customer the ability to upgrade the gun safe with more protection such as door and steel upgrades.
I heavily considered an upgraded model but went for a lower in cost but still American made American Security BF series which is a lot of gun safe for the money as is Sturdy gun safes.
Just do a search here and you can read plenty of pro's and cons on gun safes.
Some of these threads reach near book length depths.
Caution to all...Research before buying.
 
I know nothing about safes, but when you said your not worried about flooding I just thought I might want to mention to you that in a house fire their will likely be high pressure fire water being sprayed at your safe so water damage could occur. I have been told water damage is more common than fire damage, even in a house fire.

Like I said I know nothing about safes, so take my info with a grain of salt.
 
A good safe will have a seal around the door that expands when it gets hot in a fire. That seal should help keep high pressure hose water out. Maybe not if the FD is blasting the safe directly, but I doubt if they would be since the outside of it won't be on fire.
 
Also, if you are in a metropolitan area, look in the yellow pages under "safe".
Then go visit.
They often sell used safes that are like new because folks move and hate to move the safe.
My dealer made an extra shelf for me using the same material, and threw in some more Velcro door holsters, all for free. They were great to deal with, a mom and pop operation.

You can save a few bucks by getting lesser paint, and dial lock, also.
 
I heavily considered an upgraded model but went for a lower in cost but still American made American Security BF series which is a lot of gun safe for the money as is Sturdy gun safes.
Just do a search here and you can read plenty of pro's and cons on gun safes.
Some of these threads reach near book length depths.
Caution to all...Research before buying.
Click to expand...

Good advice heeler, those are far superior gun safes for not a lot more money and American made too.
 
I agree with above posters also, go up in size from what you think you need, I have a Heritage 24 gun and Liberty 24 gun, dial locks, I don't like the keypad entry even though it's quicker. Both safes have the hinges on the inside and are easily servicable. Take a look at the hinges, thats where the wear and tear is after a few years.
 
I am a personal fan of Sturdy. Their products put my smaller, somewhat bargain safe to shame, and for not much more money. The company is also refreshing to deal with. I called, asking for a quote on a particular model, and they asked some very intelligent, very pointed questions to get a feel for what I actually needed. In the end, they steered me towards a model that cost less than the one I was originally considering. Great, knowledgeable, patient people.

I'm not affiliated with either Sturdy, or the following link, but it's one resource that I've used to help me shop.

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunsafes.html
 
I am a personal fan of Sturdy. Their products put my smaller, somewhat bargain safe to shame, and for not much more money. The company is also refreshing to deal with. I called, asking for a quote on a particular model, and they asked some very intelligent, very pointed questions to get a feel for what I actually needed. In the end, they steered me towards a model that cost less than the one I was originally considering. Great, knowledgeable, patient people.

I'm not affiliated with either Sturdy, or the following link, but it's one resource that I've used to help me shop.
Click to expand...

garjin6423, I agree with your opinion of Sturdy. I spoke with the owner a while back over the phone and he impressed me with his insight and knowledge; he also didn't steer me into buying his safe either, we just had a great conversation on what to be looking for in a safe. He even told me if weight wasn't a problem to look around for a good used TL rated safe - weight is a problem for me so that is out of the question though. Everything about their safes and company is first rate, I haven't bought one yet but they are on the top of the list for me now.
 
Sturdy Gun Safe

I researched many safes for about a year before settling on Sturdy. I spoke with Terry originally. He actually called me to discuss my needs. Since then, I have talked with Alyssa a few times. I couldn't ask for anyone to be more helpful. I ordered the 4827-6 with fire liner. It should be delivered to me in Texas in the next 2 weeks. I don't believe there is a better safe in the market today for the money. I very much look forward to receiving my safe. Thanks to Terry and Alyssa for all of their assistance.:D
 
I'm considering a gun safe myself. I almost bought the 16 gun green safe that was on sale for $450 at Dicks back in Nov. But then I did some research and found that basically the Field & Stream and Stack-On safes are welded sheetmetal cabinets with heavy doors.

If you want a safe-r place to store your guns out of reach of your kids and amateur teenage burglars, that will do the job. That safe has locking lugs; you probably think they extend to the handle at the middle of the door like a bank vault in the movies; but they probably look more like this on the inside:

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3ZShcGfQiBV6lG5eUftfycRu5oJ8vSjR7Agm_cycVqVJ8_X3tUw.jpg

Bent sheet metal connections that offer minimal buckling support. And if they're like that, the door can probably be forced open with a very large flat head screwdriver.

If you want a fireproof, UL rated residential security container, you can do much better. Last time I looked, Sam's and Costco's websites because they have some great options @ the same price point.

Also, look up locksmiths around you. If you live in a sizable metro area, many of them probably have websites that list used safes they're selling. Or, they will work with you to find a safe that will offer more stout protection.

I'd suggest Liberty or Amsec if you want a more secure safe.

Here are some Youtube videos to check out that show some of the different levels of protection:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBhOjWHbD6M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8WRDY0dOkE&feature=related

-Summary: That safe is not necessarily a bad buy, as long as it meets your security needs & expectations.
 
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Does anyone know anything about the Winchester safes I was looking at a 24 gun Winchester safe at Costco
 
That safe has locking lugs; you probably think they extend to the handle at the middle of the door like a bank vault in the movies; but they probably look more like this on the inside:



Bent sheet metal connections that offer minimal buckling support. And if they're like that, the door can probably be forced open with a very large flat head screwdriver.
Click to expand...

You would be surprised at how many safes, even the good ones, have similar bolt work. It isn't always a bad design, but sometimes it is.

Even modern day bank vaults aren't built the same way as the old ones. The boltwork on most safes is fairly unimpressive.
 
I've owned five safes. The questions I would consider when buying a safe now are:
1. How am I going to get it in my house?
2. How am I going to get it out of my house when it has to be moved?
3. Is the structure I'm placing the safe on strong enough to handle the weight?
 
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