Well, it's gotten to that time when I think I need a gun safe. Although I'd like to, I don't think I can convnice my wife I need a $2,000 Browning in my office, so I'm seeking input on cheaper alternatives. I don't have anything so valuable it can't be replaced. My collection consists of 6 long guns and 7 handguns, but as you guys know, they tend to reproduce, so I'm sure the family will grow. Any suggestions on some low priced solutions? Again, this is mainly to protect against theft and to keep them out of the wrong hands. I have a bedside safe for my HD weapon, and I carry until I go to sleep.
Gun Safe
- Thread starter TX1911fan
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One thing I wish I'd have considered when I got my safe is that reproduction part you mentioned. I'm getting to the point where I'll need a larger safe or another safe, and I would have been better off just buying a big one from the get go. Of course, that can be a huge disadvantage if you tend to move every couple years...
Edit: Right now I've got a Stack-On safe that was in the 4-500 range. I'm not an expert, but it has enough features to make me feel secure (not going into detail on my gun safe on the internet...). Stores guns in a way that's organized enough too.
Edit: Right now I've got a Stack-On safe that was in the 4-500 range. I'm not an expert, but it has enough features to make me feel secure (not going into detail on my gun safe on the internet...). Stores guns in a way that's organized enough too.
Jorg Nysgerrig
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From what I've gathered, most of the differences in the safes (I mean Residential Security Containers, please don't hit me!) at that price level you are considering are size/cosmetic and that the level theft protection (adequate for smash and grab, a minor delay for anyone who really wants in) is essentially the same.
So, find the least expensive one you like that is big enough for your stuff (including some future stuff). Just remember that when you get a X number of guns safe, that X number of guns is really crammed in there. Going a bit larger gives you some extra room to pull them out and room for growth.
Hope that helps.
So, find the least expensive one you like that is big enough for your stuff (including some future stuff). Just remember that when you get a X number of guns safe, that X number of guns is really crammed in there. Going a bit larger gives you some extra room to pull them out and room for growth.
Hope that helps.
Forunately, Stack-On doesn't list their security features online.
Starter52
Member
I love my $800 Liberty safe with its push-button lock. One thing I've discovered about home safes: The convenience of a push-button lock is worth the few extra bucks over a dial combination lock.
You are dead-on, 100% correct about "reproduction".
You are dead-on, 100% correct about "reproduction".
Tell her that the economical alternative is to convert one of the closets to a "safe" and ask her which one she wants to convert.
Rem700SD
Member
I think my champion safe holds about 10 guns or so. It ran me about $1000. Last time I checked my dealer would take my safe as a trade-up on a bigger one. If you are in the houston area try Lone star gun safes.
http://www.lonestargunsafe.com/
http://www.lonestargunsafe.com/
BrainOnSigs
Member
You can shop around for used safes.
I picked up this Fort Knox for $1K delivered and installed. They serviced and re-greased it. They even gave me tools and showed me how to change the combo so I am the only person who knows what it is. It would cost $3K new. It's a safe....what can you do to it?
I picked up this Fort Knox for $1K delivered and installed. They serviced and re-greased it. They even gave me tools and showed me how to change the combo so I am the only person who knows what it is. It would cost $3K new. It's a safe....what can you do to it?
Deanimator
Member
If you don't want to spend a lot of money, look at the Sentry 14 gun from Walmart. They're usually in the low to mid $300s not counting tax + shipping. Other than filling mine up very quickly, I have no complaints. I'm thinking about buying a 10 gun to move my long guns into.
yayarx7
Member
I have the century 10 gun safe. It is a good safe, I would not know how to fit 10 guns in it. I can get my 8 long guns in it, but it is a pain and crowded to get them in and out. (Maybe if none of them were EVIL long guns.)
knuckles
Member
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=189761&pCatg=6983
I believe it's a 24 gun with shelves. I have one at home. It's a deal....
I believe it's a 24 gun with shelves. I have one at home. It's a deal....
Mannlicher
Member
if you own guns, you need a gun safe. Period.
I have 5 now in the den. Two are barrel keyed Sentinal safes. I store ammo in these.
For the guns, I use a Browning Bronze series, purchased as a floor model from Sports Authority for less than $900. I have a smaller sized Liberty Safe for my handguns, and I was recently gifted with a two year old Ft. Knox Titan, 37 inch safe. Darn thing weighs about 1600 pounds, and is fire rated at 1800 F for 90 min. I keep the good stuff in that one.
I have 5 now in the den. Two are barrel keyed Sentinal safes. I store ammo in these.
For the guns, I use a Browning Bronze series, purchased as a floor model from Sports Authority for less than $900. I have a smaller sized Liberty Safe for my handguns, and I was recently gifted with a two year old Ft. Knox Titan, 37 inch safe. Darn thing weighs about 1600 pounds, and is fire rated at 1800 F for 90 min. I keep the good stuff in that one.
Car Knocker
Member
Given that electronic devices seem to have a limited life span compared to mechanical devices, I would have to wonder if replacement boards, etc., would be available in 10 or 15 years? Seems a bit of a waste to scrap a perfectly good RSC for want of a bit of silicon.
MountainBear
Member
I second the use of the Browning Broze model. The finish is excellent, and the price tag right around $1000 didn't leave to bad a taste in my mouth. Its got plenty of room to grow into, as my collection is similar in size to yours...
I'm in the hunt for a safe too
Our Dicks sporting goods have them on sale. 30 inch safe is running 499. I prefer the dial too, as I've heard the pushbutton's have a shorter lifespan than the dials.
I'd rather buy the smallest safe that makes sense They are more shallow, and I think that will mean easier to get to the guns in the back. When it's full, then it's time for another safe. This means 2x the work for any thief, lighter safe, guns in multiple locations .... Just seems like more pro's than con's.
BrainonSigs, where do you shop for used safes? I'd jump on a deal like yours in a heartbeat!!!
Our Dicks sporting goods have them on sale. 30 inch safe is running 499. I prefer the dial too, as I've heard the pushbutton's have a shorter lifespan than the dials.
I'd rather buy the smallest safe that makes sense They are more shallow, and I think that will mean easier to get to the guns in the back. When it's full, then it's time for another safe. This means 2x the work for any thief, lighter safe, guns in multiple locations .... Just seems like more pro's than con's.
BrainonSigs, where do you shop for used safes? I'd jump on a deal like yours in a heartbeat!!!
Get the biggest and best safe you can afford. Eventually, you are going to need more room. Make sure you get one with bolts on at least 3 sides so the door can't be pried off. My buddy's brother went inexpensive on his safe and paid for it. The burglar pried his safe door open with his crowbars from his garage. Just as important as a safe.... check your home owner's insurance. Most claims cover only $1000 to $2000 in firearms specifically. You might have a policy stating tens of thousands of dollars in personal property loss but that doesn't cover guns. You can get a rider on the home owner's insurance to cover guns cheap.
I would stay away from Sentry, and other cheapies, the lowest I would go, is a liberty, locally around $600....and yes, the pushbutton ones are nice when they work, but when they don't, it is how the safe guys make their living!
I bought one from a company going out of business, at auction, for $200, replaced the shelves with a wooden gun rack, but keep the top one for ammo.
I bought one from a company going out of business, at auction, for $200, replaced the shelves with a wooden gun rack, but keep the top one for ammo.
tegemu
Member
Whatever safe you decide on, I recommend that you securely fasten it to your house. When I got mine, I had a professional Locksmith bolt it to the floor. Quick and easy, he had all the tools and expertise and I only paid $82.00. You might also consider having professionals move it into your home too.
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a1abdj
Member
Most modern locks share the same footprint and are easily replaced or swapped. When a lock goes bad, you replace the entire lock, not the individual components.
Even if the lock malfunctions when the safe is locked, the safe can usually be drilled and repaired. There's rarely a need to discard of the entire safe.
Yellowpages: Safes & Vaults
Most people don't even think of a safe dealer when it comes to purchasing a safe. They are so used to seeing them at the sporting goods stores, they assume that's where they come from. I can assure you, your local bank branch does not buy its security products at Walmart.
SAVTA is a professional organization for those in the Safe & Vault business. Usually not people who just sell safes, but locksmiths who buy, sell, move, install, and repair safes on a daily basis. You can search for SAVTA members on their website:
http://www.savta.org
Rotorflyr
Member
a1abdj said:
I don't know, I mean have you seen some small local banks?????
And since you seem to be one of the "resident experts"
What's your take on these?*
Wall Vault
*see my thread on this product for all disclaimers ;~)
a1abdj
Member
My take:
The company that builds those sent me information wanting me to be a dealer. I promptly placed in in the trash.
I'm not a big fan of electronic locks, especially once you start putting additional motors and other gadgets onto them. I haven't heard of anybody having problems with them, but at the same time, I haven't spoken to anybody that has one.
It's very 007ish, if that's what you're looking for.
The company that builds those sent me information wanting me to be a dealer. I promptly placed in in the trash.
I'm not a big fan of electronic locks, especially once you start putting additional motors and other gadgets onto them. I haven't heard of anybody having problems with them, but at the same time, I haven't spoken to anybody that has one.
It's very 007ish, if that's what you're looking for.
Nicolai
Member
Check out Heritage Safe Company (800.515.7233)--neither the cheapest nor the most pricey, but a good solid safe . I've got a Hertige CX 3060 with an electronic key pad and am very happy with it. Had some operator error problems a couple of weeks ago and got first-rate customer service from them. At first, I thought I'd have to have a tech come out, but customer service folks were able to talk me through battery change and a couple of other issues. They also said that Heritage is trying to expand their dealer list in Texas.
ZeSpectre
Member
Well you kinda have to consider your overall situation too. In my case this stack-on security cabinet model fit perfectly into a little alcove in my apartment. A full blown safe wouldn't have fit anywhere and there's no damned way I could have gotten it up the stairs without making a big fuss.
If a thief has the time and tools they'll be through this cabinet pretty quick but nobody's gonna "accidentally" walk off with it's contents and I really like having the ammo nearby but separated.
On the other hand, I know somebody who installed a small floor safe like this one into the floor near his bed. I guess it takes all kinds.
If a thief has the time and tools they'll be through this cabinet pretty quick but nobody's gonna "accidentally" walk off with it's contents and I really like having the ammo nearby but separated.
On the other hand, I know somebody who installed a small floor safe like this one into the floor near his bed. I guess it takes all kinds.
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