Gun safe...

[El Bucho]

I have 2 1911's, 1 92FS, SW 38 Airweight, and a Woodsman that I currently keep in a lockable briefcase type carrying case but want some sort of vault to keep them in. Would love one of those 1000 pound Bank Vault Gun safe's but can't really afford one right now so was just wondering what some recommendations were for some good handgun safes. Are those fireproof ones you get a walmart for a couple hundred bucks worth it? Or are they not worth the money at all? Thanks in advance.

EB

 

[Shane]

I'll let those familar with all the available safes answer the question of what to get.

But I'll chime in with an opinion regardling securing your safe: If you're going to get a smaller safe, BOLT IT DOWN (using cement screws) into the garage concrete if possible. The lighter safes possibly could be picked up by several large men and put into a pickup truck bed? I have my safe bolted down, I know its not foolproof (someone that knows how to crack the combination can still get into it) but it at least makes it harder for a thief to take it if they can't actually open the safe, IMO.

 

[ARperson]

A safe is absolutely worth it. But buy right or buy twice should be your thinking.

We've got a local guy that builds the best safes i've ever seen on the market. Large variety in size and configuration. He even delivers them. his hinges are interior and his fire protection is the best i've seen.

You should definitely do your research on fire protection though, if that's an issue for you. I've found that most of the readily available safes (like the ones you'd find at Walmart or sporting goods stores) can be hit or miss when it comes to adequate fire protection. Check out the web page below for some info on how to pick a safe that's right for you. You'll have to scroll down some distance to get to the section on fire resistance, but it's worth the effort.

How to pick a gun safe

Basically, the thing to watch out for is the maximum temperature reached inside the safe during tests. Most companies will give you an average, which is low enough to protect most things stored in the safe. But if one area of the safe reaches a higher temperature say 400 degree F you might lose whatever is in that area, especially if you plan on keeping documents in your safe.

One other thing: always, always, always buy a safe that can accomodate at least 1.5 time the number of firearms you currently own. Save you the hassle of trying to get them to all fit as your collection grows. Of course, you can just buy one for the most valuable to you. If that's the case, then ignore this bit of advice. But if you plan on protecting them all, buy bigger than you need. You'll find eventually you'll run out of space even in that.