Homak how secure?

[gulogulo1970]

I was wondering. I have a Homak security cabinet, how long do you think it would take to get into one? I'm thinking crackhead type thief not a professional thief. A pro would hit it like a pit crew, you would probably need a stopwatch to time a pro. I'm thinking teenager with a crowbar. BTW I have mine bolted to the floor and the studs in the wall so they won't carry it off.

Has anyone ever had something stolen out of a Homak or Stack-On type safe? I'm starting to be concerned about my "safe". It was fine when I had three guns but now with 15, I would take a big hit if somebody ever got into it.

 

[rayra]

It's as "safe" as sheetmetal can be. Not very.
Good enough to keep curious hands away from firearms, good enough to deter a 'smash and grab' burglar.
But if someone has come specifically for your guns, or knows your house is empty long enough for them to work, it will only take them a few minutes with a few basic tools.

15 guns? should have bought a 'real' safe instead of Guns #8-10.

I use a homak 8-gun myself at a second / vacation house. Sits open when we are not there. Bolted to floor and studs in the end of a closet, with the latch side of the door towards the BACK of the closet. Enough to deter thieves for the few hours my guns are in it unattended.

 

[SteelyDan]

I'm curious about this, too. We should take up a collection for someone to buy a Homak, a Stack-On, and a crowbar and/or good screwdriver, and see what happens. Photos and a timeline would be mandatory. I'd kick in a few bucks.

 

[CB900F]

Gulogulo1970;

Several years ago, a business owner in a smaller town near here, bought an AMSEC fire safe from another supplier. It was sold to him as a fire and burglary safe. This particular model is not burglary rated, but was almost certainly stouter than your cabinet. The business owner mounted the safe in concrete in his office.

He owned a business that created a decent cash flow & due to some unforeseen circumstances, he had to go to the bank & leave the business unattended. No one was hanging around when he left. He was gone 20 minutes. He didn't see anyone fleeing upon his return. What he did find was the back door to his establishment forced open. His locked office door forced open, & his safe door forced open. Which deprived him of a considerable sum of cash.

The burglar was caught about 6 weeks later, after a string of thefts. He was 15 years old. He used a tire spoon to gain entry into the safe. It was his first job. He did it in well under 20 minutes.

I have the door to the AMSEC in my shop at this time. It's used as an example of Dr. Feelgood safe buying. The business owner gave it to us at the time he purchased a real safe.

The following is a later edit. I really should have remembered to put this in with the original post. The AMSEC door that got peeled was built in the same manner, sheetmetal skin over a fireproof core, as the doors on current Liberty safes. In my opinion, the AMSEC door was of better construction. AMSEC builds some very good, very secure safes, true safes. The one that was burgled above was only a fire-rated container. Although the owner encased it on 5 sides with concrete, the door was extremely vulnerable.

900F

 

[4v50 Gary]

Thank you CB900F for that enlightening incident. As a reminder to all, most gun safes are really only heavy security cabinets.

 

[pittspilot]

I have a gun cabinet in my house, mainly because I can't afford a safe at the moment.

I bought it more to keep the guns secure from the kids, then for burgler proofing. A burgler could be in to it with a crowbar in 5 seconds.

 

[christophera]

I have one and it's better than nothing. Someone who's wants your stuff and has the time and tools can get to it easily. Someone who's just on a thrill run will pass it by. Maybe kick it a few times. Like stated above, it's nice to have when my niece and nephews show up.

 

[Iron Mike]

Homak safes

I had a house fire a year or so ago ,we (my wife and I)were not at home .When we got home the upstairs was pretty well burned out and that is where the homak safe was (inside a closet ) there was some smoke damage but but the guns and ammo were otherwise ok I emptied the safe and pushed it out a second story window out into my back yard.(The stairs were weakend by the fire) To my supprise it was hardly dented by the fall and the locks worked fine. Its now in my garage and I use it for ammo storage.Just my two cents.

 

[telewinz]

Why not call up your local schoold district and ask if they a re selling and used school lockers? They offer about the same security as a Homak yet can be picked-up for a few dollars each.

 

[eyz]

sell two guns and buy at least a $500 safe, use the homak for ammo storage

 

[BryanP]

Ever since I ran across the pictures on line I've wanted to try converting an old vending machine thusly -

http://www.calibrepress.com/newsline/Concealmentdetail.html?serial=38

 

[Carlos Cabeza]

That's a nifty safe there. I think the best safe is one that no one would find or look for 'cept a pro of course, and maybe the one crooked SOB your BIL told about your gun collection.