I've been in the market for a gun safe, been researching for the last month or so and am nearing a decision. I have basically narrowed it down to the AMSEC BF or the Sturdy Safe, the latter I'm considering either with or without fire protection.
Unfortunately, the spot in my home where I'd like to place the safe is accessed through a narrow (27") doorway, so I'm somewhat limited in the safe size I can get through there. As a result, while I initially set out to purcahase a gun safe that offers fire protection, I'm starting to wonder if I would be better off getting a safe without fire protection, because the Sturdy Safe in that configuration offers more interior space.
I am NOT looking for an argument as to which of these two safe makes/models is "better" - there are a number of safe threads out there and I've used the search feature and read most of them. In reading such threads, I've noticed a number of comments along the lines of "yes such and such safe offers fire protection - but you won't want your guns after a fire anyway due to all of the moisture damage". Is this true? If so, why bother with a fire safe? Kind of makes me think it makes sense to get the non fire-lined safe and have the extra space.
FWIW, I plan to use this primarily for its intended purpose - that is, as a gun safe. I may have a few other items in there, but for the most part my important documents and such will be stored in a bank safe deposit box. I also live in a suburban environment, in a concrete block house (w/ some wood framing in the floors/crawl space and the attic), about a mile from a fire station, if that helps.
So what do you guys think, am I better off skipping the fire protection in favor of more space and just relying on my homeowners insurance in the event of a fire?
Unfortunately, the spot in my home where I'd like to place the safe is accessed through a narrow (27") doorway, so I'm somewhat limited in the safe size I can get through there. As a result, while I initially set out to purcahase a gun safe that offers fire protection, I'm starting to wonder if I would be better off getting a safe without fire protection, because the Sturdy Safe in that configuration offers more interior space.
I am NOT looking for an argument as to which of these two safe makes/models is "better" - there are a number of safe threads out there and I've used the search feature and read most of them. In reading such threads, I've noticed a number of comments along the lines of "yes such and such safe offers fire protection - but you won't want your guns after a fire anyway due to all of the moisture damage". Is this true? If so, why bother with a fire safe? Kind of makes me think it makes sense to get the non fire-lined safe and have the extra space.
FWIW, I plan to use this primarily for its intended purpose - that is, as a gun safe. I may have a few other items in there, but for the most part my important documents and such will be stored in a bank safe deposit box. I also live in a suburban environment, in a concrete block house (w/ some wood framing in the floors/crawl space and the attic), about a mile from a fire station, if that helps.
So what do you guys think, am I better off skipping the fire protection in favor of more space and just relying on my homeowners insurance in the event of a fire?
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