Recommend a Gun Safe for Under $700

Status
Not open for further replies.
As posted, you might be able to find a good used safe and get a better product, and possibly a great deal better, unit for the money.

That said, any safe is better than no safe. Put it out of sight if you can, bolt it down, and leave semi valuables out for the crack head to steal quickly and leave with.
 
Sometimes you have to be careful about how the safe is constructed. Many are just folded 12gauge steel. You want something heavy (thick). Go for 3/16 to 1/4". Look at what holds the door closed. Some have pins (big) on the hinge side. That is OK. The pins moved by the handle after the combo is entered should be top, bottom, and long side opposite hinges. Even if hinges are external the door will be held in opening by the other pins (held closed). Inside walls (2 ply) should be a chemical that expands when heated by fire and is good to a certain temp. Look at a Browning real close as an example of something with the features you want and then go cheaper. If it is going in a basement you will need help. If in a garage remember the garage door can be easily defeated and your safe and contents loaded in a pickup in the drive very quickly. Bolt it to concrete even though its a pain. If up against a wooden studwall drill holes and use hardened coarse thread screws (black drywall screws). Might have to use a drill to predrill screws into studs (use 3" screws). Try to have the safe behind another locked door. Advise from a LEO (law enforcement officer). Don't forget those batteries!
 
InkEd;

You should always be careful about the construction of the unit you are buying. However, at your stated price point, you are almost certainly going to be buying an RSC, (Residential Security Container) rather than a true safe. There is no law in the U.S. that I'm aware of that regulates what may or may not be sold as a "safe". In other words I could tape six business cards together & put a bent pin across the corner of the "door" & sell it to you as a safe. The sad fact of the matter is that there is not a whole lot of protective difference among RSC's in your price range. Find one that has the features you need at the best price & buy it. Do check things like the thickness of the sheet metal in the construction, the size of the gap between the door and body (smaller is better), and who really made the lock. IMHO, things to avoid are internal hinges and cheap electronic locks.

As has been said, anything is better than nothing, do get something. And I'll second the suggestion to go to some locksmith's establishments around your area & see if you can't get a used true safe. Yeah, you probably will have to pay for delivery & installation, but the upgrade in security makes it money very well spent. True safes, U.L. rated as a safe, are heavier, sometimes a lot heavier, than an RSC. It's the difference between sheet metal & gypsum wallboard (insulation) versus plate steel and concrete.

900F
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top