Recommend an alternative to this "safe"?

[ShooterMcGavin]

I have 3 handguns and no children in the house. I want to find a "safe" that will hold at least 3 handguns, just to keep them away from visitors (I have a roommate) and quick thieves. The size does not need to be more than 1 cubic foot.

Things I do not want:
-cylindrical style keys/locks
-an electronic key pad (a fingerprint reader might be acceptible to me?)

Not sure about fire-safe boxes. I have heard that they keep moisture in(?).

This seems to be a decent one that fits my requirements:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4861069

Offer suggestions please??

 

[KBintheSLC]

I have this one and its great... but it does use a key. Good price too.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4948007

 

[strat81]

Not sure about fire-safe boxes. I have heard that they keep moisture in(

Toss in a few desiccant packs and you'll be fine. Just replace/recharge them as needed.

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

Does this mean you want it to be safe only so long as they don't carry it out of your place. It only weighs 44 lbs.

 

[Notch]

You will need to bolt a tiny safe like that down to bum out "quick thieves" .

 

[ZeSpectre]

Renter's tip....
If you can't bolt down a small safe like that one, using an aircraft security cable and lock to attach it to a bedframe can add security from "hit n' run" thefts.

Yeah yeah yeah, it's not super secure but every bit helps.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Does this mean you want it to be safe only so long as they don't carry it out of your place. It only weighs 44 lbs.

They would have to pry it out of my floor. Certainly, it will be bolted to the floor joists using the largest lag-bolts that will work.

 

[KBintheSLC]

Yea. Mine is bolted in 8 places... 4 lags on the floor and 4 anchors on the wall. It doesn't move.

 

[a1abdj]

Toss in a few desiccant packs and you'll be fine. Just replace/recharge them as needed.

This won't work. If you take a close look at the Sentry safes sold at places like Walmart, you will notice that they are made mostly of plastic. This is because the insulation will rust and rot the steel from the inside out.

The insulation is designed to be wet, so there's not much you can do to control it. Sentry specifically mentions this in their owners manual, saying that you should not store firearms in that type of safe.

This seems to be a decent one that fits my requirements:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4861069

Offer suggestions please??

From a design standpoint, that safe should suit your need fine.

Sentry safes are sold at lower prices because they use lower quality construction. There are better safes available, but I wouldn't hesitate to use that Sentry for your stated purposes.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

Sentry safes are sold at lower prices because they use lower quality construction. There are better safes available, but I wouldn't hesitate to use that Sentry for your stated purposes.

Can you recommend a better option or another line of safes which are "better"? "Better" is: "more sturdy", "better made lock", etc.

Thanks.

 

[a1abdj]

Going along the same idea of the Sentry you linked, you could look at any B rate commercial safe.

There are many manufacturers of these safes, but they will all usually have similar features: 1/2" steel plate door, 1/4" steel plate body, UL listed lock (mechanical or electronic), and a relocker.

These types of safes start at around $400 new, and are usually only available from safe dealers.