Researching RSC/Safe for Purchase

[Ole Humpback]

I'm going to be moving out of my parents house soon into a place of my own and am realizing that under the bed is no longer a safe place for my firearms. I started out looking for a safe and soon realized that most "safes" out there are only RSC's. Since I'm just starting to look for one, I thought it best to ask for other's input since I don't really know what to look for.

Here's my criteria for the RSC/Safe:

1.) Holds at least 15 long guns, a pistol or two, ammunition, small amounts of powder & bullets for reloading, and important documents

2.) Has enough internal space for a 49" OAL Pedersoli Sharps & Hawken rifle

3.) 60 minute fire rating

4.) Must fit through a 28" wide door frame without removing the RSC/Safe door

5.) Weighs no more than 650lbs so that it can be moved at some point in its life without killing me (I'll be adding 5gal buckets full of tire weights when its set in place to weigh it down)

6.) Budget of $1800

I've came up with two RSC's/Safe's so far:

http://www.libertysafe.com/safe_franklin.php

http://www.zykansafe.com/brategunsafes.html

But I figured that others would know of more places. Advice and experience welcome.

 

[Ultra]

Make sure the prices you're looking at include shipping. If not it can add a lot to the bottom line.

This is what I recommend. The price does include shipping...

http://www.sturdysafe.com/model2723.htm

 

[heeler]

Humpback,that Zykan safe is simply superior to that Liberty Franklin and for that matter Liberty's Presidential.
Look at the construction closely.
Had I known about that model back in October 2009 when I bought my Amsec BF I would have weighed that gun safe heavily.
It's a pretty heavy duty unit very similiar to a gun safe Amsec built but discontinued.
That model was the SE 6831.

Edit to add...Sturdy makes a damn good gun safe.
At least check them out along with the Amsec BF model.
Still that gun safe you linked has a lot going for it.

 

[FAS1]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Zykan safe. Looks like the best value for the money you want to spend. I don't care how pretty a safe is, I just want it to give reasonable protection for my valuables. Also, I don't care for the electronic locks on any gun safe. Get the standard lock.

 

[murdoc rose]

I've been looking at the zykan safe myself, does seem like the best buy that I've found

 

[lebowski]

Search feature is your friend.

Frank Zykan is very helpful, he's certainly worth talking to and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him. Terry at Sturdy Safe is also very helpful and worth talking to. IMO, unless you're willing to pay for a B-rated or looking buy used, Zykan and Sturdy are the two legitimate options. I would not buy 99% of the name brand gun safes out there.

 

[opsman]

My only problem with the Zykan is that it is made in China. Even though it is made to the specs that Frank has specified, and it is one hell of good deal. Personally, I am all for products made in the USA. That has made my search a bit of an ordeal as heeler can attest. If I did not have such a stand for purchasing made in the USA I would jump on the Zykan as fast as I could hit the enter button on the computer. Take a hard look at the B rate Zykan vs any other product within your price range and I will bet that the Zykan will far and away beat them. Not that I am a spokesman for Zykan safe company, I believe he has a superior product.

 

[opsman]

Ok, I said I would post what ended up going with. I purchased a Superior Safe. I went with the Master Series. I found a dealer here in NC, called him up and got what I think is an awesome price. My budget was 2000 to 2500 I am getting the M40 model and price installed in the house is less than 2200, can you say happy camper? I can hardly wait for it to be delivered, oh on a side note because my house is not built on a slab I will have to have my floor reinforced, even with having that done my total cost is still under budget.