Safe info

[TechBrute]

I know there are a few safe salesmen on the forum, and instead of PMing them I thought I'd ask my questions so others could benefit. The only reason I mention that is that every time someone asks a safe/rsc question, someone usually mentions that the OP should contact them.

I am currently shopping for a safe/rsc. I currently have a 30cuft roc that is not big enough. I'd like something in the 60cuft range.

First, fireproofing. Is fireproofing a safe worth it? My understanding is that ratings are based on paper, not damage to plastic and metal. So, should I even bother with fireproofing? If so, I know there are different types. What types actually work, and what is snake oil?

Second, what price range should I be looking at for a 60cuft safe? So far, I've looked at the Amsec BF7250, the Pendleton King, and a Brown 7256. I wasn't looking at safes until I realized I can get a Brown double door 60cuft safe for in the same price range that a few of the rscs that I looked at are. What else should I consider that I've not heard of? Googling gun safe isn't going to help, and the "safe" companies that I've called locally only carry rscs with the exception of a few Amsecs.

 

[leadcounsel]

I have no affilitation with the company nor am I in any way a safe salesman. But I do know a great product when I see it and unmatched customer service.

I highly recommend you check out the Sturdy line of safes out of California. They are very impressive and affordable for what you get. Just search for them here and you'll see.

 

[TechBrute]

I am familiar with Sturdy. I haven't seriously considered them, as they are nearly the price of a real safe, and if their product is so great, I'm not sure why that guy's daughter needs to prance around in the pictures. I walk right by SHOT booths with booth babes, too.

 

[a1abdj]

First, fireproofing. Is fireproofing a safe worth it? My understanding is that ratings are based on paper, not damage to plastic and metal. So, should I even bother with fireproofing? If so, I know there are different types. What types actually work, and what is snake oil?

There is currently no gun safe that I'm aware of that carries a UL fire rating. As such, you're depending on what the manufacturer claims their safe will do. Speaking from experience, most gun safes opened after bad fires have damaged contents.

In addition to the safe insulation itself, the shorter the safe the better. The lower you get to the ground, the cooler the temperatures. Where you place the safe is also important. Basements (where you have a good fire department) will rarely burn.

I believe that the cast insulations are the best bet. Brown, Graffunder, AMSEC, and a generic brand that I deal with uses it. If you were looking at real safes with burglary ratings, the composite safes also tend to do well.

I also think that something is better than nothing. I would take a gypsum lined safe over a plain steel shell.

Second, what price range should I be looking at for a 60cuft safe? So far, I've looked at the Amsec BF7250, the Pendleton King, and a Brown 7256. I wasn't looking at safes until I realized I can get a Brown double door 60cuft safe for in the same price range that a few of the rscs that I looked at are

I would actually look at two (or three) smaller safes than one single larger safe. This increases your burglary resistance as well as your fire resistance. Smaller safes cost less to move, and can be placed to disperse their weight better. Short of having to dial open more than one safe, everything else is a net gain. When it's all said and done, you're usually in the same ball park price wise as well.

What else should I consider that I've not heard of? Googling gun safe isn't going to help, and the "safe" companies that I've called locally only carry rscs with the exception of a few Amsecs.

Anything else you should consider are going to be similar from manufacturer to manufacturer. The burglary and fire resistance are really the two biggest things to consider.

 

[Ultra]

am familiar with Sturdy. I haven't seriously considered them, as they are nearly the price of a real safe, and if their product is so great, I'm not sure why that guy's daughter needs to prance around in the pictures. I walk right by SHOT booths with booth babes, too.

They're not close to the price of a TL Rated safe. Perhaps they're close to the price of a used one if you don't include the delivery price of the TL.

His daughter runs the business end of the company and I've heard that she puts herself in the pictures so you have a point of comparison for the size of the safe.

If you're serious about doing your research you should consider them.

 

[78tsubaki]

From what I have read about the AMSEC and Brown products you are looking at good quality gun safes. I would throw Ft Knox and Graffunder into the mix too.
A word about Sturdy.
Sturdy is American owned and operated. The Pratt's are a salt of the earth hard working family with solid values and great customer service.
They rely on word of mouth advertising for their business and they will provide after the sale service. I have called and had Terry answer the phone from the shop.
Design:
The amount of Ceramic wool that Sturdy uses not only will provide protection against a house fire but it also is much less likely to wick water causing condensation in every day use.
The door design is as well engineered as anything that you will find in the price range. The doors seal tight. The bolts lock down on two extra bends in the body. The bodies are hot welded and not skip welded. I have checked all of this out as I am a Sturdy Safe owner. You can see and feel the quality.
My children will use it when I am long gone.

I agree with Ultra and leadcounsel. You should include them in your research.

 

[Walkalong]

I am very happy with my Sturdy. They are definitely worth considering. I built my own interior.