Torn between Hayman and Amsec safe

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1c3d0g

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So, I'm looking for a new safe. Problem is, there are 2 very similar safes with similar dimensions and features.

The first one is a Hayman MagnaVault MV-1512:
http://www.haymansafe.com/pages/mv
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"Hayman MV-1512 MagnaVault Burglar 2 Hour Fire Rated Safe
Combining the utmost in quality with brute strength security, the MagnaVault MV Series is designed to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your valuables are very well protected. The MV safes are built with heavy composite construction, 1 1/4 inch diameter bolts and a massive 4 1/2" thick door loaded up with up to 5 angled hardplates and multiple glass relocking devices to protect premium burglary protection.

Suited for both residential and commercial applications, where valuables need to be protected from burglary and fire.

Features:

Fire Insurance Labratories tested for 2 hours at 1200 degrees, maintaining an internal temperature under 350 degrees.
Massive 4 1/2" thick door.
Body is six sided 2 inch thick composite construction with one recessed mount hole.
1 1/4" diameter chrome plated locking bolt.
5 1/4" hardplates mounted at angles inside the door and body to provide maximum drill attack prevention.
Security of 4 relocking devices to protect the safe from attacks on the lock.
Solid continuous dead bolt for complete locking on hinge side of the door.
Two layers of intumescent door seal that swells at high temperatures to seal the door from fire and smoke.
Painted a tan color with fabric covered door back-cover and shelves.
Large heavy duty ball-bearing hinges for smooth operation."


The second one is the Amsec CSC1413:
http://www.amsecusa.com/Burglary_and_Fire_Protection/CSC_Series_Composite_Safes/
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"AMSEC CSC SERIES COMPOSITE SAFES are an affordable solution when you want to protect both documents from fire and valuables from burglary attacks. During extreme testing procedures the CSC SERIES COMPOSITE safes passed a 2-Hour, 350°F factory fire test certification.

Features:

Door:

Overall thickness of 4-5/8" and is constructed with a 2" defense barrier of outer and inner steel plates creating a burglary resistant structure enclosing a unique proprietary, fire resistant material.
Body:

Total protective thickness of 2-7/8" enclosing a unique, high-density fire and burglary resistant composite material.
Durable powder coated adjustable shelves.
(1) each Adjustable Shelves.
Fire Endurance:

2 hour, 350°F factory fire rating. Tested at temperatures up to 1700°F.
Heat expandable intumescent door seal guards contents against severe fires.
Locking Mechanism:

Two to four 1½" diameter solid steel chrome-plated locking bolts.
Two to three 1½" diameter solid steel dead bolts lock deep into body preventing door removal during a forced entry attempt.
U.L. Listed Group II combination lock with chrome-plated spy-proof dial. Optional electronic locks available.
Lock protected by a tempered glass
relock device.
Heavy duty steel hinges provide easy, smooth door operation.
One internal counter-sunk anchor hole and mounting hardware are provided to securely anchor safe.
Attractively accented with a full width facia panel and matching three point handle,
Durable and attractive dark gray textured finish."


Both safes weigh in around 260 lbs. Which safe would be the better buy?
 
You know I could be wrong but I looked at one of those Haymans about a year ago and I thought it was UL fire rated.
Amsecs BF series in that size is certainly UL fire rated.
Either are good fire/burglary safes but the Hayman may be a bit stronger in burglary protection.
The locksmith I use at my commercial building sells them and likes them.
He also sells Amsecs and Adesco's.
a1abdj is the guy who can give you more of a straight answer than me though.
He will probably be along soon enough and help you out on this.
 
Yeah, thanks for the info. I also am leaning toward the Hayman as it appears to have multiple 1/4" hard plates and a better (S&G) lock. The only thing that bothers me a little is the way the bolts are almost at the corners only, while the Amsec are set more in proportion to the safe (centered somewhat).
 
I would not give that bolt work on either of these a second thought.
You are not likely to pry either of these open with a crow bar as long as both are securely bolted to the floor.
Either of these bolted down properly are going to give a thief in the night plenty of grief unless he's coming directly for the safe he already knows is there.
 
Haha...now that's sweet to hear. I agree, they should hold well against a crowbar/sledgehammer attack. Especially since I have a perfect hiding spot (which protects all sides equally with concrete), so the only option for the thief is a direct frontal attack on the door.
 
And the door to a good safe is the toughest to get through.

I agree! The weakest link on a safe is if the owner is around during a home invasion. A gun stuck to your head, and you're going to open that safe right quick.
 
Not a problem, I've got weapons in every single room of my house, so any robber better think twice what he's gonna do.
 
Hmm...the Gardall FB1212 also seems like a great safe. Looks comparable to the Hayman. Opinions?

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The Gardall and AMSEC are imports. The Hayman may be. It's impossible to keep up.

As far as US made safes go, the small AMSEC BF safes are quite stout compared to these imports, but all are decent safes.

When looking at imports, you can usually get a lower price on very similar (sometimes the exact same) safes by getting one without a brand name attached.
 
Indeed. I can get all 3 safes for very similar prices at the same store, so for me it's just a matter of getting the safe with the most bang-for-your-buck. :)
 
I can get all 3 safes for very similar prices at the same store

I don't know who your local dealer is, but I bet they use one of the same distributors that I use, as they carry all three of those brands.

Any of those safes should serve you well. Of the three mentioned, I'd probably lean towards the Hayman.
 
Too bad I cannot afford one of those safes, as they're excellent at what they do. I can only look at < $ 600 safes. :)
 
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