Time to upgrade from my gun cabinet to a quality gun safe. Looking for the largest safe without sacrificing quality in the 3k - 4k range. What safe companies would you recommend and what dealers or online retailers have the best pricing? Do retailers ever run holiday sales that I should look out for. Thanks for the suggestions!
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Gun Safe Recommendations
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EB Kobra Carry, Atlas Athena & Artemis, NH Counselor, NH TRS, Random Misc
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190 Posts
This is Safey, my Amsec BFX bolted to the floor “concealed” behind a false cabinet. It’ll be moved to a concrete lined closet once the house remodel is done. Like others have said, get bigger than you think you need, keep good insurance and go domestic over foreign.
Real happy with my Patriot (now Old Glory).
Few things to consider...
-external hinges makes Taking the door off a breeze to move in 2 pieces.
-Fire protection is based on what you put in there... I went "document rated" at 1880° for 2 hours since I store paperwork and jewelry.
-weight is an issue if your placing in your home on wood framing in lue of a concrete slab. You may not be able to put whereabouts want without engineered lumber for addational support.
-size can be an issue. If you buy the biggest safe you can find, remember you have to place it and move it. I prefer to have a few 1000#'ish safes instead of one 2000# or more safe
-Don't be fooled into thinking your safe will stop a determined thief... we live in the world of battery tools. I have larger volt battery operated grinders, concrete saws and rotary hammer drills. Probably could get into most production safes (including mine) in 15-20 minutes. It is meant to secure from wondering hands, children and smash & grab thieves.
Numerous other things to consider (options/details/etc) but this was a good starting point when I went down the rabbit hole.
Here is the current version of mine:
Few things to consider...
-external hinges makes Taking the door off a breeze to move in 2 pieces.
-Fire protection is based on what you put in there... I went "document rated" at 1880° for 2 hours since I store paperwork and jewelry.
-weight is an issue if your placing in your home on wood framing in lue of a concrete slab. You may not be able to put whereabouts want without engineered lumber for addational support.
-size can be an issue. If you buy the biggest safe you can find, remember you have to place it and move it. I prefer to have a few 1000#'ish safes instead of one 2000# or more safe
-Don't be fooled into thinking your safe will stop a determined thief... we live in the world of battery tools. I have larger volt battery operated grinders, concrete saws and rotary hammer drills. Probably could get into most production safes (including mine) in 15-20 minutes. It is meant to secure from wondering hands, children and smash & grab thieves.
Numerous other things to consider (options/details/etc) but this was a good starting point when I went down the rabbit hole.
Here is the current version of mine:
Large 24 Gun Safe by Old Glory Gun Safe Company
www.oldglorygunsafes.com
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64 Posts
I'm like you would love to have a customized vault. Have you seen some of the vault doors some companies offer? Awesome looking.
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3,294 Posts
I have considered a concrete block room in the basement, that could still be a possibility.
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2,062 Posts
Reliability of the dial mechanism vs electronics/keypad/batteries failing. Plus, I just like the look and process of opening a safe with the dial.
From a speed standpoint a keypad is way faster. I use my safe for long term storage and don’t need quick access.
I had our 120-140 year old safe serviced at work a few years ago and the owner of the company who sold me my Amsec safe said he is constantly replacing electronic keypads on safes.
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2,062 Posts
I wish my Amsec safe was that large. Mine is tiny and stuffed.
Inquiring minds want to know?
What are you using the Kingsford briquettes for in your safe area? Or is it part of the concealment/disguise?
This right here. As others have said, what are your goals?
You might be better off turning a closet into a secure room - it will be cheaper with much more space. Exterior door, a true high security deadbolt (not from big box - something like a Medeco Maxum). Reinforce the walls with 3/4" plywood.
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75 Posts
Check out Sturdy Safe. They are a small family run business and build them by hand in Fresno, CA. You will get the best value from them because they limit the cosmetic options to keep costs low and you are buying direct which cuts other middle man. If your budget is $4k, they will give you thicker metal and quality American construction versus the same money spent on AMSEC or the other retail brands. Best of luck!
Great wisdom and advice here so far. I just recently climbed out of this rabbit hole myself. After considering a true safe's cost, what it would be used for, and who/what the contents are being protected from, I went with a "residential security container" by Liberty and made in USA. They have a reasonably priced "Revere" line exclusively sold through Tractor Supply that has excellent quality and features, but benefits from large volume national sales pricing power. Black Friday sales discounted these by over 30%. Bought two for less than the price of essentially the same single Liberty I had just ordered. Since work hadn't begun, I was able cancel the order without penalty. If the guns are stolen, they can be replaced courtesy of an extremely reasonably priced firearms insurance policy separate from and much more cost effective than a homeowners policy rider. Lots of choices, wide range of prices, quality, and features depending on your needs. My journey lasted several months and I'm really pleased with the outcome. Good luck with yours.
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4,662 Posts
Thank makes sense, thank you. The batteries were initially a concern of mine as well, but that turned out to be a non issue. You bring up a great point regarding intended level of safe access, long term vs entering multiple times per week. Also there is no denying that my keypad is not going to make it 100+ years like you could reasonably expect a quality mechanical to.
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252 Posts
I’m surprised no one has mentioned Liberty’s recent troubles and willingness to turn over your access codes/combo to authorities without a warrant. Their parent company now is also far left leaning, so in spending the money with them, ultimately you are funding the battle against your 2A rights.
And yes, I know they have “supposedly” changed that, but it should’ve never happened in the first place and caving to public pressure isn’t exactly a confidence builder.
And yes, I know they have “supposedly” changed that, but it should’ve never happened in the first place and caving to public pressure isn’t exactly a confidence builder.
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252 Posts
Love the room approach, but then you lose out on fire protection right?
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Nice. I assume it took a minute to think about an "Inny vs. Outty". Pros or Cons? It looks like its gonna be a great place to get away from life challenges. You might want to add a toilet and a Fridge. HA!
EB Kobra Carry, Atlas Athena & Artemis, NH Counselor, NH TRS, Random Misc
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190 Posts
Ironically mine is almost stuffed as well with guns as well as other non gun stuff. I’ve been thinking about doing a smaller keypad safe for my wife in our closet.
Our garage is a bit of a mess right now with our remodel, the Kingsford was up there temporarily while we moved the garage fridge out to be donated.”
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5,055 Posts
The door comes fire rated. In this case the floor is ground level and built into a hillside bank. The walls and ceiling are solid reinforced high strength mortar and rebar. As well as drywall finishing.
So yes, fire protection far better that your run of the mill stand alone gun safe.
If i could not do a nice built in room I would search the local for sale adds for commercial rated fire safe such as Diebolt or Mosler. Similar to what a securities firm or a jeweler would use. Facebook marketplace, Craigslist and local classified adds are your friend here.
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162 Posts
Yes I thought about modular. How do you like your Zanotti? Just as nice as the Liberty?
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