Gun safes....are my guns really safe against burglary??
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Watchdog
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I think most people overestimate the intelligence and perseverance of a common everyday-punk-thug-burglar. Most of them want to spend as little time as possible inside your home.
If they don't know ahead of time that you have a safe, they aren't gonna show up with cutting tools or some sort of giant pry bar. They don't carry sledgehammers. They don't have advanced degrees in chemistry, either, which would supposedly allow them to open your safe in thirty seconds (I call B.S. on that theory). They aren't gonna show up with nitro or some sort of magnesium concoction from Acme Chemical Company. It ain't like in the movies where the bad guys have little six-inch long drills that'll drill through the side of an aircraft carrier, okay?
If they break into your home using a ten-dollar pry bar from Home Depot, you think they're gonna be able to break into a $2K-$3K safe with that same pry bar? C'mon.
If they break into your home by just breaking the lock and strike plate with a screwdriver, what are they gonna use to get into your safe? That same screwdriver? Don't make me laugh. Maybe they'll use a kitchen knife from your drawer?
If you have a quality safe, your guns are secure from any smash-and-grab hoodlum burglar. Of course, if your "safe" is constructed like your locker in junior high, you're S.O.L. from the git-go, and you aren't smart enough to even own a gun in the first place.
If they don't know ahead of time that you have a safe, they aren't gonna show up with cutting tools or some sort of giant pry bar. They don't carry sledgehammers. They don't have advanced degrees in chemistry, either, which would supposedly allow them to open your safe in thirty seconds (I call B.S. on that theory). They aren't gonna show up with nitro or some sort of magnesium concoction from Acme Chemical Company. It ain't like in the movies where the bad guys have little six-inch long drills that'll drill through the side of an aircraft carrier, okay?
If they break into your home using a ten-dollar pry bar from Home Depot, you think they're gonna be able to break into a $2K-$3K safe with that same pry bar? C'mon.
If they break into your home by just breaking the lock and strike plate with a screwdriver, what are they gonna use to get into your safe? That same screwdriver? Don't make me laugh. Maybe they'll use a kitchen knife from your drawer?
If you have a quality safe, your guns are secure from any smash-and-grab hoodlum burglar. Of course, if your "safe" is constructed like your locker in junior high, you're S.O.L. from the git-go, and you aren't smart enough to even own a gun in the first place.
IMHO it is where you live. There are Drugs everywhere. If your out in the country, get the best you can afford and do what ever it takes to secure your firearms. In the city 99% is smash & grab and get the hell out of dodge. You people read the stories. Crazies out on bail, whatever. Watchdog nailed it.
Cardboard_killer
Member
I wish someone would tell that to all the LGS's in Florida that are getting smash and grabbed because they refuse to secure their guns within their premises. Some store in Lakeland has been struck twice in the last year and he doesn't even have a surveillance system, let alone a gun safe. The criminals got 50 guns in the most recent break in.
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77blackcj5
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The safe I have is probably better than the high school locker as described. I guess its
good enough to stop a smash and grab thief. The model I have is most likely a lower end safe called sentinel made by stack on. It has three large locking bolts in the door and the metal is not very thick. Im sure glad I had it but there is room for improvement. Today at academy I looked at a Browning model called FMJ. It has 12 gauge steel with 4 bolts in the door side and one bolt in the top. It was $999. It looks much stronger than the one I have. Does anyone know anything about the fmj browning safes? Are the good enough quality worth upgrading to?
good enough to stop a smash and grab thief. The model I have is most likely a lower end safe called sentinel made by stack on. It has three large locking bolts in the door and the metal is not very thick. Im sure glad I had it but there is room for improvement. Today at academy I looked at a Browning model called FMJ. It has 12 gauge steel with 4 bolts in the door side and one bolt in the top. It was $999. It looks much stronger than the one I have. Does anyone know anything about the fmj browning safes? Are the good enough quality worth upgrading to?
JK-linux
Member
You do the best you can with what you have. Get the best safe you can afford. Don't let the world know you have it. Cover it up with a drop cloth and some random junk if the plumber or HVAC crew is there to work near it. You can get fancy to buy time, like bolting it down or whatever. Best thing is to just keep in mind what it is, and what it is not. For me, I'll be happy if mine just keeps some of my non-Glock guns from melting in a fire, or thwarts an opportunistic burglar. I make sure my home owner insurance policy is adequate first and foremost. Worst case, I get a big check and get to start a new collection again.
I always keep one gun boxed up with a few loaded mags (in addition to the proverbial nightstand gun) stashed away somewhere outside the area the safe is located to defray risk - if they get the safe, at least they won't get everything. And if I'm burglarized, I'm going to want to have at least one gun left to help me sleep better at night.
I always keep one gun boxed up with a few loaded mags (in addition to the proverbial nightstand gun) stashed away somewhere outside the area the safe is located to defray risk - if they get the safe, at least they won't get everything. And if I'm burglarized, I'm going to want to have at least one gun left to help me sleep better at night.
sigp220.45
US Veteran
I've outgrown my safe, so my "overflow" guns live in the closet.
Has anyone considered one of the on-site tool storage boxes that are available? There are a bunch of different sizes, but they all can be bolted down and are secured by a heavy padlock in a recessed compartment to make it hard to get at with bolt cutters.
They are about 500 bucks new. I'm considering getting one and bolting it down in a closet and covering it with a blanket or some clothes.
Has anyone considered one of the on-site tool storage boxes that are available? There are a bunch of different sizes, but they all can be bolted down and are secured by a heavy padlock in a recessed compartment to make it hard to get at with bolt cutters.
They are about 500 bucks new. I'm considering getting one and bolting it down in a closet and covering it with a blanket or some clothes.
Thank you for bringing some sanity and common sense to this thread. Inevitably on any post regarding gun safes, the bad guys go from Joe Methhead and his tweaker buddies to a combination of Steve McQueen in the The Thomas Crown affair and Oceans 11 and some elaborate plot to steal your guns.
Any safe can be opened with enough time, tools and perseverance. But even the cheapest Homac safe is better than nothing.
I would seriously suggest investing in a Sturdy brand gun safe if at all possible.
It would be worth saving up for.
I would suggest ordering one with an S&G mechanical lock and a dry-rod to help prevent rust on your firearms.
You get a lot for your money, and the build quality is worth every penny in my opinion. Spend some time on their web site and watch the videos that are posted there.
Here's a video to get you started: [ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7X8crrn0Kg&feature=youtu.be[/ame]
Here's a page with several videos listed: https://www.sturdysafe.com/pages/video-list
I have no connection with this American company. I am just a satisfied customer.
Browning makes a decent safe, and the FMJ model would no doubt be an upgrade from the Stack-on brand you're using now.
However, the weight is listed at 495 lbs and is made with 12-gauge steel. Not exactly heavy-duty.
Also, it has a mechanical dial (good) but doesn't mention the manufacturer (bad). That means there's a good chance it's a Chinese made unit of questionable reliability.
MCorps0311
US Veteran
You can't stop a thief,all you can do is slow them down. I still feel I needed my gun safe.
I've outgrown my safe, so my "overflow" guns live in the closet.
Has anyone considered one of the on-site tool storage boxes that are available? There are a bunch of different sizes, but they all can be bolted down and are secured by a heavy padlock in a recessed compartment to make it hard to get at with bolt cutters.
They are about 500 bucks new. I'm considering getting one and bolting it down in a closet and covering it with a blanket or some clothes.
Won't help for fire. But if you do get one, buy one like this.
Two locking points with recessed padlocks. $169.00 at Home Depot.
16 gauge steel which is only a 16th of an inch thick so it would be easy to cut or chop through. If they find it.
I've opened several of these on job sites after a would be thief tried to drill out the padlocks.
I would save another $1000 and buy a decent safe.
We're moving into a new house in a couple weeks. Got the usual alarm system with wireless central station and cell phone notifications.
Safe is going to be bolted down etc etc.
As an addition to the above, we have what is called The Stonewater Ladies, they know everything going on in the community. 
There were two recent thefts from current houses under construction. One was from mine, a thief stole the painter's heaters.
My builder had 6 windows stolen form another of his houses under construction.
The Stonewater Ladies, vigilant that they are, sent out about 50 texts to one another and the police had a lead on the thief moments later. He was disposing of his spoils at a store that sells construction equipment, sort of a pawn shop for construction thieves.
The thief is sitting in jail waiting for an appearance before the judge.
With my safe, alarm and the ever vigilant Stonewater Ladies I feel my firearms are safe and secure.
Safe is going to be bolted down etc etc.
As an addition to the above, we have what is called The Stonewater Ladies, they know everything going on in the community.
There were two recent thefts from current houses under construction. One was from mine, a thief stole the painter's heaters.
My builder had 6 windows stolen form another of his houses under construction.
The Stonewater Ladies, vigilant that they are
, sent out about 50 texts to one another and the police had a lead on the thief moments later. He was disposing of his spoils at a store that sells construction equipment, sort of a pawn shop for construction thieves.The thief is sitting in jail waiting for an appearance before the judge.
With my safe, alarm and the ever vigilant Stonewater Ladies I feel my firearms are safe and secure.
Last edited:
mm6mm6
Member
With 29 years behind me in as an LEO, I've never seen nor actually heard of a gun safe being targeted (let alone opened) in the greater Chicagoland area.
Most gun owners are smart and don't let word of their guns get out.
A decent gun safe bolted to your cement basement walls is the way to go.
I never had an alarm on my house because I didn't believe in them since I've seen them defeated many different ways, including getting in and out quickly before the police arrive (and my department's response time is pretty quick...usually well under 4 minutes, 50% of the time in under 2 minutes).
Check in to Home Security Systems from SimpliSafe alarm systems. I bought their system. It's inexpensive. You can purchase it directly ala carte off their website without the need to talk to anyone or buy a system too big for what you need.
It is user installed with 3M sticky tape in about 15 minutes. No phone lines for the burglars to cut, it operates on cellular technology (as long as you're not in the boonies without cell service obviously). Battery backup for several days if the power goes out. Burglars can't cut the power either.
Door and window magnetic alarm trips and motion sensors. Motion sensors can even be set up so big dogs won't trip them.
Put a motion sensor on your gun safe door.
Simplisafe only charges $14.99 per month for the monitoring. Set it up so they don't call your house first when an alarm goes off. Be careful not to set off your alarm accidentally (we've had it a year now and no one in our household has set it off by mistake yet) and have it so Simplisafe immediately calls your local police with an alarm right away.
Then the police go right to your home and check out the alarm. Won't give the burglars any time to get into your safe that way.
I looked at my safe and looked at my basement workroom. If I had an audible alarm to make the burglar "uncomfortable," well I have shooting ear protection right there for them to put on. I also had a pry bar on my pegboard. That is now hidden in the garage. No other tools that they could use.
Most burglars (99.9%) are smashing in a front or rear door, running to the master bedroom, grabbing watches, cash, and jewelry from the tops of dressers and the first top underwear drawer. Maybe a quick peek in the bedroom closets, and often enough tossing all the drawers if they feel they have time. They also take your pillow case to put everything in.
I haven't seen a tv or computer or ever a gaming system taken in over ten years. If you hide your cash and jewelry just slightly in an out of the way place, the burglars probably won't even find it.
Most gun owners are smart and don't let word of their guns get out.
A decent gun safe bolted to your cement basement walls is the way to go.
I never had an alarm on my house because I didn't believe in them since I've seen them defeated many different ways, including getting in and out quickly before the police arrive (and my department's response time is pretty quick...usually well under 4 minutes, 50% of the time in under 2 minutes).
Check in to Home Security Systems from SimpliSafe alarm systems. I bought their system. It's inexpensive. You can purchase it directly ala carte off their website without the need to talk to anyone or buy a system too big for what you need.
It is user installed with 3M sticky tape in about 15 minutes. No phone lines for the burglars to cut, it operates on cellular technology (as long as you're not in the boonies without cell service obviously). Battery backup for several days if the power goes out. Burglars can't cut the power either.
Door and window magnetic alarm trips and motion sensors. Motion sensors can even be set up so big dogs won't trip them.
Put a motion sensor on your gun safe door.
Simplisafe only charges $14.99 per month for the monitoring. Set it up so they don't call your house first when an alarm goes off. Be careful not to set off your alarm accidentally (we've had it a year now and no one in our household has set it off by mistake yet) and have it so Simplisafe immediately calls your local police with an alarm right away.
Then the police go right to your home and check out the alarm. Won't give the burglars any time to get into your safe that way.
I looked at my safe and looked at my basement workroom. If I had an audible alarm to make the burglar "uncomfortable," well I have shooting ear protection right there for them to put on. I also had a pry bar on my pegboard. That is now hidden in the garage. No other tools that they could use.
Most burglars (99.9%) are smashing in a front or rear door, running to the master bedroom, grabbing watches, cash, and jewelry from the tops of dressers and the first top underwear drawer. Maybe a quick peek in the bedroom closets, and often enough tossing all the drawers if they feel they have time. They also take your pillow case to put everything in.
I haven't seen a tv or computer or ever a gaming system taken in over ten years. If you hide your cash and jewelry just slightly in an out of the way place, the burglars probably won't even find it.
mattallamerican
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a real safe with 6 in walls and door
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Nothing's safe these days. Even if you install surveillance cameras at home. It only shows you who the burglar is.
Not everyone can afford such a safe let alone find a place in their home or garage that can support that kind of weight.
DeathGrip
US Veteran
I'm guessing it ain't a mobile home.
Working in Records at my local PD, I have had a few reports come in of people breaking into gun safes. Generally, they used power tools and get in within 10-15 minutes, depending on the quality of the safe. Around here the PD responds to home alarms usually within 5-10 minutes, so, your safe would be damaged but the contents would probably be safe. With the right tools, they could get in quicker. The suspect generally has prior knowledge that guns are in the house in a safe. Someone the homeowner knows or has been in the house for maintenance or something. Be sure to have it bolted down and its best to be out of sight of any windows. As long as you live in a city (not a rural area where police response is slow) with the home alarm, bolt it down, and not tell random strangers about it you should be fine. The most common thing I see is people leaving the gun safe unlocked. Always remember to lock it when you leave the house.
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77blackcj5
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Im really starting to think im ok against this kind of smash and grab thief. If the alarm goes off I will get a notification on my cell phone and my wife will get the initial call from adt. I work 7 miles from the house and can be home in 10 minutes if I drive fast. Plus this past weekend I added another sentinel safe just like my other one. Its bolted into concrete slab right against the other one. One safe has guns and the other has ammo in it. If a burglar gets in again he will have a few minutes of time and have to make a decision on which safe to attempt all while the alarm is going off.
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