Gun safe recommendations?

[fdw]

I bought a Liberty about 2 weeks ago with a standard combo lock. It's one of the smaller ones. I've got ammo in it, 4 hand guns, two rifles, a shotgun and other assorted stuff.

ProVault is the name. Picked it up at Cabelas for around $450..

 

[gsn]

perhaps the op would consent to morphing this thread to include all things gun 'safey' from where you installed yours and why to what accessories you got , which ones you wish you hadn't gotten and perhaps the mother of all topics? electronic v dial

 

[BUFF]

National Security, a big heavy bolted to the basement floor one. I bought it factory direct, their plant was only 35 miles south of me

The better safes have a hole in the top, threaded, so they can move the safes around during construction by threading a big eyebolt and use an overhead crane system. You can use that hole to run a cord inside for lights or dehumidifier. Get it with a Sargent & Greenleaf dial lock which dial itself can be locked from spinning with the key.

 

[chief38]

Personally I prefer the S&G Mechanical Combo Locking Mechanisms over the Digital kind. Just my preference and since I've never had any issues with any mechanical combo locks I stick with them.

 

[Muss Muggins]

A few things, most of which have already been said. Look at your current inventory, figure out how much safe will comfortably house it, and then increase the size of the safe you buy at least by half. Plan ahead, like before you write the check, for how that safe will get to its final destination. Decide in advance how much security you are willing to pay for. Just because it's heavy and metal doesn't mean it's actually a "safe." Carefully inspect the interior shelving. Most of the inexpensive "safes" have shelving made at best of plywood and at worst of particle board. Guns and the stuff that goes with guns are heavy. Finally, I'd rather have a mechanical combination lock.

 

[Harkrader]

Be SURE it has locking rods (bolts) top and bottom as well as to the sides. Get a good brand name such as Liberty.
Most quality safes come with fire-retardant lining, but that might not matter if your house really goes up. It should include the new(er) door seals that expand when hot.

If you put it in the basement, you'll also have to consider that the fire department will fill your basement with water, so be sure you have water-proof seals.

Buy MUCH bigger than you think you'll need. Kids out of the house? You be asked to store all kinds of jewelry and legal docs.

 

[Valmet]

I can recommend Liberty, Champion, and Treadlok (if you can find a used one as they've been defunct for a few years now I believe) with confidence. +1 for some of the above advice, buy one size bigger than you need.

 

[df06]

Buy bigger than you think you need, trust me
Brand is not as important as specifics, meaning the thickness of the walls/door
Most manufacturers have different "levels of security"
I have heard mixed reviews of electronic locks
Bolt it to a concrete floor or studs if no concrete is available