I have about driven myself nuts reading all the literature on what makes for a good safe. I want to upgrade and need you guys to share your thoughts. What do you consider acceptable or even desirable?
Gun Safes? What kind?
- Thread starter delta-419
- Start date
beemerphile
Member
I think the Amsec BF series composite safes are the best protection for the money.
gunnut44
Member
You will get everything from top of the line to the Menards special, this is my take on it. Buy the best you can afford and buy a American Made safe. I have a Cannon, it wasn't cheap but neither are the things in it. I like the old fashioned dial numbers seems more reliable than the digital too me anyway, look for a safe with locking pins all the way around the door. External hinges let you open the door past 90 degrees so that is something to think about and a fire rating for at least a hour. The old saying "you get what you pay for" holds true on a safe purchase.
Safes
I've had 2 Zanotti Armor safes for several years. They are made in 6 separate parts, top, bottom, back, sides and door. It sounds flimsy but trust me, it's not. Each section is hooked together with pins. It can be completely assembled in less than 15 minutes and you'd swear it was welded. Very easy to move. Mine holds 32 long guns plus a shelf and you can hang handguns on inside of door. Weighs about 400 lbs. if I remember correctly. They are made in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Available in standard combination lock or electronic. I have one of each.
I've had 2 Zanotti Armor safes for several years. They are made in 6 separate parts, top, bottom, back, sides and door. It sounds flimsy but trust me, it's not. Each section is hooked together with pins. It can be completely assembled in less than 15 minutes and you'd swear it was welded. Very easy to move. Mine holds 32 long guns plus a shelf and you can hang handguns on inside of door. Weighs about 400 lbs. if I remember correctly. They are made in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Available in standard combination lock or electronic. I have one of each.
AITG
Member
I'm very happy with my Liberty LifeSafe. It's got a lifetime warranty. The door design is such that the hinge side retracts into the safe body, making the three locking rods sufficient.
The only thing I would do differently is go with a mechanical combination lock rather than the S&G digital. A dead battery puts you out of business.
The only thing I would do differently is go with a mechanical combination lock rather than the S&G digital. A dead battery puts you out of business.
84CJ
US Veteran
Liberty, Heritage,Cannon AMSEC.........They all make a good safe. Low end to High end. Just depends on what you want to pay and what type protection is most important to you. Fire or Burglary.
shermbob
Member
Remember this. Buy the biggest one you can aford You can always use a little more room in one. Documents,jewlery,money,one more gun?
84CJ
US Veteran
Very true. Can't tell you how many times I have heard "wish I had gotten a bigger one"
ridewv
Member
Just a thought; Used safes can be had for a great value, especially larger ones. It seems like the larger the safe, the smaller the market there is for them. Check businesses going, or already gone, out of business and malls. Moving companies sometimes end up with them.
I contacted the owner of a jewelry store that had closed up and bought their safe for much less than I would have paid for a new safe of lessor quality and size. It's perfect for my handguns.
I contacted the owner of a jewelry store that had closed up and bought their safe for much less than I would have paid for a new safe of lessor quality and size. It's perfect for my handguns.
I am on my second Ft. Knox - the first one wasn't big enough.
YogiBear
Absent Comrade
Aloha,
We just moved to a new home and now we have His and Hers safes, both are bolted down to the concrete slab.
Get one (or two, as in our case) BIGGER than what you think you need. When looking for our first safe, the Wife said "not big enough". She put her jewelry, our wedding album and other "stuff" in the safe.
Now we have "his n her's" safes. She has enough room for all her "stuff" and Her guns.
We just moved to a new home and now we have His and Hers safes, both are bolted down to the concrete slab.
Get one (or two, as in our case) BIGGER than what you think you need. When looking for our first safe, the Wife said "not big enough". She put her jewelry, our wedding album and other "stuff" in the safe.
Now we have "his n her's" safes. She has enough room for all her "stuff" and Her guns.
Lomax Anderson
Member
Tractor supply had cannons on sale....but get the dial lock...
Hofstet
Member
very satisfied with my Heritage safe.
84CJ
US Veteran
I changed both my Liberty safes to E-Locks. Just easier to open. As far as Batteries go mine lasted a few years changed them just to be changing them. Most service calls I get are for e-locks though. And for me a lockout with a Mechanical lock is easier to open. I hate drilling e-locks. Use only Dura Cell batteries for e-locks. I am not going to get into the why's........But they are recommended by S&G and if you call with a problem they will most likely tell you to put in a new 9 volt dura Cell battery and call them back.
It all comes down to how much money you have to spend and what you want to put into your new safe. I personally use Liberty safes. http://www.libertysafe.com/productsmain.php They do what I want at a price I could afford.
A guy that goes to another forum I use has a shop. He told me about these safes he sells. So I went to check them out. Here is a link to the co. Graffunder Safe and Vault Doors from Sage Safe Co. | Residential and Commercial safes and storage vaults These things are leaps and bounds above the liberty or fort knox safes. Of corse the price tag is also reflective of that.
Then there are those guys who say safe but mean one of those tin lockers you get at Wally world or Kmart. They will keep little hands off your stuff but hardly measure up to what I mean by a safe.
Things to consider when shopping.
Fire protection rating.
Ease of entry. I am not a fan of the digital combo.
Bigger is better. Trust me, I have more then one.
Where will it be located. These things are heavy.
You can get them with electrical alraedy installed or do it yourself. My safes came with a knock out already in the back. So doing it your self is no big deal. A few under cabinet lights will do well for lighting.
Some guys like to use a golden rod. Others like the chemical desiccant systems to control humidity. I currently use the golden rod. I plan to add the chemical type just to be safe.
A guy that goes to another forum I use has a shop. He told me about these safes he sells. So I went to check them out. Here is a link to the co. Graffunder Safe and Vault Doors from Sage Safe Co. | Residential and Commercial safes and storage vaults These things are leaps and bounds above the liberty or fort knox safes. Of corse the price tag is also reflective of that.
Then there are those guys who say safe but mean one of those tin lockers you get at Wally world or Kmart. They will keep little hands off your stuff but hardly measure up to what I mean by a safe.
Things to consider when shopping.
Fire protection rating.
Ease of entry. I am not a fan of the digital combo.
Bigger is better. Trust me, I have more then one.
Where will it be located. These things are heavy.
You can get them with electrical alraedy installed or do it yourself. My safes came with a knock out already in the back. So doing it your self is no big deal. A few under cabinet lights will do well for lighting.
Some guys like to use a golden rod. Others like the chemical desiccant systems to control humidity. I currently use the golden rod. I plan to add the chemical type just to be safe.
Brian41
Member
I bought the largest Heritage safe they made, 56 gun I believe they call it. At 2000 #s it took six really big guys I hired to get it downstairs and they told me not to call to remove it.
I like it but have outgrown it. A handgun safe is in my future.
Be sure and check on delivery when you buy. One guy I know had his delivered to his drive when he expected it to be delivered to his basement.
My dealer would deliver the same but I had to contract the mover on my own to get it downstairs and had to reinforce my stairs with temporary 6X6s before they'd risk the weight.
I like it but have outgrown it. A handgun safe is in my future.
Be sure and check on delivery when you buy. One guy I know had his delivered to his drive when he expected it to be delivered to his basement.
My dealer would deliver the same but I had to contract the mover on my own to get it downstairs and had to reinforce my stairs with temporary 6X6s before they'd risk the weight.
Arizona Commander
Member
I like digital combos, it's a lot easier to push a few buttons under stress than try to work a dial combo.
I am a professional locksmith by trade. The first company I worked for sold, serviced, repaired and moved all types of safes.
Here is my advise and opinion.
Buy something American made. Most American made gun safes are well made. You just need to decide what options you want and how much you want to spend. Definately buy the next size bigger than you think you need. People always find more stuff to put in their gun safe. Personally I would stay away from electronic locks. Yes they are quicker and easier to open. But they are far less reliable than traditional dial locks. I have seen dial type safe locks last 30-40 years without servicing. That being said, a dial lock should be serviced every few years or sooner if it "acts up". With ANY type of safe lock, seek immediate help if your lock has problems. Too many people wait until the safe lock quits working to seek help which costs them a hell of a lot more money.
IMHO, National Security is the "Cadillac" of gun safes. But you will pay a premium for them. Liberty, Fort Knox, Amsec, Cannon, and others are a good choice.
Sometimes gun shows have safe dealers willing to make a good deal. Find out about delivery and installation also. Make sure it's bolted down. I don't care how heavy it is, bolt it down.
And, most people don't realize that items like film, negatives, computer media as well as flash drives and portable hard drives will NOT survive a fire in a gun safe. A special Media Safe is designed for such things.
Please stay away from any safe made in Taiwan, China etc.....
Such as Sentry. I have open, repaired and serviced more of those type of safes that have one problem or another usually due to poor workmanship or design. Often the owners wait too long to get them repaired resulting in the safe locked shut and having to be drilled open. Often the cost of drilling open the safe exceeds the value of the safe. Sometimes the safe are not repairable and parts are non-existant. Most of these safe owners get highly irrate when they can't access thier guns. This statement is not intended to offend anyone. But it's simply my experience with Sentry.
I would certainly shop around locally before plunking down a wad of cash. Some locksmith shops have good deals and may be able to deliver and install. Often the big box outdoor stores are way over priced.
Good luck.
Here is my advise and opinion.
Buy something American made. Most American made gun safes are well made. You just need to decide what options you want and how much you want to spend. Definately buy the next size bigger than you think you need. People always find more stuff to put in their gun safe. Personally I would stay away from electronic locks. Yes they are quicker and easier to open. But they are far less reliable than traditional dial locks. I have seen dial type safe locks last 30-40 years without servicing. That being said, a dial lock should be serviced every few years or sooner if it "acts up". With ANY type of safe lock, seek immediate help if your lock has problems. Too many people wait until the safe lock quits working to seek help which costs them a hell of a lot more money.
IMHO, National Security is the "Cadillac" of gun safes. But you will pay a premium for them. Liberty, Fort Knox, Amsec, Cannon, and others are a good choice.
Sometimes gun shows have safe dealers willing to make a good deal. Find out about delivery and installation also. Make sure it's bolted down. I don't care how heavy it is, bolt it down.
And, most people don't realize that items like film, negatives, computer media as well as flash drives and portable hard drives will NOT survive a fire in a gun safe. A special Media Safe is designed for such things.
Please stay away from any safe made in Taiwan, China etc.....
Such as Sentry. I have open, repaired and serviced more of those type of safes that have one problem or another usually due to poor workmanship or design. Often the owners wait too long to get them repaired resulting in the safe locked shut and having to be drilled open. Often the cost of drilling open the safe exceeds the value of the safe. Sometimes the safe are not repairable and parts are non-existant. Most of these safe owners get highly irrate when they can't access thier guns. This statement is not intended to offend anyone. But it's simply my experience with Sentry.
I would certainly shop around locally before plunking down a wad of cash. Some locksmith shops have good deals and may be able to deliver and install. Often the big box outdoor stores are way over priced.
Good luck.
