Safes/questions

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cold blue steel

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Started looking at closet safes, I soon realized this can be quite confusing as to what the best bang for the buck is, not looking to spend a fortune on a vault, BUT want to hear the good, bad and ugly from you all on different safes/locks, etc as far as durability, fire protection, etc. some I'm thinking over are liberty, Fort Knox, rhino. I'm sure there are others but those three come to mind. Also wanting to compare apples to apples, as far as specs go. Thanks. Eric
 
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The sheet metal "safes" aren't worth the money. They can be opened with a crowbar. If you're not going for a real vault, look at the job site toolboxes at Northern Tool and the like. They're built much more stoutly.
There are a couple of makers that build specialized products that install between wall studs inside walls. Can't recall any, but again, no sheet metal.

If you are looking at a real safe/vault, spend the money for fire proof. DO NOT drill any holes in a fire proof safe. Exceptions may be if they provide places for attachment bolts, but check directions, contact the manufacturer.
 
Modular safes such as Zanotti and Snapsafe offer the advantage of getting a bigger safe in the closet than the door opening and having it delivered in pieces that you can handle on your own unless you're looking at the biggest version of either and the individual components would take a couple of strong guys to move.

A lot of guys here, including me, would lean towards a mechanical lock but a digital lock is much more convenient. A combination lock might be a good compromise.
 
First question: How much were you thinking on spending? A good gun safe will generally cost more than...well, the numbers vary.


WR Moore said:
If you are looking at a real safe/vault, spend the money for fire proof.
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No such thing as "fire proof", only fire resistant.

gunnails said:
First rule of thumb is to decide on which size safe you need then get one twice as big.
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This cannot be over stated. Good advice.

gunnails said:
Good or bad safes will stand up to an attempted break in much better if bolted to the floor.
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Any "safe" (really a residential security container) is useless if not bolted to the floor or wall.

I've posted this before, but it bears posting again:
DamagedLiberty.jpg


This is Liberty's lowest model gun safe. It was properly installed i.e. bolted to the floor. The thieves had approximately 3 hours to work on it and never got in.

No locked container is theft proof. Given enough time or talent, a thief can get in. The goal is to slow them down. Even this cheap safe is better than nothing. Liberty replaced it free of charge.
 
"not looking to spend a fortune on a vault,"
Please give us an idea on what you wish to spend.
 
It would be mounted inside closet, bolted to floor and back wall. On the left side of safe would be a structural wall, therefore door would be set to open on that side (less chance of crowbar damage) with hinges on other side next to closet shelves. Understandably, nothing is fool proof, but I figure that would create the most hassle and obstacles. Does all of this sound correct to y'all experts? Definitely looking into fire resistance, totally unsure of what lock to get, need real pros and cons here. As far as cost, I don't know, prob 1K to 1,500? Or am I COMPLETELY DILUSIONAL here? As far as size, yeah I've heard go bigger than I think, but for the space I need to put it, prob 3' wide by 2' deep and 5 1/2'-6' high. ?? Might need to say, yes I want a good safe for burglaries, fires etc, do have a complete home security but also a couple of little ones at home to keep things "safe". Thanks again Eric
 
It depends on what you....

....want it to do. All I wanted to do was keep my son and his friends away from my guns. My house has motion detector alarms inside beside on all doors So a cheaper Stack On safe did the job for me. Victories are similar but probably a better value.

It cost something over $300 with a combination lock and you can go up from there as much as you want.
 
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Eric:

In my opinion, ANY type of locked security container for firearms is better than leaving them unsecured, or merely hidden from sight hoping the thieves, or curious kids just miss seeing them. Firearms are always high on the thieves "hit list" of things to steal, and/or things kids like to play with. That being said, I think you are on the right track. If cost is a consideration, you might want to look at Costco or Tractor Supply Co. stores as they frequently have sales on their gun safes. Costco is especially good as they frequently include free shipping, and their customer service is legendary. Also, you might want to check any local Gander Mountain stores for safes as they recently declared bankruptcy, and many of their stores are selling their stock, less guns and ammo, at discounted prices. Several people have recommended buying used safes from locksmiths, or from closing jewelry stores, but I doubt this will work for you given your size/space constraints.

Good luck,

Dave
 
Buying a safe that opens on the left is going to limit your choices. Yes, they are made, but not typically stocked by dealers, which means A) Special order and B) Paying retail price over getting a deal on a safe the dealer already has in stock and may be last year's model.

As a side note, I have a friend who has 8 safes. One high end Liberty and rest Fort Knox (IIRC). He bought every one of them used and saved a lot of money that way.
 
Tom S. said:
Buying a safe that opens on the left is going to limit your choices. Yes, they are made, but not typically stocked by dealers, which means A) Special order and B) Paying retail price over getting a deal on a safe the dealer already has in stock and may be last year's model.
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Tom S: maybe I'm not understanding you correctly here, but I believe every gun safe, or RSC I've ever seen for sale all open on the left (hinges are on the right hand side). I have two Canon gun safes and both open from the left, and their hinges (internal on one, external on the other) are on the right hand side.

Regards,

Dave
 
You get what you pay for!
Most companies make different levels of protection, so saying a Liberty os better than an American Security may or may not be true. It depends on which model you are talking about.
And refer back to the top line of this post.
 
Double-O-Dave said:
Tom S: maybe I'm not understanding you correctly here, but I believe every gun safe, or RSC I've ever seen for sale all open on the left (hinges are on the right hand side). I have two Canon gun safes and both open from the left, and their hinges (internal on one, external on the other) are on the right hand side.

Regards,

Dave
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As the man posted earlier you can order them in the different side openings from some companies. My safe (large Ft Knox) was ordered with all the features (extras)I wanted it to have. That was in 04, things might have changed since then.
 
Double-O-Dave said:
Tom S: maybe I'm not understanding you correctly here, but I believe every gun safe, or RSC I've ever seen for sale all open on the left (hinges are on the right hand side). I have two Canon gun safes and both open from the left, and their hinges (internal on one, external on the other) are on the right hand side.

Regards,

Dave
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Sorry Dave, I read your post as meaning you wanted the hinges on the left and the handle on the right. My bad.
 
I've got a couple Sentry safes. Their bolted together, to the studs, and the slab. I wanted something bigger, but had to get what would fit in the closet.

I honestly need another one just for hand guns.

Had to cut the floor molding so they were flush with the wall.

i-jTpjK4B-X3.jpg
 
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I have been researching gun safes for a couple of weeks now and will be ordering a Liberty safe on my next payday. One important thing I have found out (supposedly) is that the safes made in China have a bacteria in the gypsum used as fire retardant that when combined with moisture can cause damage to the contents.
 
cold blue steel said:
It would be mounted inside closet, bolted to floor and back wall.
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This is perfect. Only need to bolt it to the floor. Most quality safes come with holes already in the floor. This doesn't compromise the fire resistance.



cold blue steel said:
As far as cost, I don't know, prob 1K to 1,500?
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That's plenty for the size you're looking for. Now, look for a dealer close to home. I bought a Liberty, but I think Amsec is better. Even so, any brand name will work. Avoid Sentry. They're OK and better than nothing, but there are much better safes out there.
 
Thanks for all the replies, that's one thing I didn't think about is cutting base board so it would be flush against the wall. No problem, just glad I saw it here!! Thank you!! Yeah I've read that about China safes and contents. Ok so say I go with a liberty, or Fort Knox. Both are available in my area, how do I know for sure it's USA? Another question I have are about the locks? What seems in yalls opinions to be better and why? Thanks again everyone. Means a lot to get "real" info with what "real" people have, rather than just internet and salesmen.
 
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