Having difficulty finding the right safe

[G.F.C.]

Hi all,

My collection started with a shotgun and a .22 rifle a few years ago. My wife wasn't comfortable with firearms and I thought a locker would put her at ease.

Flash forward a few years and she has as many firearms as I do. Our capacity 6 locker now has... Well, more than that. We want an actual safe, not a locker which is easily damaged and easily broken into.

One thing we do like about the locker is there's just one key to open it up. I keep the key in the lock ready to go when we're home and at night. Everything stays locked up unless in use but it takes less than 2 seconds to open it up and retrieve either of our HD shotguns.

The question is this: Where can we find an actual safe that has a capacity of 8 (no more due to space and money constraints) with a large top shelf or separate shelf for the handguns? Preferably with a key to open, not an electronic lock or combination (we don't want to have to remember a combination if something goes bump in the night.

I've seen low end barskas that have a very small footprint but the capacity is 6. It's like it goes from 6 to 16+ for real safes and everything in between is a locker.

[Steponmytoes]

What is your price range? Most 8 gun safes under $1000. will be made of 12 gauge steel. They will keep kids out but not thieves with simple tools.

If that is ok with you stack on is decent for the money.

[G.F.C.]

I'm definitely looking at under $1k. I don't want another stack on because that's what I have now and a simple crowbar or hammer/punch would easily disable it. Fire rating would be ideal but there's rarely a time when either my wife or I aren't home. We just want decent protection that would offer enough of a deterrent for criminals with simple tools to just take other stuff that's more easily seen.

I did find this, but I need to look at the specs to find out what gauge it is. Thoughts:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/First-Alert-6-2-cu-ft-Gun-Safe-6720F/202350570

[Librarian]

First Alert calls that a 'cabinet': http://www.firstalertstore.com/store...inet-6720F.htm

Wildly varying weights given - 101 at Amazon, 85 at HD, 155 at FA!

Amazon reviewers seem to like it for what it is.

To get something more protective, it appears you can meet your budget - but give up the key lock for a combo.

See, for example, http://www.deansafe.com/lib-rv-18g.html. I like to refer folks to Dean, because they were really nice to me when I was shopping for my own safe, even knowing that I wouldn't likely buy in SoCal when I live in NorCal.

[Jeepergeo]

Most safes actually hold only about half of what the manufacturer says they will hold. Keep that in mind when shopping and comparing.

Check out Costco....they now a then have a small ~12 gun safe, but it has a combo lock. The price is reasonable.

Stack on makes a small vault too that is low price a day better than what they call a security cabinet.

[Steponmytoes]

I know which stack on you are talking about and that is one of the entry level ones. Check this local listing for a decent stack on with fire protection https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/for/5667118129.html

[Caldart]

I have a stack-on 14 gun safe. 20"x20"55" and loaded with guns, ammo, and various other stuff it weighs over 400 lbs. I know if someone wants the contents the will get it but it will not be an easy grab and go.

The footprint is about the size of a 4 draw file cabinet. Snap-on part number fs-14-mg. Paid about $400 for it.

[Sir Toast]

stick with a combination lock, not electronic. I've used combinations for 30 years and never had to call a smith. Plus, they're cheaper.

I'm not sure where you are. But if you're in so-cal, definitely call Homeland Safe. Tell them what your budget is and they'll build the best safe that can be purchased at that price. Plus, they'll deliver it and install it as part of the package.

Sturdy group buy is going on now, but they are expensive. (worth it, but expensive.)

[bsg]

First Alert calls that a 'cabinet': http://www.firstalertstore.com/store...inet-6720F.htm

Wildly varying weights given - 101 at Amazon, 85 at HD, 155 at FA!

Amazon reviewers seem to like it for what it is.

To get something more protective, it appears you can meet your budget - but give up the key lock for a combo.

See, for example, http://www.deansafe.com/lib-rv-18g.html. I like to refer folks to Dean, because they were really nice to me when I was shopping for my own safe, even knowing that I wouldn't likely buy in SoCal when I live in NorCal.

in addition to new offerings, Dean Safe has a used section on their internet site that may be of interest to the OP.

[G.F.C.]

I appreciate all the feedback. I think the main thing holding me back from what would be considered a 'real' safe is the weight. Ideally I am looking for a one man portable safe but the deans and westcoastsafes.com (one of our sponsors) make it really tempting.

I mean for less than $300 I can get a 12-16 capacity... Granted there's no way I could move it myself considering the layout of my home but it sure is tempting.

[DaveInOroValley]

Don't spend too much most safes are pretty easy to get into if someone has the time. For me a safe along with a home security system is money well spent.

[FresnoRob]

Don't spend too much most safes Cheap are pretty easy to get into if someone has the time. For me a safe along with a home security system is money well spent.

Fixed it for you daveinwoodland.


You won't get into a higher priced safe like Sturdy easy if at all.
Due to your budget I'd look at Costco's Big Horn safe. It may not be on sale at the moment not sure.
I doubt you will find a real safe with a key lock unless it is some custom safe.
A dial is fine and just do like you did with the key and open it at night if kids are not a problem.

[Garand1911]

I second Dean safe, they are very nice people and not pushy.
They have a new show room in culver city.

Most combo dial safes can have a key lock installed locking the dial open or closed. Some might call it a "day lock", when you leave the house take the key out and spin the dial.

A keyed lock can be picked or drilled.

You might need more than one safe.
One for HD guns, and one for other guns.
This might be a good choice.

http://www.deansafe.com/amsec-dv652-defense-vault.html