First safe. What you know now that you wish you knew then.

[handjam]

I'm in the market for my first safe. I've done some reading and research, but I know from other types of purchases that experience is the best teacher and I often do things a bit differently the second time around.

With that said, what do you know now that you wished you knew when you bought your first safe?

[tradecraft]

Buy bigger than you need and hide it well. Unless you're getting an actual safe, most options on the market don't protect from jack diddly. Fire will destroy anything inside, flood will do the same, and burglars will just cut the sides. YMMV.

[The 4th born]

I learned that a stair climbing dolly can scratch wood stairs and instead should have just visited a crossfit gym and hire some dudes to carry it up my stairs

[Daze]

Go Big

Buy bigger than you think you'll need.

Look for a unit that has outlets ( power and ethernet.) I know a couple that I looked out recently had both. Which is a huge deal if you plan to run lights, dehumidifier, or an alarm in your safe.

Door organizers are very nice to have to save wasted space.

If you can have it delivered at a time when as few people as possible will see it come in.

If it will be someplace visible ( like a garage that opens,) consider a cover for it, they make covers that will make it look like a fridge or cabinet.

Bolt it to the foundation!! Otherwise you just presented all your valuables in a easy to transport box when someone with a truck and handtruck comes along

[trackcage]

Buy bigger than you need.
Realize that some safes (a lot) are just lipstick.
Be realistic about what you are trying to store, and the value you're protecting. For a lot of people, a job box would do the same task.
Consider supplemental firearm insurance. Just a safe isn't always good enough.
Bolt it down (obvi).
Consider placement. Probably don't want it front and center when you open your garage door.

[rodblder]

Buy big. I have 3 now, first was 35 yrs ago, has 2 key locks and not fireproof, last 2 are fireproof and the 3rd is the biggest of the three.
Bought my son a 48" wide one 6 months ago, its now full!!

[L84CABO]

Make sure you understand the difference between a safe...a REAL safe and a RSC. A real safe is likely going to cost a minimum of $5K and often quite a bit more. It will also weigh in the thousands of pounds, not hundreds.

And I'm not knocking RSC's. They absolutely have their place and there are some really good ones. My point is that it would be a bummer if you thought you were buying more security than you really are and subsequently decided to skip/cancel firearms insurance...and then had break-in.

Somebody already pointed out that buying a "safe" can be a lot of lipstick...which is absolutely true. Everything you really need to know about a "safe" is hidden under the glossy paint and the outer layer. And a lot of companies don't do a very good job of explaining what lies beneath. Some of this is obviously for security purposes. But it makes it very hard to see what you're getting and compare it with comparable models. Again, the point is to make sure you understand how much security you're getting so that you can take whatever other steps are necessary (ie insurance, better security around your house and the safe, etc.). Finding a good and knowledgeable dealer that you trust is absolutely key. And make sure you're taking the time to sort through this and learn about the products you are looking at. This is an item that takes a fair amount of research and effort on your part. Make sure you're putting in the time.

[DoubleA]

Figure out what size you need. Double that. Double it again. Round up. That is what to purchase. You WILL fill it up. Not kidding.


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[Guns and guitars]

Buy bigger than you need.

Mount it to the floor.

Get a old style dial over electronic ones.

Get a internet monitoring system.

Use "gun safe solutions" storage rods.

Get a golden rod.

But most importantly buy the biggest safe you possibly can.

[Maulerrr]

Buy bigger than you need.

Mount it to the floor.

Get a old style dial over electronic ones.

Get a internet monitoring system.

Use "gun safe solutions" storage rods.

Get a golden rod.

But most importantly buy the biggest safe you possibly can.

Amen to ALL of that

Can't stress enough buying the biggest possible safe for what your space allows.

[Mike512usa]

In hind sight, I would have bought smaller and just bought more of the same safes as needed. A modular approach that would be easier to move for the future. I bought a monster safe (to me) that holds 65 long guns.

[K001]

Bigger is better!

[JTBEE24]

Reiterating what most have already said...buy the biggest you can afford. Also, study up on the difference between a Residential Security Container and an actual safe.

Good luck!

[tsmithson]

AMSEC BF RSC is a great safe. Start by studying that safes construction. Then move up to TL15 or TL30 for a real safe. Go TL30x6 for real protection. The dream safe is the ISM TLTRX, just drop $15,000 and your new 5,000 Pound safe will slow down even the professional safe cracker. A KNAACK lock box has more security then most safes under $2,500. To secure wealth count on a safe costing $3,000 to $5,000 to secure $30,000. If money is tight get a KNAACK lock box to secure $3,000-$4,000 in property. Good Luck

[The 4th born]

OP, how many firearms do you have??