Two Safe Partnership

[talist]

[pdempsey1097]

Check Out Canon Safes at Costco

For the larger of the 2 you're considering, I would check out Costco.
They regularly discount one of their Canon Gun Safes to $599.
It's a very good quality safe, and should meet your needs.

As far as for "by the bed", LOTS of options. I purchased a drawer style safe with digital and key entry for under $40. Meets CA DOJ requirements and my needs.

Good luck.

[talist]

Thanks. I've read many good reviews on the Cannon safes. They are certainly on the short list. My primary factor for the Defense Vault is the many recommendations for having a shotgun in a HD situation vs a handgun.

[WWDHD?]

On the pistol lock box: I have a Fort Knox table top bolted to my dresser. It weighs 20+ lbs. and has a mechanical lock, no batteries or electronics. Not sure if they still make it or not but I like mine very much. V-line makes a similar one sold through Cabela's.
These lock boxes are really only good for keeping kids out. If I know that I'll be out of the house for more than 24 hours my HD gun goes into the Sturdy safe.
Good luck finding what works for you.

[JaMail]

costco has a gunvault single for 69, ive had one of mine for almost 10 years now. bought another two over the last few years.. i like them, only had one problem, and i guess it was cuz i used bad batteries, second i switched them out for duracell, it was fine.

[bsg]

like WWDHD has suggested... i wouldn't count on the small table top box when i'm not home; into the real safe the gun should go when you're out.

do your homework, then make your money stretch; consider the secondary market for your primary safe; CL is a good source for safes. i've seen some good deals happen right here on the forum as well.

get a safe you will grow into; not one you will grow out of. a safe will fill up fast.

[TheSafeMover]

The Defense Vault by Amsec is one of the better products I've seen out there. It will fit both a shotgun and a couple handguns with some extra ammo and its very quick access. And with it being under the bed you are going to be near it in a home defense situation. There not too badly priced either. We sell them for $439 so well within the budget you mentioned. The downside is they aren't firerated and security is more in the "locker" class rather than an actual safe. Going with an actual safe can have some advantages but will cost a little more. . The upgrade to going with an actual safe is you can put other things in it, like paperwork, or cash on had, ammo, it becomes a lot more useful but you have to have the space for it. There is a member on here I saw that was selling a amsec TF6032 which is a great size and has some fire rating. Here it is.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=466689&highlight=tf6032

But like bsg said CL is a good place to start if your looking for a safe.

[WWDHD?]

Whatever you get just make sure it has that CA DOJ approval if you have kids around. Most RSCs and pistol boxes do anyways but make sure. You might be opening yourself up to some extra legal liability without it.

[talist]

Many good points to consider.

WWDHD?, your statement regarding moving your HD gun to the safe when you're away is one that I didn't give to much thought to. As I think about it, I expected to use the Defense Vault for short-term storage only.

I think a Cannon Safe and the Defense Vault will likely be my choices.

Thanks for the replies.


Thanks,

Talist

[esskay]

Thanks. I've read many good reviews on the Cannon safes. They are certainly on the short list. My primary factor for the Defense Vault is the many recommendations for having a shotgun in a HD situation vs a handgun.

Talist,
Just a couple thoughts for your consideration:

* Please seriously consider investing some time and $$ in quality training. Kudos to you for wanting to prepare yourself to defend your family and do so safely. Learning how to use your weapon systems effectively (including in low light) is crucial.

* There are many arguments/rationale around what type of weapon to use for home defense. We needn't sidetrack this thread for that, especially since I am a firm believer in different tools for different jobs. But I just wanted to put forth something for you to think about as you choose a primary weapon for home defense -- you mention two young boys < 4 y.o. What is the likelihood that you might need to wrangle one or both of them yourself while also deploying your weapon? If so, how might this work with, let's say a pump action 12ga shotgun that is some 39" long and requires both hands to operate? Just something for you to think about!

* I am a big believer in a quick access safe (with electronic lock) for primary defensive firearms, and an extremely secure safe (with mechanical lock) for storage. For your large safe, I like to see 7-8 gauge or thicker steel. I like the fit & finish & features on Cannon safes, but I prefer external hinges (hinges should not be a security feature of a large safe and external hinges open wider and do not infringe on internal volume).

* I second keeping an eye on Craigslist for good deals on used safes. But this route requires a lot of patience! It can take a long time to find what you want.

[Saym14]

For the larger of the 2 you're considering, I would check out Costco.
They regularly discount one of their Canon Gun Safes to $599.
It's a very good quality safe, and should meet your needs.

As far as for "by the bed", LOTS of options. I purchased a drawer style safe with digital and key entry for under $40. Meets CA DOJ requirements and my needs.

Good luck.

I got a COstco safe and love it.

[talist]

Talist,
Just a couple thoughts for your consideration:

* Please seriously consider investing some time and $$ in quality training. Kudos to you for wanting to prepare yourself to defend your family and do so safely. Learning how to use your weapon systems effectively (including in low light) is crucial.

* There are many arguments/rationale around what type of weapon to use for home defense. We needn't sidetrack this thread for that, especially since I am a firm believer in different tools for different jobs. But I just wanted to put forth something for you to think about as you choose a primary weapon for home defense -- you mention two young boys < 4 y.o. What is the likelihood that you might need to wrangle one or both of them yourself while also deploying your weapon? If so, how might this work with, let's say a pump action 12ga shotgun that is some 39" long and requires both hands to operate? Just something for you to think about!

* I am a big believer in a quick access safe (with electronic lock) for primary defensive firearms, and an extremely secure safe (with mechanical lock) for storage. For your large safe, I like to see 7-8 gauge or thicker steel. I like the fit & finish & features on Cannon safes, but I prefer external hinges (hinges should not be a security feature of a large safe and external hinges open wider and do not infringe on internal volume).

* I second keeping an eye on Craigslist for good deals on used safes. But this route requires a lot of patience! It can take a long time to find what you want.

ESSKay,
Another excellent point, which I didn't consider (holding onto one or more of my boys while armed). The people in this forum are an endless wealth of knowledge.

Your point about training is spot on. I've taken a defensive pistol course, and have been looking at the Frontsight training (4 day defensive pistol and the shotgun course). My training budget is 1.5-2 times that of my $1500.00 firearm budget. It's my opinion that good quality training and learned skill trumps the hardware selection every time.


Thanks,

[esskay]

I do believe strongly that there is a time & place for long arms like rifles & shotguns. But with young children and potential scenarios in your home, I'd imagine there's a good chance that you might need to have a hand free to deal with them. So in that situation, a pistol with a weapon mounted light & pressure switch for one-handed operation is a strong choice (a laser could be a valuable option too).

Regarding training, I would also encourage you to look at the big picture. Frontsight training can seem like a very good deal when buying certificates on the secondary market. But add in the costs of travel, lodging, food, etc... and it might just be pretty close to the cost of local training opportunities in your own backyard. And in Sacramento, you have access to a number of well-regarded training outfits.

LMS Defense schedules a lot of courses in the area. Gray Ops (Stone Cobra) is local. Various other trainers, including some nationally renowned folks, will come through Sacramento from time to time. (Sac Valley seems to be the mecca for this?)

[esskay]

Oh, I should also add that I am a big proponent of competitive shooting (e.g. practical action shooting like 3-gun, USPSA, IDPA, steel) as a tremendously valuable way to build your fundamental shooting ability. By no means is it "tactical training." But with some discipline, forethought, and an open mind & good attitude, it will develop your shooting ability like no other and will be incredibly fun along the way.

Consider putting some of your training budget toward ammo for shooting matches.