Gun Safes?

finhunter · November 22, 2007, 07:12:42 PM

I was wondering if ya'll had any advice on gun safes. I have been shopping around for one, but there are so many that it's hard to choose. I like the Browning safes but they are pretty expensive.

FH

Hawks Feather · November 22, 2007, 08:06:50 PM

To me it all depends on what you are putting in the safe and what you expect it to do. If you have a couple of hundred dollars invested in your guns and you are just looking for a place to keep them out of kid's hands - then about any will work. If you add up what you have invested in your gun collection and it scares you, then you need more than an entry level safe. Usually, the higher the price, the more the safe will do. Usually the higher the price, the more hardened steel rods there will be that will lock up against the frame of the safe. The more of these rods there are, the less chance of a pry bar allowing access to your guns. Then there is the actual weight of the safe - usually higher priced safes will weigh more. Weight is good since you don't want a couple of people to come in and carry out your safe. In many cases there are ways to attach lighter weight safes to the floor. Then there is the question, do you want your guns to be there after a fire. Or maybe I should say be functional after a fire. Fire proofing material adds to the cost of the safe. If you can go to a place that stocks gun safes you can compare the above and also try out the locking/unlocking function. Some have Greenleaf (I think that is correct) tumblers and are nice and tight when you turn them. Others feel like they should be on a kid's bank. As the salesperson what happens when someone uses a sledge hammer on it and breaks it off. Will that give them access to the safe? Key pads are easier than cylinders, but again usually cost more. Hopefully this will give you a few questions to answer that will help you make up your mind. If I can help you more, let me know.

Jerry

finhunter · November 23, 2007, 03:35:50 AM

Thanks Jerry,

That gives me something to work with. I don't have children in the house, but I don't want my 15 or so firearms to walk out the door when I'm not at home. Like you said, there is always that chance of a fire also.

Thanks, FH

vvarmitr · November 23, 2007, 08:05:57 AM

Realize too just because there are 30 notches around the edge of the holders that it isn't going to hold 30 guns unless they're Daisy Red Riders w/o scopes.

More than gun storeage, you can put your important papers & other stuff there to.
It's a lot insurance ... buy the best you can afford & maybe then some. To me my guns are a big part of my life that I don't want to lose.

BTW I lusted after the Browning safe too, but couldn't afford one that would hold my guns.

HaMeR · November 23, 2007, 08:39:40 AM

I just got a 24 gun safe in July. I will admit I got a good deal from the store manager because I know him. He's a good guy. But at any rate,, I bought a Cannon safe with the key pad. After checking things out I found no reason to not buy a Cannon.

#1-- Dial safes have a +/- 5 on them. If your combination has 35 in it you can still open it from 30-40 if you turn it slowly & listen for the click.
#2-- Keypads require the exact 6 digit number plus the keypad can be removed & stored elsewhere.
#3-- Warranty-- No matter what happens to this safe all I have to do is call the factory & give them my address,, tell them what happened,, & set the safe on the curb. They will pick it up,, repair/replace,, & deliver it back to the curb for FREE.

I think the fire rating was 30 minutes. Unsure on that now.

This safe was $700 regular price but I was lucky enough to know somebody this time around.

And as VV said,,, it's gonna be real tough getting 24 guns in a 24 gun safe.

Sorry I missed this & hope it isn't too late.

HaMeR · November 23, 2007, 08:44:31 AM

AE22 is the one I picked up. Click on the "Warranty Information" tab on the left side of the screen. I think you'll be pleased with what you read on that page.

http://www.cannonsafe.com/safesamericaneagle.nxg

Don't look past the Remington safes either. The only reason I didn't buy one was because of the curbside warranty I mentioned with the Cannon.

HTH

studabaka · November 27, 2007, 07:03:35 PM

Thanks for posting this topic!!

It got me going on somethingI have been needing to do, but putting off. I just placed an order for a Patriot Safe. It was not the lowest price for the size, but it seemed to me to be excellent value given it's specifications. I should have a better idea of the real product in a couple weeks and will make a post w/pics.

studabaka · December 08, 2007, 09:36:39 AM

Here's the safe I ended up getting....

The exterior hinges are nice cause it opens more than 180 degrees. It's a tank, but it sure is a purdy tank

Hawks Feather · December 08, 2007, 09:57:30 AM

Stu,

I noticed part of the safe in your last picture and was wondering if you were waiting for someone to notice it or if you were just giving us a tease. It looks like you have some room left in there, and that means only one thing - you need more guns. That looks like the lamp could get REALLY hot!

Jerry

studabaka · December 08, 2007, 10:48:25 AM

:roflmao: Yeah, I guess that was a little teaser

It just came yesterday. I also didn't fully realize the symbiotic relationship between guns and safes..... I figured I should go with a slightly bigger model 'in case' I were to get more guns..... Now that I see my guns in it, I'm thinking like you are...'need more guns'.... but then once I fill it I will probably feel like 'need more safe'

A very vicious cycle.... oh well

HaMeR · December 08, 2007, 06:01:35 PM

Thats a nice safe Stu!! I'm trying to fill mine up too.

Except the wife keeps an (evil) eye on it!!

otdrmn22250 · December 09, 2007, 08:05:09 AM

I have a Cannon 28 gun. I got 21 in it and it a lil' snug. It's heavy and not real pretty, but it gets the job done.

Gun Safes?

otdrmn22250