Gun Safes

BSB · #1

My children are getting old enough that I need to get everything locked up. I had to lie to a guest the other night when she asked me if all my guns are locked up.

Please don't flame me I am getting a safe. I would like to know what you all would suggest. I don't need it to be all shiney and gold plated. I have around a dozen long arms and 8 handguns. I know not to buy to small so that I don't out grow it. I live in the Houson area and wonder who has the best deals on safes and what brand you would suggest.

Thanks! BSB

longtooth · #2

Built my own so don't have a recomendation. Welcome aboard. Glad to have you. No one will flame you on this board. Keep posting.

See you in print.

stevie_d_64 · #3

I bought a Canon safe "Heritage" series...

It was on sale at a "Safe Store" on I-10 and Normandy in the east Houston area...That may be way out of the way for you...
But the price was right, and he delivered and installed the safe where I wanted it...Of course for a little extra $$$...Believe me its worth it...

The safe itself was UL rated (fire resistant) to about 1450 degrees for about 25 minutes...

I figure the house will burn to the slab before anything bad happens to anything I have in there...

Just something else to consider when you're looking...

I also bought the one with a standard "tumbler" combination...Not the keypad version...I think the bubble "mylar" keypads could wear out over time, and thats just a thing I believe would not happen with the old fashioned tumbler system...

Since I live in a flood prone area...I jacked the safe (as much as I felt comfortable with) on a 3/8 plywood platform on (4) 8"x8" CMU (cinderblock) bricks at each corner of the footprint of the safe...And placed that on top of an equal sized 3/8" plywood base...Just to steady the whole "stack"...I didn't want to have that much point load going through the blocks to the carpet and slab (foundation)...

I also purchased a humidifier "rod" that keeps the inside of the safe at a generally low and constant level of humidity...Thats a good thing to get as well...

BTW, the whole rig I got weighed about 550# empty...

I don't keep an appreciable level of ammo in there either...Just enough to secure for a rainy day (or hurricane)...

Good luck on your search...It is a very wise thing you are doing in my opinion...

Sanguinaire · #4

Something I can answer, as I deal with them on a daily basis.

I'd recommend something from American Security AKA: Amsec. Quality manufacturing, and not that high on the price. Don't worry so much about getting one thats burglery proof, focus on a fireproof model that has good hinges and locking bolts on all sides of the door. And as Stevie said, a standard dial is my preference as oppossed to electronic pads. I've seen more people either screw up the comination change (thus making the lock a paper weight you'll have to pay to replace) or forget the combination.
PROTIP: Amsec safes that come with a standard combination dial from the factory have the default factory combo tied to the serial number of the safe, if it hasn't been changed then in the event of a lost combo a known locksmith can simply call AMSEC and get it, saving it from being drilled. No other manufacturer that I know of does this.

And the best advice I think I can provide is to shop around as the markup on safes is pretty high. Find the model you want and stores that sell it, then either play them off each other for a better deal, or cheaper/free delivery.

And finally since I install these things, look into bolting it to the floor, in the back at the very least, as gun safes are very top heavy, and most of the weight is the door, so it's easier than you'd think to tip one.

PS. invest in a Goldenrod, even if it's not going in the garage. Fireproof safes have humidity and condensation problems due to the fact the fireproofing material contains water, and put any documents that will be stored inside in a ziplock baggy of some sort.

gigag04 · #5

How about a deal for the CHL forum members?? :)

Sanguinaire · #6

gigag04 wrote:How about a deal for the CHL forum members?? :)

I just install the things, I don't have any part in the selling of them, sorry. But if your in the Austin area, Cothron's safe and lock carries a very good selection, all the stores have a few to choose from, but the store on 4th and IH-35 is the main warehouse. There's another safe dealer in austin, but the name escapes me, they should be in the phonebook.

KBCraig · #7

I suggest keeping as much ammo in the safe as you have room for. Adds a lot of mass, reducing the chance (however slight) that someone can winch or drag your safe.

Kevin

longtooth · #8

Welcome Sanguin, glad to have you aboard. Welcome to the forum.

stevie_d_64 · #9

Sanguinaire wrote:...I just install the damn things...

Heavy suckers aren't they!

I guess I never gave much thought to the "tip" risk...

I think I can work a "structural" metal strap from the stud wall to the safe and stabilize the whole thing this week...You won't see it unless you're looking for it...I think that'll do it...

anygunanywhere · #10

Carters Country in Pasadena gave me a sweet deal on an American 42 gun model.

Mrs. Anygun commented that it was bigger than the ones I examined at Academy.

She also said that it looked as if the guns were multiplying since every time she opened it up it looked more crowded.

Papalote · #11

The one regret about the one I bought is that it is too small. I would buy the largest safe I could afford. It seems that one can never get the amount of weapons in the safe that they are "rated" for. Then too, the wife likes to put jewelry and paperwork it there. Go BIG!

Papalote

stevie_d_64 · #12

anygunanywhere wrote:She also said that it looked as if the guns were multiplying since every time she opened it up it looked more crowded.

That really stinks doesn't it?

I hate it when that happens...

cajun_gunner · #13

I bought a 35 cu ft Liberty safe from the new Gander Mountain store in Beaumont. It has 45 min. fire rating, and weighs 880# empty. It was really expensive: $1700 out the door w/ dehumidifiers, and floor bolt down kit.
Carter Country, on the west side of Houston has some good deals. They are on the south side of I-10 and I think they are just inside the 610 loop.

John · #14

I'm going to take another direction on this subject. I do admire the fire proof safes and if you can afford one, that's great. I'm cheap and my wife will attest to that fact. My main goal when I purchased a long gun safe was to keep the kids out. In today's world, that is a must for gun owners. Academy has some inexpensive (ok cheap) long gun safes and they do the job just fine. I picked up a mid-range safe at Academy. I've got insurance for fires so in the event of a fire, I hope to get the family out safely and anything else is secondary.

I do have a fire proof lock box from Home Depot for important papers though. I also have a smaller safe for hand guns with a digital keypad and a Gunvault for the night stand. Both have key back ups and I keep the keys in the long gun safe. I also change the batteries in the hand gun safes every December.

I know the mid-range gun safes weigh less (I think mine is about 300#) and can be carried off by a thief with a dolly, but they can carry off any safe, given enough time.

Also, i have to agree with those above who say to get one larger than you need. I didn't and I regret it. I believe I picked mine up at Academy for some where around $350 - $400 on sale.