gun safes

[peder]

I am thinking of buying a gun safe. Any input or info would be helpful. Thanks.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Before you drop insane amounts of $$$, ask yourself why you want a safe. To keep the kids out? To keep the thieves away? For fire protection?

If you want a safe for theft protection I'd look into something that is insanely heavy, and will bolt directly to floor joists and wall studs. Thieves will take the whole safe and try to crack it elsewhere. Might as well make it super duper difficult to get the safe outta the house.

Don't believe the fire protection hype. If your house burns down around your safe, no matter how good or expensive of a safe it is, your guns are ruined. They may still physically exist, but they are ruined.

If you have kids around and are looking to keep them away from the guns, you're a smart dude. Most any safe will accomplish this.

[luckey]

Get it big, heavy and with an electronic lock.

Big - You can never have it too big.

Heavy - The harder it is to move the more likely it will not be moved.

Electronic lock - Faster, eaiser access.

[Northland Sportsman]

I bought a gun safe a few years ago. I wanted it due to having kids and theft protection, but couldn't afford really expensive model. I found one that weighs about #300 empty for about $300. It is not a fire safe and does not have an electronic lock. It is a combo lock and bolts to the floor and wall. I am very happy with the safe quality. I can't remeber the brand name though but i got it on sale a a big box store. the only thing I wish I would have done is maybe get a bigger one so I can buy more guns! I think it is rated for 14 guns but it would be real tight with that many in it. Good luck on your purchase, a wise investment in my opinion.

[peder]

Thanks for the advise. The main reason is to keep the guns away from the kids and any of their friends. I trust my kids but boys love guns and would hate to have a lapse in judgement turn into a tragic event. I would like the safe heavy enough to deter theft. If my house burns down guns will be the least of my problems.

[tealitup]

One thing to remember... Kids like to climb, make sure it is heavy enough not to tip or has the capability to be attached to a wall or floor.

[PrairieHunter]

The low end price one worked well for me. Key opening.

Weight is not that important since two lag bolts (screws) secure the safe to the wall studs.

Holds sixteen guns - that may be the only long term issue

I use a desiccant to absorb some excess water.

I would rather spend $189 and put the difference on a new gun

[S.D. Ice Angular]

I would agree with “Luckey” BIG is very important it will out grow it self immediately you will find that you will want to put many things other then guns in there.

I would also recommend bolting it to the floor when on concrete or floor & wall if on an upper level floor.

I also believe that they do provide fire protection (mine has).

But as previous posts have said buy it for your immediate needs then expand to the additional protection it will provide.

[Powerstroke]

Don't be sway on fireproofness (is that a word?) Even so called fire safes for personal belongings rarely hold up to a house fire.

I'm not trying to debate whether or not they really work. I am a firefighter and they teach us lots of things to look out for such as this.

My point is that you shouldn't pay extra for a safe of the same quality with a fire rating. If you're really worried about losing something priceless in a fire you shouldn't store it at home.