Antique safe for handguns.

N

Notanotherstatistic

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I came across an antique safe today. Guy that had it found out he couldn't scrap it so just wanted it gone. Judging from how it rode on my trailer I'm guessing its around 6-700 lbs. Since it seems to be in decent shape for its age and the price was perfect, figured I'd have the lock serviced. Dropped it off at the local shop a mile from where it had sat for the last 70+ years.

The real question I have for the forum is how suitable is such an old fire safe for general handgun storage? In my extremely brief inspection, I didn't see any provision for electric for a heater or light. Might well have missed it as I wasn't really looking for that at the time. Should I use desiccant? Will a dehumidifier in a basement room keeping it around 50% or less help or not so much?

I'm looking to secure a couple handguns and have a safe spot to keep important papers etc. I am committed to the project at this point. Just not certain how appropriate such an old safe is for storing handguns.

Sorry if this has been covered, a couple searches from a phone turned up next to nothing. Am I just overthinking this? I'd feel stupid to finally buy a safe and ruin a couple of decent guns.
 
Go for it !!!

Well, right now at face value, I see no reason why it would not give you good performance. Some of these old boys, are better made than ones you buy today. Just not all that fancy or pretty but so what. As far as power entrance, look it over real good and you can always drill an access hole. Some wall are pretty thick and filled with concrete. ... .. ;)

Hey, why don't you send us some pictures?? .... :confused:

Be Safe !!!
 
I realize how bad this thread needs more info about the safe... And pics. I'll have some tomorrow. If I can get em posted. Minutes after I made the deal to get it, I dropped it off at a very nearby locksmith and safe company. I barely looked it over, deciding that first order of business was a professional service of the lock. If that goes well, I'll be on to cleaning it up to decide if it keeps it patina or gets restored. It is kinda cool as it is. Could just clear it as is.

I'm very hesitant to drill on an antique fire safe until I'm certain it isn't asbestos lined. I'm sure that wouldn't be a good idea to tackle once its inside the house either. Outdoors with a mist maybe? Probably not a good idea.
 
What sort of precautions do people use with antique safes? Is humidity and condensation not really an issue in such an insulated heavy walled safe? If room humidity is kept in check am I good to go?
 
Humidity transmission is driven by vapor pressure. Humidity only travels in one direction -- from the zone of higher humidity to zones of lower humidity. Which means that controlling the humidity in the room will effectively control the humidity in the safe.
 
The company changing/checking the lock for you could put a hole in the side of it (or anywhere or want it). You just need something that you can run a power cord through.

I love old safes, especially the way the insides are laid out. Most of the older ones I have seen had the selves and little drawers. Some of the fancier ones had a safe within a safe.

Bu a dehumidifier in the basement, or wherever the safe will be kept should do the trick for you.
 
You just need something that you can run a power cord through.
Click to expand...

Yes, you just need a small hole to run the cord through. You can screw on an end on the inside of the safe.

Still, if this is a neat looking antique safe, why not display it somewhere insude your house?
 
Or, if you don't want to run a powered dehumidifier you an always use the rechargable kind. It is a little box filled with beads. About once a month or so, you simply take it out and plug it into the wall where it heats up and recharges the beads. The last time I bought one it was less than $20 so it isn't a big investment.
 
If you have no mold nor mildew problems where you want to put the safe, they won't magically appear when you install it

Most people worry far too much over a largely nonexistent prblem
 
Friend (really) got a free bank safe years ago. Maybe 3'x3' with walls 6" thick. Thing probably weighs 1000 lbs. In a basement, he has had no problems.
 
Took some pics, now if I can get them to post...

The safes outside dimensions at 24"x25"x 36" tall. Inside dimensions are 15"x16" and 20" tall. Safe guy says its early 20th century. Without researching it he was certain it was made prior to 1920. My best estimate would put the weight somewhere between 600-750 lbs.

It isn't exactly pretty. What it lacks in beauty it makes up for with buckets of character.
 
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