I concur about the alarm system.
I was compelled by certain events this past year to secure my arms and reloading components. Besides the Fort Knox safe I added a monitored alarm system just for the armory area (what else would you call it)?
Had the installer add an "opening under duress" code, systems disarms normally but makes a silent drop with the duress code. Also added a board that allows remote access to system from any phone, call and check system , if you forget to arm before leaving house, dial in and turn system on. Also changed out the tumbler lock on the safe for the S&G electronic keypad. You can easily change combinations at will with this, plus you can get in fast if set up normally. You can also set this up for a 10 min delayed opening. This might (or might not) help you live an extra 10 mins, maybe enough time for the cops to respond (or not) to the duress drop in a violent home invasion, it will take 10 mins to see if you entered the proper code. A small hideout gun close to the safe is an idea also.
The next layer I'm thinking about adding is the gas dispenser. They make one that looks like a smoke detector and installs up in the ceiling (only thing showing is the dispenser), holds multiple large cans of OC spray that you can contact to the IR detector (or glass break, door contact, ect)on your system, will fill the whole house with gas each time it trips. Great for vacation time.
Still won't keep the die hards from robbing or killing you but it might discourage the half hearted ones.
[This message has been edited by Nukem (edited February 17, 2000).]