Stack-on vs Sentry safes

G

garymb

Inactive
I know the topic of cheap safes has been discussed here already, but I have not found anything that compares Stack-on safes to Sentry safes. I have been looking at the stack-on gsg-710 10 gun safe and the Sentry G1459C 14-gun safe. Walmart sells the Sentry for $388 and the Stack-on for $298.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/SentrySafe-14-Gun-Safe-With-Combination-Lock/11064231
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stack-On-10-Gun-Safe-With-Combination-Lock/11071327

Is it worth the extra money to go for the Sentry safe, or is there really not much of a difference in quality and materials? Basically I am looking for something that will stop most burglars, since burglary has been a problem in my area (mostly the smash and grab type, when people are at work or out of town). What would you all recommend? Is one more likely to resist a crowbar or sledgehammer, if at all? Is it realistic to reinforce one of these safes or add locking bolts (I am handy with a welder, grinder, and drill), or even build one from steel plate and angle iron? Should I consider a different brand safe? Another concern besides price is the weight...I will be moving around for a few years and need to be able to move the safe with me, possibly up stairs (I will be bolting it down wherever I go).
 
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These are grab and go safes my friend. Bolt 'em down. I'd be more concerned about that then the thief breaking into the safe (if you can call these a safe?? more like a lock box) while its in your house. I have heard story's of 10000+ lbs safes walking off.

Best of luck!:D
 
I will absolutely be bolting it down, both on the bottom to the floor and on the back to the wall. Given I do so, would a burglar still likely be able to get into one of these very quickly with a crowbar or sledgehammer? There is an unfinished homemade safe on craigslist near me, slightly larger than the stack-on and is made from 1/4" steel with fireproofing. It looks sturdy, but weighs close to 500lbs. Moving would be troublesome with that one, especially if I ever move upstairs somewhere...plus the asking price is $500. Would it be worth it to try to reinforce the stack-on or sentry, or build my own safe?
 
A local place has that Sentry safe in your first link, except that it has an electronic keypad, that I am seriously considering. I asked a question about this safe in another thread, but got zero response.

In my case, the space I would be putting it into is only about 5-inches wider than the safe in the corner of the closet, and plan on bolting it to the floor And the wall. No room for some jerk to pry it off both the wall and the floor, and a ton of work just to get a crow bar in that part of the closet, so it appeals to me, and the price is good.

I’ve been in my house for 30 years, and have never had anything stolen, nor has the house been broken into, but I do worry about my guns. Rifles in the closet, hand guns here and there.
 
Stack On and Sentry make very similar safes. Neither will protect against sledge hammers, pry bars, or other tools.

It would cost you more to modify a safe than it would to just buy what you think you need.

Secure safes = steel (and or "concrete") = weight = price. If you want something large enough for guns that's going to stop a pry bar attack, it's probably going to weigh more than 500 pounds. It's also going to cost more than $300.

If you're just looking to protect against smash and grab (no tools) or children, then either safe should do fine. If you're just protecting a few guns of modest value, then you don't really need a safe designed to prevent a tool attack.
 
I agree. Bolt the thing down and/or save a bit more and go for a more expensive unit that will offer more solid construction and weight. If you make the investment, it will probably give you 20-50 years of service. Save a few hundred now doesn't really seem like a huge benefit considering the lifetime value of the product.
 
You might look at the Centurion safe by Liberty sold at Lowes, and I think Gander Mtn. holds 14 rifles if I remember right -mine currently is using the adjustable shelves for handguns with less rifle space, still space at the top for other valuables, etc.

Better construction than stack-on. Can be bolted down too.

Joe
 
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