What to look for in firearms storage?

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Darthmaum

New member
With the imminent acquisition of 2 shotguns, Jedi and I are wanting to purchase a gun-safe in the near future. Neither of us really know much about them, but we do know that we want something big enough to hold handguns as well as long-guns, something that's "fire-proof," tamper-resistant, hinged on the inside, and also relatively affordable (ie we don't want to spend $3000 on a safe!).

I've looked at Liberty Safe and Cannon Safe's websites, but feel a little overwhelmed with all the different models and features there. That being said, what is essential in a gunsafe and what are some other good brands to look at?

I've noticed that they come with different thicknesses of steel, so what's a good thickness without overdoing it? Weight isn't really a problem for us (other than being a monster to move) as our house is on a slab . Also do manual locks seem to work better/be more reliable than the electronic ones? What is the minimum number of tumblers necessary for adequate security? Would the safes rated at 1200 Deg for 30 minutes fire protection be adequate in a house fire, with firearms and other valuables coming out intact?

I know opinions will vary, but hopefully not so much as the oft repeated, beaten-into-the-ground "which gun for self-defense" thread.

Thanks in advance for helping educate us on such an important decision!

OOOPS, I meant to post this in General, I guess I had a brain fart. Moderators feel free to move to general!

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Liberty or death, what we so proudly hail... DON'T TREAD ON ME!!-Metallica

"Many's the men who've battled foe
many the number slain,
many the lads have fallen though
Scotland shall rise again."

Behind the walls of thoughts there lyes, Something timeless something wise. Within us all the prize of our past; From father to son, from the first to the last. And so full circle the image reappears; to this second son born, the hazy mist clears. An echo swamped in youthful rage, revealed once more with the coming of age. So forget ye not the departed ones, for the souls they live on, in the blood of the sons..."-Steve McDonald

[This message has been edited by Darthmaum (edited May 24, 2000).]
 
Darth,

Call Southern Security (IIRC). I believe they have free literature that looks at & explains all espects of safe construction (steel thinkness, # of bolts, fire proofing, relockers, etc).

It was very informative when I was looking for a safe... cleared through alot of fox. There # is 1-800-251-9992.

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Schmit
GySgt, USMC(Ret)
NRA Life, Lodge 1201-UOSSS
"Si vis Pacem Para Bellum"
 
No problem Darthmaum, you'll probably get more responses over there anyway.

Here we go...

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RKBA!
"The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security"
Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 4 Concealed Carry is illegal in Ohio.
Ohioans for Concealed Carry Website
 
Whatever brand you decide on, make sure to get one bigger than you think you need. I bought a 72" tall Liberty with half shelves and half open with two full shelves above and I'm now running out of room...make that I have run out of room. The 1200 degrees @ 30 min rating is pretty much an industry standard IIRC. For papers and other easily flammable materials (photos etc) get one of the small fireproof lockboxes sold at home centers or one of the -Marts. Putting your important papers inside of the lockbox should add significant fire protection. Remember to look for an interior that matches your needs and take into account any future expansion of needs. Do you have much camera equipment, jewelry, rare coins etc? These would require shelf space and not rifle or bulk storage space.
My safe has a combination tumbler with a keylock daylock in it. I didn't want any electronic gizmos locking my safe as that is one less potential problem to eventually deal with. I didn't get the fancy paint finish or gold trim. All I wanted was protection. All in all with shipping and delivery I spent around $2k on mine. I did buy several desicant packs and have them scattered about in various parts of the safe for moisture control.
There are quite a few brands of safe, Liberty, Cannon, Winchester, Browning just to name a few. Some of these are basically house names and are actually built by one of the other companies.
Another possible option is to buy a used safe. You may want to ask your dealer if they have any tradeins or possibly ask a locksmith if they have any used safes for sale.
All in all, the safe is not going to be cheap but it's the best insurance I've ever bought, if only for the piece of mind it gives when I'm not home and my guns and other valuables have to fend for themselves.
Maybe someday I'll buy a smartgun that can defend all of my dumbguns, then I can get rid of the safe :)
 
As far as the interior goes......consider getting a safe with out the interior and constructing the interior to fit your needs...fubsy.
 
There's a lot of info on safes in the Rec.guns FAQ: http://www.recguns.com/OutXIIIb.html

In general: 1) figure out how many guns you will every buy. 2) multiply that number by 2. Size your safe based on that. You'd be surprised how quicly firearms breed in the dark of a safe ;)

On size and weight of the safe, the thicker the walls the better. Thin walls (less than 1/4") can be defeated using peeling techniques. Thicker walls prevent this.

Get an electronic lock. The typical S&G Type II manual lock can be defeated by manipulation (by a pro).

Have the safe delivered and installed by a qualified moving company. Dropping a 750 lb safe on your spouse will ruin their whole day. Once it is in place, bolt it down to the floor. Run electricity into the safe so you can use a Golden Rod to reduce moisture problems.

Jared
 
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