I'm going to buy a new gun safe to hold about 20 to 30 long guns. I don't do this very often, the last one I bought was a used one about 20 years ago. What have you guys found that are good and bad features in the current of safes? And what's the price range delivered that you "experts" have found? To keep this on subject I'm going to keep guns that shoot cast bullets in it.

Ed Barrett

Hello Ed. I bought a Heritage safe. I like it and I like the S&G electronic lock. Get one with fireproofing otherwise it's almost a waste of time. More is better. Mine weighs just under eleven hundred pounds. Buy one that's bigger than you'll think you will need. I would suggest getting a tall one so you have plenty of room for long guns and shelf space for other stuff. Mine is not "easy out", but that does not bother me. I can get more long guns in that way. I'd also suggest you get one that has, or allows the installation of, door pegs for pistols. Save a lot of shelf space that way. Buy the best you can afford. You'll not regret that. If you have a local dealer ask if he delivers free. Mine did and they put it exactly where I wanted it and threw in a golden rod dehumidifier. Hope this helps.

I'm no expert but.... I bought my safe about 10 years ago or so. One of the magazines had a comparison,I cant recall the mags name, I'm thinking it might have been Gun Test, anyway for the money the Sportsman Safe was on the top at that time.
One thing the article said to look out for, was that some safe manufacters were charging hundreds of dollars more for fireproofing, and just using cheap drywall. It said to look for a company that uses ceramic fiber fireproofing which is vastly superior to drywall. I didnt get the fireproofing but I saw that Sportsman used the ceramic fiber, so I figued they more on the up and up.
The price was right, and I could configure the safe anyway I wanted: shelves, rife racks etc. and what type/brand lock, bolts etc.
Now that just about everyone has a website, it will be easy for you to compare.

If you have a "SAM'S WHOLESALE" near you, you might want to consider (or at least look at) the "Winchester" Gun Safe they have for $699 (last time I checked). It has a reasonable fire rating, has 1/4 inch thick door front (skin) and a rather heavy frame, multiple locking bolts, key locking dial on the combination lock and is nicely finished. If you need a larger one, consider "two" of these. I would also suggest that you consider installing what ever safe you get on an 8 inch concrete block base. This makes it much easier to use the safe and keeps water out of it in the event "fire hoses" are ever used in your house. Also suggest that you get whatever you want soon and get all of your "good stuff" in the safe. I have heard too many stories of people "planning" on getting a safe and then have a "loss" or "fire" before they get one. Good luck in whatever you decide to do, Safeshot

I have a stainless mil surplus safe that is 4' wide by 2'deep. I put peg board on the doors so I can put revolvers on one side and autos on the other. It always needs to be bigger though. I think that when I win the lotto that I'll have a safe door mounted in a hardened room. I'd say get the biggest one that will fit in your door.