There's the potential that my collection will shortly expand dramatically so I'm looking at getting a proper safe. At some point in the future I'm looking at owning roughly 15 long guns (mix of shotguns and rifles) and 3-4 handguns (scoped hunting and autos). I would also keep documents and my wife's jewelry in it.

I have not done much research yet, so was wondering if someone might point me in a good direction. Looks are definately secondary. I'd much rather put my budget into function rather than form. I think price range should be between $1,000 & $2,000. I have thought about features, like level of fire protection, weight and how easily it's bolted to the floor or wall...

Thanks for any help. GFP

Just a bit of advice... consider getting several "normal size" safes rather than one huge one.

Those big safes are NOT easy to move when the time comes!

jpb

Gonzo,
Rule number one: Buy a safe twice as big as you think you'll ever use. Couple of reasons: As pointed out already they ain't as easy as a refridgerator to move. Two, when the wife figures out its good for jewelry and important papers and etc etc. Three: You will fill it up with guns and if you want 15, someday you'll want 16, or 20 or 25...
There are a ton of safe manufacturers out there: Ft Knox, Champion, Heritage, Browning, Liberty etc etc. My advice is simple: Compare overall quality and fire ratings. In terms of security: Thicker steel is better (and heavier) than thinner. Fire rating is based on time and temperature. The door is the most vulnerable part.., look at how its recessed in the frame, the number and size of the locking lugs/pins. And any anti-theft measures such as a drill plate etc.
I will say that the security aspect of the safe is probably one of the most hyped aspect of this whole affair. The companies make it hard to understand play off your ignorance and fears. Almost any safe is going to provide enough deterrant to the average burglar because it takes too much time and makes too much noise to try and get it open. As a result the safe industry makes all kinds of claims and invents super special terminology to confuse the issue. Try and look past the sales hype and marketing literature and just use a little common sense tempered with a healthy dose of cynicism. Look for a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) fire rating.
Finally, the lock. I prefer the standard S&G dial lock with the keyed center dial. Some people like the convenience of the dial pad. But I've talked with a few people who have had problems with batteries going dead or electronic failures. A mechanical lock may break but it will never need new batteries Either system has its advantages/drawback.
I've owned Ft Knox and Heritage and for the money the Heritage is a better buy. IMO... Why have I owned two safes? Go to the beginning of my post and re-read Rule #1...
Lastly, moving with a safe isn't a big deal. I had the local moving company do it and they charged me $125 flat fee on top of their normal rate. And they moved it down two flights of stairs!!! This is a job for the pros... Unless you ENJOY back pain and visits to the chiropractor/orthopedic surgeon...

[ 09-15-2003, 16:13: Message edited by: Kentucky Nimrod ]

Hey Gonzo, I just went through the same decision-making process as you. I posted here, got some advice, and used it to search for what I think is going to be a great safe. I'm having one built by Homeland in California to my specifications. After some pretty extensive shopping, I decided on them because of the heavy-duty body, massive locking bolts, awesome fire protection, and friendly customer service. I ordered my safe Friday and will pick it up October 17. I can't wait. If you want some more details, and contact information (one guy there in particular is great to deal with), drop me an email at dtwiebe@yahoo.com. Good luck in your shopping.

First ask yourself why do you want a safe. TO KEEP YOU GUNS SAFE, RIGHT. A couple of small safes so someone could cart them off, and open them at will in another place, is really smart. I would suggest buying an old safe. Why would one want a key to open your safe, so someone could find it and open your safe. Most of these new safes have 5/8" sheetrock as their fire protection. If you have ever seen a house fire you know what happens to sheetrock. And most of these safes could be opened with a drill and a good metal saw. Some protection!!!!
I have an old used Mosler safe that weights 3700 pounds and has a four hour fire rating with locking bolts on all four sides of the door. It has a dial lock. And I got it from a building that they were tearing down for $250.00. Had a safe company move it for me for $150.00. So for $400.00 dollars I have real safe. I also have a silent alarm in my house. All this is cheap protection for a lifetime of collecting some valuable Rifles and Handguns. Get in touch with a safe company in your area and see it they have any old safes that will fit your needs. I would not feel good about putting my guns in one of these new safes. Enough said..........

A company that showed at SCI was Safari Safe www.safarisafe.com . They have a very nice product line with good prices. They are worth a look.

I have a safe that I am very happy with, and it isn't bolted to the floor, at 600+ pounds empty I am not too worried about somebody getting out of my mobile home without being noticed. I have retired neighbor on one side and there are majorly snoopy people all over the park. If I were in a house I would bolt it down, but as it is I am lucky the floor supports it. :-)

I would say that my preference would be a vault DOOR. Not a commercial safe, just a commercial vault door, you can also get them from the safe manufacturers. I would built it into a closet and put a hidden door to get to the whole setup. I know of two or three of these setups, where you walk to the back of a closet, a secret door can be opened, and then the vault door is there.

Alternatively a magazine article a year back or so gave details of creating a vault and then they just covered the front of it with a wall hanging and made it disguised that way. But all of that is much more than most people need or want to go to the hassle of. I could have bought a vault door from a local company, their prototype just primered, for 650, but my mobile home won't support the weight. :-)

So, go with a commercial safe, get it no frills, and get it double the size you need. I bought mine when I had half a dozen long guns and some pistols, I now have it crammed overflowing (rifles under beds and such) with all my rifles and a couple of my mom and stepdad's (and I only got it two years ago). I bought my safe which is like 60x27x36 for 850, and it is 8 gauge through the body!

Red

gonzo -

there is a member at the bait shop who works in gunsafes, locks and other security products for a living, and has been doing it for a LOT of years. i would strongly recommend seeking him out. his handle is cb900f.

he will not only be able to steer you in the right direction, he will also probably be able to help you avoid many pitfalls, such as paying too much.

Don't have a bunch of time to type a response so in short....I did a lot of research on features/design for the $$ and ended up with a Fort Knox 66x40. I really like the size, features and design and think I got a great value for my money.

Gonzo, Hard to choose isn't it? I did all the comparisons and for me the Ft. Knox ended up being the choice. I have rearranged the interior a couple of times and the Ft. Knox people have been very helpful and efficient.

I ended up with the 66X40 and really appreciate the extra height that other manufacturers don't give except in a larger safe.

If I get another, I'm going the route of a safe frame and have it built into a reinforced lower level room. I'll make it a walk in which opens up a lot of other opportunities.

safarihunter,

Looks like great minds think alike!!!

Good advice so far; buy larger than you think you need, get a fireproof unit, bolt to floor and wall, get a dehumidifier unit, store family valuables in safe - also, some insurance companies will discount your homeowners insurance if you keep valuables in a safe - check that out - also, and this is the "big one" - how much are your current firearms worth? Probably a lot less than a decent safe!! Plus the peace of mind knowing that your firearm(s) won't be used to commit a crime - owning and using a safe is the responsible thing to do - KMule

By the way, I like the kind with guns on 1 half and shelves on the other side and above. Comes in handy for files, wedding pics, gear, etc.

I'm picking one up this weekend. I'm going with the Champion 72x40x28. About $1600.

I probably would have bought a Heritage if the place I buy still carried them. I don't know much about the Fort Knox safes, but they seem to be very good values.