This isn't really gunsmithing, but...

If you had $1000 to spend on a gun safe, how would you spend it? Appreciate all input, positive and negative, related to your gun safe experiences. Thanks

when I bought my safe I looked around and ended up buying one locally. I got a large safe for about half what I would normally pay for a browning, kodiak, liberty, etc. The reason is the local company makes safes with no plush interior, just rugged safes made to work. they sell to law enforcement and the military.

If you can find local companies you might be able to get a better deal because of not paying for the shipping etc. I recommend you go to www.sturdysafe.com, the company that made mine, not that you need to buy one of their's, but they tell you what to look for. I paid 850 for mine, it is 60"x36x27, 8gauge. Although I love the plush interiors I wouldn't pay what companies want for those things. You can also look used, sometimes great deals.

Red

To figure out what size to buy:

1- Calculate based on total of guns you own.

2- Doubble it.

3- Increase that number by 50%.

4- Buy the next size larger.

5- Regret not buying one even larger . . .

Mr Magoo has it right if you have an unlimited amount of money and space. You can't really buy one that is too big. Unless you have all the guns you want and will never add to your collection and we both know you always need a new gun. However I bought one this past winter with a buget similar to yours. I finally bought a Champion. It had the best fire protection for the money (1200� for 45 minutes most others are only 30 minutes) and the interior was easily convertable to add more long guns if needed. I however was also limited by space because the safe had to fit in a closet. If space is not a concern buy the biggest safe you can afford. And realize that the next size or two larger will cost you a few hundred dollars more. If you fill it up and need another safe it will cost you at least what you pay for the one you buy. FWIW.

I would check at Sam's Wholesale. The last time I checked they had a "Winchester" Gun Safe with a 1/4 inch thick door front, lined, fire resistant and with racks and shelves (convertable for additional racks) predrilled for bolting down, combination lock with locking dial, for $699.99. I would then look for something else to purchase for $300.00. Perhaps a small "Fire Safe" to put inside the gun safe for secure document or ammunition storage; or a nice new or excellent used Revolver for my wife. (She could keep it in the gun safe.) Good luck with your purchase.