Gun Safe Recommendation

[Husker95]

My collection is getting large enough that i am ready to make the plunge and look for a safe. Would like to get some feedback from members about what to look for in a new safe......features, brand-names, fire ratings, lock styles, etc. I plan to keep the safe in my basement, my price limit is around 1500 and i have far more pistols than long guns. I have had some knowledgeable friends recommend American Security brand so will definitely look at those. I live in Colorado Springs/Pueblo area so if anyone has a local vendor they would recommend, please do so. Thanks.

Husker

[calishootr]

+1 to the american security, i have the 30 gun model(500 lbs empty) it doesnt havethe concrete liningthat some do that offers morefire protection, butthen again i live across the street from a fire station, one detraction or note is that they use particle wood for shelving(i assume most if not all do the same thing) so if you are into stacking a lot of weight on the shleves, you might want to screw in some steel banding on the bottom of the shleves like i had to do once they cracked and failed on me to beef em up

[XD Niner]

With a $1500 budget you're probably going to have to compromise on either capacity or fire protection. Liberty makes a variety of models. The less expensive ones are still excellent quality and may meet your budget.

One other option is to see if you can find a used one on the local Craig's list. You may be able to get a deal but moving those suckers is a bit of a chore.

If you do a search on this forum you'll find many threads with safe recommendations.

Edited November 29, 2010 by XD Niner

[bbbean]

I'm looking for a pistol - only safe as well. I'm not sure whether I'd be better off with a short safe with shelves/drawers, or a tall wall safe and door racks. What do people use when long guns aren't an issue?

[Kyle O]

Get one twice the size you think you need, regardless of the cost.

[bunsen27]

Get one twice the size you think you need, regardless of the cost.

Excellent advice! Two other things to consider:

1. if you have lots of handguns consider handgun hangers or a door panel pistol kit

2. even if you don't have many long guns the multiple row style holder IMO is much more accomidating than the U-style holder, or consider something like the Cannon trurack system

[t_kothmann]

i dont think that the fire rating matters. +1 to the American security and plus one to buying a bigger one than you ever dreamed necessary.

[Loves2Shoot]

You might check out the Liberty FATBOY

[splashdown]

I have a Heritage safe and like it a lot. Check out their Execusport interior configuration. Mostly shelves with room for just a few rifles.

Edited December 4, 2010 by splashdown

[Husker95]

Hey guys, i wanted to close the loop and say thanks for the advice and feedback. I wound up getting a Browning Pro Steel safe. I definitely didnt get a steal of a deal, but then i dont think i got hosed either. I still shudder when i think of the price, but i definitely saw some bargain lines out there that just felt "tinny" and cheap - glad i didnt get one of those. Its a one time purchase and over the course of the next 20 years i will probably forget what i paid. Only drawback about getting the safe is i spent about an entire day cleaning guns because it feels wierd to put a "dirty gun" into the safe. Maybe i will get over that.

Husker

[jaggy13]

If its in the basement, fire rating has to be a priority. (or hefty insurance rider!)

Sounds like you made a similar conclusion.

I am forced to save paperwork/Contracts for 5 years and considered a dual purpose safe, valuables, documents and toys!

I've heard an expression that may ring true with your situation.

You spent the $$ on quality and you will only cry once...