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ADVICE ON NEW GUN SAFE

gars320gars320 Member Posts: 471 ✭✭✭
edited May 2002 in Ask the Experts
Having finally come up with a few extra dollars I have decided now is the time to get that gun safe I always wanted before some burglar stumbles onto my collection.
I have no knowledge of what to look for or what factors to consider in looking/buying. I have seen Winchester and Browning standing gun safes at Gander Mountain and they look good, in the $1000 - $1400 range. What do you look for when you are getting a safe for both rifles and handguns? Do you have to worry about humidity inside a safe?
Please give any and all advice, it will be appreciated


Nil Illegitimus Carborundum
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Comments

  • BlokeyBlokey Member Posts: 284 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I recently purchased a Browning and I went for the heaviest safe I could afford; keep that as a consideration. A safe is not theft-proof, just a theft delaying device, at minimum, a visual deterrent to a average burglar - getting the most substantial safe you can afford is my best advice. You're making a wise investment.

    I've read that some folks don't use a dehumidifier in their safes with no problems; I'd get one all the same, they're only ~$40.

    Just my $.02
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  • k.stanonikk.stanonik Member Posts: 2,109 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree with the weight factor, also look at the lock mechs, both that you spoke of have good systems. What model are you looking at ? another factor would be the fire rateing, as far as moisture, some say yes, some say no, i would just to be cautious, would hate to put a high priced gun in it and find it with rust one day.
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  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    ...go for a safe with a good fire rateing....humidity can be taken care of by putting in a "Golden Rod".....it's like a low heat electric element that puts off just enough heat to rid the safe of any moisture. Get a push button digital lock. Measure your door ways before buying....
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,887 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I look for portability. Zanotti Armor makes a safe that breaks down into 6 manageable pieces for moving.

    If you don't want to use a Goldenrod, a can of dessicant can be used, but you need to dry it in the oven regularly.

    Don't forget, you can't put a safe DIRECTLY on concrete; the bottom will rust.

    Neal
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  • GreenLanternGreenLantern Member Posts: 1,647 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've looked at the safes at Gander Mountain and then I've shopped at the gunshows for other brands. My feeling w/ Gander Mountain is that you're getting a good safe but you'll probably be paying more for two reasons:

    1) The safe says Winchester or Browning

    2) It's at Gander Mountain

    If you get a chance, check out some gunshows that have more than 1 person or company selling safes.
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  • valkyrie.ridervalkyrie.rider Member Posts: 27 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Suggest you search the net. You will find plenty of info. Gunshows are also a good resource. I did the research and decided on a Liberty. Here is my two cents worth of advice

    If you buy Browning or Winchester or any other "name" you will be paying for that name. Wasn't worth it to me.

    Carefully evaluate the maximum size you think you will ever need, and then buy the next bigger size. Those darned guns seem to breed when you put them in a safe.....
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  • kidsgunkidsgun Member Posts: 148 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bought the largest one I could fit into my budget and it's already full. Fire rating is important, but size is too. I use a dessicant as well with success. My advice on buying is to watch for Sportsmen Shows in your area. I saved 15% plus got free delivery and set up. Most stores want $100 to just bring it to you. Good luck!
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  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You definantly need a dehumidifier thats a must in a good safe. Most modern gun safes are all of pretty good quality,and they make us more secure about leaving our companions behind. Always make sure your safe has the best fire protection available and is UL listed. I was a Fireman for seven and a half years,and sad to say but seen alot of people loose firearms most of them only a few guns to hunt with,but Im sure their few guns ment as much to them as my collection does to me. I know gun safes have prevented alot of burgalarys. In my time as a fireman I never seen a structure fully involved save any gun in a safe. If it was an extinguishable fire and the gun room was not the starting point of the fire. Most of the guns were unharmed. I think the best protection from fire and burgalarys is good insurance. However I have not seen or heard of firearms being stolen from a safe.I hope this helps alot of firearm owners, and may God Bless you, your familys and your firearms.

    Rugster
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  • gars320gars320 Member Posts: 471 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the feedback. It gives me a lot of things to consider.
    What stings is I forgot to measure doorways and that would no doubt have been a huge mistake
    I'm not interested in a name safe at all really, but I did see those at Gander Mountain and they were the size, quality interior and locking mechanism that I liked.
    Was offered a $1500 safe at a Gunshow for $1050 about a year and a half ago, including delivery and setup, but just didn't have the money at that time. Still kicking myself over that one!
    Does anyone have a specific recommendation as to a brand or dealer in NW Indiana?
    thanks again.


    Nil Illegitimus Carborundum
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  • rg666rg666 Member Posts: 395 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would suggest going to a SAM's if you have one near you. They have a safe for $700 that's hard to beat for the money. It say's Remington on it and it has a configurable (to 21 gun's) interior, fireproofing, gold trimming on the door & a key to lock the combination tumbler from moving. After checking all the gun shows etc. it turned out to be a good deal. The down side is you better have a truck, some strong friends & a handtruck because they won't deliver. RG

    Edited by - rg666 on 05/17/2002 17:35:02
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