Author Topic: Gun Safes  (Read 2305 times)

Offline Aglifter

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Gun Safes
« on: January 14, 2006, 02:37:03 PM »
Now that I'm heading back to Houston, I need a gun safe that is fairly portable -- I think I saw one that could be broken down into panels.  If anyone has any opinions, I'm open to them -- I'm renting a house in a nice neighborhood, but still...it's Houston.  Doesn't have to be big, just enough to hold several pistols, and maybe 8? or so long guns -- going to try to do some recruiting for shooters at my law school, so I need to bring down more than I used to keep down here.

Brad
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Offline FB3

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Re: Gun Safes
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2006, 05:43:22 PM »
There are a lot of choices out there for gun safes.  Unfortunately, portability usually means less security.  Even bolted to a floor or wall, a light safe is relatively easy to breach, and will provide minimum fire protection.

I guess it's like a carry gun.  Bigger is better, but something is better than nothing.  However with a light safe, the thieves can carry it away and open it at their leisure.
Experience is the best teacher, but the tuition is awfully high

Offline flyandscuba

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Re: Gun Safes
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2006, 06:03:04 PM »
To me, it isn't a "safe" unless it is fire-rated and UL listed.  The light metal cabinets are nothing more than a gym locker with a gun rack inside.  They offer zero protection from fire, are easy to break into, and in my opinion would serve only as a locker to secure things from small children in the house.

To protect against criminals, a good fire-rated safe with associated warranty that covers break-in and fire damage is the way to go to protect a significant investment in firearms.

I did learn all to well during Ivan, that these safes are not water tight...  Thankfully, I evacuated all of my firearms to higher floors in the house, but didn't have the time to remove all of my ammunition from the safe.  I now have a pile of ammo in various quantities and calibers that will be limited to range use.  Some of the commercial stuff  has failed to fire, while the military stuff (with crimped and lacquered primers) seems to function just fine.

I learned my lesson.  All my ammo not lives in surplus water-tight ammo cans... ;D
I'm not a gun expert -- but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night...


Offline bigyimmy

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Re: Gun Safes
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2006, 07:02:37 PM »
Brad,
I have seen a safe that can be taken apart advertised in the back of some gun magazines.  I think what you may be looking for is a safe made by “Sentry” though.  Sentry makes a safe that is that will handle your long gun requirements and still have room for the pistols.  It has some fire protection and is excellent against theft.  If you look on their web site you can get one that is not too heavy to move.  Usually you can find a local dealer that can get their safe for you.  I have seen these safes at Wal-Mart around Christmas time and you may find one there now.  I recommend getting the digital entry option.  Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, or an office supply store may help you.  Also a sportsman’s store may be able to order you the safe reasonably.  I even see similar ones available at home improvement stores.  A safe like this is you most bang for you buck.  I have a Fort Knox safe in which I have outgrown and I am thinking of buying one of these for similar reasons that you can move the thing with out breaking your back.  I want to stay under 500 pounds for my next safe.  You may be able to stay under 300 pound if you do not get any fire resistance in the safe.  Take a look at the links below.  I hope this helps.
Respectfully,
Jim






http://www.sentrysafe.com/

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33157

http://www.zanottiarmorsafes.com/

http://www.shelfspace.com/~c-r-ffl/archives/199803/msg00331.html

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?s=1ecec203032b6cda298474c076b410ac&attachmentid=11784&d=1108391249