Gun Safes: Looking for a recommendation
- Thread starter dehughes
- Start date
- Status
a1abdj
Member
Each distributor stocks their own safes. The facility in California is Cobalt's (aka Diamond Back).
Right. None of these companies have any "computers" that keep track of stock via serial number (for warranty purposes) and which safe is going where.
And here is where it gets interesting. Remember that computer mentioned above?
So a dealer calls the Diamond Back distributor and says "hey...remember that safe I sold to Bear2000?" The distributor asks for the spelling of your last name, because that's how they keep your information stored in Quickbooks.
"Could you give me his combination, he seems to have fallen off during shipping?"
After a 30 second telephone conversation, he has the numbers in his hot little hands, along with your shipping address.
I was one of Cobalt's largest dealers, and dropped them like a bad habit the second they started letting anybody off the street to sell their products.
You may not care if a business is licensed, but there is a reason many states require it. I'm not talking about a business license, I'm speaking of the licenses for security pros.
Most normal people wouldn't take a risk when it comes to their security. I hope those reading this thread now understand why some companies are selling for less than others. It cost money to be legitimate.
To me, it's worth $100 to sleep better at night. I don't buy my security at a discount. I also don't go cheap with my parachute, my defensive firearms, or the brakes on my cars.
Oh please! I got a great deal on the same safe you sell and I have no fear that my serial number and combination and address is going to get into anyone's hot little hands. This guy's been selling safes for years, has a customer base, and a reputation to protect. He's not just any guy on the street who's looking to sell combinations and address. He's a low-overhead drop-shipper who sells lots of safes at a low margin.
Do you use fear and condescension with all of your clients as well to justify an extra $250 profit?
Since you've maligned the reputation of your former vendor, I'm going to send this thread to him. Maybe Dan can respond better than I can - I'm just a guy who got a great deal on a safe.
You know, if I had written that I paid $1400 for this safe from some other drop-shipper, you would have written, simply, "Oh, I could have done you better than that. Wish you had contacted me first." Yes, I'm freely assuming that...
Do you use fear and condescension with all of your clients as well to justify an extra $250 profit?
Since you've maligned the reputation of your former vendor, I'm going to send this thread to him. Maybe Dan can respond better than I can - I'm just a guy who got a great deal on a safe.
You know, if I had written that I paid $1400 for this safe from some other drop-shipper, you would have written, simply, "Oh, I could have done you better than that. Wish you had contacted me first." Yes, I'm freely assuming that...
a1abdj
Member
I'm glad you're comfortable in your ignorance.
How do you know that? What about his employees? What about the distributor? What about their employees?
There's a reason I no longer sell for that vendor. Some people may take that as a clue.
I'm curious as to your profound knowledge of how much I'm making. Do you have a price sheet from this vendor, or more importantly, my vendors?
I don't recall you requesting a quote from me, so I don't really know how you're coming up with the difference between my price and theirs.
They've already read about themselves on my website. I have it posted very clearly at the header of each page of their product.
Should I look forward to his response here, or will his lawyers be contacting me????
I'm not here to sell safes my friend. I'm here to educate people. I can make more money on a single vault installation for a bank than I could make on 1,000 gun safe sales.
If somebody wants to purchase from me, I welcome the chance to have them as a customer. If they would rather go to Walmart or their local sporting goods store, I have no issue at all.
What I do have an issue with are security based businesses that don't play by the rules which are established to protect the security of their customers. I don't care if it's a dealer, distributor, or manufacturer. I won't have any part of it.
Frank, you are so here to sell safes - you educate (and often condescend), and then sell. AYou parachute into every single thread about safes and very often offer your services. I have no problem with that.
And yes, I have requested a quote from you, some time ago. You are competitive, knowledgeable, but you were not the lowest on this particular safe and are now trying to convince me and others that buying low on mass-produced safes like this is somehow jeopardizing security. It's very unbecoming of a professional, really. I got a good deal, about $250 less than I would have from you. Again, had I paid more, I expect you would have not brought up this issue, but perhaps suggested that you could have given me a better deal.
As for Danny at Cobalt, I highly doubt he'll bring a lawsuit against you, but he should have a chance to publicly defend himself against your accusations that buying from him or his dealers is risky.
Oh, and thanks for calling me "ignorant" for brushing off the alarmist, fear-mongering of someone who, quite simply, was undersold by someone he doesn't know at all, but makes all sorts of assumptions about. Cheers.
And yes, I have requested a quote from you, some time ago. You are competitive, knowledgeable, but you were not the lowest on this particular safe and are now trying to convince me and others that buying low on mass-produced safes like this is somehow jeopardizing security. It's very unbecoming of a professional, really. I got a good deal, about $250 less than I would have from you. Again, had I paid more, I expect you would have not brought up this issue, but perhaps suggested that you could have given me a better deal.
As for Danny at Cobalt, I highly doubt he'll bring a lawsuit against you, but he should have a chance to publicly defend himself against your accusations that buying from him or his dealers is risky.
Oh, and thanks for calling me "ignorant" for brushing off the alarmist, fear-mongering of someone who, quite simply, was undersold by someone he doesn't know at all, but makes all sorts of assumptions about. Cheers.
a1abdj
Member
You are 100% wrong. I am not here to sell anything. I jump into the safe threads because that's my business. Kind of like gunsmiths who jump into gun threads.
I am here and two other select forums because of the firearms knowledge that is shared. You don't see me jumping into those threads because I'm the ignorant one there.
Maybe I'm reading this wrong. Are you saying that you obtained knowledge from me, then used that knowledge to buy from somebody who couldn't educate you like I could because they were cheaper?
No wonder I was more expensive. I didn't get that knowledge for free. Perhaps I should start charging a consultation fee for my knowledge which would be applied to the purchase of a safe.
If I can help out a forum member, I certainly will. However, I don't think you've read enough of the threads I participate in.
I have sold far more safes for other people here on this board than I have for myself. I routinely send people to local professionals, and other companies that sell products I don't. Again, I'm here to educate, not sell.
Of course he won't, because there's nothing to sue for. There's also not much to defend. It's pretty black and white.
Cobalt safes sells product to just about anybody with a sales tax number. You can't tell me with a straight face that's not risky from a security stand point.
You are ignorant. You have no idea how this business works behind the curtains. Most people have no idea they can get a safe's combination with a quick phone call. That's why I'm here. To educate.
Most of my customers are scared. That's why they're shopping for a safe. They're worried they will loose assets to fire or theft. I'm not fear mongering. Everything I have stated is a legitimate security concern.
Let me pass on another quick story about a local company that sells a variety of items, including safes for a well known gun safe manufacturer:
They employee a number of high school and college aged young adults. None of their employees undergo any sort of background check. They also have access to the combination to each and every safe in that store along with the purchaser's name, address, and in most cases credit card number.
They had to get rid of a manager last year who was caught stealing a $100 item. A manager willing to risk his job for $100. One who had access to all of that information.
Just something to think about.
You are reading it wrong. I did ask you a couple of questions in 2007, got a quote, but put off the purchase. Perhaps you should charge a consulting fee, but don't expect someone to feel compelled to buy from you just because you answered their questions. This year I decided to buy a gun safe - one you've recommended - just not from you (or someone you approve of, although you really don't know if the person I did buy from is totally unqualified or untrustworthy - you're just assuming, as you so freely do). And you didn't approve. Sorry.
Look, we obviously don't agree here. I got a good deal - much better, apparently, than I could have gotten from you – and you assume that I've made an incredibly risky decision, not least of all because of my ignorance. Fine. I still believe that had I paid more this conversation never would have occurred, even if it had been from another unlicensed seller who you might not have approved of.
The fact remains: you are making all sorts of assumptions about who I bought from and what security risks I may have taken, all because, again, I got a great deal.
I'm done here - but by all means, have the last word - it's yours. Then please go educate someone else (and perhaps get into another argument, which, judging from several other threads over the past few years, is another one of your skills).
Look, we obviously don't agree here. I got a good deal - much better, apparently, than I could have gotten from you – and you assume that I've made an incredibly risky decision, not least of all because of my ignorance. Fine. I still believe that had I paid more this conversation never would have occurred, even if it had been from another unlicensed seller who you might not have approved of.
The fact remains: you are making all sorts of assumptions about who I bought from and what security risks I may have taken, all because, again, I got a great deal.
I'm done here - but by all means, have the last word - it's yours. Then please go educate someone else (and perhaps get into another argument, which, judging from several other threads over the past few years, is another one of your skills).
a1abdj
Member
I just did some quick due diligence on the company you bought your safe from:
Website is registered by proxy. True owner doesn't want to be known.
Website goes straight to Ebay page. I'm guessing he only sells on Ebay.
Toll free number can't be traced to an address. The local number is in Freemont, Ca. If he was in the safe business in California, he would need a license.
Number is also connected to a lot of guitar stuff. I'm assuming he's in the safe/guitar business. I don't think California requires any special license for the guitars, so he should be OK from that standpoint.
The guy who's name is related to the local number does not appear to be a member of any professional organization that most reputable safe companies/persons belong to.
California Secretary of State does not show "Private Security Products" as a corporation or LLC in the state. I can't search for sole proprietors. Is he even licensed as a business? I can't say for sure.
Although I can't find his address, I did find his myspace page.
This all seems very legitimate to me.
Website is registered by proxy. True owner doesn't want to be known.
Website goes straight to Ebay page. I'm guessing he only sells on Ebay.
Toll free number can't be traced to an address. The local number is in Freemont, Ca. If he was in the safe business in California, he would need a license.
Number is also connected to a lot of guitar stuff. I'm assuming he's in the safe/guitar business. I don't think California requires any special license for the guitars, so he should be OK from that standpoint.
The guy who's name is related to the local number does not appear to be a member of any professional organization that most reputable safe companies/persons belong to.
California Secretary of State does not show "Private Security Products" as a corporation or LLC in the state. I can't search for sole proprietors. Is he even licensed as a business? I can't say for sure.
Although I can't find his address, I did find his myspace page.
This all seems very legitimate to me.
Last edited:
One thing that I and all of my friends have done is to immediately have the combonation changed on any new safe. One of the guys in the gun club will do it for us. Even he does not know the new combination because he stands behind the door and has the owner turn the dial and then he turns the key and the owner checks the new combination while the door is still open. Jim
a1abdj
Member
This is not a bad idea, but there are two things to remember.
The first is that not all safes can have the combination changed. Some of them can be changed, but can not be changed to a specific number. Others can be set to a specific set of numbers, but there are rules that have to be followed there as well, because the wrong set of number can cause a mechanical trap causing your lock to malfunction, and locking you out.
The second is that most safe and lock manufacturers will void the warranty if the combination is changed by anybody other than a bonafide locksmith or safe tech, although many will make an exception for the dealer if he is neither.
Why did you even buy a safe? Are you looking to impress somebody by showing them how "rich" you are that you need a safe to secure your valuables?
If you bought it for fire protection, maybe your house will burn, maybe it won't.
If you bought it for theft protection, maybe you'll be burglarized, maybe you won't.
If you bought it to keep your children safe, maybe they will have played with your guns, maybe they won't.
If you bought it to save $270, maybe you did, maybe you didn't.
If you bought it to ensure your security, maybe you bought it from a convicted felon, maybe you didn't.
I can't say or not say for sure, but more importantly, neither can you.
BushyGuy
Member
i have a stack on gun safe they are good cheap safes, most important thing is to bolt it to the floor . i have a 8 gun safe with key lock .
I can certainly understand anyone trying to save money by trying to get the best price possible.
And I can absolutely see Mr.Zykan's point of view as well.
Let me relate something here.
Way back in the 1970's in my more youthful days I worked one summer at a tire and wheel shop.
One Monday a guy came in to order some brand new wheels and tires for his truck...The very same ones he had ordered and had installed the week before.
They had been stolen off his truck over that weekend.
So a few days later two of the guys working there did not show up for work.
The reason is because they were in jail because they had all the information as to where the guy lived and knew just what they were going for because they themselves had mounted the tires and wheels on the truck.
But this time the morons got caught by the truck owner.
They are very lucky they went to jail instead of the morgue.
But then the police learned they had also done this very thing to several other customers over a period of several months.
So it is true that these things can and do happen.
Just something I thought I might relate.
And I can absolutely see Mr.Zykan's point of view as well.
Let me relate something here.
Way back in the 1970's in my more youthful days I worked one summer at a tire and wheel shop.
One Monday a guy came in to order some brand new wheels and tires for his truck...The very same ones he had ordered and had installed the week before.
They had been stolen off his truck over that weekend.
So a few days later two of the guys working there did not show up for work.
The reason is because they were in jail because they had all the information as to where the guy lived and knew just what they were going for because they themselves had mounted the tires and wheels on the truck.
But this time the morons got caught by the truck owner.
They are very lucky they went to jail instead of the morgue.
But then the police learned they had also done this very thing to several other customers over a period of several months.
So it is true that these things can and do happen.
Just something I thought I might relate.
PrivateSecurityProducts
Member
Hi, Chris from - PrivateSecurityProducts.com
Hi, I would like to introduce myself - I am Chris Guerra from www.PrivateSecurityProducts.com I have an ebay store & we sell anything from small safes to extra large double door safes and custom sized vault doors.
Anyone want a great deal on a safe...call me.....I have been involved with safes & Vault doors for years & when i work with someone one on one - I always try to do better prices for direct contact if possible - sometimes my pricing is rock bottom - just depends on the safe!!
Thank you -
Toll free - 800-656-4143 x2000
Direct line -
Chris 510-656-0854
http://www.PrivateSecurityProducts.com
Hi, I would like to introduce myself - I am Chris Guerra from www.PrivateSecurityProducts.com I have an ebay store & we sell anything from small safes to extra large double door safes and custom sized vault doors.
Anyone want a great deal on a safe...call me.....I have been involved with safes & Vault doors for years & when i work with someone one on one - I always try to do better prices for direct contact if possible - sometimes my pricing is rock bottom - just depends on the safe!!
Thank you -
Toll free - 800-656-4143 x2000
Direct line -
Chris 510-656-0854
http://www.PrivateSecurityProducts.com
Last edited:
Z-Michigan
Member
All this, strongly agree.
This too.
Under $500, get a basic Stack-On or similar locking cabinet for $80-200, bolt it to the studs, it will keep kids out and provide minor theft deterrence.
I have a "Sturdy Safe" which I am very happy with. Not a TL-rated true safe, but better than just about any RSC you'll find, and great people to work with and buy from.
For someone with NFA weapons or other irreplaceable items I would be thinking TL-30 or better, or a custom vault.
a1abdj
Member
PrivateSecurityProducts,
I'm glad you have shown up to advertise your goods without making any other contribution to the forum.
Could you address some of the issues I've mentioned? That way we can all get to know you and your business a little better. I'm sure **Edited To Remove Name** would want to make sure he's steering people towards a legitimate security business that takes the security of their customers seriously.
I will give you a quick tip though. Most legitimate security businesses don't publish the names of their customers on the web. You may want to edit your post.
I'm glad you have shown up to advertise your goods without making any other contribution to the forum.
Could you address some of the issues I've mentioned? That way we can all get to know you and your business a little better. I'm sure **Edited To Remove Name** would want to make sure he's steering people towards a legitimate security business that takes the security of their customers seriously.
I will give you a quick tip though. Most legitimate security businesses don't publish the names of their customers on the web. You may want to edit your post.
Last edited:
PrivateSecurityProducts
Member
As much I would enjoy expressing myself here, I do not feel this is the proper forum for this type of discussion. Please if anyone needs to contact me regarding a safe or vault door, please do so, my door is always open to my customers.
I apologize if my "contribution to the forum seems inappropriate, My intention was only to let people know who I am, since I was obviously the topic of your discussions. It was not meant really to be an advertisement. But, my apologies to the people involved.
FYI - I did remove my customers name - Please remove his name as well from your post - Thank you - Chris
I apologize if my "contribution to the forum seems inappropriate, My intention was only to let people know who I am, since I was obviously the topic of your discussions. It was not meant really to be an advertisement. But, my apologies to the people involved.
FYI - I did remove my customers name - Please remove his name as well from your post - Thank you - Chris
a1abdj
Member
And here we have it. This is why some companies sell products cheaper than others. I am assuming you don't want to discuss your licensing, or lack thereof, because of the legal ramifacations which may result?
When you buy a product, you're not just buying the product. You're buying the service, ethics, trust, and common sense of the person you're buying it from.
While I am absolutely certain that the security of my safe was not compromised and I received otherwise excellent service (I spoke with Cobalt today and the seller is to be trusted), I must agree with Mr. Zykan that the revealing of my name was incredibly unprofessional. I apologize if I offended Mr. Zykan or questioned his intentions.
I am in the market for a gun safe(RSC) myself. I have been doing allot of reading through present and past threads here in the forum. I have to give allot of credit to a1abdj for posting allot of educational information on all the different features offered by the sea of safe competitors.
I have narrowed my selection down to the Amsec BF series, or one of the offerings from Sturdy. I am more concerned about fire than I am about thieves. I did find a TL-15 safe from a jewelry store that went out of business. The guy was asking $400.00, and it weighed 2400 pounds. The thing he didn't tell me was that it was going to cost $700.00 and change to move it.
Plus I would never be able to install it in my house. I believe in a layered approach when it comes to security. My security starts outside. I have a six foot chain link fence around my entire property. On the inside of that fence is a very active, and intelligent Dobie. I also have motion lights everywhere. I also have a monitored alarm system. And finally, I work from home with Smith &Wesson close by. 
So, my main concern is with fire when it comes to a gun container. Honestly, I have my doubts with any of these RSC's and their fire ratings, but what do you do? Thankfully house fires are rare, so I can rest a little easier knowing that.
On a side note, I build garages, shops, horse barns, etc for a living. Many people want metal roofing and siding, which is no thicker than 28 gauge. Do you see where I'm going with this? Afterward, they store their $50,000.00 hot rod in there, and all their tools. You can cut this metal with tin snips by hand, and it's quite easy. Actually, if I was ever going to break into one of these building, I wouldn't even have to actually break anything. Thirty seconds with a screw gun, and you could have a full piece of the siding off, and a nice big door way into their building.
My point is, there are so many things that are a false sense of security. These RSC's are no exception. For sure they are a good place to lock up your weapons away from your children, and guests. But, if you think they are going to keep out motivated criminals, you are very wrong. That 2400 pound TL-15 safe would have given me some faith that my valuables were pretty secure. And I don't think anyone would be able to take the thing with them without investing way more time than they were comfortable with.
My conclusion on gun safes (RSC'S) is this. Unless it is a real TL-15 safe or better, then it isn't really good for anything except a storage locker to keep your guns from children and guests. That's as good as the security gets. Anything more, and you're fooling yourself. A layered approach is my advice.
I have narrowed my selection down to the Amsec BF series, or one of the offerings from Sturdy. I am more concerned about fire than I am about thieves. I did find a TL-15 safe from a jewelry store that went out of business. The guy was asking $400.00, and it weighed 2400 pounds. The thing he didn't tell me was that it was going to cost $700.00 and change to move it.
Plus I would never be able to install it in my house. I believe in a layered approach when it comes to security. My security starts outside. I have a six foot chain link fence around my entire property. On the inside of that fence is a very active, and intelligent Dobie. I also have motion lights everywhere. I also have a monitored alarm system. And finally, I work from home with Smith &Wesson close by. So, my main concern is with fire when it comes to a gun container. Honestly, I have my doubts with any of these RSC's and their fire ratings, but what do you do? Thankfully house fires are rare, so I can rest a little easier knowing that.
On a side note, I build garages, shops, horse barns, etc for a living. Many people want metal roofing and siding, which is no thicker than 28 gauge. Do you see where I'm going with this? Afterward, they store their $50,000.00 hot rod in there, and all their tools. You can cut this metal with tin snips by hand, and it's quite easy. Actually, if I was ever going to break into one of these building, I wouldn't even have to actually break anything. Thirty seconds with a screw gun, and you could have a full piece of the siding off, and a nice big door way into their building.
My point is, there are so many things that are a false sense of security. These RSC's are no exception. For sure they are a good place to lock up your weapons away from your children, and guests. But, if you think they are going to keep out motivated criminals, you are very wrong. That 2400 pound TL-15 safe would have given me some faith that my valuables were pretty secure. And I don't think anyone would be able to take the thing with them without investing way more time than they were comfortable with.
My conclusion on gun safes (RSC'S) is this. Unless it is a real TL-15 safe or better, then it isn't really good for anything except a storage locker to keep your guns from children and guests. That's as good as the security gets. Anything more, and you're fooling yourself. A layered approach is my advice.
PrivateSecurityProducts
Member
B2000, FYI, If you did not want your name mentioned maybe you should not have answered the post & revealed who you are in the first place - Also, since it was so unprofessional to thank you by name - Why did Mr Zykan obviously repeat your name knowing it may not be right to do something so No, No - HUMMM?
I guess he is looking for reasons to mess with me - his problem, not mine..
NO one knew who you were until you posted - My last sale was NOT you & it was NOT an attempt to broadcast who you are - It was plain & simple thank you for your business -
I am legit & i am honorable - I will sell safes forever to people who wish to get a good price & they will always be secure in knowing there information is not and will not ever get compromised!
I am just an honest safe dealer as you checked - end of story - whether some likes it or not.
FYI- I sell safes & vault doors cheaper because i can - end of story!
Far as security - I WORK ALONE - THERE IS NO COMPROMISE ON ANY ASPECT OF SECURITY & NO ONE HERE HAS ACCESS TO THE COMBINATION'S INCLUDING MYSELF - NOR DO I NEED TO KNOW...The safes come from the warehouse to the end user..I do not see them or pack them.
Yes - You are buying the service, ethics, trust, and common sense of the person you're buying it from - that is me.
Thanks Guys...have a great day!
I guess he is looking for reasons to mess with me - his problem, not mine..
NO one knew who you were until you posted - My last sale was NOT you & it was NOT an attempt to broadcast who you are - It was plain & simple thank you for your business -
I am legit & i am honorable - I will sell safes forever to people who wish to get a good price & they will always be secure in knowing there information is not and will not ever get compromised!
I am just an honest safe dealer as you checked - end of story - whether some likes it or not.
FYI- I sell safes & vault doors cheaper because i can - end of story!
Far as security - I WORK ALONE - THERE IS NO COMPROMISE ON ANY ASPECT OF SECURITY & NO ONE HERE HAS ACCESS TO THE COMBINATION'S INCLUDING MYSELF - NOR DO I NEED TO KNOW...The safes come from the warehouse to the end user..I do not see them or pack them.
Yes - You are buying the service, ethics, trust, and common sense of the person you're buying it from - that is me.
Thanks Guys...have a great day!
I was roughly in the same position as dehughes (OP). What I have doesn't come close to a "collection". I started looking for an inexpensive gunsafe. The more I dug into it, the more what-ifs were revealed.
It really came down to what one was trying to achieve. In my case it was home security. I agree with the above post(s) that security must be a layered. A safe, to me, was like a medieval keep for your possessions - this is protection of last resort. The hope is that a decent gun container can at least slow them down or discourage smash-and-grab types in the end.
Good neigbors, strong locks, tough doors and windows, and an alarm system were all part of the mix. Also being discreet and keeping one's mouth shut comes to mind. There were many suggestions on where to hide your safes in this forum and elsewhere. This is not so much as to fool burglars who have already busted in as they tend to unend everything, but to keep unwanted eyes from knowing what you have in the first place.
Other advice I received was if you have other valuables keep them in a separate burglar resistant small safe. Gunsafes are for guns. I also liked the idea of a contractor's lockbox from Lowes but where I reside, it isn't on the "approved list".
A good used safe from a reputable bonded locksmith is a great idea. Many reputable security stores also sell used safes.
But I narrowed my search to a new AMSEC. I found the manufacturer's warranty to be appealing. a1abdj (Frank) has been very helpful in pointing out on how to find a good seller. I ended up purchasing a gun safe from a AMSEC dealer in another county, but services my area. They're a brick-and-mortar company that primarily does full service industrial/banking/jewelry safe and vault work, but they also perform a lot of gun safe installations.
In another forum some of their fellow SAVTA members said for heavy jobs or extra work they couldn't get to, they would refer them. Apparently a lot of locksmiths from small outfits do not have the equipment to install safes above 5,000 lbs. I didn't order anything of that magnitude, so this should be routine for them. Though not rock bottom, they also gave a pretty decent price.
I clearly overbought, but another piece of advice was buy more than you think you need ..
It really came down to what one was trying to achieve. In my case it was home security. I agree with the above post(s) that security must be a layered. A safe, to me, was like a medieval keep for your possessions - this is protection of last resort. The hope is that a decent gun container can at least slow them down or discourage smash-and-grab types in the end.
Good neigbors, strong locks, tough doors and windows, and an alarm system were all part of the mix. Also being discreet and keeping one's mouth shut comes to mind. There were many suggestions on where to hide your safes in this forum and elsewhere. This is not so much as to fool burglars who have already busted in as they tend to unend everything, but to keep unwanted eyes from knowing what you have in the first place.
Other advice I received was if you have other valuables keep them in a separate burglar resistant small safe. Gunsafes are for guns. I also liked the idea of a contractor's lockbox from Lowes but where I reside, it isn't on the "approved list".
A good used safe from a reputable bonded locksmith is a great idea. Many reputable security stores also sell used safes.
But I narrowed my search to a new AMSEC. I found the manufacturer's warranty to be appealing. a1abdj (Frank) has been very helpful in pointing out on how to find a good seller. I ended up purchasing a gun safe from a AMSEC dealer in another county, but services my area. They're a brick-and-mortar company that primarily does full service industrial/banking/jewelry safe and vault work, but they also perform a lot of gun safe installations.
In another forum some of their fellow SAVTA members said for heavy jobs or extra work they couldn't get to, they would refer them. Apparently a lot of locksmiths from small outfits do not have the equipment to install safes above 5,000 lbs. I didn't order anything of that magnitude, so this should be routine for them. Though not rock bottom, they also gave a pretty decent price.
I clearly overbought, but another piece of advice was buy more than you think you need ..
Last edited:
I don't fully understand the attraction for having thick steel plate in the door. What purpose does it serve when the main body is sheet metal? Knowing what I now know about safes, and if I was of the criminal persuasion, I wouldn't even mess with the door. Instead, I would work my magic on the weaker sides of the safe. I suppose the steel plating in the door is for extra security when the safe is bolted down, and access to the sides is not possible.
RSC's are only as strong as their weakest link........the sides.
RSC's are only as strong as their weakest link........the sides.
a1abdj
Member
I wanted to make sure you wouldn't go back and edit your post then deny that you had done it.
If you are an illegal "business" it is my problem. Illegal companies give legitimate companies like mine a bad name.
I can assure you this will be more your problem than mine if this is the case.
Could you please verify that by sharing your license infromation with us? Every other legitimate and honorable safe company in California list this information on their website.
I can't even find that your business is registered with the state throught the various Secretary of State or individual County websites.
Aside from any license issued to security based businesses, do you even have a regular business license? Does the Secretary of State and IRS know that you're running this big safe company?
Please prove me wrong, but from the lack of information I can find, and your refusal to enlighten us, it appears that you can sell cheaper because you may be operating illegally.
You already proved that wasn't the case when you published your customers name for the whole world to see.
This is true with all safes, except those with six sided ratings.
The doors are always the strongest, because they are the most often attacked. There is usually some relationship between the strength of the door and that of the body. You will rarely see heavy plate doors on thin steel bodies.
In the case of safes that use a composite fill, the steel is always thinner, because the fill adds to the burglary resistance of the container.
I don't see a way to quote other posters......am I missing something here??
Anyway, this reply is in response to padd54, and this safe that he purchased.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...=2&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1
I too was looking at that RSC. It actually appears to be a good deal. 10 gauge steel body, 1/4" steel plating in the door, 70 minute/1200 degree fire rating, 830 pounds, etc. It seems like it has most of the features that are important when considering a RSC. I can't believe that price even includes curb side delivery, especially for as much as it weighs.
The only thing I don't care for is the use of the gypsum board for the fire rating, and the thinner steel plate used in the door compared to the AMSEC, or Sturdy safes.
A good deal though for sure it seems.
Anyway, this reply is in response to padd54, and this safe that he purchased.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...=2&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1
I too was looking at that RSC. It actually appears to be a good deal. 10 gauge steel body, 1/4" steel plating in the door, 70 minute/1200 degree fire rating, 830 pounds, etc. It seems like it has most of the features that are important when considering a RSC. I can't believe that price even includes curb side delivery, especially for as much as it weighs.
The only thing I don't care for is the use of the gypsum board for the fire rating, and the thinner steel plate used in the door compared to the AMSEC, or Sturdy safes.
A good deal though for sure it seems.
- Status
