1 old 0311
member
May want to add one of these:
www.stopthecrime.com/prod-ab2000.htm
www.stopthecrime.com/prod-ab2000.htm
Gun Safes - Opinions Sought
- Thread starter Anthony
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a1abdj
Member
Graffunder and AMSEC are the only two companies that I'm familiar with that build true safes configured as gun safes.
Just about everything Graffunder builds qualifies even though they don't carry a UL tag, and the AMSEC RF6528 which is a UL TL-30 composite.
I also restore older safes, and often turn them into gun safes. I'm sure there are other safe companies around the country that do the same thing.
American Security (Amsec) very nice indeed!
Hello Everyone,
I went to an American Security (Amsec) distributor over the weekend and was very impressed with the gun safes they had in stock.
They were definitely a cut above any of the mainstream gun safe brands including Fort Knox.
Does anyone know of a Graffunder dealer here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Please feel free to PM me if you prefer.
Hello Everyone,
I went to an American Security (Amsec) distributor over the weekend and was very impressed with the gun safes they had in stock.
They were definitely a cut above any of the mainstream gun safe brands including Fort Knox.
Does anyone know of a Graffunder dealer here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Please feel free to PM me if you prefer.
Car Knocker
Member
From Graffunder's site:
For more information & for a dealer near you, contact us toll-free at 866-457-1801
For more information & for a dealer near you, contact us toll-free at 866-457-1801
JohnBT
Member
Want to spend $5k or $10k on a gun safe? Lots of info at this site on all sorts of safes. Plus shipping.
www.brownsafe.com/categories/80A98312-FA4D-9E42-B9A9677D2724847D/models.htm
And ballistic vault doors, too.
"Standard Features
Built to withstand the impact of a .50 Caliber / 12.7 MM bullet
Certified test plate with fired cartidge included with all Ballistic vault doors
1/2" thick solid armor plate on all Ballistic vault doors
Granulated tungsten carbide hard plate to protect the locks and bolt work from drill attacks
Inner escape device to prevent accidental lock-ins
Continous locking lug on hinge side
Five active and passive relocking devices with mechanical and thermic triggering to thwart torch and lance attacts"
www.brownsafe.com/categories/7A4AD841-F18C-505F-DEFD0FCB8FE84C52/models.htm
www.brownsafe.com/categories/80A98312-FA4D-9E42-B9A9677D2724847D/models.htm
And ballistic vault doors, too.
"Standard Features
Built to withstand the impact of a .50 Caliber / 12.7 MM bullet
Certified test plate with fired cartidge included with all Ballistic vault doors
1/2" thick solid armor plate on all Ballistic vault doors
Granulated tungsten carbide hard plate to protect the locks and bolt work from drill attacks
Inner escape device to prevent accidental lock-ins
Continous locking lug on hinge side
Five active and passive relocking devices with mechanical and thermic triggering to thwart torch and lance attacts"
www.brownsafe.com/categories/7A4AD841-F18C-505F-DEFD0FCB8FE84C52/models.htm
As a beginner I hope my experiences purchasing a safe (or more accurately RSC?) will help others with their choices. Some of my earlier thoughts are described above.
Based on my research, the excellent posts in this thread and elsewhere in the forum, and discussion with forum member a1abdj, I bought a Diamond Back GS5928H from a1abdj, who was very helpful and informative. This met my requirements, which are to safely and relatively economically (although this is still $$$) store firearms away from very inquisitive children and their friends (especially when they are all older teenagers and the parents might not be home) and casual and even not so casual burglars. The safe has a 1 hour fire liner, but I purchased it mainly for safety.
I chose the Diamond Back H series because it has a LaGard UL rated mechanical lock compared to the L series lighter duty non-mechanical lock. In addition it was stronger compared to some other safes I was looking at for only slightly more money. I could have spent even more for an AMSEC or similar, but had to stop the spending somewhere! I specifically did not purchase an electronic lock, not because of its increased price, but because I thought a mechanical lock should provide better long term reliability over 10 or 20 years. I bought the GS5928H instead of the GS5924H because I felt a wider door would provide better light and access (and it does).
I had the safe delivered to a local SAVTA member who moved it into my house and down some stairs. Although they did not require the stairs to be reinforced for this safe (540 pounds) I felt better reinforcing the stairs as described by CB900F here. With some additional securing this had the significant additional advantage of making the stairs completely solid and stopped the squeaks, creaks, and groans that had been bugging me for a long time!
I mounted the safe on a 3/4" plywood base over bare concrete, with the plywood base 1" larger in width and depth than the safe providing a small overhang. This, plus spacing the safe slightly off the back wall, keeps any damp from direct contact with the safe. I then leveled the safe (so the door does not swing by itself) and secured it through the plywood to the concrete with the supplied concrete bolts. Securing the safe is a must to prevent it tipping forwards when you open the door! In addition, it provides additional security in preventing easy removal of the safe.
Based on my research, the excellent posts in this thread and elsewhere in the forum, and discussion with forum member a1abdj, I bought a Diamond Back GS5928H from a1abdj, who was very helpful and informative. This met my requirements, which are to safely and relatively economically (although this is still $$$) store firearms away from very inquisitive children and their friends (especially when they are all older teenagers and the parents might not be home) and casual and even not so casual burglars. The safe has a 1 hour fire liner, but I purchased it mainly for safety.
I chose the Diamond Back H series because it has a LaGard UL rated mechanical lock compared to the L series lighter duty non-mechanical lock. In addition it was stronger compared to some other safes I was looking at for only slightly more money. I could have spent even more for an AMSEC or similar, but had to stop the spending somewhere! I specifically did not purchase an electronic lock, not because of its increased price, but because I thought a mechanical lock should provide better long term reliability over 10 or 20 years. I bought the GS5928H instead of the GS5924H because I felt a wider door would provide better light and access (and it does).
I had the safe delivered to a local SAVTA member who moved it into my house and down some stairs. Although they did not require the stairs to be reinforced for this safe (540 pounds) I felt better reinforcing the stairs as described by CB900F here. With some additional securing this had the significant additional advantage of making the stairs completely solid and stopped the squeaks, creaks, and groans that had been bugging me for a long time!
I mounted the safe on a 3/4" plywood base over bare concrete, with the plywood base 1" larger in width and depth than the safe providing a small overhang. This, plus spacing the safe slightly off the back wall, keeps any damp from direct contact with the safe. I then leveled the safe (so the door does not swing by itself) and secured it through the plywood to the concrete with the supplied concrete bolts. Securing the safe is a must to prevent it tipping forwards when you open the door! In addition, it provides additional security in preventing easy removal of the safe.
Cabinet for Safes
Also, its nice to have a lightwieght wood cabinet over the safe. I have one that fits over my safe in the garage. Has two double doors (with key locks) one door open to the safe which is completely locked. The other side is just a cabinet with selves for other gun or sports gear. Just looks like a nice wood cabinet from the outside. This wont deter someone from breaking in but it will deter the Juvy who wont understand thier is a safe behind the door. Just my 2 cents.
Also, its nice to have a lightwieght wood cabinet over the safe. I have one that fits over my safe in the garage. Has two double doors (with key locks) one door open to the safe which is completely locked. The other side is just a cabinet with selves for other gun or sports gear. Just looks like a nice wood cabinet from the outside. This wont deter someone from breaking in but it will deter the Juvy who wont understand thier is a safe behind the door. Just my 2 cents.
dogtag
Member
I just bought a Winchester safe, model #5520 for $600 out the door. It was at our local Gun Range on sale. It is one of the smaller long-gun safes but it will do. Black with a sandpaper finish and Winchwester logo in gold, combination lock with a key-lock to lock the combo. I can not seem to locate anything on the internet relating to this particular model, anybody have any knowledge of this model? It was a job getting it in the house but I got it done fine with a few neighbors. I do feel much better leaving the house now with my guns secured in it.
dogtag
dogtag
If it's anything like the $581 Sam's Club Winchester safe, it is made by this outfit... http://www.granitesafe.com/winchester.html There are some details listed there.
dogtag
Member
That is the one, in black...it doesn't have the key-pad lock like the one in the picture...dial combination.
Thanks!
dogtag
Thanks!
dogtag
BADUNAME17
Member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2007
- Messages
- 30
You guys would get a kick out of this thread about gun safes on here. It's at www.thehighroad.org
/showthread.php?t=284466&highlight=sturdy+safe
/showthread.php?t=284466&highlight=sturdy+safe
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Well, 12 gauge steel may be "flimsy", and I agree that a good safe should be thicker, but anyone who says it is no better than a filing cabinet doesn't know much about filing cabinets. Old filing cabinets were generally made of 20 gauge steel (.036"), but most modern ones, even the more expensive, are made from 24 gauge steel (.024"). 12 gauge steel is .104", four times as thick as most filing cabinet steel.
Jim
Jim
BADUNAME17
Member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2007
- Messages
- 30
AT LAST! Safes with 7 guage bodies and a real fire liner for less!
You guys really need to check us out. www.sturdysafe.com . We offer thick 7 or 8 gauge bodies, with even thicker doors, fire liner with no cheap sheetrock or cement in it what so ever, plus we line the whole safe. Our linkage design is far more superior than most safes on the market, and you CANNOT beat the price for what your getting. High end safes that can be compaired to ours have prices that range from $300-$2000 more than what we price our safes to be.
Most of you comment towards how thick the steel is in most safes on the market, so here's my answer. If your not happy with what you see, we can build you a safe the exact way you wanted it, and it will still be a great deal.
You guys really need to check us out. www.sturdysafe.com . We offer thick 7 or 8 gauge bodies, with even thicker doors, fire liner with no cheap sheetrock or cement in it what so ever, plus we line the whole safe. Our linkage design is far more superior than most safes on the market, and you CANNOT beat the price for what your getting. High end safes that can be compaired to ours have prices that range from $300-$2000 more than what we price our safes to be. Most of you comment towards how thick the steel is in most safes on the market, so here's my answer. If your not happy with what you see, we can build you a safe the exact way you wanted it, and it will still be a great deal.
Winchester Safe Electronic lock
Can anyone help me, I let the darn paperwork blow away as I moved the safe home from Sam's Club. Now the safe door is open, I have no light on keypad. What next? Do I need a battery installed, if so how?? I have a fax if you can fax the info to me.
Thanks, for any assistance.
Can anyone help me, I let the darn paperwork blow away as I moved the safe home from Sam's Club. Now the safe door is open, I have no light on keypad. What next? Do I need a battery installed, if so how?? I have a fax if you can fax the info to me.
Thanks, for any assistance.
OzarkGator
Member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2010
- Messages
- 9
Sturdy looks like a fine safe but, They are so ugly I would never put one in my house.
If you wanted to put it in a garage or something then fine. But they need to do something with that utility cabinet look.
If you wanted to put it in a garage or something then fine. But they need to do something with that utility cabinet look.
Once you get up close and personal with a Sturdy you will quickly realize that they are really robust, functional and nice looking. Made in the USA by a family owned business. Fit and finish is great, exactly what I was looking for. The after the sale service is good enough that I will buy from them again.
I am confident and comforted by the fact that the thick steel, and solid door design will help to keep the creeps out while my dog is chewing on their leg and the police are called.
That is the real beauty of the Sturdy Safe. This RSC is designed to buy more time so your other layers of security can finish the job.
I am confident and comforted by the fact that the thick steel, and solid door design will help to keep the creeps out while my dog is chewing on their leg and the police are called.
That is the real beauty of the Sturdy Safe. This RSC is designed to buy more time so your other layers of security can finish the job.
Results...
I was surprised to receive an email on this thread after such a long time. So I wanted to log in and give an update.
Due to cost and other considerations I bought an AMSEC BF series safe that is extremely wide and holds more stuff than I could currently fill. The dealer is down the street from my home and they had a sale during the depths of the recession. So I got a good deal.
I was surprised to receive an email on this thread after such a long time. So I wanted to log in and give an update.
Due to cost and other considerations I bought an AMSEC BF series safe that is extremely wide and holds more stuff than I could currently fill. The dealer is down the street from my home and they had a sale during the depths of the recession. So I got a good deal.
leadcounsel
member
Quick answer is www.sturdysafe.com. Excellent safe for the money.
Covered EXTENSIVELY here - do a search.
Covered EXTENSIVELY here - do a search.
JCinPA
Member
Getting a good deal on an Amsec BF was very lucky. I've done a lot of looking around and reading here and value for the money it's hard to beat the Amsec BF series. Although there is a lot of debate about whether thicker steel in the Sturdysafe or the true composite (cement like stuff, not gypsum board) in the Amsec is more secure, truth be told, they are probably both pretty much impervious to attack with a fireman's ax or other breaching tool, but both would fall to a guy with a power concrete saw, so I think the debate is probably a tempest in a teapot. I've only heard good things from Sturdysafe owners, too.
I'm looking to get an Amsec BF eventually to replace my now too-small Liberty. But I'd probably feel well served by the Sturdysafe. They seem to be the two most recommended around here. I think you can actually get the Amsec BF for a little less money or the same as a Sturdysafe, and they are certainly better looking. That's important to the wife (ours is indoors on the main floor).
If anyone is worried about burglars with power tools, arguing about which RSC is the way to go is pretty much a waste of time. I'm not worried about that, though, and I love the Amsec BF. Saw one in a showroom recently and they are gorgeous.
Edit: I'm perhaps violating my own rule about discussing differences in security in RSC containers but FWIW, that half-inch plate in the Amsec BF door gets to B-rated territory, at least for the door (it's not B-rated because of the walls). Supposedly dumb theives attack the door first, and if that happens, the Amsec BF series is phenomenal protection for the price. Sturdy's at 5/16 or 1/4 inch for their door plate is not too shabby either. I still think the walls are probably not worth arguing about in these containers. I am not a safe tech nor do I play one on TV, but I think Amsec and Sturdy are your two best bets over any other commercially made RSC boxes. a1abdj has convinced me Amsec probably has the slight edge but Sturdy is likely better than any Liberty, Heritage, even Fort Knox in terms of value for the dollar. If you don't need a burlary rated safe you'd probably be well served with either of these brands.
But boy that Amsec is purty!
I'm looking to get an Amsec BF eventually to replace my now too-small Liberty. But I'd probably feel well served by the Sturdysafe. They seem to be the two most recommended around here. I think you can actually get the Amsec BF for a little less money or the same as a Sturdysafe, and they are certainly better looking. That's important to the wife (ours is indoors on the main floor).
If anyone is worried about burglars with power tools, arguing about which RSC is the way to go is pretty much a waste of time. I'm not worried about that, though, and I love the Amsec BF. Saw one in a showroom recently and they are gorgeous.
Edit: I'm perhaps violating my own rule about discussing differences in security in RSC containers
but FWIW, that half-inch plate in the Amsec BF door gets to B-rated territory, at least for the door (it's not B-rated because of the walls). Supposedly dumb theives attack the door first, and if that happens, the Amsec BF series is phenomenal protection for the price. Sturdy's at 5/16 or 1/4 inch for their door plate is not too shabby either. I still think the walls are probably not worth arguing about in these containers. I am not a safe tech nor do I play one on TV, but I think Amsec and Sturdy are your two best bets over any other commercially made RSC boxes. a1abdj has convinced me Amsec probably has the slight edge but Sturdy is likely better than any Liberty, Heritage, even Fort Knox in terms of value for the dollar. If you don't need a burlary rated safe you'd probably be well served with either of these brands.But boy that Amsec is purty!
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Congrats on your purchase. With the AMSEC BF, it's important to shop around. I've found prices are all over the place. IMO, if you can get a good deal on upper end versions of Fort Knox, Browning,or Liberty, it'll be just as acceptable. I've found prices for the Sturdy or AMSEC BF to generally be better deals or easier to get.
I found this image of the BF cut-away.
http://www.authoritysafes.com/images/detailed/amsec-BF_BodyCutaway12622879344b3cfc3e3821d.jpg. Image from www.authoritysafes.com.
This version looks like it says 11 ga. outer/16 ga. inner. One has to make up their own mind if the Drylight adds burglary protection. IMO, it adds "some". Other people believe it adds "none". My examination was that Drylight was like tile grout or hardened pumice. Regardless, people far knowledgeable than I have expressed skepticism of any RSC with sheet steel bodies being impervious to brute force attacks. I think some are just more resistant than others.
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JCinPA
Member
Yeah, I agree with RSC containers don't have much difference. That said, I'd like the 7 gauge steel in a Sturdy, especially with the extra steel option (they weld another sheet on the sides) or the composite structure of the BF a lot better than an 11 or 12 gauge wall. I think the differences between the Sturdy and the BF and an 11 or 12 gauge wall would not be insignificant. I suspect the differences between the Sturdy and the BF are probably insignificant. Does that makes sense?
In other words get the stronger end of the RSC spectrum rather than the low end, and Sturdy and Amsec BF are at the high end, which is probably why they are so popular. But trying to worry the security difference between those two to death is probably not worthwhile.
The Summit Denali is coming in at a good price point with 3/16 walls and a [strike]1 1/4"[/strike]correction 3/4" door (a 3/8 plate with a 3/16th welded on both sides of it). I think that's a contender, but I don't know much about them, they appear to be a pretty new outfit. I also think they use gypsum in the walls, but I'm not sure. I think they mix the ceramic blanket in the door/ceiling and gypsum in the walls, anyone know for sure?
I know I'd be happy with the security of either a Sturdy or Amsec BF, but I'm still leaning Amsec myself. Have to sell my current one and do some saving first, though.
In other words get the stronger end of the RSC spectrum rather than the low end, and Sturdy and Amsec BF are at the high end, which is probably why they are so popular. But trying to worry the security difference between those two to death is probably not worthwhile.
The Summit Denali is coming in at a good price point with 3/16 walls and a [strike]1 1/4"[/strike]correction 3/4" door (a 3/8 plate with a 3/16th welded on both sides of it). I think that's a contender, but I don't know much about them, they appear to be a pretty new outfit. I also think they use gypsum in the walls, but I'm not sure. I think they mix the ceramic blanket in the door/ceiling and gypsum in the walls, anyone know for sure?
I know I'd be happy with the security of either a Sturdy or Amsec BF, but I'm still leaning Amsec myself. Have to sell my current one and do some saving first, though.
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Schofield3
Member
Amsec
BelleSecurity
Member
Gun Safes
I open and service safes and vaults for a living, I had the opportunity to dissect and examine a gun safe fairly new in the market manufactured by Pendleton Safe Company, Atlanta GA. I have worked on thousands of safes and as far as Gun Safes go the Pendleton line are the best and toughest on the market. One downfall is that there is no fire insulation. http://pendletonsafes.com
In reality fire rated gun safes are overrated, your chances of a pry bar attack are much greater than being involved with a fire....
That being said, I have been involved in the opening of gun safes that did fall victim to fire, in every case the contents required much refurbishing and in some instances a total loss regardless of fire rating. The sale persons can show lab test results, I enclosed a couple pics of those So Called "fire rated" safes.
I open and service safes and vaults for a living, I had the opportunity to dissect and examine a gun safe fairly new in the market manufactured by Pendleton Safe Company, Atlanta GA. I have worked on thousands of safes and as far as Gun Safes go the Pendleton line are the best and toughest on the market. One downfall is that there is no fire insulation. http://pendletonsafes.com
In reality fire rated gun safes are overrated, your chances of a pry bar attack are much greater than being involved with a fire....
That being said, I have been involved in the opening of gun safes that did fall victim to fire, in every case the contents required much refurbishing and in some instances a total loss regardless of fire rating. The sale persons can show lab test results, I enclosed a couple pics of those So Called "fire rated" safes.
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