Question regarding two gun safes (RSCs)

[craymond]

Hi all,

While this is my first post, I have been reading on this forum for quite a long time, and greatly respect the knowledge people share on the boards. I have been looking into picking up a gun safe at some point in the future (first comes purchasing the house, then comes the safe) and would like some input on two that I have found. The first is a Hollon RSC model RG-16 which can be found here: http://www.hollonsafe.com/safes/RG-16.shtml

The second is a Rhino Safe model 30 which can be found here: http://www.rhinosafe.com/rhinogunsafes.html

A few things to help you all help me:
-I have only two long guns and no pistols, but I realize that could change
-Fire protection is not important to me, but it would be a bonus
-From reading posts here I decided that I want to find a RSC that has at least a 10 gauge body
-Want combination lock not electronic
-Shooting for a price point of no more than $1500, but am open to suggestions.

My main concerns are that these two options seem like a really good deal price wise, so I feel like I may have missed something? Any and all input welcome!

 

[solidheart]

I would suggest you read reviews on the products your interested in before purchasing. FYI the new Winchester silverado series are 10 gauge body and door. The heavier the better in this business so compare weight in products as long as dimensions are similar. Reading reviews may help you get an idea of how well the mechanics of the safe are built.

 

[a1abdj]

This may come to a shock to those that are reading this....

If fire protection is not important to you, I'd check out the Sturdy safes. I'm not a fan of their fire lining, and do not agree with them on many of their other claims. They do however build a stout safe that is available without a fire liner.

Of the two you mentioned, I would probably go with the Rhino. The Hollons are simply imported safes being resold. Although the Big Horn is also an import, it is being sold by a US based manufacturer. That may be important if it ever comes to getting something taken care of under warranty.

 

[craymond]

Thanks so much for the input guys, I'll certainly check out Sturdy safes.

Another question: Does the weight of the safe really matter if it is properly bolted down? I know that in general more weight means the safe is less likely to get stolen as a whole, but I would also like to be able to relocate it from time to time without to much fuss.

 

[a1abdj]

Does the weight of the safe really matter if it is properly bolted down? I know that in general more weight means the safe is less likely to get stolen as a whole, but I would also like to be able to relocate it from time to time without to much fuss.

It can be an indicator of the quality of the construction, but it gets a bit screwy with gun safes. In many cases, the weight of the gypsum board used as insulation exceeds the weight of the steel used in the safe.

If you are bolting the safe, the weight isn't as important. However, you do want to make sure that the steel on the floor of the safe is substantial enough (or that other precautions are taken), to prevent the floor of the safe from ripping out around the bolts. Keep in mind that the safe itself is a a 5' or 6' tall prying device.

 

[symantix]

A $1,500 budget isn't half bad for an RSC. For that price point, you may consider looking at a used Amsec BF series. New BF safes start in the $2300 range so $1500 is about right for used. IMHO, there is no better RSC dollar for dollar than the Amsec BF.

Sturdy is one of the best values in an RSC, as long as you're comfortable with their very strict no frills policy.

As for weight, the UL standard for TL rated safes is that anything under 750 pounds must be bolted down. My personal comfort level is that anything under 2,000# should be bolted down. If the safe you're looking at doesn't weigh at least 500#, I would run away screaming.

 

[craymond]

I think I would go would with a sturdy when the time came, I think for what I need it's great. I do however have one more (hopefully) question. After talking to my wife about the safe she expressed interest in putting a harddrive full of family photos in the safe as well. Does it make more sense to look at a B rated gun safe (do they exist?) that has fire resistance, or just pick up a separete media safe? Thanks again for everyone's input.

 

[heeler]

Craymond,few gun safes are going to protect paper or media.
I use two U.L. rated Sentry fire boxes inside my Amsec BF and I am quite sure this has me covered with the exception of a California type inferno that takes out whole neighborhoods.

 

[symantix]

+1 a media vault (not really a vault, but that's what they are called) will cost you about $150 - $300 for a good quality one depending on the size. Put your sensitive docs & media inside and park that puppy inside your (hopefully fire rated) safe.

However, if your safe is not fire-rated, it may become a giant oven that will concentrate heat in a house fire. I would ask a professional before storing a media vault in a non fire-rated safe.

 

[craymond]

I guess that makes good sense, keep the guns in the gun safe and the electronics in they own safe. From what I can tell it will be cheaper that way too.

 

[coalman]

Sturdy makes a nice safe. I like the door design and fit.