RSC Safe- budgeted betwn 1300-1500... Liberty, Amsec (the China made ones), other?

[Flyn4fun]

I'm struggling finding a middle of the road safe with the following preferences within my cost range. My biggest constraint is cost. Looking for minimum 25-32 long gun safe, preferably 60+ min url fire rated (if I have to I'll go down to 45), min 12 ga (preferably 11... Probably can't afford any better), bolts on all sides, continuous welding/ rolled edges, preferably American made and electric lock. I was set on a Liberty Franklin 25.... Gander Mnt had a sale awhile back for 1499, but then started looking at Amsec. Only one within my range was FV6030, but disappointingly discovered they were made in China, was only rated to 45 minutes and 12 ga. Salesmen at locksmith store ensured me all safes in that price range were made in China. (Even Liberty so he says). The Franklin 25 seems ideal, but can't find it cheeper than 1599 now. After tax and shipping just curbside I'm at 1900. In my basement down a flight of stairs I don't think I'll convince my wife to spend much more than a couple hundred past my budget. Any ideas/ thoughts? Any other safes worth mentioning of comparable quality? Wish I could afford a Sturdy of Amsec BF series safe: just cost prohibited.

 

[a1abdj]

I suppose it depends on your definition of "American Made".

There are several safes that claim to be American Made, that count a bunch of Mexicans, working in a US based plant, assembling Chinese components as "American".

I would rather buy a Chinese safe from an honest company that tells you the truth up front, than an "American" safe from a dishonest company that's twisting reality.

 

[Flyn4fun]

Which safes would those be? Just curious if you are implying that Liberty safes fit into that category (as 'American made safes being made in name only but w China parts?) and that Amsec safes are superior? I can imagine someone representing Amsec saying that. I haven't heard anything negative about Liberty. I prefer American made simply for the same reason as most. Loyalty and it usually means better made. But I have no knowledge otherwise as to which safe manufactures claim USA made but mislead the consumer behind scenes.

Any recommendations?

 

[Flyn4fun]

Also, if the Amsec FV6030 (only one that holds 25+... Actually 32 guns to my knowledge) is recommended over any others in its category, including Liberty Reveres, Colonial and Franklin series (supposedly all American made... Only Chinese made that I've read is Liberty Centurion), I'm just looking for a good argument for it. My local guy is selling that Amsec model for 1512 (plus shipping). Looking to see if any other Manufacturers are worth looking at too or whether Liberty is the better option. Just haven't found anything other than that Amsec close to my price range.

 

[CB900F]

Flyn4fun;

"preferably 60+ min url fire rated". Could you please clarify this url term? Do you in fact mean a U.L. (Underwriter's Laboratories) rating? If so, there isn't an RSC on the market that I'm aware of that can pass the U.L. test. I don't think there's anything that can realistically even approach passing it.

Also, in your price range, I would be very wary of the offshore made electronic locks. If you do go with a mechanical dial, make sure it's not a wheel-pack design. You want an easily changed combo type in the Yale 6730 category. If the salesman can't give you unequivocal answers, you'll either have to do your own research or go elsewhere. If you're in an urban area, the best elsewhere might be to a ALOA/SAVTA locksmith who has dealt with the Super-Wonder Safe you're thinking about buying. Twenty-five bucks invested there might very well save you both heartache and money down the road.

900F

 

[Flyn4fun]

Cb900f:

Thanks for the heads up. Would not have thought to ask. Will research for sure before I buy.