Special Situation Gun Safe

[nkyFN]

I enjoyed reading everyone's posts on safes. To put it mildly, I am glad I came across this site, or I'd have one of those overpriced RSC's right now.

To the point.

I have a "notch" in my foundation under my fireplace that is about 30" deep and 44" wide. On all sides there is poured concrete. I plan on installing a RSC, or hopefully a Safe, in this location. I was considering filling any gaps with concrete on the sides but may just frame it in. I am also considering a hidden bookcase door to hide it.

I do have a problem of the basement only having stair access and only having stringer stairs. So moving in a TL-30 safe is probably out of the question, but would be desireable. But I may move within 3 - 5 years too. Price isn't my main consideration as the safe will cost less than the contents most likely (laptops, cameras, etc cost money). But being able to take it with me if it is big $$$ would be a factor.

Questions:
1.) Since I have 6" - 10" (Not sure what it really is) of poured concrete around the safe, can I cheap out a little on the body gauge and focus on door thickness?

2.) If so, are there any RSC's or Safe's that fill this bill?

3.) Does the concrete foundation afford a level of fire protection so that I don't have to worry as much about the fire "ratings"?


Prior to coming to this site and being educated I was considering the following:

Zanotti Armor 6' ZA-III (for portability and use as a 2nd safe in a new house that would have a vault room)
AMSEC BF7240
Patriot Safe - Armory Model ($2800 delivered) (Looking like that's not the best idea for several reasons)

Are there any custom models that might be better for my particular situation?

Thanks in advance and sorry for beating the dead horse again.

 

[a1abdj]

I do have a problem of the basement only having stair access and only having stringer stairs. So moving in a TL-30 safe is probably out of the question, but would be desireable.

We sell a safe, a real UL burglary resistant safe, that is modular. The safe assembles in a similar fashion to the Zanotti you looked at. The company that builds them will also build them in custom configurations. The heaviest panels weight around 250 pounds, so that it is easily moved and assembled.

They are not cheap, but if that's what you need, it is available.

1.) Since I have 6" - 10" (Not sure what it really is) of poured concrete around the safe, can I cheap out a little on the body gauge and focus on door thickness?

You could. Keep in mind that if your house would burn and collapse on the safe, a thin walled safe may not support the weight. Most companies that build thick doors, also use thick bodies.

2.) If so, are there any RSC's or Safe's that fill this bill?

The AMSEC BF series uses a 1/2" plate door with a concrete filled body. Their BF6040 is short enough to go down stairs, and wide enough to fit into your space. It does weigh 1,100 pounds, so you would probably need to reinforce your stairs.

Graffunder also makes safes with 1/2" and heavier doors. Because Graffunder uses thicker steel plate on the bodies, the safes can get pretty heavy. This can become a problem if you have to go down stairs.

3.) Does the concrete foundation afford a level of fire protection so that I don't have to worry as much about the fire "ratings"?

Yes, but most gun safes aren't as fireproof as they claim to begin with.

There are many companies that build custom safes. Your biggest problem is your stair situation. A 72" tall safe is very difficult to move down stairs since you have to lean the safe. A safe that's 72 x 40 sits 85" high when leaned back on our stair climber.