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smokemifugotem

smokemifugotem

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Well Mr. J is now old enough to walk and he is into everything. So it is finally time to get my gun safe! So I am looking for a little advice from those that have them or know a lot about them. I am currently looking for a 10-20 gun safe (no lockers) that is fire and water proof (I know that they are only for like 30 minutes...but if I am paying the money...might as well go fire safe). I would like it to have a few shelves for small arms, rounds, random acc, etc. I also do not care if it is combo or digital. I would like it to look nice due to it being displayed in basement. So what do you think dollar for dollar best safe and best price for a safe. Would like to keep it under a $1K...the lower the number...the more left over for cigars and rounds:):ccool::gangfire: I have looked at a ton...but really know nothing about safes and would really appreciate any help!

Also...what are some of the features of your safe that you are glad that you have, hate, or wish your safe had come with. Any help would be greatly appreciated! I am shooting to get this bad boy within a week or so! Cannot wait!

Thanks!
Nick
 
Jwrussell

Jwrussell

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The amount of time a safe is fireproof for is basically dependent on how much you want to pay for it. At under $1K you are probably looking at between 30 minutes and an hour depending on who you end up with. Honestly, it's hard to tell you who to look at as it probably depends on what's available in your area. Certainly you can look at online dealers, but shipping's a b****h regardless of whether or not it's "included" or not. Plus, if you want it installed (bolted to the floor), that tends to be something you need to deal with a local for unless you are comfortable doing it yourself.

The two things I will say are this:
1. Get as big as you are able and anyone else influencing the decision is willing to allow. ;) I went with a 20-ish and would have loved to have gone bigger. Got it as primarily a gun safe, but there are other valuables that belong in there as well, and they take up space.

2. Get the highest fireproof rating you can afford. Piece of mind.

As to the fireproof rating, keep in mind that those ratings are for a certain constant temp for a certain period of time. Most of those temps are pretty darn high so even your 30 minute rating is likley to be just fine so long as you can expect a prompt response from your fire department.

Check out libery safes (www.libertysafe.com). I went with these guys and I'm happy with what I got. They have a good variety of sizes and amenities to offer and the prices for their lower level safes were reasonable.

I also liked the GunVault series of safes. They were very reasonably priced and are easy to operate (they have biometric locks now). My issue was that while they advertise as "Fire Rated", they don't seem to tell you HOW they are rated or for what temp and for what length of time. I didn't feel like digging for the information so I gave them a pass (a google search shows me that it's probably a 30 minute rating).

Best of luck!
 
smokemifugotem

smokemifugotem

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Thank you guys! Great info so far! I actually have not come across Liberty till talking to all of you. I have been going to local shops and all that they had were Browning, Remington, Stack-On, etc...the quality already looks much better just from their website pics. Looks like there is a retailer about 45 miles out...I will have to go and personally check them out this weekend! Thanks for the advice so far...keep it coming:) Like I said...I know about guns, but never really needed a safe till now so I am just learning and would like any input! Thanks again bros! Nick
 
David

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Being placed in a corner like you can see from the pic, I am anchored into the studs in the wall and into the concrete slab underneath the carpet.
 
Jwrussell

Jwrussell

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Are they related to Liberty in any way David? The inside of that safe looks almost IDENTICAL to mine...except for the contents, hehe.

I have the Colinial 23 from Liberty.
 
David

David

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Jwrussell said:
Are they related to Liberty in any way David? The inside of that safe looks almost IDENTICAL to mine...except for the contents, hehe.

I have the Colinial 23 from Liberty.
Click to expand...
It is my understanding that the Heritage is part of the Liberty line.
 
Mitch

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I got mine from Bass Pro in one of the sales they run every year around Xmas and it's good for me. Paid about 850 a few years ago. I don't care much about fire rating or how hard it is to crack. Just wanted it bolted down and hard to get into for the average crack head burgler.

Figure out what you need to fit in there. Most are made to handle shotguns with 30 inch barels and if you have carbines and shorter rifles it's a lot of wasted space unless there is a shelf above it to adjust down. If you've got lots of pistols shelves are great.

I like digital, because it's better for fast open under stress if you hear glass breaking at 3am.
 
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