Gun Safe advice

[sgtyork]

I’m looking to store 4 pistols in a gun safe. Don’t need a tall one for long guns, just the pistols and maybe ammo. Don’t have $800 plus to spend on a safe as the wife is not happy about the money I’ve spent buying 2 new pistols plus rounds in the last 30 days. Main reason for the safe is in case of a break in or the grand kids in the house, the guns will not be easy to get.

 

I thought about a First Alert or SentrySafe fireproof/water proof safe from Wal-Mart, but I read that the fire proofing materials in these safes will cause metal to rust. Any suggestion would be great.

 

Thanks Earl

[Volzfan]

I bought an upright even though I didn't have any long guns. They are also good for storing all sorts of things such as jewelry, laptops, prescription meds, range bag, etc. Being able to secure some of her valuables may help you to sell her on spending the money. Nobody is gonna walk out with it either!

[sgtyork]

Thanks for the reply. What did you get and about how much.

 

 

I bought an upright even though I didn't have any long guns. They are also good for storing all sorts of things such as jewelry, laptops, prescription meds, range bag, etc. Being able to secure some of her valuables may help you to sell her on spending the money. Nobody is gonna walk out with it either!

[gregintenn]

You asked for advice, so here it is: You won't ever buy a safe as big as you will need. There are many things like wife's jewelry, car titles, family photos, coin collection, pocket knives, insurance documents, etc. that you will put in your safe. Also, the smart money says that you aren't finished buying guns either.

[hipower]

Waterproof safe? Not many are waterproof. I ran into one claiming to waranty against water damage. It actually stated in the fine print that the "warranty would pay for cleaning and possibly, maybe, if you have all the documentation and jump thru all the specified hoops; offer replacement on the safe and some firearms.

[peejman]

I have one of these.  It does a good job of keeping my kids away from my handguns.  Its' got 4 pistols, a flashlight, can of pepper spray, and a can of bear spray inside.  Nothing fancy, but it works.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Stack-On-PS-514-Personal-Safe-Electronic/dp/B000LG6KCA/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1363003456&sr=1-4&keywords=stack+on+pistol+safe

 

If I could do it again, I'd get a bigger one.  :)

 

The waterproof/fireproof document safes will retain moisture and may accelerate corrosion.  If you keep guns in one, be sure you keep some desiccant in it too.

 

 

 

edit...  I also have one of these for my long guns.  Again, nothing fancy but it works... 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Stack-On-Eight-Gun-Ready-to-Assemble-Cabinet/1170698.uts

Edited March 11, 2013 by peejman

[Volzfan]

I went with a Stack On safe that I got from Dick's. It's not a high end but it will not be quick to get into. My home has been completely covered with a top of the line security system and if someone gets into the house the alarm will be going off. There is battery backup and cell.

I also did not want to bolt it to the floor because of our hardwoods so I built a pedistal for it made from 2x12's. I built it with a sealed area in the bottom that I filled with concrete, probably 300 extra lbs added to the weight of the safe and set the bolts in that. No one will walk out with that!

[hipower]

I went with a Stack On safe that I got from Dick's. It's not a high end but it will not be quick to get into. My home has been completely covered with a top of the line security system and if someone gets into the house the alarm will be going off. There is battery backup and cell.

I also did not want to bolt it to the floor because of our hardwoods so I built a pedistal for it made from 2x12's. I built it with a sealed area in the bottom that I filled with concrete, probably 300 extra lbs added to the weight of the safe and set the bolts in that. No one will walk out with that!

 

Yes, I've got one of the 45 gun Stackon models and have it on a homemade base as well. But I like your idea very much. I may be trying that out.

[sgtyork]

Thanks for the many suggestions. Think I'll just go with stack on and forget fire proof. Only reason I wanted fire proof is by the time the volunteer fire dept got here, I’m sure that it would be nothing but ashes left.