Ruger-Redhawk

Double post !!!!!!!
Ruger Redhawk

Support the NRA...Protecting our Gun Rights and Freedoms is everybody's responsibility. Ruger Redhawk A proud NRA Life Member since 1977.

Edited by - ruger-redhawk on 01/06/2003 19:46:11

ELKampMaster

Gun safes are the way to go and some degree of fire protection is a plus. Here are few thoughts I didn't see addressed that may "weigh" in your decision:

(1) I'd recommend that you be discrete with your gunsafe and keep it out of sight rather than strutting it in your living room or den because there are at least four benefits of doing so:

(2) First benefit: if your home is robbed and they don't come prepared for a gun safe, then it is HIGHLY unlikely they will get it open. If they know its there (it is in your living room/den - word of mouth, friends, acquaintances, parties, etc.) and they come prepared with a Mikta grinder with a cutoff wheel, then you WILL loose your guns unless the neighbors hear them cutting.

On my brothers estate we had 3 safes and no combinations. Safecracker got two open using s stethoscope, but couldn't get the "best" one open. The cut off wheel went through it like a knife through butter!

(3) Second benefit: a "plain jane" safe will protect just fine against fire and theft and if its discrete you can save big bucks by getting the "ugly" econoline finish since no one is going to see it but you.

(4) Third benefit: you can buy two gun safes! Rather than getting the "grand daddy of them all" that will hold all the guns you might ever buy, you can take a more realistic and economical approach of getting a safe for your current needs and if you buy more guns latter, then buy another safe later - the main thing is to get something NOW, not someday. (Plus it harder to break into two safes than it is just one.)

(5) Fourth benefit: when you move to a new home, it will be easier to move two smaller ones than one huge one. The safe people have specialized motorized stair walking dollies, your moving van company won't.

(6) Basements: If you are putting your gun safe in the basement, then consider elevating it a foot or so off the floor on a heavy platform. Why? You safe can protect against fire but it can't protect against water and flooded basements happen. Fortunately most are a mess but not too deep (few inches), so give your guns a sporting chance that you will discover the flood before its too late.

(7) What is a safe? If they can pry open the door with a crowbar, possibly from your own garage, it isn't safe!

(8) For any safe over 300 pounds pay the money for delivery and stand back! You can get hurt easier than you think moving one of them into your home! For bigger safes, consult with the deliver man as to whether you need to do any reinforcing (like basement stairs).

(9) Its been mentioned but its a great tip so worth repeating, anchor the safe so they (or you or the kids) can't tip it over. The safes themselves involve an element of danger.

EKM

Good judgment comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!

s4bill

EKM,
Sound advice!

kodiakhuntmaster

And make sure the safe is heavy enough that someone can't take the whole thing back to thier place to work on it further.

"Hey ya'll, watch this"

ostdc

Would someone that has recently done the research care to post their findings on which "plain jane" safe is the best value? I'm not looking for a shiny display model, just one to protect my stuff from fire and theft.
Thanks.

308shtr

I have a Homak steel case with security locks. It is bolted to the wall and floor. It is not fire proof, but I am insured.

Ruger-Redhawk

ostdc,If you have a Sam's Club close by check them out. My local Sam's had a Remington safe made by Granite(sp?)for under 900.00 if I remember right.It held about 20 rifles or more.I picked up a Liberty (model)Jefferson 23 for about the same as the one at Sam's Club.It was on sale when I got it. It's fireproof, it's not the top of their line but will do what it was designed to do.I do high recommend no matter how big or heavy the safe or vault you get is. Bolt it down.Safety is one reason so it doesn't topple over and so it can't be dragged away.Another thing is install a low wattage light bulb and or a heated rod for moisture. Once you get it setup you'll breathe a little easier.
Ruger Redhawk

..... A Proud NRA Life Member since 1977 .....Ruger Redhawk

RonM

Like so many others I store them under beds, behind doors, in corners , etc,etc., etc. When the grandkids come down ,my daughter in law is scared to lets the kids roam around....... So just last weekend I scalloped some boards and got some lumber from Lowes abd made a gun sotrage spot in my hall entrance closet, removed a couple topcoats and jackets and filled it up with guns. I also store my handguns on the top shelf. It is notfireproof, but has drywall interior and the door can be locked, it has the bed and bath lock, will keep the kids out and easier for me to reach in and find what I want, I just bought 2 more guns this month.

WV Hunter

All good advice. I have a big, fireproof, American Security safe, and it is awesome! The majority of the good safe manufacturers build good safes...of course they all claim to be the best. Most are very similar. What I would recommend, get the biggest safe you can afford. A 20 gun safe really doesn't go very far. When they say 20 guns...they are basically talking about 20 guns...with nothing on them. No scopes, slings, bipods...etc. Trust me, you need more space when you start adding that stuff. I would also recommend an "easy out" interior if available, and a goldenrod(dehumidifier). If you get a nice size safe, you can store all your guns, and other important stuff also (jewelry, papers, etc.) Mine has a 38 gun interior, and 4 shelves also. Consider it an investment.
You might want to check some gun shows, for a safe. They usually bring them, and they definitely don't want to have to take them back. My dad got a great deal on a Liberty for this very reason. Another thing, Liberty makes a nice &quot;economy&quot; model now. Also look at places like MidSouth, Natchez, etc. I got my safe from Natchez a while back for about $1600 delivered. Getting it delivered is probably worth the money, especially on a big safe. I've moved mine twice, and at 1100lbs empty...it can be a little tricky <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Last thing, Mauser....I've had some of my guns standing for 20 years with no problems. Those guns would have to have an awful lot of oil in them to cause damage like that.



Edited by - WV Hunter on 01/17/2003 21:08:38

WV Hunter

Hey CalNewbie...I was just looking at my Scott's Outdoors catalog, and they have AMSEC safes in there....good prices. They have a website http://www.scottsoutdoors.com/ you might check it out. I have a top of the line safe...but you can save some $ with a lower model if you want.