New safe

[elkliver]

One thing that will make a big difference in limiting the break in factor is if you can build it into a wall or build a closet around it . Most can be broken into with tools and time... but having it bolted in and a wall around it where they cant access all sides or tip it over makes a difference. I would look at Fire Department Response times.... and think about what fire rating really makes sense.

 

[sndmn11]

If you're looking for a security cabinet and not a "fire rated" safe, check out SecureIt. I have a couple of their Agile safes and they are great for modular secure storage. They are shipped flat and you assemble them, which makes them easy to handle when you re-arrange within your home or when you move. I just replace the 9V battery once a year and they have been trouble free. There is a backup key as well if the electronics were to fail. Mine have an older Gen 2 style of keypad but the Gen 3 ones they sell now have a back-lit keypad and optional biometrics. @sndmn11 has a review of the Agile safe and new keypad on here if you search for it.

We have a few of the Secureit Agiles, thanks or pinging me in this. Here is the review link https://www.rokslide.com/secureit-agile-model-52-pro-review/

They also have the Answer model https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/answer-full-size-gun-safes/

I don't think typical safe capacity is anywhere close to what is stated. One of those tractor supply links says 52 gun safe, and I would bet 10-12 woud fit if one took out all of the shelves. When adding optics, grips, etc, things get in the way of other things. You also run into the obscene weight of the typical safe. My dad passed in December and has a Browning safe that isn't going to move any time soon despite mom wanting it out. Its just far too heavy to moved with ease.

I'd grab a few Secureit Agiles that truly hold their stated capacity without rubbing, and place them around the house.

 

[HuntHarder]

Everyone says get a bigger safe than you think you will need and this is almost always true. I chose to go with 3 smaller safes and each one has its own purpose. They are all built pretty cheap, but serve their purpose unless an experienced criminal wants in. I had a break in maybe 10 years ago, and they tried like hell to get in my poverty Cannon safe. They failed miserably and broke an Axe trying. That safe was only like 600$ and worked great. I now have 2 cannons and 1 Liberty, all are 30x60 versions. I live in the city, so fire ratings aren't all that important imo. If the fd can't put out my house fire in 60 minutes or less, they need more practice.

 

[Nine Banger]

Rhino Ironworks is good to go. Way more sophisticated lock up than the ones at the big box stores. We got one of those for free from a gynecologist at work and all it needed was some lube…see what I did there?…but the lock up in it is rudimentary and cheesy. I think it’s a field and stream. I just put powder in it.

 

[maxx075]

If you're looking at a safe for security, rather than just a gun storage solution I would absolutely avoid Liberty. Unless you mind the company giving away your combo to anybody that asks, no questions asked.

 

[SWOHTR]

I've had a dial Liberty for 10 years, no issues. It's been moved cross-country three times. 36-gun or so capacity.

Everyone will tell you "power tools can break into it." No shit, they can break into anything and they'll make a hell of a racket doing it.

 

[Luked]

My safe I bought years ago is a liberty Fat Boy Jr.
Its a 48gun.
Big thing for me was I wanted a dial lock instead of the key pad.
My brother had a Keypad safe that the pad went bad and he wasnt able to get it replaced so now he has to use the key only.
Only key mine has is to lock the dial from turning.
So far I have zero issues with mine in the 6-7 years I have had it.

 

[intunegp]

Can't offer any help in choosing a safe, but I can say that these are the types of things that often get dinged/scratched in loading/unloading/displaying. If you're going to visit all the retailers in person anyway, ask them about possible discounts on scratch/dent/display models.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

Just do your research and find one which will fill you needs and wants. Someone will always have great reviews, while the next someone will say it's a POS, that goes for glass, guns, ammo, guides. Some people have great experiences while others not so much.

 

[Kurts86]

The logistics and cost to move a safe is a big consideration. Getting professional movers to move a gun safe up a flight of stairs is often $250-450. I would much rather have 2-3 safes in the 300-400 lb range than a single big one. Even renting an electric stair climber is $100/day if you can find one locally. Sometimes renting a compact skid steel with pallet forks is a good option to get a safe into a basement.

The SecureIt cabinets are a great option if you move frequently and can get past fire ratings. Most home insurance will cover all firearm losses due to fire but they usually have a silly low cap on stolen firearms. Check on your specific coverage first but it’s a helpful data point from an industry that statistically sees losses.

If you buy from a big box store look at the actual safe you are getting before you leave the store. Shipping damage exists on a high percentage of these safes.

I think for inexpensive gun safes the Browning BX series is a good option.