Looking for expertise re: home safe

[BoredSysAdmin]

Needs are not major: it needs to store some valuables, documents, so on - MAYBE handgun or two (much later on). I can't have 600lbs gorilla sized carried over to 2nd floor - not sure house will be strong enough.
I will make sure to floor attach it.

After spending tons of time - I realized that market is filled with junk which even strong highschooler won't need more than 5 minutes to open most, given basic training (aka youtube).

So, I while I don't need fort knox (literal nor FortKnox vaults- they are too big and expensive), I rather not waste my money on stuff which known junk.
Despite good reviews, I suspect that this safe belongs to above mention category -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MY7MTC/ref=s9_hps_bw_g200_i3
Basically most cheap safes do, notable from brands like SentySafe, Stack-On, Honeywell,Hollon, Mesa , Winchester, Amsec (at least the cheap ones) .... etc...

Now, with all that said - I don't want to pay more than absolutely necessary for decent safe - basically it needs to be good value - regardless of price - $200 or (my highest range) $1000

I have only been able to find one company somewhat trustworthy, despite some cliche web design choices, the products seems solid. Using high quality locks (S&G), high gauge steel and optional but excellent fire insulation.

Any Thoughts, suggestions, ideas?

 

[TheWarrior]

Any Thoughts, suggestions, ideas?

It needs to be heavy enough for someone to not run away with. I know that sounds simple and idiotic, but seriously. Its nothing more than a heavy box with a lock!

 

[herbu]

I have a Liberty Safe. This was my thinking...
- Nothing I buy will stop a pro, or the Mission Impossible team, or the Chinese Army. So I focused on fire and a couple thugs from the hood.
- Must either be bolted to the floor or too heavy for the thugs to carry off.
- Theft security is pretty cheap. Fire rating increases w/ cost.
- Weight may be less of an issue than you think. Take a 700# safe. Could 3 big guys safely stand where you want to put the safe? The flat bottom will additionally spread the weight. A corner location will also help. You can have the safe delivered and set up in your space. They'll have a dolly that can "walk" it up the stairs.
- Liberty is "the #1 seller" in America, and has a lifetime warranty.
- You can buy fire resistant bags to increase the survival time of papers in the safe.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Forgot to mention the vendor I mention in last part:
http://www.sturdysafe.com/

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

shameless bump, since I would like to hear more opinions.
Heck - this forum is full of Gun owners. I hope you guys don't store these under your pillows.....

 

[herbu]

Gun owners. I hope you guys don't store these under your pillows.....

It's not an either/or proposition. Under the pillow, in the drawer, leaning in the corner, in a cabinet, in a safe, in the console, in the glovebox, etc, etc, etc...

 

[Rickster71]

My brother has a large gun safe that I helped him bolt to his bedroom closet floor. I can't vouch for how good it is and think it may be bigger than you're looking for.
The link below has some info that may be of help:
http://www.nashvillesafehouse.com/faq/top-10-things-to-know-before-buying-a-safe/

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

My brother has a large gun safe that I helped him bolt to his bedroom closet floor. I can't vouch for how good it is and think it may be bigger than you're looking for.
The link below has some info that may be of help:
http://www.nashvillesafehouse.com/faq/top-10-things-to-know-before-buying-a-safe/

I think due to #15 I not going to get much responses ....

So far my research somewhat documented in first post seems to be correct...
and in most cases it boils down to - you get what you paid for

 

[rnatalli]

Well, as audioholics we are all for overkill so how about moving to a safer neighborhood


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[herbu]

I think due to #15 I not going to get much responses ....

I agree w/ #15, but a safe is not only for things w/ monetary value. Ever tried to collect on an insurance policy w/o papers? Important papers like copies of wills, instructions for family if you get hit by a bus, list of important numbers, addresses, passwords, etc. Lots of paperwork that can make your or your family's life much easier after an event.

Even so, still agree a safe will be the first thing to catch a bad guy's eye. That's why heavy and/or secured is important.

As for your search, assuming you cover the basics like mechanical security and fire protection, the most important thing to consider is the company. You want a big company that has been around a long time and is likely to still be around a long time. It means support 10 years down the road when you lose the combination or something doesn't work. It also means a local dealer where you can see the safes, and who can deliver/install it. This is one purchase where I wouldn't even consider the ID or boutique supplier. Stick w/ Ford, Chevy or Dodge.

 

[highfigh]

Well, as audioholics we are all for overkill so how about moving to a safer neighborhood


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Because criminals travel- what the residents see as a 'safe neighborhood', criminals see as 'one-stop shopping'.

Willie Sutton was a notorious bank robber in the 1930s and when someone asked why he robbed banks, he said "Because that's where they keep the money".

 

[highfigh]

shameless bump, since I would like to hear more opinions.
Heck - this forum is full of Gun owners. I hope you guys don't store these under your pillows.....

But, it's a really heavy pillow.

 

[highfigh]

Consider the importance of the items- that should determine the storage. If they absolutely cannot be lost, keep them somewhere else, like a bank's safe deposit box. Hiding things in a house is risky and there's no guarantee that the people who are left after they're hidden will remember where they are. Make it heavy or bolt it down, but the best bet is to put it someplace where it's less likely to be incinerated- this is usually in a basement, near the floor, away from heat sources. Not great for weapons that may be needed for self-defense, but those can be stored in the main living space, possibly in a wall safe.