Gun Safe Ideas

[Texasjack]

What ever you choose, make sure you sit it on a pallet so water can’t get in it. We learned that trick from Colorado.

If it's on a pallet, it can be carted off and opened at the thief's leisure. Bolt it down or prepare to lose it.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

If it's on a pallet, it can be carted off and opened at the thief's leisure. Bolt it down or prepare to lose it.

But, it's in the basement, and very heavy...

 

[TxStetson]

I agree whole heartedly. We all do. We even tried explaining it over and over to a certain individual in Colorado. But his response was what ZX9RCAM just said.

 

[Charlie]

If it's on a pallet, it can be carted off and opened at the thief's leisure. Bolt it down or prepare to lose it.

Bolt it down .................. but shim it up (3" or more) off the floor!

 

[avvidclif]

My 2 cents. Whatever safe you purchase if it has an electronic lock make sure it has emergency key access if the electronic lock goes kaput. The line sold by a farm supply chain in Texas doesn't have this and has pages of complaints about the electronic lock quitting and having to pay a locksmith to get into the safe. No help from the mfg either.

If you are absolutely sure the safe is where it's going to be forever get a tube of silicone sealer and apply liberally under the safe on the floor. Once it sets it's there.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

What is the purpose of the sealer?

How well does this work on my carpet under the safe?

 

[avvidclif]

The purpose of the sealer is to glue the safe to the floor. No bolts needed but is permanent. Won't work on carpet.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

I was being facetious about on carpeting.

Can't silicone sealer just be cut away?


ETA: I just re-read your comment & you did state "under" the safe.
That couldn't be cut away.

 

[Dawico]

My 2 cents. Whatever safe you purchase if it has an electronic lock make sure it has emergency key access if the electronic lock goes kaput. The line sold by a farm supply chain in Texas doesn't have this and has pages of complaints about the electronic lock quitting and having to pay a locksmith to get into the safe. No help from the mfg either.

If you are absolutely sure the safe is where it's going to be forever get a tube of silicone sealer and apply liberally under the safe on the floor. Once it sets it's there.

Buy the good stuff and make circles. Circles work like a suction cup to make the bond stronger than just the Silicone itself.

 

[Charlie]

Just for general knowledge, I have a Cannon I bought years ago (15,20?). It was priced right and has done a great job ............ with one exception. About 12 years ago, it failed to open (not electronic). I messed with it for hours, couldn't get it open. Finally called the manufacturer regarding a LIFETIME, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, WARRANTY. They would not respond to my insistence (with the paper in my hand from Cannon) that I have a Lifetime Warranty. Basically they refused to honor it and gave no reasons. Said I should call a local locksmith but they wouldn't pay for it! Hell, they didn't even say I didn't have the lifetime warranty!
NEVER BUY A CANNON THINKING YOU HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY!
I messed with the dial and finally got it working. Don't think it was me 'cause I had a couple of friends come by and try it also. It has worked fine except for that one instance. Just be aware!

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Don't drink and safe.....







J/K

 

[Charlie]

Didn't, this was over a period of several days the damn thing didn't open! Even had friends try it. Never figured out why it decided not to open.

 

[Southpaw]

I saw that for sale on Craig’s List. Are you the seller?

No, but I was looking for safes on CL and it popped up.

Just for general knowledge, I have a Cannon I bought years ago (15,20?) !

For a second their I thought you were giving us your combo

 

[bigwheel]

I use poor folks method of keeping them in the closet..but if we ever go see the Arkie branch I plan to take most along...maybe stash the adult pellet rifle in the attic. Cant imagine needing to take that..but they may have rats. Guess I best take it. We are nearly always home and the Shitzu is a good guard dog.

 

[Gummi Bear]

Just for general knowledge, I have a Cannon I bought years ago (15,20?). It was priced right and has done a great job ............ with one exception. About 12 years ago, it failed to open (not electronic). I messed with it for hours, couldn't get it open. Finally called the manufacturer regarding a LIFETIME, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, WARRANTY. They would not respond to my insistence (with the paper in my hand from Cannon) that I have a Lifetime Warranty. Basically they refused to honor it and gave no reasons. Said I should call a local locksmith but they wouldn't pay for it! Hell, they didn't even say I didn't have the lifetime warranty!
NEVER BUY A CANNON THINKING YOU HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY!
I messed with the dial and finally got it working. Don't think it was me 'cause I had a couple of friends come by and try it also. It has worked fine except for that one instance. Just be aware!

Dads Canon safe recently had a lock failure. It was a LaGard dial lock.

I had a locksmith come out and drill the lock and open the safe.

I installed a S&G dial lock, and all is well again. There is a wonderful video on how to properly install the lock made by the S&G company, it’s on YouTube.

Comparing the old to the new lock, I think the S&G is better made.

I did not bother calling about the warranty.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[Southpaw]

Dads Canon safe recently had a lock failure. It was a LaGard dial lock.

I had a locksmith come out and drill the lock and open the safe.

I installed a S&G dial lock, and all is well again. There is a wonderful video on how to properly install the lock made by the S&G company, it’s on YouTube.

Comparing the old to the new lock, I think the S&G is better made.

How much did the gunsmith and new lock cost?

 

[McCrapper]

So, what are you trying to do with the safe? Keep the guns away from you kids? Probably could use something cheap for that. Make life hard for a thief? Get something heavy and bolt it down. Fireproof? Yeah, that's gonna cost you some extra money. Thinking of buying a 15 gun safe for the 12 guns you own? Oh, no, no, no. You'll outgrow it so fast you'll hate yourself. Where are you going to put it? Upstairs? That might be hard. Garage? Heat and cold may hurt your guns regardless of the box.

Last night when I began looking I realized my tastes in security and budget do not coincide. I also realized there is no early reason to have a safe that costs less than some of my guns, that is foolish. I did go look at some today, Champion brand specifically. In this case the locking mechanism on the higher end safes was far more appealing. It may be locking cabinet for now and keep the majority of goodies in my Dads safe.

Thank you all for your replies.

 

[Gummi Bear]

How much did the gunsmith and new lock cost?

Locksmith was a Saturday call, about $350. The upside, was that he was a really nice fella, and we had a great visit. He showed me his tools, and how they worked, and how the lock works. A pretty neat experience.

The lock was not too terribly priced $107

Sargent and Greenleaf 6730-100 Safe Lock Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002EDF466/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HRy4Bb5W5V0FW


If you have a dial lock, it seems, from my reading, that most any will fit. Electronic locks are hit and miss. Some have a centered hole, and some have an offset hole that the wire goes through. If the hole is centered, adding a dial is no biggie. If not, you may have to drill the hardened plate.

There are some high quality electronic locks, and they do cost a little more. I plan to upgrade the electronic lock on my safe in the near future. I need to open up my safe, and remove the door panel to see what kind I need though.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[M&P9_Rich]

I’m looking at the SecureIT Real Safe.

 

[Darqhelmet]

Here is a good place to start. The tech hasn’t changed much.



Dean safes is a great company and puts out some fun and good videos from time to time about safes:

https://m.youtube.com/user/DeanSafe/videos