Buying my first real safe (Advice Needed)

[EasyRider]

I am planning to buy my first full sized safe today, found what I think is a good deal, used of course, but listed as in very good condition and would really appreciate any advice from any of the wise forum elders here on PAFOA. I think its a good safe, anything I should be on the look out for? I know to look at the bolts, pry marks, keys and info to change combo, anything else? Thanks in advance.

This is what I am looking at. Amsec 5924 Gun Safe
# 1/4" door and 12 Gauge body.
# The quality packed, affordably priced 5924W offers an unbeatable value.
# Rich velour back cover and fire walls with durable American Oak wood finish interior.
# Elegant scrollwork and pinstripes accompanied by the renowned American Security Logo.
# Black Textured finish.
# Brass spy-proof dial with decorative brass "L" handle.
# Sleek style is designed to fit into a closet.
# Mercury Class I fire at 1200°F, for a period of 45 minutes.
# Designed to maintain an interior temperature of less than 350°F.
# PalusolTM door seal expands up to 8 times its original thickness when exposed to high temperatures sealing safe contents from harm.
# High strength unitized 12 ga. body and 1/4" thick solid steel door.
# Defense barrier of 5 active 11/4" diameter chrome-plated steel locking bolts, with 4 deadbolts.
# Equipped with a 3 wheel combination lock (U.L. Listed Group II combination or electronic lock available).
# 3-way boltwork with drill resistant hard plate.
# 4 pre-cut anchor holes and 1 precut electrical access hole
# 59H x 24W x 18D
# Weight: 375 lbs


http://www.safesetc.com/1836.html

[normanvin]

The only advice I will offer at this point is to buy bigger then you need.

This is what my smaller safe has. I paid less for it, then the one you have shown.

* 11 Locking Bolts (1" in Diameter)
* 12 Gauge Solid Steel Body
* 20 Gun Capacity
* 3 in 1 Flex Interior
* 45 Minute Manufacturer's Fire Rating

[LorDiego01]

Go bigger if you got the space and you can afford it. Future proof your safe.

Also, a dedicated person with one of those big demolition hammers can get into just about any of those safes in approximately 10 minutes.

There was a thread about this on this forum a few years ago.

[Metz]

would really appreciate any advice

Either ask about free delivery and installation or have couple of tough guys to help you.

Also, Lowes/Home Depot is worth checking too while you are shopping.

[jjeez]

I agree about the buying bigger. I was surprised how much I used in mine.
I got mine out of the bargain cave at cabalas. I took it home in the back of the minivan with the seats out.
I got a great deal on it. Was selling for 2k and I got it with some minor scratches for $1300.

[EasyRider]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am already planning to buy bigger then I need, I know this is a habit.

Like I said, I found that safe used for what I think is a good price so I am going to do it. I hope it fits in the wagon and that the three of us can lift it. I will let you all know how it goes.

[punxsutawneypete]

The one you described isn't bad. However, I would agree that it would be a good idea to go bigger than you think you need at the moment. I went for the biggest bolts and highest fire rating I could. My safes will go 1 1/2 hours or better in a 1500 degree fire and keep the interior under the temperature to char paper (I think 344 degrees F). Plus it's a good place to store documents, photo albums. coin collections, jewelry etc. (help you justify it to the rest of the household).

[jeo556]

Going bigger isn't a bad idea but you should also do some research before you purchase. I was in the market for a safe about a year ago and once I did some research I decided to wait and get something that was actually "safe". Of course you looking at over $2K, but think how much you have invested in your guns? Try looking at http://www.sturdysafe.com/minuteman.htm. From my research they seem to be in the top tier of safe makers.

[7998]

Go as big and as American made as you can afford. I went with a Liberty 48 gun and its almost full already.