GUN SAFE

Tomtint · Jan 15, 2014

I bought a safe today at BJs. I believe it is a 18-20 capacity safe and weighs a bit over 350lbs. I took it out of the back of the van with it on a pallet using the Kubota and then put it on a dolly into the house. .. It's plenty heavy to deter someone from carrying it out the front door. After looking at several other options at big box stores, this one fit the size and budget (500.00) pretty well. Now I'm just wondering weather or not to bolt it to the floor.

Carl Bert · Jan 16, 2014

If you bought this safe with the intention of keeping your kids out, then there is no need to bolt it down. If you are trying to keep thieves out, you definitely need to bolt it down. They will still be able to get in, with something as simple as a pry bar, but it will take them a good deal longer.

After a long time researching these safes. I have come to realize that in order to keep a thief with basic tools out, you need to spend upwards of $4000, such as a Sturdy safe. Its all about the thickness of the steel and the design of the door.

Tomtint · Jan 16, 2014

We don't have kids but do have family gatherings at our home and there are always kids around. So that was a concern. I imagine that if someone breaks in and wants something bad enough they will get it no matter what. Maybe this is just a deter ant for the smash and grab type of thief, not the pro

k0ua · Jan 16, 2014

I would bolt it to the floor and the wall also if possible. It doesn't take long to do, and give that little extra measure of security. Some thieves are plenty stout, and two properly motivated thieves could pick up a 350 lbs safe.

rsallen · Jan 16, 2014

Children aren't a concern for me, but the idea of one of my guns being on the street is.
When we leave the house for any length of time the guns are put where no one will find them without completely tearing the house down.

But someone looking for an easy score has to be completely stupid to be stealing guns, it turns a simple burglary rap into a federal crime.

Tomtint · Jan 16, 2014

Thieves, by nature tend to be ...not the smartest kid on the bus. I believe locks only keep honest people out. I think that if someone really wants something they will probably get it. Bolting it may slow them down and add another obstacle, I think I may go ahead and do it.

rsallen · Jan 16, 2014

The thing I personally don't like about gun safes is that they're a big advertisement and an invite to the gold mine or in the case of children a wonderland.

In 'the days' as children we all knew guns, what they were good for and didn't play with them, what game we were playing or if mom or dad was around or not.
Today? Don't know how children look at guns.

Soundguy · Jan 16, 2014

k0ua said:
I would bolt it to the floor and the wall also if possible. It doesn't take long to do, and give that little extra measure of security. Some thieves are plenty stout, and two properly motivated thieves could pick up a 350 lbs safe.

yep. lag bolt and heavy.... make it a less attractive target.. make it take too long. a thief can get into almost any safe given enough time. i mean. even a 4000$ safe can be hacked apart slowly with a demolition blow torch and large set of bottles.

takes a while!

I know one thing. if any guys are big enough to pick up my safe's.. i will stand back. I think empty they weight 850# ..

outinthetalgrass · Jan 16, 2014

rsallen said:
The thing I personally don't like about gun safes is that they're a big advertisement and an invite to the gold mine or in the case of children a wonderland.

This is why my 800 lb. fire/gun safe is mounted in the utility room inside a modified pantry cabinet. I have other cabinets and counters in there along with a prep sink.
If you were to open the cabinet doors it look like a real shallow pantry cabinet, but if you know where to release it the shelves swing out to reveal the fire proof gun safe. Not only do I keep most of my firearms and ammo in there, but also my important papers.