OK, I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I thought once more couldn't hurt right??

I need a new safe, my little boy is getting to the age (2.5 yrs) where I need a better storage place other than the top of the closet. I only have 2 long guns, my shotgun and my 6.8 AR. I have a .223 barrel that I will be finishing out sometime in the future so the long gun count will grow to at least 3. We don't have a lot of other "valuables" other than the typical birth certificates, passports and things like that. I don't have the biggest budget in the world, I would like to keep it in the $800-$1,000 range. I know everyone wishes they would have bought a bigger safe, so I'm looking at a 24 long gun safe. Will that be big enough?? What about brands? I've been looking at a Liberty, but the problem is my budget only put me into their "entry level" safes. I have a co-worker that has a Canon, and swears by it, are there any other brands that I should be looking at?

Just keep in mind that you can only get about 1/2 of what they say in the safe gun wise. I would get the biggest one I could afford.

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Just keep in mind that you can only get about 1/2 of what they say in the safe gun wise. I would get the biggest one I could afford.

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100% truth here and good advice. I have a canon and it's worked well so far. Remember to place it well too, I have mine bolted to the floor in a very small closet that is so narrow, it would require you to remove the door frame to get the safe out of the closet.

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Just keep in mind that you can only get about 1/2 of what they say in the safe gun wise. I would get the biggest one I could afford.

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That's why I think a 25 gun safe would be perfect for me. Like I said all I have is 3 long guns, that would basically give me the ability to add 10 or so new guns to my collection. I think if I did that, my wife would beat me!!

What's another good brand besides Liberty?

I think you run into the capacity problem more so with the smaller safes than the larger ones. I think I have 56 long guns in my 64 gun safe. It is a tight fit though mainly because of scoped rifles. 24 should do you plenty good. Another brand to look at is Patriot. I had a closet model that I sold to DVM97 a couple of years ago and loved it.

Fort Knox is good but pricey. Winchester makes a decent safe and I'm sure some more people will chime in. Bolting to the floor is good and also putting in a tight area helps. You want to avoid leaving it in a spot where it is easy to get leverage as the sides and backs of most gun safes are weaker than the front.

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I think you run into the capacity problem more so with the smaller safes than the larger ones. I think I have 56 long guns in my 64 gun safe. It is a tight fit though mainly because of scoped rifles. 24 should do you plenty good. Another brand to look at is Patriot. I had a closet model that I sold to DVM97 a couple of years ago and loved it.

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The only bad thing is if you have to dig guns out of the back of that monster. Careful planning can help!

Other things to consider would be humidity. You can get one of those plug in wands that would fit in the back before you bolt it down. I would think ahead on that front as you aren't going to want to unbolt it later. You can make do with the cordless dehumidifiers but you have to plug them into the wall every so often.

Good point it is a pain in the ass to dig one out of the back. I kind of have a "seasonal rotation" down at this point.

Favorites in the front for sure.

Also, to the OP. You might want to have some "friends" that can help with that safe. it's going to be heavy and you'll catch hell from the wife if you tear up the floors. Also, carefully read the dimensions and plan on the door swing for the safe. I know it all seems like common sense but it would be really crappy to get a 700 pound safe into the closet and then figure out that it won't fit.

Tractor Supply is running a 15% discount on all safes right now and they already had a great deal on a Cannon 24 gun safe. After the discount it makes their Cannon Challenger 24 gun safe $467. I don't know how you could possibly find a better deal on a quality entry-level safe.

I have one and it has been great for me. As has been said before, you can just about divide the capacity by two, especially if most of your guns are scoped rifles.

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Tractor Supply is running a 15% discount on all safes right now and they already had a great deal on a Cannon 24 gun safe. After the discount it makes their Cannon Challenger 24 gun safe $467. I don't know how you could possibly find a better deal on a quality entry-level safe.

I have one and it has been great for me. As has been said before, you can just about divide the capacity by two, especially if most of your guns are scoped rifles.

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Yeah, the Cannon 24 is one that I've been looking at for a while, I just don't know how that would stack up against a liberty as far as pry resistance goes. Great deal though. I'm actually stopping by tractor supply on my way home from work and look at that one

All of your major brands - Cannon, Ft. Knox, Patriot, Liberty, etc. are all going to pretty much be on the same level - some will have a bit better fire rating or a little bit thicker steel, but in general they are all about the same, so don't get caught up on brand as much as what you need to use it for.

General rules of thumb from my learning curve:

1. Don't think about what you have now. Think about what you'll have 10 years from now. Even big safes fill up quick. I wish I had bought one size bitter (at least) when I bought mine, for sure.
2. Capacity - multiply the advertised rate by .67; .50 if you have nothing but scoped rifles. You've already talked about this, so that's good.
3. Get the biggest safe with the best fire rating you can afford. The higher and longer the better, but keep in mind that anything in the safe will have some kind of damage (heat or smoke) in the event of a fire.
4. Put it in a place that makes getting to the side or back very difficult. This is the weakest point on any safe - and 15 minutes with a grinder and a cutoff wheel and you can cut the side off of any of the name brand safes because the shell is A36 mild steel, and generally not more than 1/4" thick. Doors are tough, sides are soft. Yes, they are pretty to look at but keep it out of sight - a highly visible safe is one that is more likely to be broken into or tampered with in the unfortunate event of a break in. And, given enough time and dedication, any safe on the market is breachable. The biggest need for one is to keep the snatch and grab criminals out, and to keep kiddos out - so don't let the fact that you have a safe bring false security.
5. Electronic vs. Dial Combo lock - personal preference. I prefer the look of a dial combo by far, but after having my electronic lock for several years now and getting into my safe at least 3-4 times a week (if not more), the electronic lock is miles better. Never had an issue with the battery - it gets changed every NY Day. It boils down to what you want more than anything else.

I have a relative who just bought a Cannon from TSC. It's seems pretty solid. For Christmas I ordered him some motion activated led lights to stick in it. Seemed like a handy addition.

For the most part you get what you pay for.

I got a 24 gun Browning safe with the door rack. Yes there are better safes with thicker steel ect ect. But for the most part if someone wants in there that bad they can take'em. It is mostly, just for peace of mind and to keep kids out. That works for me right now for next ten years or so. When I am older with more guns in the safe, jewelry, ect then I will get a better and bigger one.

In any case look to add a door rack. Really love that feature on mine.

If you want something of better quality google youtube videos about it. They will show you all about them. Thicker harder steel the better, but that equals weight and money.

I would jump all over that cannon deal at TSC if it where me and not think twice. Couple it with a good home alarm and be done with it.

Wow, some of y'all are really paranoid. He's trying to keep his guns away from kids, not the Oceans 11 crew. Most burgulars are smash/grab guys, they won't take the time to mess with a safe, especially when the security system you should have is going off.

OP, you don't sound like a gun collector. I was in the same boat. Get a smaller safe with a combo lock, and you'll be fine. If you ever need a bigger safe, sell it on Craigslist, and buy a new one then. Don't tell the kids your combo until you are ready for them to play with the guns when you are not around.

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Wow, some of y'all are really paranoid. He's trying to keep his guns away from kids, not the Oceans 11 crew. Most burgulars are smash/grab guys, they won't take the time to mess with a safe, especially when the security system you should have is going off.

OP, you don't sound like a gun collector. I was in the same boat. Get a smaller safe with a combo lock, and you'll be fine. If you ever need a bigger safe, sell it on Craigslist, and buy a new one then. Don't tell the kids your combo until you are ready for them to play with the guns when you are not around.

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Wow, some of y'all are really paranoid. He's trying to keep his guns away from kids, not the Oceans 11 crew. Most burgulars are smash/grab guys, they won't take the time to mess with a safe, especially when the security system you should have is going off.

OP, you don't sound like a gun collector. I was in the same boat. Get a smaller safe with a combo lock, and you'll be fine. If you ever need a bigger safe, sell it on Craigslist, and buy a new one then. Don't tell the kids your combo until you are ready for them to play with the guns when you are not around.

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Trigger guard locks would work fine for keeping the kids from the guns and you can get those for free. You get a cheap safe and somebody can get into in them in a minute or two with one cordless tool. Some of them you can tilt over and open with a pry bar.

Guess you missed the part about him asking which safe would be more pry resistant? Nothing will stop a determined thief with time, but there is no sense in making it easy for them.

A few guns can add up to a few thousand dollars real quick with optics.

http://gunsafereviewsguy.com/articles/what-to-look-for-in-a-gun-safe/

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Remember from 11 Myths about Gun Safe Theft Protection that a RSC is tested to withstand an attack from one man with basic hand tools and a 1/4 drill bit for five minutes. Basically one man with a hammer and a small 18 crowbar can get into to most RSCs in a little over five minutes. With two guys, an ax, pry bar, or power tools, it will take a couple minutes at the most.

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Thanks for all the advice, I guess I have it narrowed down to a Winchester and a liberty. I know they probably don't belong in the same category, but that's where I'm at. So my next question is if I buy this thing at TSC how I'm the hell am I going to get it in the house?!? The one on the Liberty website is about $250 more, and includes shipping to my house but then that's where my back, a few cases of beer and some friends come in I guess..

Don't be surprised if "to your house" means they basically drop it at the curb, on the apron of your driveway. I am guessing in a big city that is what would happen. I would make sure I have a $20 bill and ask the guy to use a dolly (appliance type if he has one) into the garage.

Just a suggestion and want to make sure you are prepared.

I like my trophy safe. I highly recommend paying someone to install.

Read the fine print if you buy online.

Just a reminder, when trying to move the safe on carpet or wood flooring, use golf balls. Sounds hokey, but it really works.

Check out costco.com even if you aren't a member.

Furniture dollys are great also.

Can't speak for other brands, but I love the scope pocket in the door of my browning safe. Makes room for a bit more by putting a few rifles on a rack on the door.

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Just keep in mind that you can only get about 1/2 of what they say in the safe gun wise. I would get the biggest one I could afford.

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That's why I think a 25 gun safe would be perfect for me. Like I said all I have is 3 long guns, that would basically give me the ability to add 10 or so new guns to my collection. I think if I did that, my wife would beat me!!

What's another good brand besides Liberty?

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Check out Steelwater

I bought a 72" Fort Knox safe about 15 years ago. Very happy with it, although it was pricey. It's loaded to the hilt. You can buy different configurations for the interior to accommodate more long guns. Also, consider the carousel type rack inside the safe. I don't have that, but have heard you can fit more with that system. As for bolting it down.....well, mine isn't bolted because, frankly, I don't think someone is going to be able to haul that thing away from my house without myself or neighbors seeing it happening. And, frankly it's so heavy--It'd be quite a feat getting it out. It was a feat getting it in, and it was unloaded then.

Have a costco membership? The Bighorn safes are decent for the price.

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Have a costco membership? The Bighorn safes are decent for the price.

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I looked at those, but I can't find any locations close to me that have them in stock and the website shows them to be out of stock as well.

I have decided that I'm going to get the 24 gun Winchester from TSC. I have my in laws over for dinner tonight so I can sucker my FIL and BIL to help me get it unloaded.

If you don't have one, an appliance dolly is a $10 rental from uhaul. Big help getting it over any elevation changes.

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If you don't have one, an appliance dolly is a $10 rental from uhaul. Big help getting it over any elevation changes.

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I've got an appliance dolly and a furniture dolly. Hopefully that's enough!

Good reading here

It's an old article, so some of the links might be dead... But lots of good and consolidated info here.

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Tractor Supply is running a 15% discount on all safes right now and they already had a great deal on a Cannon 24 gun safe. After the discount it makes their Cannon Challenger 24 gun safe $467. I don't know how you could possibly find a better deal on a quality entry-level safe.

I have one and it has been great for me. As has been said before, you can just about divide the capacity by two, especially if most of your guns are scoped rifles.

Do you know if the tractor supply deal is still going on for cannon challenger. I don't see it online right now

Bolt it down.

Oh, and bolt it down.

Did I tell you, BOLT IT DOWN.

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Thanks for all the advice, I guess I have it narrowed down to a Winchester and a liberty. I know they probably don't belong in the same category, but that's where I'm at. So my next question is if I buy this thing at TSC how I'm the hell am I going to get it in the house?!? The one on the Liberty website is about $250 more, and includes shipping to my house but then that's where my back, a few cases of beer and some friends come in I guess..

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Cut you 5 or 6 pieces of 1" SCH 80 PVC pipe to a few inches longer than the safe is wide. Tip the safe up, roll the pipe under it - all you need is 2 people and you can move an 800 lb safe with surprisingly little effort.

Getting over the threshold may be a little challenging, but it's not too bad.

You can also rent flat dollies at U-haul for about $20 and use some 3/4" plywood and a few 2x4's for a ramp over the threshold. That's what the movers used when they moved mine into my house in AZ. I used an appliance dolly when I moved back here to TX with the help of a buddy. We were both sore the next day, but from the u-haul trailer to the current location took less than 15 minutes.

Some great advice in here. Looking into getting one as well in the new house, just need to convince the wife that her jewelry/documents take up about 24-more-guns-than-I-have worth of space.