We are remodeling our small, walk in closet that is off our bedroom. I would like add a safe to hold documents, small valuables and cash. I know nothing about them and was looking for some info. Thank you.
Get one that is twice the size of what you think you will need. Trust me. Make sure it's fire rated. That's about all I can add.
jack, about how big are you looking for? And a price range. That'll help us point you in the right direction
Bribe someone with beer to move it in place. Last one I helped move... it took 4 guys and a dolly and I'm surprised the floor held it. Safe was close to 1000lbs. We had a couple at work, they were around 2ftx3ft and weighed 500lbs each. I nearly lost my fingers in one, was trying to do 4 things at once and closed the door with my hand over the top. Heavy door + me closing it fast = blood, cut fingers and pain! Somehow I didn't break them.
I agree with going big and fire rated. Go bigger than you think, like 24 or 48 gun around $799-$999. With the most fire rating. Safes are for small cool fires, kids, and lazy thieves. I'm on the fire dept. and have watched a lot of homes burn to the ground while we save the foundation. So I put mine on the ground floor in the corner of the dining room. Not hidden at all and not where the wife wanted it (basement). Because, you can at least tell the firefighters to keep that corner cool. Also, with 2 mins a chainsaw, chain, and my truck I can drag that safe right out of the corner ( if it's not engulfed) on onto the yard. Guns, docs, cash, etc.. saved.
I know cabelas is currently running a sale on their browning lines and tractor supply usually has some on sale. Remember, a safe is a proven honey hole to theives. It needs to be heavy and solid. Getting something that 2 or 3 guys could pick up aint heavy enough. I think your typical box store rates the safes from fire damage if under 45 minutes, cabelas etc. I know your looking for something small, but for around $700 the winchester from tsc is pretty nice. Good luck keep us posted........
A safe is like a closet....you will never ever say "man, I wish this thing was smaller". Guns or not, go big. A small gun safe (14 gun or so and only 24 inches wide)and You can then include pictures, spare keys, jewlrey, family heorlooms,and things that may not seem so important at the moment. Things change with time and it's best to plan ahead. I have a few of my neighbors items in mine because i have room and they don't have a safe plus they work out of town alot.
I understand, just safes are usually measured by gun capacity. Most safes won't outlast a house fire. If too small it's easily stolen. So it comes down to needs and peace of mind. I ask my self, "If I was a thief, could I steal this?" Answer, yes. Also, "if I had a middle of night fire, could I save this?" Answer, under the right circumstances, maybe.
Dear husband has a large Remmington. He got it at a substantial discount because the paint inside the door was bad. He loves it. It could be carried away by a few men if not secured, but it bolts from the inside to the floor. Also one of my previous customers, a company, had former employees break in and use a welder to torch though the side where they stole cash and blank checks. Guess there is no fail-safe way but they seem like a good deterrent to me.
I have a Mesa safe very happy with it heavier than others for its size which makes it even harder to move fire rating was higher also than others at the time
Whatever you get, make sure it's bolted to the floor or wall. Personally I'd recommend bolting it to concrete. I have a 40 gun safe that weighs a little over 900 lbs empty bolted to the basement floor. After watching 2 guys tip over a similarly sized safe on on YouTube and pry it open I'm not taking any chances. You're probably looking for a much smaller safe, which is even more important to have bolted securely. A buddy's grandma just got robbed, they just picked up the safe and took it. It was hidden in a closet, but thieves know where to look. There was actually some pretty valuable stuff that the thieves missed just because it was sitting out in the open. Fire rating is important, but you're much more likely to be robbed than have a fire. Also, you'll have to decide if you want a mechanical or digital lock. Digital are common now, but they are much more likely to fail. On the flip side it's faster to access them. If it fails you'll probably have to hire a locksmith to come break into your safe. I'd start looking here or on Amazon for what you want. http://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Hardware-Safety-Security-Safes-Fire-Security-Safes/N-5yc1vZc29n
