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I'm looking for some safe recommendations from everyone. I'd like an actual safe, not one of the thin cabinets. I'd prefer a fire safe but its not an absolute necessity. I'm probably looking for something in the 14-24 gun and <$600 range. Any pros/cons on electric vs dial lock? Any brands to stay away from? I really like the safes that have the pockets to place pistols in the door, however most of those were out my price range. If i go with a safe that doesnt have this option, does anyone sell this as an add on? The only place locally that has safes in price range is academy, but was just curious if you guys have any recommendations of other places to shop? Any places frequently have any scratch and dent safes in stock?

Location helps us point you in the right direction.

I have a Champion safe and I was looking to spend less than 1k when I purchased. That did not happen and I almost spent twice that on mine. The security features and the sturdiness of the more expensive models sold me for sure. I watched a video of some pros I'm assuming break into an inexpensive safe in less than 30 seconds, a safe costing a little over 1k in less than a minute, and a safe comparable to mine is less than two minutes. Of course they were pros and had all the tools at hand to attack the job. Think a little more about what it is you are trying to protect and maybe try to budget a little more than what you have already.

I'm very happy with my safe. It is a Winchester Ranger. It also has bolt holes in the bottom so you can anchor it to the floor.

Here is the full description: http://winchestersafes.com/ranger19-BlackGloss.aspx

I opted for the combination lock, not the electronic lock (Just in case their is a stray Electromagnetic pulse beam ). I bought mine on GunBroker for less than the manufacturer suggested price. Shipping was prompt and the delivery guy helped me move it in my house to its' current location.

Battery operated keypad locks are faster but IMO not as reliable as the standard S&G dial locks.

I cringe at the thought of running to a keypad operated safe in an emergency only to find that the batteries are dead and I cannot get into it quickly.

Also I do not believe that the keypad locks are as secure as the dial. If you take a sledge hammer to a dial lock, it remains locked. If you take a sledge hammer to a keypad lock.....what happens? Wires available to short and open....I dunno....but I choose the dial.

I have the Liberty Colonial safe (with S&G Dial lock).

I would suggest a manual combination lock, less chance of it not functioning being mechanical versus electronic. You may find a great deal on Sunday afternoon at a gun show, the vendors may discount it deeply so they do not have to bring the safe back with them, thats how I purchased mine. Just be ready to take it with you. Also look on craigslist, I have seen some good deals there on used safes....

I'm in san angelo, but make frequent trips to san antonio. Thanks for all the input guys.

My first suggestion is to check the Sam's Club in San Angelo. They often offer Winchester safes at a great price.

The suggestion about Craigslist is a good one, but out in San Angelo, you might not see as many good opportunities. Honestly, I'd stick with a new safe. Liberty, Cannon, Winchester, etc. They're all good for your basic safe needs.

Dial vs electronic - there's pros and cons of each. I would give the edge to electronic. I have both and they have worked equally well for me, although in an emergency, I find it much easier to punch in a number sequence rather than spinning the dial.

One other bit of advice: If you want a 14-24 gun safe, be ready to pay $900-$1200 for the safe, including installation. I think $600 is far too low for a good safe that size.

Just make sure that the one you get is bigger than you thought you would want. They get full quick. Other stuff get put in there also.

A couple of other thoughts:

* The safes hold about half what they're advertised to hold
* Gun Socks take up a little room but they prevent a lot of dings

Good safing!

Oldgringo wrote: * The safes hold about half what they're advertised to hold
* Gun Socks take up a little room but they prevent a lot of dings

And one other thing: No matter how heavy your safe is, BOLT IT TO THE FOUNDATION!

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/spo/2826845114.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

found this guy selling cannon safes in my price range. I've looked at them in academy and they seem to look nice and well built. Any thoughts on this brand?? I'll check out sams next time i go.

I've had my safe for about 15 years and have not really researched them since. At that time S&G locks were supposed to be way better than anything else and I think that's still true. Cannon safes didn't have S&G locks back then. If they still don't, I would consider that. One other thing, figure out which way you need the door to open. The reason I bought a Pony Express (Sun Welding) is because the hinges are on the left and that's the way I needed it to open, may not matter to you. Sun Welding makes 20" x 30" and 20" x 40". Standard depth is 24". In my house a 20" will go in a closet but a 24" won't.

ixslr8 wrote:http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/spo/2826845114.html

found this guy selling cannon safes in my price range. I've looked at them in academy and they seem to look nice and well built. Any thoughts on this brand?? I'll check out sams next time i go.

They're great safes. You won't have buyer's remorse.

AMSEC are pretty good safes. You won't be prying one of those bad boys open! Better than average fire protection. Price isn't out of wack due to "name brand" issues. The BF series are pretty good safes.

http://www.amsecusa.com/Gun_Safes/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I got mine from cabelas bargain cave. It has a scratch in the back that is 1/8"*12" and I got it at half price. They also have lay-a-way so now there is no excuse to get the safe that you "think" is to big. As said above....they fill up fast.