New Rifle Safe

[Mattmcoop]

So I purchased a rifle safe, my first. It's an AMSEC BF6030 and I couldn't be happier about it. I got a great deal on it though National Police Supply, Sean is the man. Six weeks after ordering it, the safe arrived in perfect condition in my garage. My two friends and I used the Egyptian method and rolled the safe on very firm, large softballs, which actually worked quite well. After moving it up a small step and about 45 feet into my bedroom, I anchored it to the foundation for extra security.

There's no real point to this post, just thought I'd share my excitement. I also didn't know where to post it. Either way, Take care!

 

[Cartman]

And you get bonus points for positioning it correctly against that wall to eliminate a leverage point for prying. Enjoy your safe and this probably could have gone in the equipment section.

 

[BALLISTIC]

I hope you have a concrete floor, otherwise it won't really matter. External hinges...? Another weak point, but either way I am sure the body is easier to attack. Sorry to be so depressing, but it's better than a stack-on, or....nothing.

 

[dddoo7]

I don't know about this safe, but mine also has external hinges, but the only purpose they serve is to hold the door when it is open. If closed the hinges could be cut off and the door still wouldn't open due to the bolts that are all the way around the door. External hinges also allow for a higher fire rating because the internal space can be filled with fireproofing material. Also, it can be mounted to a wood floor if done properly. I mounted mine to steel beams under the floor that run under neath the wall. It would take a truck and chain to remove this safe.

Nice safe.


--Daniel

 

[Cartman]

BALLISTIC, external hinges are not necessarily a weak point. Though I do agree a body attack would be easiest. Nor, as I have said in several past threads on safes, am I a fan of paying big money for lightweight safes like this one with only a residential security container UL rating. But he's already got it and his placement will at least discourage one subset of attack by one subset of criminal.

Anyway Matt, when you outgrow this one look into a used safe that's at least a TL-30. Ideally, a TL-30x6 (or new if you can swing it -- this is about the size of the one you got and it goes for $6K Amsec AmVaultx6 CFX582820 gun safe - Amazing Price! ("amazing price" is how the URL shows up, not my words)). Or, if you can find a good deal, a TRTL-30x6. The problem with these RSCs that Ballistic is alluding to is that without a layer of concrete and aggregate in the walls one can take a grinder or even a circular saw with a metal cutting blade and cut a hole right in the side of them in nothing flat. As Ballistic said, it can be depressing.

But an RSC will keep honest people honest, and kids out. And if you've got an alarm system, a responsive PD, and a dumb crook in a hurry (many are) you should be good to go. And the extra layer of steel and the foam stuff in between in the BF series should buy you more time for the police to respond.

 

[High Binder]

Not to be a downer but in the video below you'll see that unless you really spend a ton of money, you really aren't much better than a locker. The only benefit to a cheaper "safe" is a little fireproofing over the locker but really zero added security.

Watch 3:00 - 9:00 and you'll see what makes a good safe and how people break into cheaper ones. You'll also see how safe makers try to deceive you about how strong a safe door is.

GUN SAFES "THE TRUTH" weaponseducation - YouTube

 

[Wes_Mantooth]

Yup, High Binder has it right. Its nice to be able to lock up your stuff, and a gun safe will keep kids out, keep honest people honest and stop someone who breaks in and wants to grab a bunch of electronics fast and get out. If someone wants to bust open one it takes about 5 minutes and you probably have the tools to do it right there in your home.

Tool rated safes that will hold guns start at around $2000, used in good condition. A great place to look for TL safes is jewelry stores and other retailers who have gone out of business. They often don't want to move them and you can get them cheap. I had to get a TL-15 for the store a few years ago, its about the size of a "24 gun" safe and cost $2300 delivered, and its used.

 

[Mattmcoop]

Not to be a downer but in the video below you'll see that unless you really spend a ton of money, you really aren't much better than a locker. The only benefit to a cheaper "safe" is a little fireproofing over the locker but really zero added security.

Watch 3:00 - 9:00 and you'll see what makes a good safe and how people break into cheaper ones. You'll also see how safe makers try to deceive you about how strong a safe door is.

High Binder, the safe I got has a single 1/2" steel plate on the door, which is more than any single safe this guy showed in the 3:00-9:00 range. I have it bolted to the cement foundation, and with it up against the wall where it sits, they would have quite the time trying to pry it open. As dddoo7 said, cutting the hinges off wouldn't make the door fall off as there are bolts on each side of the door holding it on at all times. I understand safes can be tampered with through the sides with axes and cutting tools but unless they bring their own, they'll have to find another way in as I don't have any of those sort of tools in my house.

I understand that anything below a TL-15 can be broken into but I've been chancing it for the last year with my guns just sitting 'hidden' in my closet. Love it or hate it, I've got this safe in my house for now and I'm happy with it. Either way, thanks for the feedback as food for thought.

 

[High Binder]

Yep that was just an FYI and what you've got is WAY better than the closet plus 1/2" is awesome.

 

[Mattmcoop]

Oh, and I don't have a security system in my home but I have two roommates and we all have different work schedules so someone is almost always home during the day as well as at night. I'm also looking to get a German Sheppard as both a pet and as an added security feature.

 

[BarrelHead]

Most commercial "Safes" are classified as residential security containers.
AMSEC makes some nice boxes. I always wanted a Graffunder but found that insuring my collection was cheaper (no safe is perfect). I dread having to try and move a two ton plus F series safe..Yikes....

I have these setup also.....
Home : Burglar Blaster

 

[pmclaine]

Nice safe. Good job making an investment in being responsible. If it came down to just the concern over the cost of your items in the safe insurance might be a better option. Buying a safe is about trying to keep unauthorized access to whats inside. You made a serious expenditure when in reality most people will buy a Stack On at Dicks and think they just bought the security of Fort Knox.

Sure there are better safes but there ARE A LOT MORE WORSE safes than what you bought. Id love to have a Graffunder but I dont have the cash nor the structure in my house to support one.

Everyone buying a safe has to figure a two variable, perhaps a three variable, graph to decide on the perfect safe for them.

Figure how much stuff you need to store (you will be wrong by a factor of two).

First variable will be cost

Second variable will be break in security

Third variable will be fire protection.

Where the three lines come closest to crossing that safe will be your perfect safe. Buy it. Live with it and dont second guess it.

My concern was keeping my kids safe. If a tweeker wants what is in my safe, given time he will get it. Your idea of getting a dog is a good one if you want better security. Criminals fear getting bit. The determined ones will poison your dog and than violate your Graffunder. Fire protection is nice but I think most "affordable" safes will be less than stellar in performance. The gases of the fire and the heating of the box are going to effect whats inside the safe.

Anyway Thank you for making your purchase in a serious form of detterence. Your responsibility is what we need to promote to prevent those stupid, tragic occurences that get high lighted by the media and used by the anti crowd to harm our sport.

PS - Im not crapping totally on Stack On. If you have a Mossberg budget and buy a Stack On that is a serious investment and you are being responsible. If you are looking to store your Accuracy International though you would be more responsible to up your safe specs.

I live in a state that mandates safe storage of firearms. Based on the mandate my conscience considers my locked front door as satisfying that dictate and I bristle at the intrusion but responsibility and my brain tell me the safe is a good idea.

 

[DanGuy48]

Hinges are to allow the door to pivot. If the safe is well designed and made, you should be able to completely cut the hinges out of the safe and the integrity of the door would not be affected at all.

 

[DanGuy48]

Hinges are to allow the door to pivot. If the safe is well designed and made, you should be able to completely cut the hinges out of the safe and the integrity of the door would not be affected at all. And nothing will stop every theft. It's all just layers to slow them down. Mine is not going to stop someone determined enough, but it will protect my guns and documents in a fire (mine has a top notch fire rating) and, with my home security system, will stop al but the most determined or professional thieves.

 

[Burglecutt]

Very jealous! I'v looked at a few lately but haven't bit the bullet on one yet. Good on ya.