We recently moved and I finally have the opportunity to get a properly sized gun safe, now that we've got a basement.

I'm looking for a safe with a manual combo lock to hold 30 long guns comfortably. A shelf for handguns is cool too, but I do have a separate handgun safe. Will definitely need a dehumidification system. I'm so far out of the safe game that I don't know if you need to seek something compatible with a golden rod or similar.

Not really interested in anything electronic unless it has a physical backup to unlock.

I'd like to spend $2500 or less, preferably.

What should I look at and where should I look? I'd need delivery, but thankfully I do have a set of side stairs into the basement.

AMSEC BFII 6030 with manual lock

I helped a relative buy the original BF 6030 (aka series 1) and have it delivered down a flight of basement stairs by the dealer (also a SAVTA tech) in 2014. I think it was $4000 at the time, but not sure of current price.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
AMSEC BFII 6030 with manual lock

I helped a relative buy the original BF 6030 (aka series 1) and have it delivered down a flight of basement stairs by the dealer (also a SAVTA tech) in 2014. I think it was $4000 at the time, but not sure of current price.

looks like at least $10,000 before tax and delivery.

quote:

Originally posted by straightshooter01:
looks like at least $10,000 before tax and delivery.

Must be partially inflation and partially the series II changes. The reason I say that is that I found a new series 1 online for $4600 before tax and delivery.

I found an old e-mail from 2014, the 60 mile delivery and going down a flight of basement stairs was $450.

I've been very happy with Browning safes. However, nothing beats a secure room instead

Tractor Supply Cannon 81 nice safe with lots of room for long guns, hand guns, accessories, you could put documents etc. Rated for 75 minutes and it's on sale, $500 off, normally $1500.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/...50h12c5e7522-1895995

Safes are like tents, buy bigger. The rated space is realistically much smaller than they claim.

If you're not in a big rush I suggest looking for a used safe. The larger ones can loose a lot of value because most potential buyers don't want to mess with the hassle of having it moved so you can potentially get an older, better safe for less than a new light duty one.

People often sell their safes because they have to relocate, or the husband passes and the wife wants it moved out because she "just wants rid of it." Businesses close down and need their safe gone. Older safes tend to have dial locks.

AMSEC actually has a showroom in Marietta OH.

I don't know where you are in PA, but it may be worth the call to make a trip.

You could prob save a LOT in shipping if you haul it away yourself.

I would call ahead if you plan on going. They are a small company.
Plus, their HUGE warehouse is in the same building. May have a floor model or scratch and dent!!!!

Let me know if I can help!

I am not connected to the company. Just have experience with them.

PLUS, in Marietta and just 15 minutes south, there are several places that stock safes.

I bought a Liberty Fat Boy years ago and am very satisfied with it. Some safes now are 2 pieces put together and don't seem as sturdy/rigid as a 1 piece that is welded together.

The problem I had with my mechanical dial is that it would occasionally be off by one or two numbers and would cause the safe to not open. I had the mechanical dial replaced with an electronic. I have had it now for over 12-13 years or more with the electronic lock and never had an issue. They are EMP safe as well, if thta makes a difference. Not sure about an override/key back up though.

Depending on what size safe you want could be an issue getting it downstairs in your basement. Also, you would want to get some extras-heating rod,dehumidifier,etc., in the safe if it is in a humid environment/unfinished/none a/c basement or garage.

30 long guns is going to take up a lot of space especially if some or all are scoped. Make sure you measure and evaluate carefully.

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
Safes are like tents, buy bigger. The rated space is realistically much smaller than they claim.

very true,

I think they size the safes with single barrel break open shotguns,
bolts, charging handles, scopes etc eat up space,

AMSEC makes some great space but I have been very happy with my Liberty Franklin though. Just dont have AMSEC money these days. Lyman is right as you need to cut the storage capacity essentially in half if you have optics or any kind of break breach firearm.

I would agree with ridewv - try and explore the used market. The price of quality safes has skyrocketed over the past 5 years, especially if you want to get into something better than 10-12 gauge steel. Good luck.

" 30 long guns comfortably " ....That's going to be a big ass safe .

Yeah in order to hold 30 rifles it'd probably take a safe rated for 45 guns. 2 or 3 smaller safes might be a good option.

quote:

Originally posted by mrprovy:
I've been very happy with Browning safes. However, nothing beats a secure room instead

quote:

Originally posted by ridewv:
Yeah in order to hold 30 rifles it'd probably take a safe rated for 45 guns. 2 or 3 smaller safes might be a good option.

It takes twice as long to break into two safes and three times as long to break into three. Smaller safes are easier to find places in the house for and easier to move.

Scoped rifles and ARs, you’re looking at 27 longuns in a 40” wide safe. Two 30” wide safes will hold about 20 each.

Be aware of Liberty. I recall reading here of them giving the police/LEA the master combo for a guy's safe when it was not listed in the warrant they had to search his home.

And remember, once you get it home you instantly realize it's not big enough.

quote:

AMSEC BFII 6030 with manual lock

Pass on the manual lock one. I bought one of these AMSECS for my son. Was shocked to learn that opening it was a bitch because there are 4 numbers, and rembering which way to spin it sucks.

Regardless, the second reason is that the Safe guy told me that their push button ones had less problems than the manual lock. Which didn't seem right, but that's what he insisted.

I think the used safe advice is good upthread, and as everyone knows, always get one twice as big as you need:-)