After much consideration, I am interested in buying a gun safe. I would like a safe that is big enough to hold about 15-20 rifles and shotguns and I'd like one that is fireproof so that I can put my important documents in it too. My budget is $500 to $1,000 and if possible, I'm interested in getting one with an electronic lock.
Does anyone know of a good safe that I should take a look at? Does anybody know anything about Amsec safes? I found this one, which appears to be a nice one, although it doesn't have the electronic keypad: http://store.yahoo.com/citywidesecur...alser60fi.html

Another feature that could interest me is a dehumidifier, which I can get with the one shown above for an additional $42. Is it important to get one with a dehumidifier?
Bass Pro Shops also carries a pretty nice variety, but I want to get the best one that I can for the money.

Any feedback that you could give would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

If you want an opinion it seems a bit high to me all things included . My safe is half again as heavy and holds twice the guns and was $1025 delivered and setup . By the time you add it all up you will be close to that price . Also alowing yourself some extra room in the safe you buy is one thing I learned the hard way . They never seem to hold as many as they say they will . Luck

You want one that has good fire proofing and can withstand the heat for a long period of time. I have a Liberty "Freedom" series. It was priced right and does the job.
It holds 15 long guns and has 4 shelves for other items. The electronic lock will add to the cost. The dial works just fine. I do not have a humidifier and have no corrosion issues. Just don't ever put a wet gun in there! I bought a strip light form Home Depot for $10 and used double sided tape to hold it out of the way.

Jimbo, i just spent about 8 mos looking at different gun safes before i bought mine in january, i bought a champion (www.championsafe.com) i am very happy with it, prices are a little higher than what you want to spend, but i think spending a litttle more for a better or larger safe is a good investment,

Halcon is right get a bigger safe than what you originally want, you will need the space. if you want to store 20 long guns you'll need a safe that is at least 35 cubic feet.

i would agree with jersey about the lighting and de humidifier, if you have central air in your home and will have the safe open at least 1 a week you can get by without the dehumidifier.

i was wondering if anyone uses a box of baking soda in their safes as an alternative to a dehumidifier?

btw i also looked at amsec safes and they are a good safe. at one time Galyans (if you have one in your area) was selling a 26 cu ft safe for under $800.00, very good deal.

Do you have a Sam's Club where you live? They're usually next to or close by a WalMart. I bought an Excaliber safe there about 4 years ago for $700. Holds like 15 long guns on one side and four shelves on the other side. No keypad, just a dial but has a day lock (key), and is adjustable. You can remove the shelves or re-arange them anyway you like. Fire rated too. Check them out or even Walmart. Also check on line for both stores. Good luck.

Hey guys, thanks for all of the useful information so far.

RDC, some people in my family are members at Sam's club so I'll be sure and check there.
T roy, I called Galyan's and they carry American Security (Amsec)and Browning safes. I may take a drive out there to check them out.

I also found this safe online: http://store.yahoo.com/citywidesecur...tgunsaf64.html
Looks like I could get the whole kit and kaboodle for right around $1,000 (maybe a little more with shipping). I like the looks of it and all of the options that are available with it.

i think this is the same one they had at Galyans,

if you buy over the internet you'll pay thru the nose for shipping

Jimbo
The bottom line is...all safes are very similar. All companies claim to be "the best", but in reality the differences are VERY small.

AMSEC make very nice safes, and are well worth the $. So does Liberty, Browning, Fort Knox, etc, etc, etc.
However, you don't need a fancy model to do the job, just make sure it's fireproof and UL listed. Most companies offer lower line model that works great...just no frills.
One thing I'd recommend....get one that is bigger than you think you need, they fill up fast. A 28gun safe, in reality means 28 single shot shotguns...no scopes, bipod's, slings, etc.

Check out scotts outdoors for Amsec safes. Not sure if they are the best prices around, but they are good.
http://www.scottsoutdoors.com/541357.html

Remember too that depending on where you get it and how big it is, shipping can run a couple hundred dollars...so factor that in.

Another thing to think about, at most gun shows there are safe dealers...and they usually DON'T want to take them back home with them. You can get some good deals there as well. My dad got a great deal on a Liberty at a gun show a few years ago.

Good luck

This is another manufacturer that I found online that looks like they offer several safes with the features I'm looking for (fire proof, 24 gun, electronic keypad, etc.) all for $1,000 with shipping. http://www.cannonsafe.com
In addition, they have a lifetime warranty that covers all shipping for repairs as a result of fire, flood, break-ins, and attempted break-ins.
Are Cannon Safes as reputable as the ones already mentioned? I really like the looks of them.