Hello,
Here is the link to a previous thread on the subject. There was some good information in the thread.
Link: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=443368#post443368
My previous response:
First, there are no safes being produced at this time which cost under $1,000 dollars that offer any significant protection from theft and/ or fire.
-A good quality U.S. manufactured gunsafe constructed of heavy gauge steel and with at a minimum of 60 Mintues fire rating at temperatures in excess of 1200 degrees F. will typically run at or over $2K [12-15+ guns, then closer to $3K].
Second, almost all of the gunsafes produced in U.S. are VERY similar. Except for American Security, who uses cement inside of the safes walls instead of the more common gypsum board. American Security is also one of the only companies I learned that is a commerical safe (jewelry/ bank vault) manufacturer and the gunsafe division is a smaller department of the company.
Third, Almost all of the gunsafes in the $500-1600/1700 price range are made in CHINA. The safe manufacturers AND dealers don’t really like to disclose or talk about this. In addition, the safes are rarely marked (packaging/ display) to identify “MADE IN CHINA.”
-Even though it is not so practical to do these days, personally I REALLY TRY not to buy anything made in CHINA if possible.
Fourth, most of the older safes are rated at 30 mins or less. The 60/ 90/ 120 fire ratings are recent (less than decade). Avoid buying a used safe. If a gunsafe is not regularly used or being sold you NEVER know what you are getting. Repairing a safe is EXPENSIVE.
Last, DEFINITELY purchase a gunsafe with room to grow. It is better to always have a bit of extra-room and not need it.
Conclusion: So, what do you do? Only you can really decide what is best for you and your family. Money is tight for a lot of folks these days. Personally, I would save-up and buy a quality safe. Some dealers/ manufacturers even offer no interest/ or low interest loans to purchase (they are feeling the crunch like everyone else these days).
Finally, If you don’t want to wait or desire to pay cash (no financing), then I would look at the Liberty Centurian gunsafe. It is available in several models for less than a grand and is maufactured in Mexico, which according to dealers, provides for better quality controls. Although not an optimum choice it would problaby offer better protection than the tinpot metal safes made in CHINA from one of the big box stores. Lastly, I asked the dealer/s why they even sell the made in CHINA POS safes; his response “Because people buy them.”
Unfortunately, as I keep learning in life with many things, we really do get what we pay for.
Best of Luck in your search.
SkiDevil
P.S. Someone provided excellent advice; FIND a good local/ reputable dealer. Do some research. I don’t speak “Gunsafe” but when armed with a little knowledge most safe dealers will view you as an educated buyer/ and you will problaby not buy an over-priced POS.
)
I also understand that there are times when you just can’t avoid it. Everyone who wants to get rid of every single item they own made in China - please stack it up in your front yard - I’ll be by with a truck to pick it up. However, Stack-On is an American company, with a gigantic facility in Illinois that employs - Americans. If you can’t find what you are looking for, Stack-On may be the way to go.