Good Morning Everyone, I attempted to post in the general discussion section but I wasn't given the option. (For the moderators) I'm looking at buying a safe to store my PM's as well as other items. Do any of you have any suggestions or experiences with safes? I'd like to stay under $1000 in price. Thanks
Take a look at Liberty gun safes. With a few easy-to-do and inexpensive modifications, they work well.
Depends on the purpose of the safe-- fire & water protection, burglary prevention? Burglary prevention safes have very thick walls, would take someone quite a bit longer to cut through it or otherwise open it. Very heavy, expensive. I've heard several people say they bought a cheap safe (akin to a hotel room safe) just for show, put it in a somewhat easily findable place (bolted down, also more for show), and put just a small portion of their valuables inside. They hide the real valuables in ordinary boxes or containers (or several unobtrusive fire and water safe containers) and store them amongst other items which would not draw much interest from burglars. Hopefully a burglar would find the safe and look no further.
You have to opt in to be able to post in the GD forum. I don't remember how to do it, though. Someone that knows will pop in soon.
For under 1k look around for a used amsec BF series. Call your local locksmith type shops and see if they sell used safes. You should be able to get something decent for that amount, just read up on the different security rating and what they mean ect.
I have always believed how you install the safe is more important than the safe itself. Always install a safe, if possible, surrounded by walls and bolted either into concrete or very deeply into floor joyces. A $5,000 safe unbolted and unsurrounded can be broken into in a minute or less by professionals. A $1,000 safe properly installed will take much longer. I am currently looking at remodeling my house. If I do, I am looking at making a small room specifically for a safe. It will be like a small closet, with steel plate bolted into the studs in the interior, with barely enough room to fit the safe inside. The safe will have 12 inch bolts running into floor joyces, and far enough back from the doorframe that no one could get a crowbar between the door and side of the safe. In such a construction, where the only possible choice would be to professionally drill the safe, I believe my valuables would be safest. It will cost maybe $500 to build such a room, and I believe that is money much better spent than an additional $500 on a more expensive safe.
good suggestions so far. I also feel that it's a good idea to look for used. you get a lot more safe for your money that way.
Do What I did get a custom built safe room. Have a hidden room in your house just for vaueable storage. though it may cost over 1k it cost me 10k for mine. But it is worth every dime.
Hey Everyone, Thank you for all of your input. I ended up buying something that isn't quote a safe but is easily hidden. Eventually I still will probably buy a safe but I'm loving what I bought so far. Thanks again
I have done quite a bit of research on safes, and decided an American Security safe based on reputation. I went with the AM4020, but there are a lot to choose from. You can see it here: http://www.amsecusa.com/Burglary_and_Fire_Protection/AM_Series_Home_Security_Safes/ Excellent build quality, bolt holes for the floor w/ hardware, you can upgrade to a digital but I prefer the good ole fashioned dial combination lock. Been very happy with this safe. Has both burglary and fire protection, best of both worlds. My silver bullion happily sits safe and secure inside. I actually found it on Amazon.com for around $950 w free shipping. Not sure if that price is available anymore, but I'm sure a simple google search for the safe you want would bring up lots of retailers. Good luck!
