a gun cabinet question

[lummy 4]

Never thought I'd be starting a gun thread ;)

My son is asking for a gun safe for xmas. I really don't have any experience buying guns or cabinets and this forum is the best place I know to ask a question like this

He owns 7 guns, mostly rifles, but a shotgun and a handgun as well.
I'm looking at the Stack-On Tactical 16-Gun Security Cabinet.

http://www.big5.com/store/details/Stack-On+Tactical-16-Gun-Security-Cabinet/0330132120012/_/A-4792446#.VJHZ8yfvjmE

Any thoughts on the stack-on or would recommend something else? I'm trying to keep it around $300 or so

I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1

[RonD1120 62]

http://www.big5.com/store/details/Stack-On+Tactical-16-Gun-Security-Cabinet/0330132120012/_/A-4792446#.VJHZ8yfvjmE

If security is not an issue, these cabinets work as a storage box only. A real gun safe is going to run you at least $500 and up.

https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome-psyapi2&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8&q=liberty%20gun%20safes

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[Boomerdog 0]

I agree with RonD. I would only add that a digital combination lock is best as it provides much quicker access when time is critical.

[BIGUN 1,486]

Gary,

In addition to what's mentioned above - the rule of thumb is that if it's under $500.00; it's a cabinet which usually has the little type of key in your picture, is made of low quality sheet-type metal and is easily jimmyed. In most cases; the safes are going to run around $500.00 at the low end and easily get to $2,000 depending on the number of guns.

Operative words are: Cabinet vs. Safe.

Now, if he's just looking for a place to store and organize his weapons with "some" level of security less than that of a locked reinforced closet, then the cabinet is fine.


If you can afford another $150.00 or so - you might look at http://www.lowes.com/pd_465876-941-SS-16-MB-E-DS_4294642645__?productId=4763911&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=!

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[catfishhunter 2]

I am a fan of Liberty Safes http://www.libertysafe.com/

Here was my Christmas Present last year :)

MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT
Life is Short and we never know how long we are going to have. We must live life to the fullest EVERY DAY. Everything we do should have a greater purpose.

[rhaig 0]

I have a stack-on 8-gun. As was said above (Cabinet vs Safe), I refer to it as my "locking gun cabinet". The primary purpose was to secure firearms from my kids.

Stack-on makes good stuff, as long as you're not looking for a "safe".

--
Rob

[GD64 1]

lummy......looks like everyone has given you good info. I'd like to add, you should not forget about a few inexpensive accessories. Sometimes during negotiations they will throw them in. A dehumidifier is desired (IMO) unless you have safe installed in very dry climate. A LED interior lite is very handy. You mentioned a handgun......special handgun rack (safe model specific....with some brands), is also an inexpensive accessory.
When sizing the safe for your son just remember the old question and answer "How many guns do you have?" Answer "I have as many as I need, but not as many as I want." Don't go too small. Having said that, a gun safe is a real NICE gift! Can I be your "adopted Son"

[stayhigh 2]

How old is your son?

I stopped getting X-mas presents as soon as I found out that there were no Santa.

Bernie Sanders for President 2016

[millertime24 8]

For your price the Stackon isn't a bad option. There are holes in the back where the locker can be bolted to the studs in a wall. If placed in the corner in a small closet it wold be a little harder to get out by thieves. I have a Liberty fat boy Jr that can be bolted to a concrete pad (plus it weighs over a ton with all the shit I have in it). It isn't as concealable, but much harder to remove. Either are good options depending on what you're willing to spend. Just remember, the number 1 complaint about getting a safe is "I wish I'd have got a bigger one" (myself included).

Muff #5048

[lowapproach2002 0]

I will echo what others have said on size, go bigger than you think. In my experience, the number of guns a safe is supposed to hold usually equates to slender, bolt action rifles with no optics. If his rifles are AR platform, have optics, or a combination, that space fills up very quickly.

I have a "16 gun" cabinet. one side is completely full with three ARs (two AR10s and one AR15) with optics. The other side is full with a lot less that 8 long guns.

[lummy 4]

Thanks everyone for the advice. It helps a lot. And thanks for the link to the one @ Lowes, I will have to look at that one as well. I'm pretty sure he's more concerned about having them secure and not as worried about theft but I should ask a few more questions

I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1

[catfishhunter 2]

millertime24

For your price the Stackon isn't a bad option. There are holes in the back where the locker can be bolted to the studs in a wall. If placed in the corner in a small closet it wold be a little harder to get out by thieves. I have a Liberty fat boy Jr that can be bolted to a concrete pad (plus it weighs over a ton with all the shit I have in it). It isn't as concealable, but much harder to remove. Either are good options depending on what you're willing to spend. Just remember, the number 1 complaint about getting a safe is "I wish I'd have got a bigger one" (myself included).

+1 why I got this one after the wife got to buy the first one 2 years ago...fill up fast when you realize how much stuff you actually want to protect from not only criminals but fire

MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT
Life is Short and we never know how long we are going to have. We must live life to the fullest EVERY DAY. Everything we do should have a greater purpose.

[Stumpy 284]

lowapproach2002

I will echo what others have said on size, go bigger than you think. In my experience, the number of guns a safe is supposed to hold usually equates to slender, bolt action rifles with no optics. If his rifles are AR platform, have optics, or a combination, that space fills up very quickly.

I have a "16 gun" cabinet. one side is completely full with three ARs (two AR10s and one AR15) with optics. The other side is full with a lot less that 8 long guns.

Agree - my 8 gun cabinet holds no-where near 8. Especially if I have big optics on. I could probably get 8 slug guns in there if I arranged them very carefully.

Never try to eat more than you can lift

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

There's actually a fair amount of good info here. Which is a bit surprising, but pleasantly so.

If you go to one of the big "Sporting Goods" stores that sells safes too (Scheels, Gander Mountain, Cablea's, Bass Pro, Dick's) you can 'compare & contrast.'

Safes are one area where you definitely "get what you pay for."

From the low end "tin box" all the way up to serious burglar and fire resistant. With a wide range in the middle.

I had a 'tin box' Homak for a while (very similar to the Stack On). Bolted down, it would have foiled a "snatch & grab" burglar, but anyone willing to put a good 15-20 minutes to it with a hammer & chisel would have gotten in.
Definitely "Kid Proof" as long as they don't know where the key is.

Better options are available, for more cost. I would tend to stay with known brands, as sold by reliable dealers. Places like Harbor Freight or Menards offer safes, but I don't have a whole lot of faith in the quality of those.
There's actually only 3 or 4 real "safe makers." They put a wide variety of different names on the boxes they sell.

Most certainly ask him what he wants and needs. If he wants more than a Stack On, which is a very reasonable position, then maybe you pay for part of a better safe (gift card to the store).

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

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