Gun safes, understandIng what you are getting

[Phauxtoe]

Many are not listed as safes they are listed as residential security cabinets because they don't meet basic safe standards

List of UL RSC Rated Gun Safes | Gun Safe Haven

 

[freddy]

While somewhat informative that link is really very biased. They suggest a RSC is sufficient unless you are a "jeweler or banker [...] with a million dollar inventory [then you] might need something a little more beefy than a RSC". That is very misleading at best. At worst it is utterly dishonest and could result in individuals suffering big losses needlessly.

Some of the 'gun safes' you will see for sale can't even get the UL RSC rating. But truth be told the UL rating of RSC ain't worth much. A 'Residential Security Container' or RSC is in reality a sheet metal box with a lock. When you actually discover how easy an RSC is to open I think most folks would realize it is not a safe. Though it certainly looks like a true safe, a RSC is not much more than a beefed up filing cabinet. Perhaps it has a bit of sheetrock tucked inside as fire retardant. Marketing by Liberty and others has, and will, lead the uninformed to believe otherwise. Two men, two crow bars, and two minutes is all it takes to open the typical RSC.

A true safe is a different matter entirely.

If you want to know the real deal this is the single best website in my opinion: Real Gun Safe Reviews You Can Trust - Gun Safe Reviews Guy

A brand new true gun safe will start around $6k. But, if you look, used ones can be had for less money than those Liberty RSCs (that don't provide much more than a false sense of security).

 

[Bananabandit]

If you can lift it..its not a safe

 

[Doc8404]

good news:

Liberty Safe and Security Products – this list will likely confuse you if you’re familiar with Liberty products – have no fear, they’ll clear it up on their site, or, I can just make it easy for you – they’re all RSC rated

 

[Phauxtoe]

I used a Job box for years. (get Military grade locks)
all my ammo was inside on the bottom and i had a tray that held all my guns.
but then the tray got too small and heavy!

i liked to have a lot of 45 and shotgun slugs around,

 

[cgrutt]

But truth be told the UL rating of RSC ain't worth much. A 'Residential Security Container' or RSC is in reality a sheet metal box with a lock. When you actually discover how easy an RSC is to open I think most folks would realize it is not a safe. Though it certainly looks like a true safe, a RSC is not much more than a beefed up filing cabinet. Perhaps it has a bit of sheetrock tucked inside as fire retardant. Marketing by Liberty and others has, and will, lead the uninformed to believe otherwise. Two men, two crow bars, and two minutes is all it takes to open the typical RSC..

I respectfully have to disagree. My safe is an RSC it is made from 3/16 steel plate with solid and continuous welds. 3/8 steel plate on the front door. 20 1-1/2 steel locking bars including one in each corner. S&G dial lock. Dry weight over 1,800 lbs. Certainly more protection than a beefed up filing cabinet.

 

[freddy]

I respectfully have to disagree. My safe is an RSC it is made from 3/16 steel plate with solid and continuous welds. 3/8 steel plate on the front door. 20 1-1/2 steel locking bars including one in each corner. S&G dial lock. Dry weight over 1,800 lbs. Certainly more protection than a beefed up filing cabinet.

Impressive metal for an RSC I must say! The 20 bolts are meaningless however.
But please, two questions. First, can you get a credit card in the gap between the door and frame? Second, who makes the safe?

 

[cgrutt]

Can probably get credit card in gap but door is about 4" thick and stepped. It's a Ft Knox Titan.

 

[Phauxtoe]

I respectfully have to disagree. My safe is an RSC it is made from 3/16 steel plate with solid and continuous welds. 3/8 steel plate on the front door. 20 1-1/2 steel locking bars including one in each corner. S&G dial lock. Dry weight over 1,800 lbs. Certainly more protection than a beefed up filing cabinet.

my understanding is that they sell you an amazing door, but RSC sides and backs can be open easily with a Sawzall.
most are thin metal and a few layers of Drywall.
so you must protect the sides and back.

 

[freddy]

Can probably get credit card in gap but door is about 4" thick and stepped. It's a Ft Knox Titan.

Certainly is a beast! I use several Ft Knox pistol safes, and like them.

 

[cgrutt]

Everything aside from door is 3/16 plate. It has 2 layers of fire protection and 10 ga inner steel liner. That's more than 1/4" of steel plate to get through. Sure it can be cut whether by Sawsall, grinder or torch. Any safe can be broken into given enough resources and time. All I'm saying is there are RSCs available that provide decent protection for what they are.

 

[cgrutt]

Certainly is a beast! I use several Ft Knox pistol safes, and like them.

Yeah I've got one of their pistol "safes" (lockbox) in my truck.

 

[freddy]

Everything aside from door is 3/16 plate. It has 2 layers of fire protection and 10 ga inner steel liner. That's more than 1/4" of steel plate to get through. Sure it can be cut whether by Sawsall, grinder or torch. Any safe can be broken into given enough resources and time. All I'm saying is there are RSCs available that provide decent protection for what they are.

Yes, the door is steel plate as you say, but the rest is mild sheet steel according to what I can find. Still, all in all it is a high end RSC.

 

[freddy]

Axe attack. Plate vs sheet.

 

[cgrutt]

No matter I keep the important stuff in the filing cabinet LOL

 

[freddy]

Yeah I've got one of their pistol "safes" (lockbox) in my truck.

Ditto here.

 

[Phauxtoe]

I have a real fire safe (old) for the handguns.
Bolted down. It's harden steel with poured cement of some type inside.

Then I have a few small bolted and hidden RSC around the house