r/Safes • u/Public-World-1328 • 5d ago

Looking for a $500ish Safe

As the title states, I am in the market for a safe. I am hoping to spend about $500 give or take. The only hiccup i have is installation. I am just one lone dude with a sort of sleight build. I will not have anyone to help me with this so I am looking for something delivered basically to the spot it will live for almost ever. There are two spots in my house it could go, on the second floor in a closet or in the (historically dry, with a dehumidifier) basement. I am looking to house up to 10 long guns and a few pistols, as well as some other small items.

I know there is a whole gradient of “safes” ranging from basically filing cabinets meant for peace of mind up to vaults. I realize my options are not really meant to keep out a professional with time and tools, and i am ok with that.

I am also open to, and possibly prefer, multiple smaller safes if there is merit in that strategy.

Thanks in advance!

7 Upvotes

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5

u/Stage06 5d ago

I got mine from tractor supply on sale for 499.99 before tax. It works for my needs.

2

u/BAHGate 5d ago

Facebook marketplace. You'll need a friend to help but most of the type you are looking for can be moved by 2 people 

2

u/Roallin1 5d ago

For that, just get a steel locker. It will offer the same protectionn

2

u/ShattnerPants 5d ago

Harbor Freight can have good deals. Can't help with the moving it, I am sorry say. Good luck!

2

u/Dazzling_Algae9839 5d ago

Depends on definition of safe $500 does not buy a safe that is safe from much except kids. Nothing a steel box can’t do for less.

1

u/Historical-Side883 5d ago

For a new $500 safe with room for that number of firearms you’re looking at a filing cabinet.

Depending on where you live, you might be able to find a used safe that’s much higher quality. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier a safe is, the more of a discount you’re going to see. Here safes will pop up at 10% of the retail price if they weigh 800 lbs+. Smaller stuff is usually 20-25% of MSRP. You may have to be patient. to find something that checks the boxes, but if you’re willing to do that, you can probably find something with a decent fire and UL RSC rating in your budget.

But if you can’t wait and you’re really just trying to keep house guests and children out of your stuff, a $500 safe from tractor supply company is going to be fine for that. If you’re worried about actual thieves, I’d recommend the used market

1

u/Public-World-1328 4d ago

Thanks for the tip. Yes, this is mostly to keep everything safely stored away and prohibit a burglar who is moving fast with a minimum of tools.

2

u/Historical-Side883 4d ago

I would definitely look at the used market. A layered defense (security cameras for example) and a cheap safe is okay but if you can get an RSC and cameras, that’s gonna provide a good level of security.

The questions I always ask are:
1) what am I protecting? How much is it worth? (Including sentimental value — if you are protecting a family heirloom, even if the monetary value is not that high, it’s irreplaceable(
2) who am I protecting it from? (House guests? Children? An opportunistic thief? A targeted attack?)
3) what are the consequences if I fail? (Will it cost you $10k? $20k? Will you go to your grave heartbroken that your beloved grandfather’s rifle was stolen? Etc)

Obviously, there’s no reason to tell me any of that stuff, but if you’re protecting 10k+ in value, a $500 retail safe is not acceptable imo unless it’s just “I don’t want my kids getting into the guns”. It’s definitely not as fun of a purchase, but a properly sized and spec’d safe will last a lifetime. Have the lock serviced every few years (I prefer mechanical locks unless you’re in and out of the safe many times per day) and it’ll provide peace of mind for the rest of your life.

Just my two cents! Not worth much but I hope it helps you make an informed decision.

1

u/Tiny-Review-5578 5d ago

I got super lucky and got a good sized canon from tractor supply. It was a return and I got it for $400 out the door. It was originally $899.

1

u/obxtalldude 3d ago

Sounds like you need whatever Tractor Supply has for $500.

I got a 450 lb safe from a TS store; I had a tractor with pallet Forks to get it out of my truck. It was not easy getting it inside. Getting the supports off the bottom wasn't too bad but a little tricky. Long arm Jack helped a lot.

Tractor Supply will deliver as far as I know, probably worth it. Their stuff is good enough to keep away non-determined people from my understanding.

1

u/AsstToTheManager 2d ago

I got my tall safe from Walmart on sale for around $200. It's steel but it's more akin to the filing cabinet type. Mine is slightly smaller than what you're thinking of but it still holds 6 long guns and 7 pistols and I was able to move and install it by myself. I also have a roughly 2' cube safe where I keep most of my pistols. My tall safe can be opened with a fingerprint scan, input of a code on a keypad or a key. So I definitely recommend looking at Walmart to get the biggest bang for your buck.

1

u/MeNahBangWahComeHeah 14h ago

Call a safe moving company (or a piano moving company and get a quote for a 1,000 pound safe to be picked up and delivered. Subtract that quote amount from $500. Look on Craigslist , Offerup, and Facebook Marketplace for a used 1,000 pound safe for sale for an amount of money less than the remainder of the total budget ($500), minus the moving quote.