Where to Install Gun Safe?

[NUTTSGT]

While a still relevant thread topic. It's been on a nearly 3 year hiatus until brought back by a new member and a few of the previous posters are no longer members here.

 

[cgrutt]

While a still relevant thread topic. It's been on a nearly 3 year hiatus until brought back by a new member and a few of the previous posters are no longer members here.

Sorry my bad.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sorry my bad.

It's no big deal. Just making people aware.

 

[ATC]

Old thread, yes, but I would never put a gun safe in a garage. The humidity and temperature swings are terrible for firearms. Not to mention that's usually where your tools are kept to aid in removing said safe. Also, a garage has pretty good access for a criminal with a vehicle and a tow strap or chain.

My requirements were inside the house in a HVAC controlled space. While my safe sets on concrete, I wouldn't hesitate too much about putting one upstairs. Getting it up the stairs would be the sketchy part....both physically, and structurally....but I have about that much weight in ammo in an upstairs closet. The closet sits over a load bearing wall below it, and near an exterior wall.

 

[mike93lx]

Old thread, yes, but I would never put a gun safe in a garage. The humidity and temperature swings are terrible for firearms. Not to mention that's usually where your tools are kept to aid in removing said safe. Also, a garage has pretty good access for a criminal with a vehicle and a tow strap or chain.

I bet that anyone that had the time and motivation to search through my cabinets for my angle grinder or sawzall would have brought their own.

Its not hard to hide a safe from plain site and not all garages have big temp and humidity swings.

Tow strap and chain aren't a concern if it's bolted to the floor and wall since it would leave nowhere to attach them

I'm not trying to change your mind, but your reasons for not doing it can often be mitigated.

 

[ATC]

I bet that anyone that had the time and motivation to search through my cabinets for my angle grinder or sawzall would have brought their own.

Its not hard to hide a safe from plain site and not all garages have big temp and humidity swings.

Tow strap and chain aren't a concern if it's bolted to the floor and wall since it would leave nowhere to attach them

I'm not trying to change your mind, but your reasons for not doing it can often be mitigated.

No sense spending time and money mitigating problems when a proper solution (interior closet) is staring you in the face. You aren't far from me in VA...our temperature swings and humidity levels **** for firearms in a non-insulated or climate controlled garage.
Don't know about you, but I've got too much money wrapped up into my collection to chance it.

 

[mike93lx]

No sense spending time and money mitigating problems when a proper solution (interior closet) is staring you in the face. You aren't far from me in VA...our temperature swings and humidity levels **** for firearms in a non-insulated or climate controlled garage.
Don't know about you, but I've got too much money wrapped up into my collection to chance it.

There's no closet in my house that my safe would fit, nor would I feel OK with the weight.

I keep my garage dehumidified and my 1st floor hvac leaks just enough to keeps the temp always reasonable.

I hear what you are saying and a garage isn't usually ideal, but it doesn't have to be terrible.

 

[ATC]

There's no closet in my house that my safe would fit, nor would I feel OK with the weight.

I keep my garage dehumidified and my 1st floor hvac leaks just enough to keeps the temp always reasonable.

I hear what you are saying and a garage isn't usually ideal, but it doesn't have to be terrible.

The OP, long ago, had the option of the bedroom closet, which is what I was referencing.

 

[mike93lx]

The OP, long ago, had the option of the bedroom closet, which is what I was referencing.

I figured the OP's decision was made a long time ago and we were speaking more generally.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

Blanket statement... If you can fit all of your firearms in a single safe, and that single safe fits inside an "average" American sized closet, it's time to go the local gun shop.

 

[Bill T]

I realize this is an old thread, but it bears repeating... know exactly, what your insurance will pay in the event of theft or fire etc... .Ensure you know the limitations of the policy. Store all serial numbers in another building in case of fire (hard copy and electronic version). My father did not perform due diligence when he insured his guns. We were burgulerized when I was a kid. My father's family had pased down weapons from both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. The condition of the guns was unrestored and in poor condition, but the value was irreplaceable. The homowners insurance paid enough to go to Kmart and buy a couple of cheap guns (<$500).

 

[aka Larry]

I realize this is an old thread, but it bears repeating... know exactly, what your insurance will pay in the event of theft or fire etc... .Ensure you know the limitations of the policy. Store all serial numbers in another building in case of fire (hard copy and electronic version). My father did not perform due diligence when he insured his guns. We were burgulerized when I was a kid. My father's family had pased down weapons from both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. The condition of the guns was unrestored and in poor condition, but the value was irreplaceable. The homowners insurance paid enough to go to Kmart and buy a couple of cheap guns (<$500).

A good friend of mine owns an insurance agency and he told me to check my policy regarding firearms as most were limited to a max of $10K unless otherwise stated. I checked with my agent who confirmed this fact. I was able to get an add-on to my policy for a certain cost per extra $1000 of additional coverage. Fortunately my agent is also a fellow gun guy, so he made the process easy for me.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

I realize this is an old thread, but it bears repeating... know exactly, what your insurance will pay in the event of theft or fire etc... .Ensure you know the limitations of the policy. Store all serial numbers in another building in case of fire (hard copy and electronic version). My father did not perform due diligence when he insured his guns. We were burgulerized when I was a kid. My father's family had pased down weapons from both the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. The condition of the guns was unrestored and in poor condition, but the value was irreplaceable. The homowners insurance paid enough to go to Kmart and buy a couple of cheap guns (<$500).

Also related but not exact same case...

If a firearm is used defensively, it very often goes to evidence in the case. Many municipalities will require you "prove ownership" of the firearm to get it back, otherwise it often goes to police auction. Keep copies of receipts that include serial numbers if at all possible.