Question: Gun Safes (Vanity)

FR | 09.24.2009 | Me

[KoRn]

Just a question to those FReepers with knowledge of gun safes.

I recently purchased a gun safe. I was wondering if anyone has bolted their to the floor. If so, how would one go about doing such a thing. I have a concrete floor where the safe is, and I've never bolted anything into concrete.

My safe weighs nearly 700lb, and I wonder if it's worth the trouble.

Thanks!

[KoRn]

Any answers would be appreciated.

Here are some pics of the safe, inside and out:

[Sabretooth]

Heck ya you better screw it to the floor if you want it to be secure. Just be sure you use a drill with a hammer function. I tried to drill into my concrete floor with a normal drill and it was quite futile. With the hammer drill it went through the concrete like a hot knife through butter. Also make sure you get the holes placed right, one of mine was a little off and I couldn't quite get the concrete expanding screw in all the way.

[kingu]

We didn't bother bolting it to the floor, just put in quite a bit of ingots of lead under the carpet on the bottom of the safe. Glad we did, it was the only thing that didn't move an inch during the Northridge earthquake, plus it's always nice to know that no matter what insanity happens, still got enough lead to keep us casting for quite a while.

Cheap source of scrap lead can be arranged by talking to some of your local roofing companies. To many of them, that lead scrap is something to be disposed of, and if you're willing to pay something to haul it away, they'll typically be tickled pink.

[BobL]

Nice.

You may want to look into these bad boys - they basically wedge into place after you hammer them into a hole that you’ve drilled (that can be sporty too...may make sense to rent the drill). There is also an epoxy version. You wind up with thousands of pounds of force (even with just one), so you can really make it fun for the bad guys.

[BobL]

Sorry, forgot the link...

http://www.simpsonanchors.com/catalog/mechanical/strong-bolt/

[KoRn]

Thanks a bunch!

Exactly the kind of info I’m looking for!

By the time I’m done with ammo, the safe will probably weigh half a ton. lol

[Sabretooth]

Ya those are basically the same thing I used on mine. Anchor blots.

[KoRn]

Thanks!

[Retired Greyhound]

Just fill it with LOTS of guns and ammo. Put your gold and silver in there, too.

[lmarie373]

Wow I have no answer for your question (sorry), but I wanted to say nice collection, here in the people’s republic of California that sweet collection would be illegal:( I think it is?

[Sabretooth]

Do a search for safes that have been broken into. Its alot easier to get into a safe if you can move it onto its back, or get to the back of the safe. No matter how heavy it is it can be moved with enough leverage. The anchor bolts are a cheap source of extra insurance and peace of mind.

[uncitizen]

My gun safe is the same size, weight and shape as yours. There was no need to bolt it to the floor since it took 6 men to move it in the first place.

[nralife]

I don't know about this model, but I have seen pictures of gun safes that have been opened can-opener style. The side was just peeled back. Not sure how they did it... and I probably wouldn't say here if I did.

[KoRn]

"here in the people’s republic of California that sweet collection would be illegal"

Thanks! lol Anything more than a hinge action shotgun out there in CA would probably get you buried under the jail. Actually, I believe the threaded barrel on my HK USP Tactical would be enough to make me not move there. If that wouldn't do it, I'm SURE they would frown on the others. lol

[goodtomato]

Bolting to floor is a good idea. When the door is open safe could tip and fall on you. 700 lbs would leave a mark. Drilling in concrete is not that difficult with the right tool, which can be rented from your local HDepot. Depending on your finished floor surface.... if it is just concrete a rotary hammer drill with correct size bit and lead lag will suffice. if you have tile (porcelain you need a diamond core bit, ceramic can be drilled with masonry bit) a little bit of caution may be needed. If you have carpet covering your floor, be sure to remove carpet where you will drill first or you risk snagging the carpet. Bolt and be safe.

[mrsalty]

I have a Cannon safe and the reason it is supposed to be bolted to the floor is to keep it from tilting forward. The door is extremely heavy. I don't believe anyone could carry it out because it weighs 595 Lbs. It took myself and 2 friends and a hand-truck to get it in the house, and if some one does try to carry it out, I hope one of my handguns is on my side in case I run into him because I definitely will need it!!

[mrsalty]

Correction- It weighs 695 Lbs not 595

[Rodebrecht]

That’s not a CETME/G3 in the center, is it?

[KoRn]

"Do a search for safes that have been broken into. Its alot easier to get into a safe if you can move it onto its back, or get to the back of the safe."

Very good to know. I mainly bought the safe to deter the typical thief that may break into a house, looking to steal what they can carry away, which is most common scenario in my area. Almost everyone that I know that owns firearms has had their home broken into and guns stolen(they didn't have safes). I'm sure if someone knows you have a safe, and comes ready for it with the manpower, they will accomplish their mission, especially if given enough time.

[KoRn]

"That’s not a CETME/G3 in the center, is it?"

PTR-91 (about the same thing)