$500 isn't a lot to work with so I'd look for something used. Craigslist might be a good place to start.

If you want something new and can spend an extra $100 there is a company called Securit. They make a cabinet that is actually pretty nice. They make armory systems that are used by military and police and not long ago branched out into the civilian market. There are some youtube videos if you want a more indepth look at it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HBQGVUI

 

At that price point look for a CDoJ approved unit, good enough for to keep kids safe and satisfy an insurance claim.

Sentry should fit the bill.

 

Sentry's and StackOns aren't safes, they are just gun storage cabinets and be easily opened with a small pry bar. If you are in California, your best bet is the Format, located in Brea. They give a 10% discount to LEO and CCW permit holders. I have one of the model AA19s and I paid just a little over $520 out the door on sale picked up at the wherehouse. 550 lbs. If you can't put it in an inside closest, frame it up in a corner. Don't look for a shiny finish or chrome plated hinges, just door thickness and fit to frame, a sufficient number of bolts, along with weight.

 

If your only getting a security cabinet, this is the way to go. I spent a lot of money on a safe. I also built a frame around it. A frame also allows shelves too.

Just FYI: there are safes, and there are residential security containers (RSC). Your in RSC territory w/your budget.

You can find safes used. The biggest problem with a 'safe', is that their very heavy where a RSC can be done by you and a friend or two. I think the minimum requirement to meet RSC specification is 14ga steel if memory serves.

I started with a small container to store my hand guns, but eventually saved the money and had a safe custom built. I love it and it's pretty secure. The biggest problem I have is if I need to move it. It cost me the first time when it was delivered, set, bolted down. I have a place in the country and was living there full time. Later, I decided I wanted to only be there part time because the distance from work, so, I bought a house in town. I didn't want to leave my safe out there, so it cost me another $650 to have it moved 20 miles. It weighs approx 1,800lbs.

Either look for a used one safe, or get a RSC and build a frame around it. If bad actors want into it, it will take them longer to gain access, making it a lil more secure. Get a electronic lock if you can. You WILL be surprised how much stuff you will place into it. Important documents, gold/silver trinkets, nice watches, guns.....get one BIGGER than you plan for. Trust me on that.

I listened to other guys when i had my safe built and had it built larger than what I thought I needed. It's 6ft tall, 4.5ft wide and standard depth to get into a standard door opening. It's FULL now. I need an security cabinet for ammo/gun stuff so the safe can house the guns/trinkets.

But, look for a used one. You can't go wrong.
Here is mine just after I had it moved to town. I had not yet got the frame built around it when i took this pick for insurance company:

This was the company I found after searching for over a month for a builder. I took out the "middle man" by going this route and saved several thousand dollars by not paying for a brand name; which this company builds for them or else outsourced to China. Many RSC's are made in China. This company is located in California, built by Americans with American steel. This company builds safe and RSC's for other companies and will build you 'anything' you want WITHOUT middle man mark up.

 

I own the Centurian 18-gun safe. It's a quality build and very sturdy.

This will fit your price point, but it's quite small:

http://www.libertysafe.com/safe-centurion-safes-ps-23.html?tab=colors

 

I own the Centurian 18-gun safe. It's a quality build and very sturdy.

This will fit your price point, but it's quite small:

View attachment 364579

http://www.libertysafe.com/safe-centurion-safes-ps-23.html?tab=colors

+1 Liberty Safes
+2 They are American Made
AJJ

 

I wouldn't go electric lock, sometimes when they fail, and it's just a matter of when, it will have to be drilled to open it. Tumbler locks can be opened by a competent safe guy.

 

There are ""dual"" locks which work electronically or manual dial. If my keypad fails, all need be done is remove and replace. Their guaranteed many thousands of unlocking opportunities.

The better ones are: Sargent/Greenleaf, LaGard, Secure Ram, Amsec are some of the more trusted makers. They also make a electronic/manual combo lock. They also make electro-mechanical locks which are dual elctro-manual in same device.

I choose Secure Ram. No issue. Easy to change battery, is EMP protected etc....

I was apprehensive about electronic locks myself until i began researching them. Then the choice was easy.

 

This is a good read

http://gunsafereviewsguy.com/

 

I stopped in TSC, they have a Winchester add a Fortress 24 gun safe, both very similar, both selling for 500. I got the manager to tell me the Futerfas is going on same for 299 this Friday. The fortress has a thicker door but the Winchester has a pretty nice in-door longer with handgun storage, as well as slightly nicer interior material. Both are close in size and both seem to have nearly identical electronic keypads.

If the Winchester goes on sale for under 400, I'll probably buy that one, if not I doubt you can beat that fortress for 299.

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Save $420 and build a hidey spot in the basement, up there between the 1st floor joists. Make it look like an air duct. No, it won't protect against fire, but if your whole house burns down you will have better things to think about anyway.



:dog::dog::dog:

 

If you can hide it I can find it. A good gun safe is cheap insurance.
Try Costco, they occasionally have some good deals. Even a $600 glock deserves a $600 safe.

 

I might do that, but my primary interest here isn't fire protection. It's giving me quick access to guns when I need them while simultaneously ensuring no one else can get access to them.

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I might do that, but my primary interest here isn't fire protection. It's giving me quick access to guns when I need them while simultaneously ensuring no one else can get access to them.

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There are several quick access vaults you can bolt to a shelf or heavy piece of furniture. There are push button & biometric, all under $200.

 

Thicker door is better than inside niceties..

 

I might do that, but my primary interest here isn't fire protection. It's giving me quick access to guns when I need them while simultaneously ensuring no one else can get access to them.

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Get a locking wall mount.

Jeff

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I would first decide how much security you need, e.g. keeping guns out of little or curious hands, or keeping guns safe from robbery or theft.
I see my house as my safe, and my safe/cabinet as simply a safety barrier and deterrent.
I've seen too many "safes" with bent locking bars to expect much more than cabinet like security at the budget prices. If you need a real safe, spend the real money. If not, go cheap and secure your residence first.

 

I'm not looking to protect the Mona Lisa here. Just want to keep the kids from opening a drawer and finding a gun. In the unlikely event my house is burglarized, it's unlikely a their could easily or quickly get into this safe. I understand a motivated thief with a pry bar can get into this safe in several minutes, add that's ok. That's the exact level of security I want, especially for 300 bucks.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortress-fireproof-24-gun-safe

Very happy with 300 for this.

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I'm not looking to protect the Mona Lisa here. Just want to keep the kids from opening a drawer and finding a gun. In the unlikely event my house is burglarized, it's unlikely a their could easily or quickly get into this safe. I understand a motivated thief with a pry bar can get into this safe in several minutes, add that's ok. That's the exact level of security I want, especially for 300 bucks.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fortress-fireproof-24-gun-safe

Very happy with 300 for this.

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Sounds like a good fit for your needs and expectations, and at a very nice price.