Gun Safes On Sale at Costco

[Bean Counter]

Speaking of good deals... is this just an OK deal or a really kick @$$ deal?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11641698&cm_mmc=BCEmail_July2011MVM-_-Banner-_-1-_-MarketingItemName

Limited Time Offer:

$150 discount is reflected in the price. Valid for orders placed July 11, 2011 through August 07, 2011.
While supplies last.
Online price    $549.99
Less    -$150.00
YOUR COST    $399.99
 
Meets or exceeds the California Department of Justice requirements for an approved firearm safety device under CA Penal Code section 12087, et seq.

The Safari 5521 comes with a fully adjustable interior for personal customization. Shelving can be raised, lowered or removed making this safe an excellent choice for securing a wide range of valuables.1” locking bolts, a recessed door and an attractive Hammertone paint finish make this unit a great addition to any home or office. Standard features include an easy to use electronic lock, upholstered inside walls, predrilled for bolting to the floor and so much more.

Security Features:

    Electronic lock
    Key override allows opening of safe using key
    Steel construction
    Composite door
    (4) 1” Steel Locking Bolts
    Weight: 240 lbs

Interior Features:

    Adjustable shelving can be raised, lowered or removed
    Up to 18 firearm rack
    Upholstered inside walls
    Lined with 5/8 type x fireboard
    Interior dimensions:  53.25” H x 19.5” W x 15.25” D
    Pre drilled with 4 holes  for bolting to floor

Exterior Features:

    11.2 Cubic Ft.
    Hammer Black paint finish
    Exterior dimensions: 55” H x 21” W x 17” D (depth is without handle)
    Add 1" for handle
    Chrome plated accents

Fire Protection:

    20 minute fire protection
    Lined with 5/8 type X fire board
    Expandable Fire seal helps keep out smoke and heat

Warranty:

    1 year   

[YellowDog]

In my opinion that particular safe is an okay to good deal but not a smokin deal.  I ordered this safe from Costco about a month to a month and a half ago http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11642193&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory

It was $200 off so I got it for $800.  I already had a Cannon about the size the one you linked with a manual lock that I bought about 5 years ago for around $600.  The warranty on the Cannon is really good (better than the one you linked) and the smaller size was really not big enough for me.  The number of firearms they say they hold is not really realistic IMO.  Anyway, if the safe is big enough for you and you can't justify a bigger slightly better warranty, weight, burn time, etc. then this is certainly better than nothing.

My Cannon was assembled and painted in Mexico with US components.  I would have preferred a fully US made product but I couldn't find the same  size safe with a similar warranty for less than $1350.

[Bob33]

Call Northwest Safe and ask them.  They're experts.

[FC]

Sounds like a junk lock (key override) and light weight, if it's something that doesn't need to be super secure but does need to be fast for you to get into I suppose it might be alright provided you could bolt it down good enough. I definitely wouldn't plan on it really being able to fit 18 guns.

[bearpaw]

Beancounter
It says it only weighs 240 pounds, all the good safes weigh 500+ pounds that I know of. Looks like the safe yellowdog mentions might be a good one. There is a fire rating that you need to pay attention to, and I can't remember what is good and what is probably not good, but if you talk to a safe guy they can probably educate you.

[FC]

When buying a safe recently I drove myself a little nuts trying to find something in the sub $600 price range and really couldn't find anything I thought worth owning unless you only have a couple of long guns and don't intend to buy any more.

I ended up getting a Cabela's branded Liberty safe, 48 gun "fatboy" for about $1200, delivery from Cabela's was only $20 too    picked up a power connector from a Liberty dealer online for $40.

http://www.gunsafes.com/Liberty-Fatboyjr-Gun-Safe-48-Gun-Fire-Safe.html?gdftrk=gdfV21882_a_7c249_a_7c635_a_7c48_d_045_d_09A

That is the same safe ^ pay attention to delivery prices, 710lbs is a lot to ship  The other thing I saw was that most of the people who had issues with ANY safe it seemed like they were the ones with an electronic lock.

"Upgraded in 2010 to 45 minutes @1200°F and 80,000 BTUs, which is more fireboard than the competition!
Palusol heat-expanding seal included on all models, expanding up to 7 times it size in a fire at 212°F. Don't settle for inferior door seals used on cheaper safes."

That's a good way to detail out what you can expect for fire protection, many just say they will last for X amount of time and being as there isn't any standard for such that I am aware of that could mean anything.

[Elkaholic daWg]

 After reading the dimensions I don't think my 300 RUM would fit in the cheaper one

[Bean Counter]

Beancounter
It says it only weighs 240 pounds, all the good safes weigh 500+ pounds that I know of. Looks like the safe yellowdog mentions might be a good one. There is a fire rating that you need to pay attention to, and I can't remember what is good and what is probably not good, but if you talk to a safe guy they can probably educate you.

Yeah I noticed that. I'm sure newer technology can account for something, but to some extent there's no substitute for good ole fashioned mass. I think I'll stick to a heavier safe, and one that leaves room for growth.

The electronic lock concerns me, too.

[TheHunt]

I would lean towards the manual rather then the electronic because I do not trust them.  But if you went with a Cannon they would fix it.  Here is a link to a company in Portland.  These are all safes that have some type of blems.  http://www.mountainviewsafeco.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1.  They used to be really, really cheap but he attended marketing 101 class and pricing structure 102 class and has raised his prices a lot.  But you might want to chat with him as an another option.