Thanks to everyone that has replied, sorry if I missed anyone.
Communism_Is_Cancer wrote:What state do you live as each state has a different law regarding storage. In queensland cat A,B and C do not need to be bolted to the floor if the mass of the safe is over 150kg. Cat D,H and R must be bolted regardless of mass.
How many firearms do you want as that will indicate how big of a safe you need. Whatever a safe is advertised for, you can nearly cut that number in half. A 10 gun safe will hold about 5 or 6 longarms.
I’m in NSW, I’m only intending to get Cat A/B longarms, but the safe will still be bolted down, no matter how much the safe weighs.
At this stage, I’m only intending on 3, possibly 4, so a 7 capacity safe might do the trick.
MontyShooter wrote:I've got 9 in a 16 gun safe and it's a serious game of tetris to get them in and out now. Bagging guns at least let's you pack them in a little tighter.
Good tip re the bags, thanks.
Lsfan wrote:I’ve got a supposed 3 gun safe which is 250x250 and has an inbuilt ammo compartment. I have 3 rifles in it and 2 have scopes. One is an air rifle. It is a juggling act to get them in and one of the scoped ones is turned at around 45 degrees. The problem is the door protrudes into the space and has a bracket on the door also. I have the rifles in socks to allow contact without damage. I want a 4th rifle and reckon it will fit upside down so that stock is at the top with the barrels of the others. Without the scopes I’d easily fit the rifles in without manipulating them so I think the issue with advertising safe capacity is they don’t consider the scopes. So in summary, I think a 300 deep safe would be much better for rifles with scopes.
Thank you, I think I’ll stump up for a 7 gun safe which ‘should’ accommodate what I need.
Oldbloke wrote:Lovey, storage is different in most states so wait for NSW advice.
My 10 gun Lockaway is 300mm deep. It's fine for rifles with scopes. Squeezing a mixed bag of 7 in their. Most in socks and a game of tetras. No more for me. Lol
Wait for NSW advice, but I think you can store ammo in another box, eg a tool box.
Thanks, it would be great to have some national standards
. I think I might look at one a bit deeper than the 250mm.
boingk wrote:Custom made safes? Jesus.
Leave that for the professionals or sticklers, and just go to the local shop and see whats there. Pick one you like and have a chat with the staff. They'll be happy to help.
Personally I love my 300 deep / 500 wide safe. Good for about a dozen longarms.
NSW you do indeed just need the ammunition stored in a 'seperate lockable container', which does include a compartment inside the safe which can be locked separate from the firearms... or just a plain old toolbox. Hell, the legislation doesn't even differentiate constructions and many approved storage containers resemble large plastic lunchboxes.
Personally I'd stick with a metal toolbox of some sort in addition to the safe. Ex-mil ammunition cans (or modern reproductions) are also quite handy and generally reasonably cheap.
Thanks, I was more thinking of keeping the bolts in the separate container within the gun safe, then having another secure location for the ammunition. Maybe if I ask my wife nicely, she'll get the custom one for me
ZaineB wrote:buy the biggest one you can accomodate financially and physically, more room for your things is never a bad thing, I am buying a 2nd safe soon due to being fed up with the game of Jenga I play every time I go shooting.
Thanks, I think a 7 gun will suit me.
pomemax wrote:NSW gun safe IF mass is over 150 kg no need to bold down for A/B If your thinking of pistols down the line even if its mass is 240 kg you need it bolted for H/C/D
Wall thickness 3 mm For A/B 6 mm For H/C/D
In nsw you do not have to remove the bolts when storing.
Ammunition needs to be in a locked container I use Ammo cans with padlocks fitted 16 different ones next to safe . (all keyed alike )
My safe is 550 × 1060 × 1500 cm and holds a few
When your talking about a gun safe the standard measure is a 410 shot gun so if it says 4 GUN safe it means 4 shotguns NOT 4 rifles with scopes and bi pods ect: as ZaineB said get the biggest you can dont look at hardware shops to buy safes .
Thanks for your detailed reply and info. I’ve already ruled out the ones from the hardware giants, they look cheap and nasty. I’ll check with my local locksmith who is a CMI dealer and see what he has.
disco stu wrote:Aussie disposals sell the military style ammo cans that are lockable for around $30. Even comes with a padlock! These are a good option for storing as they are air/water tight, tough, cheap, easily movable etc etc. I just throw all my small gear and bolt with the ammo in one of those when going off hunting.
When I look at the prices charged for those plastic pelican style cases that are waterproof, it makes these ammo boxes look like even better value. Much better sealing and won't break. I would even use them for camera gear or similar if I had the need
Thanks for the tip, I’ll keep an eye out, a few places have the ex-mil ammo cans on sale every now and again.
Thanks again everyone for your replies, you've given me some great info.