Spika SFABH

[jeener]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at free standing safes which have to be in the 150kg+ family.

Has anyone got the Spika SFABH? This one is 150kg + fire resistant.

I'm also comparing it to the SCH1 which is 155kg but is *not* fire resistant.

Just wondering as they are the same price, why would you not always take the fire resistant one?

It's not new either and replacing the old one or anything like that, they have both been on offer together for as long as I can remember.

Cheers.

[Bark]

I can't say I'm really convinced with the whole fire-resistant thing on entry-level safes.

The SFABH is only "resistant" fire 30 minutes I think, right?

My logic is that if they come prepared with cutting equipment 30 minutes isn't enough to matter. You could get into it sooner with conventional means anyway if prepared.

If they haven't come specifically prepared to crack a gun safe anyway, than either will do the job.

I'd take one with a bit more gross brute strength over a little heat resistance.

[VICHunter]

In my observation (and this is just as a regular buyer, not a safe builder, lock smith or any kind of expert) the SFBAH didn't feel as solid to me as the Spika SCH1.

Like Bark hinted at with his last comment, I guess the materials for distributing the heat take a bit of the rigidity out of it or something...

Having said that both meet A/B storage requirements, so it's not really here or there I guess.

[Lorgar]

My understanding of the two was that the Spika SCH1 was physically stronger because it was just singles pieces of steel, not layers of different materials to absorb the heat.

That being the case I'd get the strong/slightly heavier one over 30m of fire resistance.

I dunno about you but I don't see any random burglar having a gas tank and cutting tools in the car and lugging them through my window to have a go at the safe anyway

[jeener]

Thanks guys.

I think I will go with the SCH1 instead.

Just waiting for pay day next week

[Calamity Jen]

Thanks guys.

I think I will go with the SCH1 instead.

Just waiting for pay day next week

That's been my choice. Totally chuffed with it too.

[jeener]

Good to hear Jen

[1290]

I wouldnt rely on the 150+kg simply to satisfy the storage requirement (no fixing)

150kg is a 2 man lift.....

Also Spika; I dont like the way they advertise with the Map of Aus superimposed over the safe...

I'm quite sure they are no different to the multitude of other cheap ass chinesy product. I make a point of seeking out an Aussie made product first, whether it's a can of preserved fruit or a gun safe.

[Lorgar]

True. Weight alone isn't everything, but every additional obstacle you can put in front of the crims helps.

A single burglar obviously isn't going anywhere with a 150kg safe by himself. I dunno about 150kg being a "2-man-lift" any day of the week... 2 guys with a trolley though sure.

Obviously if they come prepared to remove a safe then that's one thing, but for the most part... If you don't make a spectacle of the fact that you're a shooter though I think it's fair to say 99.9% of random burglars won't be in a position to get away with a 150kg safe at the time.

Compared to your average 40kg 'lock box' style safe which literally anyone can carry out with little effort if they manage to unfasten it, 150kg is still a huge plus just for the 'awkward factor'

I've got a 150kg + model and it took me and 3 mates to get it where it is just because of limited space and crappy angles required to get it in there.

Mine's bolted in as well anyway, plus they have to deal with getting over the fence, getting into the house, the alarm, dogs, two pugilist neighbours who work from home and I live in a place with regular foot traffic (see: witnesses) around the neighbourhood. Not worried about my safe

Every layer helps, and I reckon the weight is a particularly useful one. My 2c anyway.

To OP, if you really wanted to plant it in the ground you could spend an extra (I think) $250 and get the 270kg SFB1.

[Calamity Jen]

Isn't that odd? My Spika SCH1 doesn't have a map of Australia super imposed on it. It looks quite rich actually. Being a particularly house proud shooter, that's saying something.

Also it's worth mentioning if you don't want to go the 270kg Spika model, which I would have loved to do, but just didn't have the space, the SCH1 does fulfil the FAR legal requirements to be unbolted if only A/B cat firearms are secured there.

It will pass the police shake test, for sure. Been there. Done that. Especially when loaded.

It also bolts down easily enough too.

As for storing H cat firearms, we've opted to go another classy looking Spika just for handguns. That is kept right out of sight and obviously bolted down as it's required to by law. The section for H cat firearms in the SCH1 only holds a few pistols so not much room to grow.

[Calamity Jen]

Oh, If you want to be really worried about crims breaking into your safe, DO NOT go and look on YouTube for the plethora of vids showing you how to get into most safes in the market while on your premises. Lol. All I can say is insurance is good.

[Davies]

two pugilist neighbours who work from home

Sounds like you've got private security strutting around the place

[Lorgar]

Sounds like you've got private security strutting around the place

Ha ha. Nah nothing like that.

Just two blokes that both work from home. We have a bit of a spate of break in attempts around our place though included both of their places so they're vigilant now.

One of them did the whole 9 yards with motion sensor cameras surrounding the whole place... The works.

They're both big lads too. Not guys you'd want to tango with if they found you breaking into their mates place

[Harper]

I read on the net they caught a pair of blokes a few weeks back who were filtering houses for dogs and marking them off.

Any dog, even a little one, not a guard dog and they wouldn't attempt a break in.

Go the 4 legged friend!

[jeener]

The safe is getting delivered this arvo

[AusC]

I read on the net they caught a pair of blokes a few weeks back who were filtering houses for dogs and marking them off.

Yeah I think that was in Victoria here.

Bastards...