zhuk wrote:Get the biggest you can possibly afford. I got a tiny Gladiator 3 gun safe at first, thinking "Oh, I'll never have more than about 2 guns at most"
Ahahahahaha. . . five safes later /facepalm lol
JWD40 wrote:I recon most thieves would have a crack at the average tool cabinet. I'm confident i could get into one quickly. But if they saw a safe and it was exceedingly heavy or bolted to the ground, why would they bother, most people have pricey s**t laying around. Easy pickings.
Ziad wrote:No toolbox won't work. While the act says you can make with wood, my safety course guys mentioned they are very likely to change this law anytime. Plus hinges need to be hidden which they aren't. Plus there lock latch is useless.
Mate have a read of this forum a question has been asked about safe in a rental house a few good suggestions were given. You could rip of a corner of carpet or drill holes in garage. Or even a fort knox type storage facility etc
JWD40 wrote:Three point locking mechanism and hidden hinges is the hardest part to comply with. There aren't a huge number of tool boxes that comply with this.
10 years ago, my next door neighbour used to use a tool cabinet, he managed to find a steel one with a three point lock and internal hinges and that worked fine for him (not sure what he does now).
I'm not going to shoot you down (metaphorically) if you chose to use a tool cabinet. Being able to fit bucket loads of firearms in it for minimal coin is a very appealing idea, and if it meets the minimum legal requirements, who am I to say that you're doing the wrong thing.
However I personally don't think it's the best idea. I know a lot of gun lovers will hate me for this opinion, but I honestly believe firearms need to be adequately secured for everyone's safety when not in use. And I feel the average budget toolbox is just simply way too easy to break into, and an adequate toolbox could likely cost a lot more than a safe.
I recon most thieves would have a crack at the average tool cabinet. I'm confident i could get into one quickly. But if they saw a safe and it was exceedingly heavy or bolted to the ground, why would they bother, most people have pricey s**t laying around. Easy pickings.
I guess when it's the firearm that you want, the safe seems like one of those sly hidden costs when buying a car.
But trying to put a bit of perspective on it, you could get a band new 10 gun safe for the price of a brand new low end rifle. So percentage wise, a safe isn't that much in the grand scheme of things. And the percentage get's a lot better if you fancy high quality rifles and scopes.
My advise would be, if you're on a shoe string, buy a second hand safe.zhuk wrote:Get the biggest you can possibly afford. I got a tiny Gladiator 3 gun safe at first, thinking "Oh, I'll never have more than about 2 guns at most"
Ahahahahaha. . . five safes later /facepalm lol
I couldn't agree with this more...
Depends on what kind of shooter you are i guess, and depending on your genuine reason.
If you're a shooter who just shoots for s**ts and giggles and does the bare minimum to maintain your licence. Then perhaps less than 4 guns is all you'll ever need or financially justify.
But if you're a hunter, or a serious firearm enthusiast, whatever you think you'll want over the next two years. Tipple that, and it might keep you content for 10 years... Might.
Blr243 wrote:I noticed in the law ( steel not easily penetable) A hunting knife plunged into a bunnings metal tool box will get the guns. As would a hammer and chisel.
JimTom wrote:Mate go and buy a proper safe to cover your backside. In addition, and this is always suggested to anyone asking a question about safes, buy bigger than what you think you will need.
zhuk wrote:JWD40 wrote:I recon most thieves would have a crack at the average tool cabinet. I'm confident i could get into one quickly. But if they saw a safe and it was exceedingly heavy or bolted to the ground, why would they bother, most people have pricey s**t laying around. Easy pickings.
Totally agreed
For years a mate of mine had one of those metal school lockers (with a padlock) for his longarms; he got an inspection a couple of months ago. Previous inspections were OK, but the locker didn't pass on this latest one, which lends creedence to the idea that the rules are being tightened up now. Even though the specific wording in the guidelines might suggest a locker is still OK.
Get a proper safe with the 3-point lock and concealed hinges, as JWD points out. Then you've got peace of mind.
(and get a big one lol)
Ziad wrote:While the act says you can make with wood, my safety course guys mentioned they are very likely to change this law anytime.
Chappo wrote:By the way, safes will never fit as many rifles neatly as they advertise.
Especially if they’ve all got scopes you could probably half the advertised capacity and that’d be more realistic.
Oldbloke wrote:Chappo wrote:By the way, safes will never fit as many rifles neatly as they advertise.
Especially if they’ve all got scopes you could probably half the advertised capacity and that’d be more realistic.
Correct. If you think you will buy 5 firearms get a 10 gun safe.
Baronvonrort wrote:Get a bigger safe than you think will do, it will give you some incentive to fill it up.
What if you have a friend come over before you go hunting, where will he/she/it keep their guns while visiting?
I think people should buy the best safe they can get, many end up having to buy another so best to just spend once and not worry about future safe upgrades.
Beas2624 wrote: How big????? would an eight gun be alright?
Chappo wrote:By the way, safes will never fit as many rifles neatly as they advertise.
Especially if they’ve all got scopes you could probably half the advertised capacity and that’d be more realistic.
Jäger wrote:I don' think it Vic that it needs to be a 3 point locking system (though my steel safe is).
Is that a requirement in NSW?
Chappo wrote:https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/14-Rifle-Storage-Gun-Safe-Firearm-Security-Lockbox-Heavy-Duty-Cabinet-Bonus-/310722458890
I bought this one as my first safe.
I am very happy with it. It’s probably not quite as sturdy as a spika or lokaway but it’s HEAPS stronger than a tool cabinet or school locker.
I like the keypad entry too as I feel it’s more secure than hiding the keys somewhere for someone to find.