![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 805 Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Southern U.S.
Posts: 4,613
|
Keep ammo in the safe?
Thought about this the other night. I was putting some of my babies to sleep and realized I had room on the top shelf so put several loaded AK mags on it that had previously just been sitting on the top of the safe. Figured the loaded mags might as well be locked up with the guns they go with as ammo and mags are getting pretty valuable (and maybe scarce) these days. Would hate to have to actually need one of the guns only to find somebody had stolen my ready-access ammo/mags!
![]() ![]()
__________________
First rule of gun fighting: "have a gun!" "Guns don't kill people. Daddys with good looking daughters do!" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 27406 Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 19,860
|
It probably also gives some degree of fire protection,if the safe is insulated.
I don't leave a round in the barrel,even in a safe,in event of a fire/cook-off hitting somebody. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 1503 Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Southeast, MI, USA
Posts: 3,153
|
Sorry, but IMHO if you have room in your safe to store anything but guns, you need to buy more guns.
![]()
__________________
If you're going to fight, fight like you're the third monkey on the ramp to Noah's ark and brother, IT'S STARTING TO RAIN! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 | |
long-time Texas taxpayer
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 4653 Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Brokenoak in central Texas-Milam county
Posts: 7,119
|
Quote:
![]()
__________________
My daddy was a cowboy in his younger days, wild as the west Texas wind. He once told me, "Son, death is a horse you got to ride. So you better get your saddle ready." |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
unreparated
Contributor
FALaholic #: 41144 Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: he's over there
Posts: 5,774
|
A friend of mine just got ripped off - chainsaws,tools, 400rds. of .50cal,1000 rds.223... Ammo was sitting next to his safe, safe is still there.
__________________
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
FAL Files Administrator
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 1211 Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Virginia
Posts: 39,289
|
This.
__________________
. . . Ask me about the Mason-Dixon FAL Collectors Association. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Curio & Relic
Platinum Contributor
FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 2,223
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Curio & Relic
Platinum Contributor
FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 2,223
|
YES,
All my ammo is in the safe. It is NOT going to just go off by itself. It is better there than outside the safe, exposed to fire and theft. My posesions are growing, I do need another safe. I hope I can find one as good as my old Liberty with "quad wall" fire protection, that I can afford, SOB. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Member
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 18472 Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Centeral Arizona
Posts: 285
|
If you have the room, load up the safe with ammo. Not only secures the ammo, it helps make the safe heavy.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 24447 Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 9,176
|
I built a nice safe and it is plenty large, but for food and ammo, it is going to be an Walk In, then there will be no problem storing anything, except maybe the Helicopter I dream about....
__________________
COBC #1- That's all Folks. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | |
Registered
FALaholic #: 10191 Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: arizona
Posts: 3,421
|
Quote:
![]()
__________________
I'm not Fat, just Tactially Padded |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 2738 Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 1,187
|
There's one model of that real cheap safe, can't think of the name, (dang it I've got one) about $100 that full cases of surplus can fit in (no guns). Homac (I think) Doesn't waste any space either, good fit.
__________________
If we loose freedom here Theres no place to escape to This is the last stand on earth Ronald Reagan |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
"Comfortably Numb"
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 3100 Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: In the woods of Missouri
Posts: 10,319
|
I keep anywhere from 4-10 loaded mags for all of my semi-auto firearms in the safe, and several more outside the safe. I like the idea I can open my safe, grab a rifle/pistol, grab a mag and be ready to go in a couple seconds.
But, I don't need to rely on grabbing from the safe. If your home defense firearm(s) are locked up in the safe, you've already lost! I have a half dozen loaded firearms around the house. You're never more then 10-15 feet from a gun in my house. In fact, as I type this, there's a pistol hidden with inches of me. And a loaded AR-15 about a foot in the other direction. A home invader would realize within seconds that he picked the wrong house! I think it's a very smart idea to keep a few loaded mags in the safe with the firearm. Just makes sense! And they don't take up much room. If you're safe is so full you can't get a few mags in there, buy a bigger safe!
__________________
Si vis pacem, para bellum "If you wish for peace, prepare for war" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 44154 Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Alabama
Posts: 2,861
|
Get another safe.....do like I have, just keep upgrading to a larger safe & keep the old ones!
gobbler |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 36394 Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 216
|
I keep all my ammo in my safe. If you have a fire, you'll want that protection! My problem is it's full btw the ammo and firearms...time for an upgrade!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 | |
Curio & Relic
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 365 Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Commonwealth of Virginia, CSA
Posts: 2,150
|
Quote:
Firearms (and some loaded mags) are locked in the Liberty safe. Bulk ammo is stored in a slightly-modified (shelves added) Homak 8-gun cabinet. JMc
__________________
"Buy all the beans, bullets, and band-aids you can afford boys. It's no longer a question of "IF", it's now only a question of "WHEN"." |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Motivated underachiever
Contributor
FALaholic #: 64580 Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Kingman AZ
Posts: 1,815
|
Quote:
I have a modified stack on 16 gun metal gun cabinet that works really well. I added two shelves and can now hold 12 .50 cal & 21 .30 cal ammo cans. It works well and is not eating up space in my already overcrowded safe. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
Curio & Relic
Platinum Contributor
FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 2,223
|
You guys might want to rethink storing ammo in a safe WITHOUT fire protection. If there is a fire and the safe with the ammo in it gets burned, well, ammo in a confined steel box = bomb.
Storing ammo in a safe without fire protection is a big mistake IMO. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 | |
"Comfortably Numb"
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 3100 Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: In the woods of Missouri
Posts: 10,319
|
Quote:
I worry about the several thousands of rounds that aren't in the safe at my place. ![]()
__________________
Si vis pacem, para bellum "If you wish for peace, prepare for war" |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 | |
Registered
FALaholic #: 7986 Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 4,004
|
Quote:
![]()
__________________
Live Free or Die |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 5428 Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 945
|
That would need to be one big ass safe.....
__________________
"When things look bad and it looks like you're not going to make it, then you've got to get mean. I mean plumb mad dog mean." - Josey Wales |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 | |
Curio & Relic
Platinum Contributor
FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 2,223
|
Quote:
I DO NEED ANOTHER SAFE. I would like another Liberty. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 | |
Registered
FALaholic #: 7986 Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 4,004
|
Quote:
__________________
Live Free or Die |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 1183 Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: central florida
Posts: 1,062
|
I always look for a safe on sale, or someone selling a good used one. You would be surprised how much ammo a gun safe will hold, and how heavy it gets. Also, a lot of guys use job boxes to store their ammo in. I prefer the underground concrete bunka!
![]()
__________________
I like guns and coffee! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 | |
Registered
FALaholic #: 11684 Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 371
|
Quote:
__________________
FALfiles' Resident Swordsman |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#26 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 2331 Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: colorado springs
Posts: 4,917
|
I have no room in the safe but one thing I did do was all ammo except for cases of some military calibers like 7.62X 54r and 25 is in ammo cans. I have wire rope 1/4" through all the handles of the ammo cans and locked to the wire rack shelving.
If they want to take the time to open each can and take ammo out then fine but the normal grab and go burglar is not going to try and open 32 50 cal cans and load his pockets. ![]()
__________________
Owner of the worlds lightest Fal. 5.8lbs. ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#27 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 18511 Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 204
|
That is what I did.
I have two of the cheap Homacs. They were the first safes I had almost 20 years ago. Once I got a real safe, I just use the Homacs to store ammo. I also keep a few loaded mags in the safe with my EBR's. LC |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#28 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 42322 Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 228
|
as I recall my fireproof safe instructions said do not store ammo in the safe, if the rounds start cooking off it could set the contents on fire...yes I keep important paperwork in there also
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#29 |
"Comfortably Numb"
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 3100 Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: In the woods of Missouri
Posts: 10,319
|
I subscribe to "theNSSF" on YouTube. I received an email today with this video.
Worth watching!
__________________
Si vis pacem, para bellum "If you wish for peace, prepare for war" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#30 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 12919 Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,163
|
Ridgid storage chest come in handy for ammo as well, bolt them to the floor, the dual padlocks are enclosed to keep out probiing bolt cutters. If you are into weight lifting, then stack'em.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/cata...gry=Search+All |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#31 |
Curio & Relic
Platinum Contributor
FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 2,223
|
YES, keep ammo in the safe.
First off, do you realize how hot ammo has to get in order to 'cook off'? In a safe with decent fire resistance do you realize how long it will take for the inside of the safe to get hot enough before the ammo will cook off? You do realize that the paper, wood stocks, plastic stocks, SCOPES etc. will be ruined long before it gets hot enough for ammo to cook off. By the time your ammo cooks off your guns will be so damaged that it will take major work and major time and major money to get them all back right. There are a few things to remember: Put your safe on the ground floor against an outside wall. In the basement is even better. DO NOT put your safe on a upper floor where the whole house can go up in flames and the safe will be totally exposed and then even fall through the floor and down into more burning stuff. Yes, absolutly, store your ammo in a fire resistant safe. I mulled this thing about where to store ammo for many years and came to the conclusion that the safest most secure place was inside a fire resistant safe. Fire resistance is important. Any old metal box ain't gonna help much in a REAL fire. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#32 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 39373 Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 4,029
|
Hello everyone, I'm new over here just started getting serious about this. I did what gobbler said. I upgraded my safe and filled the old safe with anmmo. I still have ammo that wont fit in the safe so I hide it the best I can. At least most is in the safe.
__________________
I'm just here to feed the alligators. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#33 | |
Registered
FALaholic #: 39373 Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 4,029
|
Quote:
__________________
I'm just here to feed the alligators. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#34 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 805 Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Southern U.S.
Posts: 4,613
|
I got to thinking over this past weekend that I had a lot of mags piled on top of the safe and in cases next to it in the closet. I completely filled a Cabelas's "Drybox" with mags, mostly pistol, just sitting around in the open. I figure even at pre-panic prices it was at least a $1,000-$1200 worth. Lord knows what the current "value" on them is. In any event, they are now more securely stored.
![]()
__________________
First rule of gun fighting: "have a gun!" "Guns don't kill people. Daddys with good looking daughters do!" |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#35 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 355 Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 3,524
|
For the past few years I've stored mags outside the safe in ammo boxes for convenience. However, now that times are a changin', mags are back under lock and key. Ammo is a little more problematic. Might have to go the Home Depot lockable storage chest route.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#36 |
Curio & Relic
Platinum Contributor
FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 2,223
|
Remember fire. Fire is key, fire is king.
Times are getting worse. A plain ole steel lockbox is not good enough. Keep ammo and anything else you value in a secure container that has fire resistance. I can see a future where when a burgurler can't steel your stuff cause it is in a secure lock box so then they just set your place on fire when they leave. They can't steal it so they are gonna make sure that nobody has it. That is the way that scum thinks. After all, they are scum. Buy a safe with fire resistance OR add fire resistance to whatever secure container you have or will purchase. Layered drywall is what most safe manufacturers use to make their products fire resistant. Layered drywall can be installed on most any steel storage unit. MOO |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#37 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 11982 Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: FLORIDA
Posts: 16,402
|
Simply put "IF" your ammo & guns will fit in a safe then you aint got enough of either one..
![]()
__________________
"If your Gonna DIE, DIE Standing UP"!! The WOLVERINES....... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#38 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 35299 Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: WV mountains
Posts: 8,822
|
![]()
Ammo- I constructed several, "magazines" that are surrounded by reinforced / and poured full concrete 8" block. I use thick steel job site tool boxes, the BIG ones, bolted down inside the block enclosures, with room to open and a airspace all around.
The job box is bout $350 and have a recessed lock pocket, so its hard to break in. I know they're not fireproof ,but surrounded by concrete and other non flamable materials it works for me. this is for the main supply.Then there are several 30 cal cans with loaded mags disbursed about the forest in tupperware type containers at rally points. I have no young children in house anymore so a few well hidden mags are also positioned "just in case", Though I do place with house fire in mind. Ya'll got several fire extinguishers, in sensible reach don't ya?? Think " squirrel medicine "
__________________
She who speaks Truth, to Power |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#39 |
long-time Texas taxpayer
Silver Contributor
FALaholic #: 4653 Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Brokenoak in central Texas-Milam county
Posts: 7,119
|
OHC, I've given some thought to building a concrete storage building in my back yard, maybe of tilt-wall design, in which I could store my bulk ammo. I'm thinking a door on one wall and maybe a small window-type AC that could maintain humidity/temp. I haven't calculated approximate cost for it yet, thinking about 8'x10', maybe 10'x10'. I can see your "magazine" idea is along similar lines.
Gary
__________________
My daddy was a cowboy in his younger days, wild as the west Texas wind. He once told me, "Son, death is a horse you got to ride. So you better get your saddle ready." |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#40 | |
"Comfortably Numb"
Bronze Contributor
FALaholic #: 3100 Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: In the woods of Missouri
Posts: 10,319
|
Quote:
Did the rest of you watch the video I posted above? Ammo really isn't a fire hazard...or as bad as you'd think it was.
__________________
Si vis pacem, para bellum "If you wish for peace, prepare for war" |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#41 |
Curio & Relic
Gold Contributor
FALaholic #: 55746 Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2,036
|
I keep a few mags loaded up in the safe.
Just makes it easier to go shooting! ![]() HR
__________________
What the HELL is he building in there? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#42 |
Registered
FALaholic #: 33905 Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,980
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#43 |
Old Fart
Contributor
FALaholic #: 10480 Join Date: May 2003
Location: Texas
Posts: 350
|
Not mine - wish I had a basement. Or any spare space to do this
![]()
__________________
Taxation without representation? If you pay no taxes you deserve no representation... No Right To Vote! "If there be trouble, let it be in my day that my children may know peace" Patrick Henry |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|