Keep ammo in the safe?

Timber Wolf · November 16, 2012, 08:59

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!

RG Coburn · November 16, 2012, 11:22

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.

shortround · November 16, 2012, 12:03

Sorry, but IMHO if you have room in your safe to store anything but guns, you need to buy more guns.

**Texgunner** · November 16, 2012, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortround

Sorry, but IMHO if you have room in your safe to store anything but guns, you need to buy more guns.

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout! Ammo in the safe? Ain't no room in there now...

**jimmbob** · November 16, 2012, 13:58

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.

**W.E.G.** · November 16, 2012, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortround

Sorry, but IMHO if you have room in your safe to store anything but guns, you need to buy more guns.

This.

**riffraff2** · November 16, 2012, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortround

Sorry, but IMHO if you have room in your safe to store anything but guns, you need to buy more guns.

I agree, more guns, however...

**riffraff2** · November 16, 2012, 19:09

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.

**neilemore** · November 16, 2012, 21:40

If you have the room, load up the safe with ammo. Not only secures the ammo, it helps make the safe heavy.

ALL FAL · November 17, 2012, 19:27

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....

Artful · November 17, 2012, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilemore

If you have the room, load up the safe with ammo. Not only secures the ammo, it helps make the safe heavy.

J MOSBY · November 17, 2012, 22:17

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.

**idsubgun** · November 18, 2012, 12:24

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!

gobbler · November 18, 2012, 16:17

Get another safe.....do like I have, just keep upgrading to a larger safe & keep the old ones!

gobbler

unionguy · November 18, 2012, 19:02

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!

**JohnnyMac** · November 19, 2012, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by J MOSBY

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.

+1

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

**croftonaviation** · November 20, 2012, 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyMac

+1

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

+1

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.

**riffraff2** · November 20, 2012, 17:41

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.

**idsubgun** · November 20, 2012, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by riffraff2

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.

Good thought! My safe is triple fire wall so I don't worry about it. And I doubt it would go off like a bomb but the heat could cause them to start popping off.
I worry about the several thousands of rounds that aren't in the safe at my place.

NHBandit · November 21, 2012, 07:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by riffraff2

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.

If ALL your ammo is in your safe you not only need more guns, you also need alot more ammo. What ya got, a couple 20rd boxes & a brick of .22

?

keiser · November 21, 2012, 14:37

That would need to be one big ass safe.....

**riffraff2** · November 21, 2012, 18:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by NHBandit

If ALL your ammo is in your safe you not only need more guns, you also need alot more ammo. What ya got, a couple 20rd boxes & a brick of .22

?

The 50BMG is all in boxes that hold them like sardines. Everything else is out of the original containter and in cardboard boxes. The 12ga is all neatly arranged in cardboard boxes also. I found I can store a lot more ammo in a much smaller space if it is all out of the 'original' boxes and such. The boxes are all labeled. My method makes it much easier to move or arrange the ammo also. I don't have to mess with endless small boxes of ammo. It is suprising how much 9mm a cardboard box of say 8 by 8 inches will hold AND how dang heavy it is. All the boxes are in there tight, no wasted space. My safe is good size. I have plenty of ammo. I actually can't fit some of my long guns in the safe due to the ammo. The long guns that are not in the safe are ones I would rather lose than my ammo.

I DO NEED ANOTHER SAFE. I would like another Liberty.

NHBandit · November 21, 2012, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by riffraff2

The 50BMG is all in boxes that hold them like sardines. Everything else is out of the original containter and in cardboard boxes. The 12ga is all neatly arranged in cardboard boxes also. I found I can store a lot more ammo in a much smaller space if it is all out of the 'original' boxes and such. The boxes are all labeled. My method makes it much easier to move or arrange the ammo also. I don't have to mess with endless small boxes of ammo. It is suprising how much 9mm a cardboard box of say 8 by 8 inches will hold AND how dang heavy it is. All the boxes are in there tight, no wasted space. My safe is good size. I have plenty of ammo. I actually can't fit some of my long guns in the safe due to the ammo. The long guns that are not in the safe are ones I would rather lose than my ammo.

I DO NEED ANOTHER SAFE. I would like another Liberty.

Agreed on repacking ammo. A few years ago a member here had some awsome boxes made up for .308 ammo and did a group buy on them. Sorry but I don't remember who it was. Anyway using those boxes you can just fit 500rds in a 50 cal ammo can if you pack them in just right. 50 cal cans stack nicely and are easy to label. 30 cal cans work great for storing mags.

Insider · November 22, 2012, 10:24

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!

Powerkicker · November 22, 2012, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by idsubgun

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!

That's all good until you have little kids running around. I keep one on my person and the other lives in a safe place locked up from my kids.

jerrymrc · November 22, 2012, 22:06

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.

LongueCarabine · November 24, 2012, 00:46

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by J MOSBY

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.

rgregoryb · November 24, 2012, 21:51

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

**idsubgun** · November 28, 2012, 18:55

I subscribe to "theNSSF" on YouTube. I received an email today with this video.

Worth watching!

Highground · December 23, 2012, 16:49

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

**riffraff2** · December 23, 2012, 17:33

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.

**garyd1961** · January 12, 2013, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by gobbler

Get another safe.....do like I have, just keep upgrading to a larger safe & keep the old ones!

gobbler

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.

**garyd1961** · January 12, 2013, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by idsubgun

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!

I keep all my guns in a safe except the guns that are with me. I do keep a few loaded mags on top of the safe. Also my safe is in my bedroom with my computer where I spend most of my time at home so I just leave it open until I leave home.

Timber Wolf · January 14, 2013, 09:41

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.

Scott S · January 14, 2013, 10:44

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.

**riffraff2** · January 14, 2013, 12:11

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

DYNOMIKE · January 14, 2013, 22:47

Simply put "IF" your ammo & guns will fit in a safe then you aint got enough of either one..

one hand clapping · January 19, 2013, 14:52

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 "

**Texgunner** · January 19, 2013, 16:22

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

**idsubgun** · January 19, 2013, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by riffraff2

Layered drywall can be installed on most any steel storage unit.

My safe has fire brick, triple layered. No sheet rock in it at all.

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.

**harleyrider** · January 19, 2013, 22:52

I keep a few mags loaded up in the safe.

Just makes it easier to go shooting!

HR

Outlaw Patriot · March 31, 2013, 13:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by idsubgun

I subscribe to "theNSSF" on YouTube. I received an email today with this video.

Worth watching!

SO THATS why theres an ammo shortage!!!!

Seriously though I wonder what the total budget for that film was. Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

**crawlinjeep** · April 05, 2013, 08:38

Not mine - wish I had a basement. Or any spare space to do this

November 16, 2012, 08:59	#1
Timber Wolf Registered FALaholic #: 805 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Southern U.S. Posts: 3,417	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!"

November 16, 2012, 12:03	#3
shortround Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 1503 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Southeast, MI, USA Posts: 2,869	Sorry, but IMHO if you have room in your safe to store anything but guns, you need to buy more guns. __________________ Nostalgia: It's just not what it used to be. I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target. Someone asked if I was a procrastinator and I told them I wasn't sure but I'd get back with them tomorrow.

November 16, 2012, 13:58	#5
jimmbob Curio & Relic Contributor FALaholic #: 41144 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: first singlewide on the right, the one w/the nice tipout. Posts: 4,159	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. __________________ jb

November 17, 2012, 19:27	#10
ALL FAL Registered Contributor FALaholic #: 24447 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,814	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.... __________________ The Future is ALWAYS Open!! An ARMED society is a POLITE society.

November 17, 2012, 22:17	#12
J MOSBY Registered FALaholic #: 2738 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: USA Posts: 1,175	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

November 16, 2012, 11:22	#2
RG Coburn Registered FALaholic #: 27406 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 12,416	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.

November 16, 2012, 19:09	#8
riffraff2 Curio & Relic Platinum Contributor FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 2,165	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.

November 16, 2012, 21:40	#9
neilemore Member Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 18472 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Centeral Arizona Posts: 279	If you have the room, load up the safe with ammo. Not only secures the ammo, it helps make the safe heavy.

November 18, 2012, 12:24	#13
idsubgun "Comfortably Numb" Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 3100 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: In the woods of Missouri Posts: 9,295	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"

November 18, 2012, 16:17	#14
gobbler Registered FALaholic #: 44154 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 2,769	Get another safe.....do like I have, just keep upgrading to a larger safe & keep the old ones! gobbler

November 18, 2012, 19:02	#15
unionguy Registered FALaholic #: 36394 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 138	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!

November 20, 2012, 17:41	#18
riffraff2 Curio & Relic Platinum Contributor FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 2,165	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.

November 21, 2012, 14:37	#21
keiser Registered FALaholic #: 5428 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: USA Posts: 841	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

November 22, 2012, 10:24	#24
Insider Registered FALaholic #: 1183 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: central florida Posts: 830	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 sold all my guns and ammo and now live the quiet retired life!

November 22, 2012, 22:06	#26
jerrymrc Registered FALaholic #: 2331 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: colorado springs Posts: 4,876	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. :)

November 24, 2012, 21:51	#28
rgregoryb Registered FALaholic #: 42322 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 17	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

November 28, 2012, 18:55	#29
idsubgun "Comfortably Numb" Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 3100 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: In the woods of Missouri Posts: 9,295	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"

December 23, 2012, 16:49	#30
Highground Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 12919 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 795	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

December 23, 2012, 17:33	#31
riffraff2 Curio & Relic Platinum Contributor FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 2,165	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.

January 14, 2013, 09:41	#34
Timber Wolf Registered FALaholic #: 805 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Southern U.S. Posts: 3,417	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!"

January 14, 2013, 10:44	#35
Scott S Registered FALaholic #: 355 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 3,456	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.

January 14, 2013, 12:11	#36
riffraff2 Curio & Relic Platinum Contributor FALaholic #: 54720 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 2,165	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

January 14, 2013, 22:47	#37
DYNOMIKE Registered Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 11982 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 14,662	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.......

January 19, 2013, 14:52	#38
one hand clapping LOVER OF FREEDOM Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 35299 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: WV mountains Posts: 5,004	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

January 19, 2013, 16:22	#39
Texgunner long-time Texas taxpayer Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 4653 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: central Texas-Milam county Posts: 2,972	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 __________________ "I'm Snake River Rufus Krile, a long way from home. I'm blood kin to a Gila monster, can drink my weight in wolf poison. Massacre, bloodshed, famine and drought all put meat on my bones. Hardship and slaughter, my daily bread. I can whip a full grown longhorn cow with my hands tied, make violent love to mountain lions. My trigger fingers are itchy; I'm set to go, red hot" from "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean"

January 19, 2013, 22:52	#41
harleyrider Out of quarters.... Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 55746 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,825	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?

April 05, 2013, 08:38	#43
crawlinjeep Old Fart Contributor FALaholic #: 10480 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 354	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

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