I found a class 6 gsa weapons safe for $800. It is not fire proof but it weighs 1040 lbs. Its 22" wide 39" deep 52" tall. Is this a good price. I read that class 5 is better but I cant find specs on wall thickness or anything else. Thanks in advance for any info.

I found this online:

http://www.gsacontainer.com/classes/classes.html

I have no idea how gsa containers are rated or who performs the tests... I do know that UL safe ratings are very real....

The GSA levels are very confusing but it looks like Class 6 containers have no "forced-entry" requirement, just a 30-minute "covert" entry requirement. Class 5 containers DO have a forced-entry 10-minute requirement.

Probably good enough for keeping out kids or your average crackheads and scumbags looking for quick cash.

I'd be curious if someone could find the particulars on the GSA ratings/levels and what kind of attacks are allowed...

I just got a quote emailed to me from a gsa website for a class 5 weapons container like the one Im looking at. $4995 Maybe I should buy it sight unseen.

I just read this for a Class I:





Hell, you may be able to get a TL-30 for that price. AmSec's RF6528 retails for $8415 with textured paint. Which means you can probably get it for under $6K. It also weighs 3455 lbs. so make sure you have a good breakfast.

There is a big difference between a GSA Class 1 and GSA Class 5. Classes 1,2,3 and 4 are not even made any more as they are not authorized for use in the federal government for the storage of classified material or weapons

Here is the break down:

C. Classes of GSA Approved Security Containers.

(1) Class 1. The Class 1 security container is insulated for fire protection. The protection provided is:
30 man-minutes against surreptitious entry
10 man-minutes against forced entry
1 hour protection against fire damage to contents
20 man-hours against manipulation of the lock
20 man-hours against radiological attack

(2) Class 2. The Class 2 security container is insulated for fire protection. The protection provided is:
20 man-minutes against surreptitious entry
1 hour protection against fire damage to contents
5 man-minutes against forced entry
20 man-hours against manipulation of the lock
20 man-hours against radiological attack

(3) Class 3. The Class 3 is an uninsulated security container, and the protection provided is:
20 man-minutes against surreptitious entry
20 man-hours against manipulation of the lock
20 man-hours against radiological attack
No forced entry requirement

(4) Class 4. The Class 4 is an uninsulated security container, and the protection provided is:
20 man-minutes against surreptitious entry
5 man-minutes against forced entry
20 man-hours against manipulation of the lock
20 man-hours against radiological attack

(5) Class 5. The Class 5 is an uninsulated security container, and the protection provided is:
20 man-hours against surreptitious entry (increased from 30 man-minutes on containers produced after March 1991)
10 man-minutes against forced entry
20 man-hours against manipulation of the lock
20 man-hours against radiological attack
30 man-minutes against covert entry (added to containers produced after March 1991)

(6) Class 6. The Class 6 is an uninsulated security container, and the protection provided is:
20 man-hours against surreptitious entry (increased from 30 man-minutes on containers produced after March 1991)
No forced entry test requirement
20 man-hours against manipulation of the lock
20 man-hours against radiological attack
30 man-minutes against covert entry (added to containers produced after March 1991)


Class 5 is better than Class 6. What exactly is the thickness of the steel in the doors and body??? Depends on the manufacturer. Most Class 5 GSA safes comparable to a B or C rated safe in the protection they provide, though not necessarily in the steel thickness. Remember, a GSA Class 6 safe is probably going to provide better protection than any RSC out there, but it does not formally rated as having sustained a forced entry attack like a GSA Class 6.

Part of their rating comes from the requirement for a X-09 lock. That provides the manipulation proof features and the X-ray protection.

If you could get one at a good price, it may be worth it. The X-09 lock alone is over $500 at gov prices, several hundred more for civilians. X-08 is an older version of the X-09 that you may see if you buy it used. Unlike the S&G, LaGard and others, the X-09 is truly manipulation proof as it is an electronic dial with no batteries. It is the only approved lock on gov safes and vaults. The U.L. listed Group 1 manipulation proof locks are not authorized because the can be manipulated in minutes by a pro. Of course hopefully you are not planning for that.


But if you are paying full price, than you might want to consider a TL rated safe.



Edited for clarity

Wow thanks, I think Im gonna get it since they are so expensive (and I dont think anyone is going to pick it up and walk off with it). All my guns are replaceable so if there was a fire, burn baby burn. A friend of mine had a fire and it damaged most of his guns in a fire resistant gun safe. The insurance co would not replace them. They sent them out, had them x rayed re blued and now he is stuck with a bunch of refurbished junk.[>:/]