Winchester Gun Safes ??

[dbaio1]

Seems like most have had good success with their Winchester safes.

This guy wasn't so lucky

http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4301073/1

The thread is 26 pages.

Here was the orginal issue:

"I have a Winchester safe with a digital key pad on it. The battery was going dead on it so I replaced it, now it won't open. When you enter the code it acts like it recognizes it but its not unlocking and it's not giving any kind of series of beeps indicating something is wrong. I'm panicking here, has anybody else experienced this problem?"


Here was what was discovered on the owner nickel, not Winchester:

"Just got the call, my safe is open! Locksmith said my relocker was fired. I asked him how and he said it appears that the nuts backed off just enough that it was locked (that's all Greek to me). I gave him $270 and a little tip and I'm tickled pink! He told me to weld up the holes and he will put on a dial lock for free. I'm very pleased with his service, he was an extremely nice guy and will recommend him to anyone in the Houston area "Spring Lock and Key". Thanks for all the support you guys have givin me. I can't get over the amount of concern all of you have showed over this. Thanks again."


IMO, Winchester did not do enough to help this guy. You can read the entire thread if you want to get all of the details.

I have read a few like this one. That is what concerns me although I am sure its like anything every brand has their issues at one time or another. It does seem to be a smaller percentage for sure that have issue. Thanks for sharing. I have emailed Winchester directly just asking about their safes in general and why I don't see the models sold at Tractor Supply on their website and if the are indeed genuine Winchester products. I'll use that response heavily in my final decision for sure. Clocks ticking I emailed them yesterday about 4pm CST.

Overall I have a concern on the electronic locks, I'd rather have a dial combo style but TS does not have any. Anyone hear of or have issue with dial combo locks ?

[muzzlebrake]

Anyone hear of or have issue with dial combo locks ?

Only if you have alzheimer's

[texan4ut]

I did an appraisal on a house and the guy had a nice safe but don't remember the brand it was upstairs and was kidding him about how hard it must have been to get it up there. I asked him how he like it and he told me the only thing he would do different is get dial lock instead of electronic.

[SmTx]

My buddy has one and the dial lock was junk. He had an electronic lock installed and it's much better.

[txjustin]

I would never buy a China made gun safe, which is likely what they sell at tractor supply. You absolutely get what you pay for when you buy a safe. China made junk is thin metal than any knucklehead can break into. A safe is insurance, how much insurance do you need for whatever your protecting?

[k-town]

REMEMBER ! Bigger is better when it comes to gun safes

[greenshovel]

Iv'e had mine for years and never once had any issues with it.

[TXHunter12]

I have two safes with dials and the one with electronic keypad.
I love the electronic one as long as it keeps working!
Hate to have another combo to remember.

[3DW5]

Not to steal the thread but can you keep your safe in the garage??? What I mean is will the humidity get into the safe and what not?

[Stan R]

My buddy has one and the dial lock was junk. He had an electronic lock installed and it's much better.

Same thing.. My dial lock got to where it would not open.. Replaced it with the electronic.

[TXHunter12]

Not to steal the thread but can you keep your safe in the garage??? What I mean is will the humidity get into the safe and what not?

Buy a dehumidifier that plugs in.

[3DW5]

Buy a dehumidifier that plugs in.

Is that all I would need and it would be fine?

[3DW5]

dbaio1 I didn't mean to take over your thread, that is the exact safe I want but I would want it in my garage however I just am not sold on it being able to keep my guns from the elements...

[dbaio1]

dbaio1 I didn't mean to take over your thread, that is the exact safe I want but I would want it in my garage however I just am not sold on it being able to keep my guns from the elements...

No worries.

[dbaio1]

Update:

Winchester Safe responded to my email I sent them yesterday at 4pm CST. My response was in my email box by 11 am CST today. Customer Service rep Courtney Weldon confirmed that the safes Tractor Supply sells are 100% Winchester products, made in Ft Worth by Granite and backed by the Winchester Warranty. She even included her direct phone number and answered my call within a few rings. She also explained the reason the TS safes were not listed on their website is that they are an exclusive model produced specifically for TS and not sold anywhere else.