SB 53 Suggestions?

[Glonky]

Hey all, most of you are probably well aware of the recent law (SB 53) that just passed earlier this year forcing all CA residents to store their firearms in a locked safe and if they don't comply they face serious fines or jail time.

Due to this I've been looking into what kind of safes to buy before I start applying for the FSC.

Only problem is that I live in an apartment complex, so I'm kinda limited on what safes I can get or what I can do with them (like bolting them to the wall or floor).

Do y'all have any suggestions/recommendations on what kind of DOJ approved safes I should look into getting?

 

[RustVendor]

Hey all, most of you are probably well aware of the recent law (SB 53) that just passed earlier this year forcing all CA residents to store their firearms in a locked safe and if they don't comply they face serious fines or jail time.

Due to this I've been looking into what kind of safes to buy before I start applying for the FSC.

Only problem is that I live in an apartment complex, so I'm kinda limited on what safes I can get or what I can do with them (like bolting them to the wall or floor).

Do y'all have any suggestions/recommendations on what kind of DOJ approved safes I should look into getting?

The first offense penalty is an infraction and not very serious, it's only if a child has access or commits a crime with your guns are you in real trouble. You shouldn't have any issue booting a safe into a stud, easily filled when you move out. The Winchester safes at tractor supply go on sale pretty often

 

[ar15robert]

Should be about to locate a stud and use long lag bolts to secure to a wall. Like mentioned above easy fillable hole.

 

[Glonky]

The first offense penalty is an infraction and not very serious, it's only if a child has access or commits a crime with your guns are you in real trouble. You shouldn't have any issue booting a safe into a stud, easily filled when you move out. The Winchester safes at tractor supply go on sale pretty often

I guess that makes sense why it only appears to be a misdemeanor offense.
Either way, thanks for the tips! I'll definitely look into Winchester safes sometime.

 

[Glonky]

Should be about to locate a stud and use long lag bolts to secure to a wall. Like mentioned above easy fillable hole.

True, although I'm worried about accidentally causing damage to the wall/floor and then having to deal with the management after the fact... >_>

 

[saudadeii]

You should determine how big, how "fire resistant", and how "theft resistant", you need. If it's simply to be compliant, you can get a Stack-on cabinet that satisfies the requirement. How can you tell, you may ask? Well this is CA and yes, they have a roster for approved safety devices.

Search Approved Safety Devices for Sale

oag.ca.gov

One Stack-on model comes in a flat box and you assemble it. Yes, it's not much more than a gym locker but It's listed and approved.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/STACK-ON-8-Gun-Ready-to-Assemble-Security-Cabinet-Black-GCB-8RTA-DS/202996383

 

[Hit Factor]

if they don't comply they face serious fines or jail time.

Let me know when that happens to anyone, anywhere in the state.

In the meantime, don’t consent to a warrantless search of your home, and treat your firearms with the same level of security and care that you would give to all the other valuable tools you own.

 

[irongunner]

I too am an apartment dweller. Safes for apartment size are difficult to find. Most are glorified sheet metal cabinets with drywall.

I went with a Sturdy Safe 2419. They are a California manufacturer with what feels like a quality product through and through. I had full intention of using this safe in a corner of the building (2nd floor) but a better alternative option became available.

I don't mean to overstep but I tried contacting the CaGuns and Sturdy Safe teams regarding a potential group buy. Sturdy Safe stated they are currently too busy with projects but are open to discuss at a later date. About 10 years ago I organized a CalGuns group buy from Sturdy Safe with about twenty other members. I have outgrown my 2419 and am looking to likely get a larger secondary safe. I might just have to start a poll and see if others are interested in a group buy.

Other than Sturdy, I'd recommend checking out Amsec, Rhino, and Ft Knox. Depending on your personal biases, Liberty safes may also be a contender.

 

[Glonky]

I too am an apartment dweller. Safes for apartment size are difficult to find. Most are glorified sheet metal cabinets with drywall.

I went with a Sturdy Safe 2419. They are a California manufacturer with what feels like a quality product through and through. I had full intention of using this safe in a corner of the building (2nd floor) but a better alternative option became available.

I don't mean to overstep but I tried contacting the CaGuns and Sturdy Safe teams regarding a potential group buy. Sturdy Safe stated they are currently too busy with projects but are open to discuss at a later date. About 10 years ago I organized a CalGuns group buy from Sturdy Safe with about twenty other members. I have outgrown my 2419 and am looking to likely get a larger secondary safe. I might just have to start a poll and see if others are interested in a group buy.

Other than Sturdy, I'd recommend checking out Amsec, Rhino, and Ft Knox. Depending on your personal biases, Liberty safes may also be a contender.

Glad to know I'm not the only one!

I looked up the safe you went with and it is WAY out of my budget...
From an outsider perspective the safe itself looks pretty good tho, I'd definitely buy it if I wasn't a brokie lol.

Although I might have to go for cheaper options for now, but I will definitely check out the other brands you mentioned.
Thanks!

 

[RustVendor]

True, although I'm worried about accidentally causing damage to the wall/floor and then having to deal with the management after the fact... >_>

For sure but you can probably put it in a closet, put two screws into studs and call it good. when you move out that's a very easy spackle job that any landlord would have a hard time charging you for. Ca has decent tenant protections and landlords need to give you actual itemized costs within a few weeks or you get your whole deposit back. Nail holes are normal wear and tear generally

 

[boltstop]

I looked at the link posted above and it doesn’t appear that Sturdy Safe are on the roster.

 

[RustVendor]

I looked at the link posted above and it doesn’t appear that Sturdy Safe are on the roster.

so I believe that the roster is only for gun sales, gun safes for long term storage just have to meet the criteria here: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/gunsafe . Almost any safe will work if Stack On qualifies.

 

[saudadeii]

The link I posted above is: "Roster of Firearm Safety Devices Certified for Sale", so not Handguns, but safes, cabinets, cable locks, trigger locks, etc.

 

[chiroken007]

Thank God for micromanaging bureaucracy. What would we do without it. Staple cardboard boxes to our wall and call it a day?!

 

[RustVendor]

The link I posted above is: "Roster of Firearm Safety Devices Certified for Sale", so not Handguns, but safes, cabinets, cable locks, trigger locks, etc.

yes and you don't need one to be certified for sale to be legal, it can simply fit the criteria in 11 CCR section 4100

 

[decius_mus]

If all you're looking to do is comply with the law, then just get a cheap gun cabinet that is approved by the DOJ.

Stack on: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/stack-on-18-gun-beveled-edge-safe-gcm-1918-dx

Harbor Freight: https://www.harborfreight.com/10-gun-key-lock-security-cabinet-59418.html

 

[treelogger]

Sturdy Safe is an excellent choice. If you can get to their place in Fresno and pick it up and install it yourself, it is a great value and ... well, sturdy.

 

[RustVendor]

Sturdy Safe is an excellent choice. If you can get to their place in Fresno and pick it up and install it yourself, it is a great value and ... well, sturdy.

Great value? They are the most expensive safes I've ever seen

 

[treelogger]

Compare them with name brands like Liberty, at the same wall thickness and volume.

 

[foothillman]

A safe is best but to comply with the law.

Codes Display Text

"25145.
(a) Beginning on January 1, 2026, a person shall ensure that any firearm the person possesses in a residence is securely stored whenever the firearm is not being carried or readily controlled by the person or another lawful authorized user.
(b) A firearm is “securely stored” if it is maintained within, locked by, or disabled using a certified firearm safety device or a secure gun safe.
(c) For purposes of this section and Sections 25105, 25135, 25205, 27882, and 27883, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) “Authorized user” has the same meaning as provided in Section 16745.
(2) “Certified firearm safety device” means any firearm safety device or gun safe that is listed on the Department of Justice’s roster of tested and approved firearm safety devices certified for sale pursuant to Section 23655."

"25105.

Section 25100 does not apply whenever any of the following occurs:​

(a) The child obtains the firearm as a result of an illegal entry to any premises by any person.
(b) The firearm is securely stored, as defined in Section 25145.
(c) The firearm is carried or readily controlled by the lawful owner or another lawful authorized user, as defined in Section 25145.
(d) The person is a peace officer or a member of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard and the child obtains the firearm during, or incidental to, the performance of the person’s duties.
(e) The child obtains, or obtains and discharges, the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense or defense of another person.
(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2026.
(Repealed (in Sec. 6) and added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 542, Sec. 7. (SB 53) Effective January 1, 2025. Operative January 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)"​