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Around the Water Cooler: Zanotti Armor - Interlocking Safes for Security and Mobility
by Rich Grassi
The Census Bureau reported that 43 million Americans moved in a single, one-year period. At least some of those are legitimate firearms owners.
Add to that the recent laws that penalize ownership of a gun if it's not secured and you face the impossible: security of firearms along with portability to your next home. On the prowl for gun security as well as mobility, we looked into move-friendly gun safes. That led us to Mark Zanotti.
Years ago, Mark Zanotti lived where the only room he had for a gun safe was in a closet atop two flights of stairs. His wife said that he should take safe panels upstairs and "weld them together." The idea to use interlocking pins came to him over time.
The components arrive inside 3-4 inconspicuous flat cardboard boxes, marked "vault liners." Simply carry the boxes in (with some assistance) and assemble.
We assembled two Zanotti Armor ZA-II (mid-size) safes that are used as one unit. The walls and ends are armor steel sheets with welded tubes that accept the interlocking pins. Some of the pins are short, others are longer. You need only to examine the welded tubes to see that some are longer than others, you will know which pins go where.
Regarding assembly, if it don't fit, don't force it! The safe may not be level. Also use some thin, low pile carpet or some cardboard (plenty is provided with the safe panels) between the pin and the panel before you use the hammer. Lubricate the hinge pins and hang the door. The bottom is pre-cut for lag bolts and the back is drilled for a Golden Rod dehumidifier.
Both came with brass-plated Group II combination locks. One of them had five 3" high drawers, the remainder in shelves. The second was set up for 30 long guns. Both weigh in at about 600 pounds and were "hunter green," though brown and black are also available.
Zanotti has helped people with special needs. He's lowered the dial location for a disabled customer. A federal agent has moved his Zanotti safe eleven times!
Gun shark Mike Rafferty, who assisted with the project, bought his first gun safe in 1980. He has considerable experience in buying them, moving them and setting them up. He had a spell where the safes got moved three times in seven years.
His conclusions? "(Zanottis' are) easier to move than the others and are just as secure," he said. "The interlocking pins are a terrific idea. The fit and design of the interiors are great." Quick, simple, rugged; Zanotti Armor is secure and attractive. Contact Zanotti Armor at 123 W. Lone Tree, Cedar Falls IA 50613, (319)232-9650; http://www.zanottiarmor.com/.
