Lockable vehicle storage options

jejb

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We are looking to mount some lockable gun storage containers in our 3 vehicles. Have to be big enough to store 2 pistols, compact/sub-compact, or 2 smaller containers. What I'd like to know is what others here recommend? We do not need quick draw, as the guns will only be stored in there when we go to places that don't allow CCW. Prefer to have the entire gun locked/concealed. Is a lockable box that you can slide under the seat good? I'd think it'd be better if it were attached to the vehicle somehow, but might make access to lock/unlock an issue?
 
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Bulldog Personal Vaults are a good choice IMHO. We sell alot of them at the shop too. You can screw them down or (my choice) cable them in under the seat (with included cable). I like that I can slide the safe into tight places and then just pull it out for access. The combo wheel version is only $28 or so. The RFID version (with card, digital combo and keychain) is around $70.
Google BullDog Personal Vault .
 
I have a Bulldog lockbox in my car, though mine uses a key. I have it under the driver's seat, secured to the seat frame with a cable. However, mine is small, and will only hold my holstered 642, maybe some spare ammo. I think it'll hold something the size of a Glock 19, though. I should mention I hardly ever use it, but when I have it's worked well.

It can be a little tricky to access, in that I have to lift up the front-to-back seat adjustment bar to access it, but it's not too bad. Just a little awkward.

It won't keep out a determined thief with tools, but it's out of sight, I have nothing of value in view inside the car, and my car itself isn't a pristine, high-value target for thieves. A smash-and-grab thief would most likely move on to an easier target.
 
I have 2 Console Vaults in vehicles. Very secure. only downside they are expensive. They have keyed or keypad versions. I chose keyed.
 
Console Vault(R) | Security Briefcase

I've got that ConsoleVault "briefcase" one and one other "Snap Safe" 1-gun lock-box, which was given to me:
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/SnapSafe-X-Large-75210-Portable-Measures/dp/B00TONRU9S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1507130291&sr=8-4&keywords=lock+gun+box[/ame]

Both have cables which can be looped around something more-or-less solid in your vehicles, such as a seat track.
 
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I use the Hornady TSA approved safe. It sells for around $25.00 is key locked, and has a cable to wrap around the seat supports. I can fit two full size 1911s in it.
 
Gun vault

I’ve got one of these mounted behind my passenger seat. Access is pretty quick and with the seat all the way back, it’s not noticeable at all.
 

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Have a Tuffy Box that bolts to the floor of my Jeep with the seat anchor bolts easily holds a full size Sig and compact S&W easily with room to spare ..

Has one of those round keys that are almost impossible to duplicate ..and would be very difficult to break into with out spending a good amount of time doing so ..

I've put my wife's billfold/my money clip 2 firearms and some prescription pills my wife takes in it at the beach ..

They have different sizes from where a rifle could be stored down to just a single firearm ..

Edit .. that includes storing the pistols and their holsters and forgot to add two extra clips for each pistol ..
 
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I just bought a Hornady Tri-point lockbox. It's made of 16 ga steel, and seems heavier than other vehicle safes I've owned. It also has a very heavy cable...I guess it could be cut with a heavy duty pair of bolt cutters, but I don't think a standard paid of side cutters would do it. I'm certain it would stop a smash and grab type thief. We don't live in a bad area, and if I do have to leave my gun in the car (like when we go in to the hospital for a doctor's appointment) we aren't away very long, and it's not a bad area.
 
I'm a big fan of console safes. They are expensive - in the $250-$300 range - but they are more secure than most lock boxes that will fit under a seat, even if you bolt the box to the floor. And they hold a lot more stuff.

I bought my most recent one from Console Vault, and like most console safes it is made for my specific vehicle and bolts to the vehicle. If a thief had enough time he could probably pry it open, but I doubt he'd be able to pry it out.

Any vehicle safe is a two step approach to security. While it is entirely out of sight, a thief will obviously look in the console if he breaks into your vehicle. However, those efforts are usually very quick smash and grab efforts, and if there is nothing visible in the vehicle worth stealing in the first place, a thief will choose another target that is a sure thing. If he does choose your car, he's now faced with the problem of any knowing if anything is in it (he can't shake it, or feel the weight of it), and it'll take both tools and time to break into it - and he may be very short on both.

Console safes vary a bit by model, and they do reduce the internal volume of most consoles, but there is still usually lots of room. In my case (Toyota Tacoma) there is also space left between the vault and console lid for sunglasses, and other small items.

487F41BC-7AFD-4993-BF57-E20C144772DF_zpsesamjju8.jpg


There's ample space inside and the alcove on the side works well for a box of ammo and/or spare magazines.

224CF42F-73FD-479E-9A59-393B7B0AC431_zpsujoogyl3.jpg


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After a box of ammo, 2 spare magazines, a pair of speed loaders, and ear plugs, I have room for my 2.5" Model 66 (in my 3" Model 13 holster, along with my 6906, and I still have room for my CZ 2075.

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If you go the lock box route, it works best if you can bolt it under the seat, but that either requires a model that slides out of a tray bolted to the floor, or it requires a seat that slides back far enough to allow you to open the safe.

If neither of those options work, then the cable they come with is better than nothing. But it's a cable that isn't had to cut with a small pair of bolt or cable cutters. So it will be far more effective if you ensure both the box and cable are indeed out of sight, and there is nothing else visible in the car that would encourage a break in.
 
I use The Club LB200 Personal Vault Security Lock Box. (Click on the bottom word "AMAZON") [ame]https://www.amazon.com/Club-LB200-Personal-Vault-Security/dp/B002WRRNFO/ref=pd_sbs_229_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002WRRNFO&pd_rd_r=501ABZ215SA8W629FCEG&pd_rd_w=n74O6&pd_rd_wg=R4uwl&psc=1&refRID=501ABZ215SA8W629FCEG[/ame]
You may have to buy two or buy the WL size, but you can move them from one vehicle to another. They will slide under a seat and you can wrap the cable around the seat mount. While someone with bolt cutters could cut the cable, it will deter a break and grab.
 
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I use the box like the one from Amazon posted by L-2 in post 6. I can cable it to the seat frame and push it under the seat of the truck. I use it for the same thing you mentioned. Something else I like about it is I can move it from vehicle to vehicle with no problem. I have the smaller one and it's only good for one gun.
 
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Why not just leave the guns at home in the safe if you cannot carry them?
I conceal carry everywhere. It's like putting your wallet and keys in your pocket before you leave the house.
The lock box is for the rare times that it's not possible to carry, but otherwise it's CC as usual.
 
I conceal carry everywhere. It's like putting your wallet and keys in your pocket before you leave the house.
The lock box is for the rare times that it's not possible to carry, but otherwise it's CC as usual.

Agreed. And as the OP, I asked because we travel a lot, so the gun safe is not always handy. If I know I'm going someplace (and nowhere else) that does not allow CC, I will sometimes leave it at home. But that's pretty rare.
 
... we travel a lot, so the gun safe is not always handy.
It's not as fancy as some peoples lock boxes, but our single gun cabled boxes go everywhere with us. They hold our guns in airline checked bags, attach to seat frames in rental cars, and secure our carry if we are house guests somewhere. Very versatile and inexpensive.
 
I conceal carry everywhere. It's like putting your wallet and keys in your pocket before you leave the house.
The lock box is for the rare times that it's not possible to carry, but otherwise it's CC as usual.

Oh, now I get it. It is like me here in VT CCWing on my way to the Post Office. CCW is against federal law in the PO, so I'd have to leave it in my car.
 
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