Anyone "Preload" their gunsafe ?

[Kanewpadle]

Actually not a bad idea IF you're ONLY pre-loading the first number.
The goblin still has to hit the 2nd number correct and then the third.
Once they miss the second number and reverse the dial the safe is effectively back to being a 3 number lock.
I don't see a down side to this...

I also think that ALWAYS stopping on the same number is an outstanding idea

From a professional viewpoint, no it's not a bad idea. For someone to try to guess which of the 100 numbers is actually the third number would be very lucky and remote. Once they turn the dial past the third number in either direction, they just made things worse.

From experience, amatuer theives beat the **** out of the lock and handle. They don't finesse anything.

That being said, my guns are on me or in a quick access safe close by. My gun safe is for storage.

 

[Sprefix]

My lock is digital also. I'm into it so often, my hands and fingers have developed a "memory" for the combo. Kinda scary how fast I can get into it in the pitch-black. My serious "Go-To" is in and out of the safe twice a day(in, in the morning and out when I get home). One of my dearest friends has the combo should I prematurely opt for the dirt nap. The family ain't got it, as they wouldn't have a clue anyway. Besides, it would end up as beer, dope, and a new TV.

 

[trauma1]

electronic all the way! put a fresh battery in every year regardless if it needs it or not. can take the key pad off when going away. that will really freak out the thief - a safe with no dial or pad. just don't put the key pad in the safe - you are really screwed then!

 

[Snapping Twig]

Mine has an S&G combo dial and a key.

I use the key and only when I go away for vacation do I spin the combo.

Turn the dial a mm the wrong direction and it's locked, and the key is good, so I don't worry.

 

[BuckeyeChuck]

Not only do I not preload my safe combo lock, but it stays on zero because I actually lock the dial.

I have a VLine on my bedside stand. I have three small sons so I refuse to have unlocked and loaded firearms in the house. Heck, the M&P9 that sits in the box full-time with my Bodyguard 380 (which lives there at night) doesn't even have a round in the chamber. If for some reason one of my boys gets into the box, they can pull the trigger with no consequence.

I know the self-defense purists don't like this. But life is full of trade-offs, and if I need a gun, I'll have to be quick on the VLine's simplex lock. Since it is *extremely* unlikely I'll ever need the gun for a legitimate purpose, I choose to err on the side of caution when it comes to my children's safety. When they are older, maybe I'll leave the box unlocked at night. Maybe.

 

[mtb1bkr]

If I preloaded my safe, my kids would unload it every time they are near it!! So, my answer is no.

Bill