Gun Storage Fail

[fbcmrjrtykr]

For those thinking of buying securable storage for their vehicle, let me share my recent experience. For those times when I am forced to leave my weapon in my truck, I'd bought a GunVault NV300. This is their version that has the combination lock for access. Well I learned a valuable lesson this weekend. Never again will I own a vault that does not have some method of override for the primary access (aka a key). Saturday, my GV300 refused to open despite dialing the combo that I've used for months. I ended up having to use a pry bar and hammer to get my gun out (which, fortunately, I was able to do w/o damaging the gun). Can't say the same for the GV300. Before putting the tools to it, I did attempt to contact GunVault. It being a weekend, they didn't respond nor have I heard from them since. Minus 1 for customer service.

Just imagine how pissed I'd be if some thug were menacing me or my family and my only means of defense were stuck inside a defective gun vault.

So word to the wise, spend a bit more and invest in a vault as if your life depended on in. I don't know what that is yet.

 

[2K7]

Not sure about that brand, but when shopping for mine, I noticed that some of the internal parts of the combo lock versions were plastic on most examples.

My keyed version is all metal parts.

I opted for the all steel keyed version because I don't trust plastic in environments where temps may drop like in a vehicle, airplane, etc.

My 2 cents worth.

 

[hokiefyd]

I don't yet have a GunVault or similar in my house for similar concerns. Sure, I want the fast access of a biometric sensor or a key code, but those entry methods are inherently problematic when under stress. Did I get my finger on the biometric pad correctly? I'm in a hurry, so I'm swiping too fast for it to read. Of, if I have to type in a code, I'm in a hurry and don't press the buttons all the way. The GunVault keys are designed to be silent, but that also means that they have zero tactile feedback, so you don't know if you got that button pressed until the safe either opens or it doesn't.

Because of that indecision, I simply haven't bought anything yet...so I'm in your same shoes.

 

[Stu1205]

I put into my SUV a console vault. They are made specifically
for each particular vehicle. You open the lid of your console, remove
the four bolts that hold it in, place the vault into the console,
and replace the four bolts. It comes with a barrel key and it is
virtually impenetrable. One of the best investments I ever made.
Console Vault | Buy Direct For Lowest Price + Free Shipping

Stu

 

[Arik]

This is why I don't rely on electronic safes

 

[N4KVE]

This is why I don't rely on electronic safes. GARY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11yCd-Swxow

 

[TheFineLine]

I have three gunvaults. On one the mechanism broke after about 1000 openings. The one I bought to replace it will only open If the batteries are installed AND it is plugged in. For some reason the power from the batteries is not sufficient to actuate the mechanism. The replacement gunvault sent me for that one works fine. I'm at about 700 openings. I would not purchase one of their products without a key backup.

 

[desmondj]

I purchased a hornady(sp) lock and load safe. It has a key lock. Second time I used it the key jammed and it would not open. I had to cut my loaded gun out. Looking for other options.

 

[CarrieC]

Have a Fort Knox simplex unit, works for us.

 

[GWK4667]

I have 10 Winchester safes at home, in the office, daughters home, etc

[URL=http://s32.photobucket.com/user/George765/media/Firearms/Winchestersafe_zps66d5f398.jpg.html] [/URL]

I did give all of them the same code and we have practiced in the dark many times. Fresh name brand batteries about once a year and they are good to go. - - - I do have the keys to over ride them stored the the main safe.

[URL=http://s32.photobucket.com/user/George765/media/Firearms/Winchesteropen_zpsc67f9ed8.jpg.html] [/URL]

Plenty big enough for 2 full sized handguns, flashlights and a little cash!

 

[Rastoff]

I would not purchase one of their products without a key backup.

This seems to be a common phobia of all types of gun storage.

This raises the question, why not just buy one with a key as the primary lock? Why even waste your time with any other kind of lock mechanism if you don't trust it?

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

This seems to be a common phobia of all types of gun storage.

This raises the question, why not just buy one with a key as the primary lock? Why even waste your time with any other kind of lock mechanism if you don't trust it?

Electronic unlock with a sequence is by far quicker than a mechanical lock with a key. Keys are by their nature a pain, and when their are more than one person involved the pain grows exponentially.

A key being pulled out of a pocket, inserted then twisted under stress versus being a quick code is inherently faster. Holding a finger for the print being read, even more so.

However, all technology can fail. And the newer the technology the higher the likelihood.

The current generation of this kind of thing are built to be a certain attractive price point for consumers, however the price of the quality components is still not there - hence the quality here isn't high.

This technology is used at a high security level in places that have budgets that allow the good stuff. If you go and pay top dollar for a biometric safe, it should be reliable.

It takes time for that kind of expensive tech to come down in price for Joe/Josephine Average consumer. Another three years or so I expect for reliable stuff for us at an affordable price point.

So bottom line... I roll with a mechanical back up and test the **** out of it before relying it until then.

 

[marinevet]

I'm not big on the biometrics, or push button ways of opening these types of small gun safes, take one, and try it 100 times a day, for 30 days, and let me know how many times it "fails" to open……..that one time may be the time you need it…….

Semper Fi!

 

[Rpg]

Don't use car washes with attendants if you have a gun safe of any sort in your vehicle.

That solves the problem of what safe to use in a car.

Unless you own stock Ii the various device, spend no money on these things.

 

[bearfoot]

have a key lock box. ^^^ as above checked it out before i bought it. took 2 others back after opening. use it traveling where the state doesn't have an CC agreement w/ our state. don't leave a CC weapon in a veh., unless i can see the vehicle. i read/ heard the # dial locks can be smacked and will open. suggestion, drill hole in box, dia. same size of a lock. chain length from home depot, box-lock-chain in secure location in your veh.. it doesn't matter if 2 keys have to be used to open a box in an empty veh. just that the weapon is there when you come back. another suggestion, don't lock it up at the location you are going to leave the veh.

 

[fbcmrjrtykr]

Thanks for the input all. The vid was killer.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[FAS1]

Electronic unlock with a sequence is by far quicker than a mechanical lock with a key.

It doesn't have to be electronic. The mechanical pushbutton lock still is very popular today, even with all the electronic gadgets available. Why? Reliability, durability, as quick as anything available, no batteries.

Sometimes simple works better, especially if your life might depend on it.

 

[CarrieC]

Amen FAS1. That is why we have the Fort Knox. No batteries, no keys, no tumblers. The entire family can open it in the dark in 3 seconds. What's not to like? Oh yes, American made and for a change, better made.