Gun vaults, anyone use one?

[zorro49]

Thinking of getting one of the models(multi)for gun security. Anyone who has experience with one, ie, installation, where installed, accessibility, etc. then any feedback would be helpful. Large gun safe would be overkill for the no. and type of guns I own. thanks, zorro49
link to gun vault website http://gunvault.com/home.nxg

 

[zorro49]

Thinking of getting one of the models(multi)for gun security. Anyone who has experience with one, ie, installation, where installed, accessibility, etc. then any feedback would be helpful. Large gun safe would be overkill for the no. and type of guns I own. thanks, zorro49
link to gun vault website http://gunvault.com/home.nxg

 

[Vanman]

I've used one for about 8-10 years for my bedroom and carry guns. It's in my bedroom closet with 3 guns and has always worked well.
Vanman

 

[zorro49]

Thanks vanman, did not know they had been around for that long, at least the name brand Gun Vault. Seems that by the time pay shipping, I can get it locally for about the same price. zorro49

 

[Bullman]

Mine is a home made safe. It has served me well over the years. When I get my addition built I am going to move it upstairs and bolt it to the wall and floor.

 

[LoadedRound]

I've had one for 10 yrs. Turned it upsidedown and bolted it to the bedframe. Fine place to keep the house gun.

LR

 

[djh1765]

I have one but only use it when I go out of town on a trip.

My Winchester, Marlin and Revolver collection are hanging on my gunroom wall. I feel if I cannot enjoy seeing them then why have them.

My revolvers and pistols are for defense purposes although I shoot the Marlin's, Revolver's and Pistol's regularly.

I do not shoot the Winchester collection.

Just my opinion.

djh

 

[kbm6893]

I have both the multi and standard and love them both. I had the multi next to the bed, but it really is too tall and sticks out, so I put the multi in the closet with my carry gun and the wife's revolver. The standard one is much shorter, and that one is bolted next to the bed. My HD gun is in there. Whenever someone is coming over, I just toss a pillow or a t-shirt over it. You could bolt it under the bed, but I didn't like the feel of reaching under the bed. Good safes. Just make sure you bolt them to the floor.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I read about this safe in an old Gun Tests type-magazine (kind of like a Consumer's Report on firearms and related items). They did not give it a good review in that the safe could be defeated without tools. If I recall correctly, the tester was able to put the heel of his shoe against the door and give it a hard kick thereby defeating the lock. They may have made improvements subsequently, I just don't know. You may want to try the Center of Mass portable gun safes. They're simple, rugged, and reasonably priced. Their customer service is very good. I have a large sized safe that will hold up to a 1911 sized auto, or a J-frame and Seecamp .32ACP without problems.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[zorro49]

Thanks kbm, and double-dave for your responses, and this should help me decide which way I will go as to a smaller safe/vault to lock up a couple of handguns. zorro49

 

[kbm6893]

Any safe is easily defeated by a determined crook. I recall seeing a video on youtube of some guy getting into a $2000 gunsafe in less then two minutes with nothing more then a crowbar and a sledgehammer. If they want your guns, they're gonna get them.

 

[CTPete]

I have used S&W Gun Vaultsfor several years. I love mine - have two in the house.

A local gun shop has a couple on sale - can't recall the price, but I remember thinking it was good compared to what I paid for mine at the S&W store in Springfield.

You can try calling them - Riverview Sales in East Windsor, CT 860-370-9939. Tell them Pete sent you.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Originally posted by kbm6893:
Any safe is easily defeated by a determined crook. I recall seeing a video on youtube of some guy getting into a $2000 gunsafe in less then two minutes with nothing more then a crowbar and a sledgehammer. If they want your guns, they're gonna get them.

Yes, I agree with you, but I think that a safe, especially a gun safe, should be able to withstand a few kicks from someone's shoe. Evidently, the Gun Test writers felt the same way, hence their write-up.

When I was younger, a common saying was that a lock was to "keep an honest man honest". It took me more than a few years to figure out what that meant, as well as the truth to it.

Regards,

Dave

 

[wheel]

Be aware that the older (2-3 years or more) Gun Vaults have a design weakness. There is a motor inside that winds a braided steel cable on its shaft in order to pull on the locking mechanism to open the safe. That cable is prone to breaking due to repeated bending.

Mine failed a few months ago (it was about 2 years old). I called Gun Vault and they were aware of this problem. They will repair it for around $100, clearly not worthwhile. New models supposedly have been redesigned in this regard.

I fixed mine by replacing the steel cable with nylon string. It should last for a long time, although it still makes me nervous, so I keep the key nearby. I have no idea why anyone would use braided steel cable in such an application. It's clearly just a bad idea.

 

[zorro49]

Thanks wheel, I am looking at the new models now, so should have the improved mechanism and not the type of cable you describe. With 2 handguns now, and maybe more in the future, hard to decide if should buy now and then have to buy another in the future or wait and get larger type safe altogether. zorro49

 

[enidpd804]

Was that the youtube video where the safe wasn't bolted down? That makes a big difference.

 

[kbm6893]

Don't recall it being bolted or not, but I do recall they never moved it from it's spot, they just attacked it with a crowbar and sledgehammer.

 

[NCTexan]

I've been very satisfied with a Stack-on Strong Box Personal Sale. I have it bolted into the wall on a higher shelf in my closet.

I'm sure that a determined thief could penetrate, but this works great for most security situations.

There are a number of different sizes available. I got mine for about $100.