Handgun safe options

[SavageSmoker]

Hi All,

I am in the market for a nice handgun safe to keep under my bed. Nothing big, only for two guns ans a couple of spare magazines max. I would like fast and easy entry. Not a fan of keys or combo locks so I'm thinking a punch code safe might be best. What are others using or suggesting?

Thanks!
Brian

 

[Rule3]

You have Kids? Mine are gone so I just keep a gun on the night stand,

If I needed quick access I think those biometric locks are the fastest.

Something like this maybe??

Cabela's: GunVault Biometric Safe

http://www.amazon.com/LockSAF-PBS-001-LockSafe-Biometric-Pistol/dp/B001T29C2K

 

[JJEH]

Fort Knox Handgun Safes!

https://www.ftknox.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=59

Had one and they are worth every penny!

 

[gdnagle]

I have two of these older one beeps loud but new on you can turn off the beep. They open when I need them but after a shower it takes a few tries to open. just program multipule fingers ones you don't use too much, cuts and wear will cause them to not open with that finger until healed.
Amazon.com: BARSKA Biometric Safe: Sports & Outdoors
BTW these are lock boxes not safes, tin and can be opened with pry bars I guess I haven't tried that but should keep the kids out.

 

[5Wire]

I'm a big fan of safes with Simplex locks, no dials, keys, batteries, cords. You can set your own combination in series or patterns or both. They can be found in a number of sizes and configurations.

Fort Knox

V-Line

 

[SavageSmoker]

Thanks for all the options. Yes, we do have kids (7 and 3) so that is my main motivation behind this. I currently keep my Shield in my nightstand with a trigger lock on it but that also uses a key which I don't want to fumble with if I need fast access. I am getting tired if removing and hiding my magazines when we leave or our son has a friend over. Just looking for something more secure and keeps eyes off of my guns. I like the biometric options but price sure jumps then. Keep 'em coming.

 

[gdnagle]

Thanks for all the options. Yes, we do have kids (7 and 3) so that is my main motivation behind this. I currently keep my Shield in my nightstand with a trigger lock on it but that also uses a key which I don't want to fumble with if I need fast access. I am getting tired if removing and hiding my magazines when we leave or our son has a friend over. Just looking for something more secure and keeps eyes off of my guns. I like the biometric options but price sure jumps then. Keep 'em coming.

I got my bio box for $149 just wait for the amazon price drop or check their warehouse deals i'm also a prime member so no shipping they just had them last week for $149.00

 

[Kanewpadle]

American Security

Available at some sporting goods stores or your local locksmith.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Thanks for all the options. Yes, we do have kids (7 and 3) so that is my main motivation behind this. I currently keep my Shield in my nightstand with a trigger lock on it but that also uses a key which I don't want to fumble with if I need fast access. I am getting tired if removing and hiding my magazines when we leave or our son has a friend over. Just looking for something more secure and keeps eyes off of my guns. I like the biometric options but price sure jumps then. Keep 'em coming.

I understand the attraction to biometric locks but stay away from them. Any electronics made in Taiwan/China can't be good.

I run across them at work from time to time. They are unreliable and fail when you need them the most. American made biometric locks cost more than most can afford.

 

[Rule3]

I'm a big fan of safes with Simplex locks, no dials, keys, batteries, cords. You can set your own combination in series or patterns or both. They can be found in a number of sizes and configurations.

Fort Knox

V-Line

Ya, these look mo better. If it is the Simplex buttons like we had on our office doors, those things took a beating and always worked.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Ya, these look mo better. If it is the Simplex buttons like we had on our office doors, those things took a beating and always worked.

I have two of them. The only problem with Simplex is they wear out. The more use the quicker they wear out. The combination chamber inside can be replaced but they cost about $100.

However, I've had one for over ten years and it's still works fine.

 

[Fishslayer]

The bedside safe is generally open if I'm at home. No kids though.

 

[5Wire]

I have two of them. The only problem with Simplex is they wear out. The more use the quicker they wear out. The combination chamber inside can be replaced but they cost about $100.

However, I've had one for over ten years and it's still works fine.

Have you ever worn one out? Never heard that before. Mine feels the same as when I bought it 10 plus years ago.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Have you ever worn one out? Never heard that before. Mine feels the same as when I bought it 10 plus years ago.

No. Probably never happen. But the same lock is used on commercial push button locks. I've seen them last 6 months and sometimes a few years with high use. So if I have a choice, I don't sell them. I would sell a digital lock first.

If the buttons start to get sticky or act up, replace the whole box. Just something to be aware of.

 

[FAS1]

Have you ever worn one out? Never heard that before. Mine feels the same as when I bought it 10 plus years ago.

In 4 years I have never sold a replacement lock for my handgun safe. I have been thinking about adding it to my store for the future. It will probably be in the $60.00 range.

The push-button mechanical lock still seems like the best option to me.

FAS1 SAFE VIDEO

 

[SavageSmoker]

Amazon.com: Gunvault GV1000D Mini Vault Deluxe Gun Safe: Home Improvement

Does anyone have experience with the GunVault linked above? I had the opportunity to mess with one at Gander Mountain and it looked like it might fit my needs. We just had a 4 year old shoot and kill his 2 year old brother locally (Minneapolis) a couple of days ago. Apparently, Dad thought "hiding" his loaded handgun under his pillow was good enough to keep curious kids from finding it. It sure makes me nervous keeping guns in the house with my kids. Looking for options very soon now.

 

[SavageSmoker]

Here is a link to the tragic story...
Toddler shot, killed by 4-year-old brother in Minneapolis - KMSP-TV

 

[sipowicz]

A little added security for the loaded gun is to not keep one in the chamber...racking the slide on any auto takes some skill and most kids under 14 can't do it...my wife still can't. My house gun is a P2000, but it never has a round i the chamber, even though it is always in my safe. Never know when I might leave it open by accident. BTW, my kids are 7 and 4 and we have gun safety talks now and then...

 

[SavageSmoker]

To chamber or not to chamber is a highly controversial topic for sure. I do not keep my loaded guns chambered at home for the simple fact that we do have kids. I am also a firm believer in not covering my guns with a clout of mystery. This will only make them more curious and more likely to seek them out in secret. Instead, I handle them and clean them in front of my kids and teach our 7 year old proper safety and respect for the power of a gun. My main struggle is with securing it well at home (peace of mind) while still allowing for rapid access should the fecal matter hit the rapidly rotating blades (peace of mind).

 

[Kanewpadle]

Amazon.com: Gunvault GV1000D Mini Vault Deluxe Gun Safe: Home Improvement

Does anyone have experience with the GunVault linked above? I had the opportunity to mess with one at Gander Mountain and it looked like it might fit my needs. We just had a 4 year old shoot and kill his 2 year old brother locally (Minneapolis) a couple of days ago. Apparently, Dad thought "hiding" his loaded handgun under his pillow was good enough to keep curious kids from finding it. It sure makes me nervous keeping guns in the house with my kids. Looking for options very soon now.

I have one but it's the bigger deluxe model. Use it everyday. Works well.

I highly recommend the deluxe model because it uses a DC plug instead of just batteries. Has an internal light, and it emits an audible beep when pushing the buttons. Good for catching the kids playing with it but bad if a bad guy hears it.

It would get the bigger size. I keep two guns in mine. Spare magazines and two flashlights. Everything I need to defend myself in one location and nothing left out in the open for the kids to play with.
Gunvault GV2000C-DLX Multi Vault Deluxe Gun Safe - Amazon.com

 

[Farmer17]

I keep my gun in a zippered pistol rug locked with a Master "three tumbler" combination lock. One of the tumblers is set to unlock and the other two tumblers just need the proper twist that I have practiced in the dark, to unlock it quickly. This is faster and cheaper than any other process I have seen, and I keep my Surefire 6P and Spyderco serratted knife next to the rug and I can cut the pistol rug open if the lock ever fails.

 

[sipowicz]

I don't keep any guns by my bed....my safe is in the closet, fairly close....combo is set to open with a 1/4 turn. Night light is always on in the closet so I can see what I'm doing. I like the idea of having to get up so I am fully awake. I guess having a gun at bedside is faster, but then again, playing with combos in the dark could also slow you down.

 

[FAS1]

I don't keep any guns by my bed....my safe is in the closet, fairly close....combo is set to open with a 1/4 turn. Night light is always on in the closet so I can see what I'm doing. I like the idea of having to get up so I am fully awake. I guess having a gun at bedside is faster, but then again, playing with combos in the dark could also slow you down.

With a little practice it is actually quite easy to do by feel. With this type lock you can also do the same thing by pre-punching in your code when you go to sleep to where you only need a 1/4 turn of the knob to unlock if you are more comfortable this way.

I have been woken up by gunshots once before in the middle of the night. My neighbors home across the street was targeted in a drive-by. I can tell you that I was instantly more awake than you can imagine and it usually takes half a pot of coffee just to get me going in the morning. From my experience, it's amazing how your brain will respond, especially with a real threat.

 

[beemerrider]

The following publications and articles may be of assistance:
In Gun Buyer's Annual #118 on news stands during the last 3 or 4 months has an article titled "Storing Steel" which shows and describes a variety of options.
The February 2013 issue of "Combat Handguns", available on news stands now, has 3 page article on "Biometric Pistol Safes". My son has one of these and just loves it. Both his and his wife's fingerprints are recorded in the safe's memory and it opens quickly and reliably every time.
I, on the other hand, feel quite protected at night, sleeping in my "whitey-tighty" underwear while packing a 7 1/2" Mod 29-2 in a vertical Bianchi shoulder rig with a spare 6 rounds of 240gr JHP in a leather cartridge loop on the off side.

 

[gdnagle]

The following publications and articles may be of assistance:
In Gun Buyer's Annual #118 on news stands during the last 3 or 4 months has an article titled "Storing Steel" which shows and describes a variety of options.
The February 2013 issue of "Combat Handguns", available on news stands now, has 3 page article on "Biometric Pistol Safes". My son has one of these and just loves it. Both his and his wife's fingerprints are recorded in the safe's memory and it opens quickly and reliably every time.
I, on the other hand, feel quite protected at night, sleeping in my "whitey-tighty" underwear while packing a 7 1/2" Mod 29-2 in a vertical Bianchi shoulder rig with a spare 6 rounds of 240gr JHP in a leather cartridge loop on the off side.

Just remember to put more then one of your fingerprints in. Sometimes when I do so work around the house (I'm retired) I will get something on my finger paint, glue cut and it will not acept that finger so make sure you also use a finger that you don't use all the time I find the thumb works good for a backup. Beside I have my box on a table next to the bed so I can roll a little push button set thumb on scan without manupliating my wrist a lot very fast for me. I hve grandchildren in the house or would leave out my firearm.

 

[wiz561]

safes

I just purchased a small stack-on safe. I have a small kid (1 year old) at home. It's not biometric and it's not fancy at all. I have to say it's OK.

I have some gripes with biometrics due to the rate of false positives. I have to say that I'm no expert with fingerprint readers on safes, but for computers, they don't work as great as you may think. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. I would be afraid that in a situation, you will be nervous, sweating, and unable to get a good read from it. Not saying biometrics are horrible, but just be aware of the pitfalls. As I am mentioning below, safes can easily be bypassed given the correct know-how.

I have to remember that this is designed to keep kids out, not thieves. The problem with the cheaper safes are that they can easily be broken in to by hitting a reset button on the side, key bumping, or throwing it on the ground and possibly rattling the lock spring down enough to allow you to open the safe.

For now, it will work for me. Hopefully, when my child is older, he will understand weapons and know the consequences and that they are *NOT* a toy. As with everything, I believe education is the best solution, but until he can understand it, I will just keep it locked up.

 

[sambuh]

With a little practice it is actually quite easy to do by feel. With this type lock you can also do the same thing by pre-punching in your code when you go to sleep to where you only need a 1/4 turn of the knob to unlock if you are more comfortable this way.

I have been woken up by gunshots once before in the middle of the night. My neighbors home across the street was targeted in a drive-by. I can tell you that I was instantly more awake than you can imagine and it usually takes half a pot of coffee just to get me going in the morning. From my experience, it's amazing how your brain will respond, especially with a real threat.

Love this design man. May buy this in the very near future and put by my bedside. Although I may prefer in the closet up high as well

 

[novalty]

I've had a Stack-on Mini-Storage Vault for 2 years now, and been really happy with it. I open it at night, to have easier access, and close it in the morning when I get up.

 

[GLV]

Mine is 20 years

Have you ever worn one out? Never heard that before. Mine feels the same as when I bought it 10 plus years ago.

old +, used once a day for all of that time and still works fine.