My GunVault Finally Bit It

[kbm6893]

Had it for probably 10 years. Opened frequently until about 3 years ago. Then opened every night before bed. I was just thinking the other night how reliable it’s been. I go to open it last night and I hear the whirring of the motor but no open. I know what it is and a YouTube video confirmed it. The cable that flips the door open snapped.

YouTube video showed me how to fix it, but it looks to be huge hassle. I have a Fort Knox pistol safe in the closet, and I like the simplex lock, but they’re wider than the gun vault and wouldn’t really fit where the gun vault is.

I see there’s a new gun vault out. Looks slightly smaller than the one I have, but there’s a drawer that slides out when the door opens and it’s got a red light in the safe. Looks decent and cheaper than the Fort Knox but should I go for another gun vault where the cable might break again?

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My Browning safe is 35 years old and has a DIAL. It has no motor or cables. Just big steel gears and bars.

Maybe the "Old Ways" are the better ways.

Ivan

 

[kbm6893]

My Browning safe is 35 years old and has a DIAL. It has no motor or cables. Just big steel gears and bars.

Maybe the "Old Ways" are the better ways.

Ivan

Yeah, but the dial safe is no good for quick access. The gunvault doesn’t take the place of a real safe but it’s not supposed to.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I like the V-Line safes with Simplex locks.

 

[Golphin]

I keep mine beside my bed in a drawer with no safe at night. There are two dogs sleeping in our room so no one will sneak up on me and I don't sleep like I did when I was young anyway. We don't have kids and if any grands come over it is in the safe until they go home. During the day it goes with me. Anything else is in a safe. One dial one electronic lock.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I’m in the hunt for another safe.
Now a days Most seem to have Electronic Locks.
This thread is not making it any easier!

 

[Rustyt1953]

Shoot forum member Kanewpadle a PM as he is our resident safe whisperer.

 

[Gary M]

Yeah, but the dial safe is no good for quick access. The gunvault doesn’t take the place of a real safe but it’s not supposed to.

Then you don't know how to use a dial lock.

I have an S&G dial combination lock on my gun residential storage container (RSC. There are very few true gun safes and they are a lot more than and RSC) and I can either pre-set to just need the last number and have it open quicker than a keypad or a quick spin and it takes me maybe 20 seconds.

My buddy does thank all of you with electronic locks. Says he can make bank when the battery dies and people can't find the key the pad membrane or circuits go out.

 

[woodsltc]

I’m in the hunt for another safe.
Now a days Most seem to have Electronic Locks.
This thread is not making it any easier!

Most places can get you a "dial lock" if you ask.

Don

 

[Kanewpadle]

I had two Gun Vaults years ago. They lasted about eight years each. Not bad.

But I stopped trusting anything electronic to store my guns. Check V-Line. I’ve had one for about 20 years and it’s still going strong.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I’m in the hunt for another safe.
Now a days Most seem to have Electronic Locks.
This thread is not making it any easier!

Visit a safe showroom. Ask if they will swap the digital with a dial type. Or maybe they can order one with a dial.

I certainly would not pay extra for a dial type as they cost less than electronic. And don’t be surprised if the salesperson tries to talk you out of getting rid of the electronic lock. Ignore him.

 

[Sandman4delta]

I agree with two of the above posts.

The V-Line products are an outstanding choice.
I have three, and set up my vehicles with mount plates to move the small one to whatever I choose to drive that day.
My first one is over twenty years old.
I love Simplex locks, and dial combos on my big storage.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I know you said they're too wide for your current setup, but I'd try to find a way to make one of the Simplex vaults work. I replaced the nightstand electronics with a Simplex, and it's the bomb . . .

 

[03hemi]

The best vault is the one you can't see?

 

[chief38]

Yeah, but the dial safe is no good for quick access. The gunvault doesn’t take the place of a real safe but it’s not supposed to.

But....... because it failed - not only did you not have quick access, you had no access!

I do of course understand your point - however automatic, motorized safes do seem to fail more often than mechanical ones. At least from what I have noticed.

Call me an old fart, antiquated, technophobe, whatever...... when it comes to accessing a SD/HD firearm I personally don't care for Chinese mechanized safes.

IMHO you would be far better served with an old fashioned dial lock that also has a secondary key lock. Some people I know who store SD guns in them open the combination lock at night and only use the key lock to keep the safe from opening. All one would have to do is insert key and turn - that's it. Fast and reliable.

 

[pharmer]

I’ve got a Treadlok that has an S&G on it. Been working since 1987. From 1987-1995 It was my “inventory storage cabinet.” The lock needs replaced due to use and damage from moving. I would imagine the lock set would last forever with proper treatment. Joe

 

[rockquarry]

I have two Bear safes; the newest one is probably thirty years old. Very plain, very simple, nothing electronic and they both have recessed key locks. Both are opened frequently. Never a problem. I don't know if there was much in the way of electronic safe gadgetry when I bought mine.

 

[twodog max]

My buddies Winchester safe died it took him 4 days and a locksmith to open it. Real fast access. LOL
Mine is dial lock. If I am home it is open. No children around here anytime.

 

[petepeterson]

But....... because it failed - not only did you not have quick access, you had no access!

Murphy's Law in full display.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Please don’t confuse pistol safes with gun safes.

Gun safes are meant for long term storage. Not quick access. Pistols safes are the opposite.

If your gun safe is in your bedroom, you could use it for quick access by dialing the combination and leaving it unlocked. This of course is not advisable if others are there or you forget to lock it.