Recommended Handgun Safes???

[JJEH]

We have a Winchester eVault eV400. It's small and changing the batteries are a PITA.

Funny thing, we only put a box of ammo in. Too much of a hassle honestly. We either keep the firearms on us or they are going inside the big safe. I don't see much use for that kinda safe in a house unless it's mounted firm into the wall.

 

[FAS1]

I had a v-line. Solid safe, but the one thing I do not like is no key back up. The knob is designed to break if turned too hard so if you out the wrong combo in and turn that knob under pressure it will snap.

That might have been the case back then but all the mechanical pushbutton locks used on handgun safes now and at least for the last few years have a clutch built into the knob. This allows the knob to rotate and someone doesn't try to force it open that doesn't know the combination. The shafts are small, but solid so I doubt that you could snap any of them off today without the help of some vice grips. If someone tries this and breaks the shaft it will ruin the lock, but I doubt they will gain access that way as it will probably break above the mechanism, at least that's my experience with them.

As far as the back up key goes, it's really not needed unless you forget your combination. There are no electronics to fail.

 

[sniperb8]

IMHO, the ultimate in bedside/nightstand safes...Titan Gun Vault.
| TITAN | Under Bed Gun Safe | Pistol Vault | from Titan Security Products (Official Website)

Can be simply transported from an underbed/nightstand to your car or truck. Secure mechanical lock mechanism, no batteries to die, simple reliable (in the dark) operation, forget biometrics!!

Pricey, but worth it! My M&P 45C is always at the ready!

 

[sipowicz]

Choices can all seem so daunting. Just remember, quick access safes are really meant to keep kids out, not criminals, so they don't have to be burglar proof...you should have a regular heavy duty gun safe when storing your guns...the quick access boxes are for when you are home...you would not want to leave your gun in one when you go on vacation.

 

[Rastoff]

Sip, you're slipping. I thought you'd have posted this before me

California Approved Handgun Safe - YouTube

 

[Springfeildkid585]

Stackon makes a nice one for less than $100 with electronic keypad and a hidden key back-up access.

 

[gdnagle]

Top shelf means your have to be tall to see a combination lock, so that will put a biometric safe, key box, or button type on the top of your list to be able to open easy. I have two bio safes and they work well for me, tho others will say they are problems. The ones I have are BARSKA Biometric Safe's and are large inside 16.5 x 7.75 x 14.5 inches outside measurements, but no shelves so you have to make your own if you want them. A thing to remember about bio boxes is you have to place your finger or thumb the same way so it recognizes your imprint, I put my prints in several ways and with several digits so if I get a cut or something I can still open without using the key, and wipe the scanner when you open so your print is removed, I keep a rag on top to do this.

Remember these are only lock boxes and not safes. If you want a safe just buy one of the floor safes and you will have room for what you want.

 

[FAS1]

If you like the idea of a mechanical lock, but want a backup key it is available now. The key has an additional function as well. It can deadbolt the pushbutton lock so even if someone knows the combination, it won't open.

FAS1 Safe with Optional In&Out Supplemental Lock - YouTube

 

[JM4151]

Bedroom Gun Safe's

I would highly recommend not getting a key lock, go with the combination push button type. Get a safe where the battery can be changed without opening the safe. I have mine hidden in the bedroom but close to the bed. I attached two, 2 by 4's to the wall and painted them the same color as the wall. Then I mounted the safe to the wood with long lag screws. My house is alarmed so the safe is primarily to keep the grand kids from touching the guns. The lower end Stack On safe's can be opened with a large flat blade screw drivers. You have to decide how secure you want it.

 

[Harkrader]

Go to youtube and search for "safe cracking" and "gun safes." You'll see that none of the small ones can resist a good hammer and many fail immediately.
Sentry safes: Teenagers seem to love showing how easily they can be opened. They demonstrate in great detail. Not for me.
None of the biometric ones are UL approved for function or durability. A Bing search will show you how often they fail. I don't feel I'd rely on one to open instantly for me. Note that some of them have maddening delays after the code is entered or the finger is swiped, and some require two operations to open. I definitely want a key to back it up.

I have a Fort Knox by my bed, but would never leave the house with a gun in it. It's main purpose is to keep the rug-rat grandchild out of it, but we don't let him get even THAT close to it. I also have one in my Trucklet, in a location that makes it very difficult to pry out or beat open. It's mounted with hardened bolts and a backplate.

If I'm in bed, the Fort Knox box is unlocked and open beside me. When I'm up, if my gun is not on my person it is in the Fort Knox, which I think of as a "day box." Again, I'd never leave home with a gun in it.

 

[12string]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concea...312307-inexpensive-solution-home-storage.html

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Before you spend a dollar view this video on simple safe cracking which deals mostly on those small one or two gun home safes. Note that a bunch of them are not really kid-proof.

 

[HCH]

GunGalBB,

Just a heads up in case you didn't know about the recall:

GunBox Recalls Gun Storage Boxes Due to Lock Failure (Recall Alert) | CPSC.gov