Safe for my shield/sdve

[Masonic_John]

Hey all, the main reason for this post is that I have my sd9ve as a nightstand gun and my shield as my carry. I also have a young kid at home who will be getting close to getting out of the crib soon.

I am looking for a decent drawer safe to keep little ones out. I know this won't stop a robber but I am not concerned with that at this point.

What do you suggest? I am not looking to spend a small fortune. I already know that I am going to lose some speed if it is in a safe and someone decides to break in but that is something I need to practice. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SmithNWesson]

Stack-On Products Products Compact Portable Safe with Combination Lock

You could get something like this if your main goal is to just keep the littles ones away. I am sure you can find a bigger one to fit both your guns and magazines. You could also use it in your car as well.

If you want to spend more, i think Hornady makes some good combination lock boxes that will make it faster to get open.

(link was just for the image, i have not bought from that site before)

 

[CB3]

No unintended access of a gun is worth going cheap on a safe. Either a child or person's life is dependent on what you spend, or a thief's ease of access (threatening others' lives) may depend on what you are willing to spend.

Be responsible. Save up. Lock it up. With quick access. Stay away from batteries, that WILL fail. It only takes one to leak and your screwed for quick access.

I like:
V-Line | Security Cases and Cabinets

Simplex lock 5-button mechanical access. Mounting plate for removal and transport available. Other manufacturers also use the Simplex lock system and have somewhat different designs, quality and prices.

Bolt the safe to something solid so the whole thing cannot be taken. Think like a thief to overcome a thief, not like a homeowner. How would you steal those guns?

 

[armorer951]

nightstand gun safe

I use one of these small handgun safes sold by Sentry. Lighted four-button keypad, key override if needed. Automatic opening, spring loaded door. Not heavy armor for sure, but will keep curious children at bay. Also available in a "biometric" version.

They use AA battery pack, but I've found that a single 9 volt battery will operate the safe for about two years.
I have the safe attached to the side of my nightstand next to the head of the bed, with the hinge facing down. When the combination is entered, the door swings open and stays open, exposing the gun, but the gun does not fall out.

Therein lies my old duty pistol, Glock model 21, with a Sure-Fire X300 light attached.

Sentry Safe Gun Safe, 0.08 cu. ft., Electronic QAP1E | Zoro.com

 

[FAS1]

You can have reasonable security when bolted to the floor or something solid and no loss of speed, especially if the gun is always presented in the exact same place and orientation with the trigger protected. Second gun, spare mags, light, etc. in bottom.

 

[ScaryWoody]

^^^I like that!

I agree to get a safe of decent quality. I don't think you'd regret having the firearm safe but available.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

I have both electronic safes from Stack-On, and simplex lock safes from a company that later sold the rights to their design. Been using them for 25 years.

All things considered, the electronic safes are better for a HD gun. They open faster and more reliably, especially at night with a lighted keypad. The batteries just don't die on you: for example the Stack-On models signal when the door is opened if the battery strength decreases below a certain level, giving you warning to change them. I use lithium AA batteries which have a long lifespan and do not leak. It's typical to get well over a year out of a set of batteries, in a safe I open every day. If you use rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, they also do not leak.

The simplex lock designs are not as positive to open under stress, especially if you use a code which is not obvious. Also, the mechanism gets balky after several years of constant use. I use those safes for installations where time issues are not critical.

I wouldn't recommend anything that requires a key to open for a defensive safe. Too many potential problems. The electronic safes often have a key override for emergencies... lock the key up someplace else!

For home safes, I agree about bolting them down. They come pre-drilled. It can be as simple as putting the safe on a shelf in your closet and bolting to the wall stud behind it. This will cause delay and maybe deter the burglar. If you want something right by your bed, not many choices in bolting something down that are going to make a wreck of your floor. In any event, with enough time, a well-equipped burglar can rip or cut out anything the size of a pistol safe no matter how it is secured. Securing it against serious theft requires heavier measures, which limit your access.

The bottom line is that you're locking it up to prevent unauthorized access to the weapon, and quick access to you if you need it. Keep that in mind when you buy. Lots of choices, best to shop at your LGS and if it doesn't fit your space requirements you can exchange it.