Handgun Safes

[Willieboy]

TucsonMTB made a post the other day about having a safe in each bedroom of his home. That made me consider buying a safe to keep beside my recliner, right beside my Miller Lite, so I could keep a pistol nearby in the evenings and feel comfortable going to bed without worrying that I have possibly armed an intruder.

I ordered a biometric the day I read MTB's post. Do any of you guys use a handgun safe and if so, what kind do you use? Do you like it?

[Rainman48314]

TucsonMTB made a post the other day about having a safe in each bedroom of his home. That made me consider buying a safe to keep beside my recliner, right beside my Miller Lite, so I could keep a pistol nearby in the evenings and feel comfortable going to bed without worrying that I have possibly armed an intruder.

I ordered a biometric the day I read MTB's post. Do any of you guys use a handgun safe and if so, what kind do you use? Do you like it?
I have a small size safe in the trunk of my car. It has a cable which attaches it to a metal loop built into the car. I had one bad experience when I went to retreive it to use as a case for a used gun I just bought. It was jammed and I could not open it. Ended up taking the gun out of the shop in a bag. I later found out that it got missaligned by being pressed close past where it needed to be. Good thing it wasn't a case of immediate need.

I previously used this safe in the bedroom but when I added a light, the nightstand gun no longer fit.

This is a cheap $29 unit suitable for delaying a BG or stopping a small child.

[TucsonMTB]

Yeah, like Mr. Rainman, I'm kind of cost conscious (OK, I'm cheap!) and purchased locally, so selection was limited. The two types that we use, depending on location are:


http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/33000337/images/06saf012-dr300dk-06-a.jpg http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/33000337/images/06saf012-dr300dk-06-b.jpg

This small safe came from a local gun store and was an impulse buy, so you know it was cheap. :o Along with a mouse gun tucked into a corner, it will hold one 1911 and a couple of Kahrs with only two of the three larger guns readily accessible.

http://www.officemax.com/catalog/images/397x353/21005172i_01.jpg

This small office style safe came from Office Max in a nearby shopping center. It was about $150 out the door and the lower section holds two 1911's in range bags. A large revolver and a couple of mouse guns will fit in the top tray/drawer.

Bill went for the good stuff with biometrics. Woohoo! :D

Edited to add: We are not quite so clever as Bill makes us sound. We bought the little guys one at a time as our small collection of pistols grew out of the available space. The big safe did not arrive until an ArmaLite AR10 forced us to buy something larger. :o

[ltxi]

Have never even considered "bedside" handgun safes. Nothing but an unnecessary complication. No kids in the house.

[Willieboy]

I opted for the biometrics technology for a couple reasons. First, I worried I may not be able to remember or execute the code for a Simplex lock or the Gun Vault's four key arrangement under stress. Secondly, I'm a sucker for new technology. If they had a facial recognition technology safe, I probably would have gone that way (though, upon recognizing my ugly jib it probably would have self destructed.) I hope the biometrics part works.

[TucsonMTB]

Have never even considered "bedside" handgun safes. Nothing but an unnecessary complication. No kids in the house.
Yep! It's certainly not needed, but it makes it convenient when dressing. I'm in the geezer stage of life where convenience has value.

Also, I usually choose different carry guns depending on what I wear and plan to do. Without everything close at hand, I might forget what I was going to another part of the house to grab before I got there . . . :rolleyes:

[TucsonMTB]

I opted for the biometrics technology for a couple reasons. First, I worried I may not be able to remember or execute the code for a Simplex lock or the Gun Vault's four key arrangement under stress. Secondly, I'm a sucker for new technology. If they had a facial recognition technology safe, I probably would have gone that way (though, upon recognizing my ugly jib it probably would have self destructed.) I hope the biometrics part works.
Hey! I resemble that remark! :D

http://www.sportco.com/productcart/pc/catalog/gunvault2000multi_1991_detail.jpg

After seeing your choice I looked at the GunVault offerings. They are a little less pricey.

But, then I came to my senses. :o

[ltxi]

Point is, my carry/defense guns aren't locked up. "Bedside" guns live bedside or wherever. The arms I carry daily live in the same space as my wallet and car keys. Non immediate access guns reside in the gun safes.

[Willieboy]

My bedside gun is not in a safe either. The safe I ordered will attached to a cabinet in the family room where I can keep a gun close at hand. Granted, not as quickly accessed as one sitting on a table beside me, but accessible within two-three seconds if all works as advertised. And, I can leave the gun there over night knowing it's secure and won't be used against me while I sleep.

[Willieboy]

After seeing your choice I looked at the GunVault offerings. They are a little less pricey.

But, then I came to my senses. :o

What do you mean MTB?

[TucsonMTB]

What do you mean MTB?
Sorry to be obtuse. The enthusiasm you generated with your choice plus my weakness for technology almost caused me to buy yet another toy to address a need that has already been met.

It's a weakness I have . . . ;)

[Willieboy]

Ah, another technology buff eh?

[TucsonMTB]

As evidenced by the six (6) T-Series ThinkPads scattered around the house between my wife and me . . . :rolleyes:

[Bawanna]

As evidenced by the six (6) T-Series ThinkPads scattered around the house between my wife and me . . . :rolleyes:

Pssst, could somebody tell me what a T=Series ThinkPad is? With my IQ I might really benefit from such a contraption. Tucson must really be challenged if he needs 6 of em.

I'm guess like a Droid? I saw that on the TV, sort of a magic cell phone that does other stuff. Maybe a laptop, yeah, gotta be a laptop.

Gotta get up pretty early in the afternoon to pull the technology wool over this ole sheepdog.

[TucsonMTB]

Hey Bawanna!

It's nothing compared to some of the toys in your man-cave, but here's what the three most current machines look like.


http://www.lenovo.com/shop/americas/content/img_lib/products/splitter/notebooks/ThinkPad/T-Series/gallery/T520-4L.jpg


The Lenovo folks are probably going to fire someone in advertising when they find out there is at least one adult in the Great Northwest who doesn't know about that product line. :D

[Bawanna]

Well thats one of them laptop computers, I seen them lots. You tripped me up with the Think Pad lingo. I visualized like a pillow that lets ya think without getting a headache or something.

Far as that obtuse you suffer from (I didn't know) maybe you could get that Jillian to come down and work out with ya, beat ya some and you'll be back to your fighting weight in no time.
I'm thinking of calling her myself. I'd prefer Bob but that might look kind of unnatural mano mano and all.

[Willieboy]

:o:o:o:o:o:o
Well thats one of them laptop computers, I seen them lots. You tripped me up with the Think Pad lingo. I visualized like a pillow that lets ya think without getting a headache or something.

You are a renaissance man Bawanna!

Far as that obtuse you suffer from (I didn't know) maybe you could get that Jillian to come down and work out with ya, beat ya some and you'll be back to your fighting weight in no time.

And a linguist too!

I'm thinking of calling her myself. I'd prefer Bob but that might look kind of unnatural mano mano and all.

[jlottmc]

I have a small keyable safe that I use in my truck sometimes. I use it only when I need a safe place to keep my pistol when I can't carry in. Though now that I think about it, I don't use it that much, and just don't disarm much these days.

[Bawanna]

Sure kick a man when he's dumb.

I gotta look up that renaisance word, I'm thinking alot of violin and Cello playing, kind of like Shakespear plays and stuff.

Far as being a linguist, I tried that thinking it was pretty cool but couldn't get the hang of talking without moving my mouth.
That one on TV with Acmed the blown up terrorist, and Jalapeno, he's darn good. Like watching him.

[TucsonMTB]

Well thats one of them laptop computers, I seen them lots. You tripped me up with the Think Pad lingo. I visualized like a pillow that lets ya think without getting a headache or something.
Close! The original IBM Think Pad was a paper notebook issued to most employees with the word "Think" printed in bold letters on the front cover. At least that's what the IBM ThinkPad Group marketing types told me a long time ago when IBM still owned that product line. :D

[Bawanna]

Close! The original IBM Think Pad was a paper notebook issued to most employees with the word "Think" printed in bold letters on the front cover. At least that's what the IBM ThinkPad Group marketing types told me a long time ago when IBM still owned that product line. :D

So if I was to buy me one of them IBM Think Pad's with "Think" in bold letters on it could I be wicked smart like the rest of you fella's, or at least able to fake it so I don't look like a cave man. I'm startin to feel a little self concious.

[TucsonMTB]

So if I was to buy me one of them IBM Think Pad's with "Think" in bold letters on it could I be wicked smart like the rest of you fella's, or at least able to fake it so I don't look like a cave man. I'm startin to feel a little self conscious.
I'm sure that was part of the original marketing. Didn't work for me. :rolleyes:

Don't confuse fluff with being smart about things that matter, as you are. :D

[Bawanna]

I'm sure that was part of the original marketing. Didn't work for me. :rolleyes:

Don't confuse fluff with being smart about things that matter, as you are. :D

:o Ya made me blush I think.:o:o Thank you.

[houdini]

I keep a mini vault in my closet on top self.

[AIRret]

What about car safes
























What about car safes? Any recommendations?

[LaP]

In my car, I keep a clamshell style locking device (LifeJacket) that's cabled to my car seat. I use it whenever I need to enter a Post Office, Police Station, or other government buildings.
Here's some info and photos:http://www.opticsplanet.net/sportlock-mse-lj-2-steel-lifejacket-for-pistols.html

[Thunder71]

Stay away from electronic safes and get yourself one of these:

http://www.vlineind.com/html/top_draw.html

Or any of their other offerings. Reliable, secure and well made... no batteries, no plug ins, just good old reliable mechanics.

I have a GunVault, worst purchase I have ever made in the gun world.

[JohnR]

I use two simple solutions to comply with Florida's law about locking guns with kids in the house. In my nightstand sits my Ruger P345 in one of those soft sided triangular zippered cases. I bought a small luggage padlock with a combination I can set (so I can remember it.). Only three tumblers, so not too difficult.

In my home/office, my EDC sits in my briefcase (when not on my belt), which has a built-in combination lock.

When our detached garage is finished out as my office, I'm going to build a safe into the wall, and probably use a combination lock instead of a key or biometric. I'll even hang a picture in front of it.

[OldLincoln]

Car safes....

No real quick access unless your vehicle and state laws accommodates.

The Nano is cheap at under $30. 1 gun fits and it has a cable to secure it to the seat frame. They don't fit under my seats so they only go in the trunk for me.

I like the notion of a pistol safe I saw for trucks and some cars. It's tall and narrow and your gun slides into it like a holster then goes down when closed. You unlock it with a finger code and it pops up ready to draw.

My latest like is a Bulldog trunk safe that has a mounting shell that the safe slides into. You unlock the safe and slide it out to access. It's more secure than a cable and easier to slide out and take with you.

[JohnR]

To me, the only use a car safe would have is to safely store your gun while you have to run inside a school or other "prohibited area." No particular need to access it quickly in those circumstances.

[HDoc]

My current problem is finding somewhere in a Honda Accord to loop the
securing wire around for a small lock box. Can't seem to find one in the trunk
or the car! Have it around the door handle in the back seat area.. not the ideal spot. My wife would think I've gone nuts if I start drilling holes for a
U-bolt.

[Laetus1]

+1 on V-line equipment. They are pricier than some, but after extensive research, I decided to go that direction now that we have grandchildren often in our home. I decided against anything requiring batteries and I wanted handgun safes/cases that could be quickly unlocked when needed. I have spoken on the phone with the V-line people and they are terrific. BTW, grandchildren are all they have been made out to be (fun, etc.), but they have already cost me more $$ than I anticipated (gun safes, plasma TV protectors, stairwell fences, fancy cabinet locks, etc.) :-)

[ltxi]

What about car safes

What about car safes? Any recommendations?

I have no use whatsoever for those, either.

[wyntrout]

This is a bit larger, but for my handguns. I figure I'll get a small locking wall rack for my shotgun... and maybe my air rifle.

Anyhow, I got this yesterday at Costco and installed it today. It has a higher fire rating than some and has plenty of room for my pistols and a few valuables. I didn't necessarily want an electronic safe, but the price and size were right.

The safe has two adjustable shelves and I added felt bumper strips to prevent wall damage on opening and prevent damage to the front if attempting to close the door with the pins out. The safe is installed in my closet and the shirts stop just short of the top of the safe. It's bolted to the floor and it took hours to clear out and clean the closet up before installing the safe.

I also include my second wine cooler... 42-bottle capacity with digital thermostat for storing and maturing a supply of wine. Now I need to find a good deal on some decent wine and fill it up... the same for the safe, but it may take a bit longer. :rolleyes:

Wynn:)

[Tinman507]

Has anyone done a built in wall box? They don't look all that secure, but they're hidden. Was looking to install one in my closet.

[Garland]

Costco (online) also has a wall safe that is disguised as an electrical panel-

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11627100&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|114|3373&N=4042061&Mo=27&No=15&ViewAll=998&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=3373&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

[les strat]

To me, the only use a car safe would have is to safely store your gun while you have to run inside a school or other "prohibited area." No particular need to access it quickly in those circumstances.

That's the only thing I use mine for.

I have one of the nano safes.l It is good gor what it is. I loop the cable around the frame of my driver's seat in the truck. Works great with the CM9 up to my Glock 30. A bash and run theif isn't going to stick around to try to get that thing out. A well-planned serious theif might. But it is better than nothing.

[ltxi]

This is a bit larger, but for my handguns. I figure I'll get a small locking wall rack for my shotgun... and maybe my air rifle.

Anyhow, I got this yesterday at Costco and installed it today. It has a higher fire rating than some and has plenty of room for my pistols and a few valuables. I didn't necessarily want an electronic safe, but the price and size were right.

The safe has two adjustable shelves and I added felt bumper strips to prevent wall damage on opening and prevent damage to the front if attempting to close the door with the pins out. The safe is installed in my closet and the shirts stop just short of the top of the safe. It's bolted to the floor and it took hours to clear out and clean the closet up before installing the safe.
..............................

Wynn:)

Great size. I could really use a couple of those! Thanks....I'm gonna go looking.