[duckjihad]

I am going to buy a handgun safe for the bedroom. You know, one of those quick access single pistol boxes. If any of you have one already, I'd appreciate your thoughts/recommendations, as well as where you purchased it if you shopped around for the best price.

[TX1911fan]

Get this one. http://www.ajaxgrips.com/armloc It is fantastic. Bolts onto your bed, but you can also take it with you if you travel, and it will bolt securely to any metal framed bed. It has a key lock for extra security, and the combo lock. The cool think is that you can set the combo to open, but the case does not come open right away. You have to bang the side and then it pops open. So, when I go to bed, I set the combo and if anything goes bump in the night, instead of fiddling with a lock, I just bang the side, grab my gun and go.

[atlctyslkr]

This is a great product:
http://www.gunvault.com

You can find it cheaper through a catalog. I ordered mine from Midsouth for about 40% off.

It can be bolted or constrained by a cable.

[Ohen Cepel]

Second vote for the GunVault.

[torpid]

As a former owner of a battery-gobbling Gun Vault that was occasionally dead when I went to retrieve my pistol, I've replaced it with this and have had zero issues.

http://www.handgunsafe.com/safes.htm

No batteries, no keys or questionable security tube locks (do a search for the "Bic pen" video from a while back), it's built more ruggedly, and just as quick.

I can only speak from my personal experience, as other folks have good experiences with their trouble free Gunvaults.

.

[45crittergitter]

Natchez SS commonly has these on sale for around $30. Might want to keep checking there:

http://www.natchezss.com/category.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=XK&category=11&subCategory=11&catLevel=1&prodID=XKPDS500&CFID=2944475&CFTOKEN=59322357

[Srigs]

Here is one I have for the bedroom that works great!

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/CASE018-19801-895.html

[sm]

http://www.handgunsafe.com/

[5Wire]

Another $ Vote for HandGunSafe (http://www.handgunsafe.com/). As has been pointed out, no keys, no batteries, user defines combination on Simplex lock, lots to choose from.

Here's what I have

http://www.handgunsafe.com/41216-s5.jpg

[Nortonics]

V-line safes:

http://www.vlineind.com/

The original no-batteries needed safe. One of the best features of these safes is how child proof they are. A kid can and will work at trying to enter all the possibilities to get the thing open, and often succeed. What makes this one much different is that the user can set the codes so that two or more keys must be pressed at once within the sequence which most wouldn't begin to think of trying.

[BigO01]

This http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=65533&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

is what I have for handguns .

[Chuck R.]

I’ll second the recommendation for a V-Line. I have one of their “Top Draw Handgun Case’s” in my nightstand and really like it. No batteries, just a Simplex push button combination.

I’m buying another one for my Benelli.

http://www.kcsafe.com/Handgun1.htm

Chuck

[Rumble]

I have a GunVault, which seemed like a good idea. But I've run into battery issues, and lately, an issue where keying the combination simply doesn't release the lock. It doesn't give an error--it just gives a muted click and the door remains locked.

Now, it could be a low-battery issue, but that irks me too, as I replaced the batteries less than a month ago. So anyway--I'd recommend using something with a manual, no-battery locking system.

[torpid]

I have a GunVault, which seemed like a good idea. But I've run into battery issues, and lately, an issue where keying the combination simply doesn't release the lock. It doesn't give an error--it just gives a muted click and the door remains locked.

That was exactly my experience with my GunVault.
The feeling of getting a click and then nothing happens when you are trying to have your gun in hand now is not a "warm fuzzy". :uhoh:

Now, it could be a low-battery issue, but that irks me too, as I replaced the batteries less than a month ago. So anyway--I'd recommend using something with a manual, no-battery locking system.

That was the lesson I took away from owning my GunVault.

(Though my engineer buddy is perfectly happy with my old Gun Vault since he rigged it to work on a 12v battery...)


.

[TX1911fan]

I'm telling you, get an Armloc. No batteries, you can fly with it, can secure it to any bed. It's fantastic.

[duckjihad]

Thanks folks. Just the help I needed.

TEX1911: Question: Could that ARMLOC be bolted to a floor? I assume it could since the bracket can be fastened to a "Nightstand" according to the ad. Or does it have to be bolted around something like a bedrail?

Gunvault owners: Am a bit scared of the battery operated locks after reading of several bad experiences with Gun Vault. Does the gun vault have a optional AC adapter by chance? I assume not, and didn't see it listed on their ad?

Anybody have any experience/knowledge of this one from Cabela's using fingerprint recognition technology?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0022175226013a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=pistol+safe+finger+print&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=pistol+safe+finger+print&noImage=0

[TX1911fan]

It comes with two mounting plates, one for a metal bed frame that is more removable and one square plate that is more permanent. You can use whatever you want for attachment hardware, depending on what you are attaching it too, so I see no reason that you couldn't attach it to the floor, whether wood or concrete, as long as you have the proper hardware. Mine is attached to the wooden side rail of my bed using large wood screws. The plate stays there and the case attaches from the inside using bolts with thumb screws, so I can take the case off and carry it like a briefcase if I want to without having to remove my mounting bracket. So, if I'm going to be staying in a hotel, I can still attach it to my bed frame using the other bracket.

[lesjones]

- Electronic keypad, battery-powered, with optional AC adapter and key backup.
- Attaches to mounting plate, extra plates available.
- Internal light when safe opens.
- Can optionally set the motion alarm.
- Can optionally set the failed attempts alarm/lockout.
- Shelf for second gun, ammo, flashlight, etc.
- $55 from Walmart.com (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2221464)

I've only had mine a month, but so far I like it.

[roo_ster]

Another thumbs up for the DAC sportsafe.

I have had it for 2 years. Still on the original set of batteries. No problems.

[Nortonics]

Gunvault does now have a 'pro' version that has an AC adapter to keep the batteries charged. I don't see it on their web site, but I have recently seen them in Gander Mountain and Sportsmans Warehouse stores. It may be in their catalog that's downloadable from their web site though:

http://www.gunvault.com/products/

The finger print reader safes are known as 'Biometric' safes. They do seem to becoming more popular with time as I've seen a half dozen manufactures now offering them - do a Yahoo or Google search and you'll find a few. They do tend to be the more expensive gun safes though.

Here's something to think of concerning biometric safes though, as silly as it may sound: Remember the movie "The Dead Zone" where Christopher Walken has the dream of Martin Sheen becoming the President of the US and is going to start a global thermonuclear war, and he needs the vice president (I think) to scan his palm to enter the final code to get the nukes flying? The Vice Pres says "no, I won't do it" and Sheen replies "Do it, or I'll chop your damn hand off and do it myself!" Guess I don't ever want to take the chance of someone wanting my finger to open my gun safe in the same way, if ya know what I mean. Food for thought...

[panzermk2]

http://www.gunvault.com

I have used their double for years. The fingered groves work better than any of the others in the dark

[Nortonics]

I have used their double for years. The fingered groves work better than any of the others in the dark

Betcha' $10 I can get my V-line open faster than your Gunvault every time, no matter what the lighting conditions.

[bulbboy]

I like my Gunvault - but I do change the batteries 4 times a year!!

[panzermk2]

Originally Posted by panzermk2
I have used their double for years. The fingered groves work better than any of the others in the dark


Betcha' $10 I can get my V-line open faster than your Gunvault every time, no matter what the lighting conditions.

OK you go first, Come over to my place at night sneek into my house holding a stop watch and time how long it takes for me to punch in my 4 digit code...

Faster that my spring loaded door? It would come down to whos fingers are fastest only after my code is in my door pops open and I don't have to turn a handle.

I think it would come down to personal likes. I tried a Vline style along time ago and I didnot like the buttons it ended up in my jeep though for years. One of the ways I tested them was working them with my eyes closed

[Nortonics]

;)

[45crittergitter]

Here's the sale on the Stack-On electronic drawer boxes:

http://www.natchezss.com/curFlier/0083f.html

These also have a low batt alert and a key backup.

[Nortonics]

That's a pretty good deal at $30 for a respectable safe. Here's some better pics:

http://www.streichers.com/getimage.aspx?image=SO-300 in Drw.psd&width=750&height=550

http://www.streichers.com/getimage.aspx?image=SO-300 open.psd&width=750&height=550

[jes]

I just purchased a DAC Gun Safe from Walmart. I've looking for a 12 VDC transformer that will fit it. Has anyone found the right model charger?

[cosmonick]

My wife and I have had a V-Line for 6+ years. We have been very pleased with it.

Mo

[gunmetal]

I just got one of these from Wal-Mart after reading this thread.

The exterior seems pretty solidly built, but the "guts" bother me. The two metal rails that hold the plastic "shelf" had some bent prongs (I bent them up to where they should be, but this just screams of poor workmanship).

The foam lining is lifting off the inside of the safe because the glue has softened/weakened. So every day I have to press it back down to stick it back on. If it gets annoying enough I'll probably just use some double-sided tape and be done with it. :cuss:

Also, the glue around the edges of the rubber keypad cover is softened, and gummy.

Furthermore, the aforementioned metal rails have some rust spots on them!!

So, while this was a pretty good price for a quick-access safe, I definitely got what I paid for. If I had to do it over again I think I'd go for one of the Simplex-based boxes. :banghead:

On the plus side, the rubber buttons are pretty easy to press; last time I used a GunVault I remember the buttons being quite stiff, to the point that I was concerned I'd very easily NOT press hard enough with my pinky finger to reliably get the sequence correct.


P.S. Any of you other DAC owners have those issues? I thought about trying to get an even exchange from Wal-Mart, but their web site says I'd have to pay return shipping AND the shipping cost on the new unit. What a rip!!

[roo_ster]

Nope, I have not had any of those problems with my DAC.

[gunmetal]

OK, thanks for the info. I called Wal-Mart.com CS and the guy said I can return this one to the local store and they will refund the cost including shipping. Tonight I am going to place a new order online to replace it.

If the second one is bad too, it's history... and I will just get something else.

[Juna]

I was looking at the Armloc safe (http://www.galls.com/grandlodgefop/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=SF037&cat=3042), and it says it "Has both a resetable combination lock and an Ace. Key Lock ". Does that mean you need to BOTH punch in the code AND use a key, or just one or the other?

[SSN Vet]

Mine has never failed to open...

and I haven't changed the batteries in 4 years!

turn the beeps off though & keep stealth on your side

[HeadCleaver]

I have had the Mini-Gunvault at my bedside since 2000 with the same Pro-cell batteries with no problems whatsoever. The Pro-cell battery life baffles me though.

[Manedwolf]

I'd heard it said that the GunVault will sometimes pop open when the batteries run down. Is that true?

I'd gotten the DAC SportSafe, myself. Same top fingerpads as the gunvault, interior light, multiple-location mounting brackets, and it's only $55 from wally world...half the price of the gunvault.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2221464

[bulbboy]

I have a gunvault and the DAC - both eat batteries like nuts (every 3 months) Although I do need to "invest" in some good batteries. The Gunvault will not pop open will low or out of batteries. Worse than that it will shut down and not let you in. I heard a noise the other night, got out of bed and pushed my code in and it just gave a weird beep. Low on batteries and it wouldn't let me in. I'm just glad it was a false alarm that night.

[panzermk2]

Raiseing the dead post

Well I am having problems with my gunvualt not opening. I removed the mechanism and the small motor that triggers the realease mechanism just jumps for a second and then does nothing. Even with fresh brand new batteries. No problem sorta, after spending a good chunk of money on this thing I foolishly expected customer support. Funny thing I call any dept at gunvault and I get a live person. Tech support I get to leave a VM never a live person and never a call back like the recording claims:banghead:

[panzermk2]

well got a warm body after many tries. In a nut shell if you have a Gunvault product and on the key lock face the serial number starts with the letter "A" your screwed if you need parts. Advanced security used to be the owner of Gunvault and they went belly up. Canon et all purchsed the name and patents. They have no parts. Makes one wonder what they changed since the current Gunvault product looks the same. Since they have the patents they could make parts if they wanted but they don't. So in a nut shell my new nightstand safe WILL NOT be a gunvault product