Fort Knox Controlled Access Box?

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Homerboy

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I'm looking for something low and wide to store my handguns in. Currently, my long guns are in a gun safe, and my handguns are in fire safes used in offices. I'm thinking the Controlled Access Box will be more secure. It also uses the simplex lock that I like.

It seems to be billed as a safe to put within a safe, to keep certain items away from people you want to access the main safe. Does it offer the same protection as the Fort Knox pistol boxes? I have one of those and it is solid. I just don't know if the CAB is as tough and I don't want to spend $500 to find out.
 
@Homerboy

I have the original Ft Knox pistol box (no CAB’s), and was going to rail all over the CAB. In looking at the website - they are both:
  • 10 ga material
  • Simplex locks
  • 3/16 door plate
  • All the CAB are larger and heavier than the pistol box
In my mind, they are equal except for size. I am guessing that Ft Knox recognized the need for larger boxes short of their safes. I would not have an issue buying one - recognizing the limits of simplex locks, lighter materials, and lighter overall weight. I am very happy with my pistol box.

Maybe @FAS1 and others will chime in….

https://www.ftknox.com/product/original-pistol-box-wfront-sight-training-certificate-included/

https://www.ftknox.com/product/cab-security-box-20-24-28/
 
What are the limits to simplex locks? Would it be easier to break into an office fire safe you can buy at Staples or this CAB? The pistol box feels solid as a tank.
 
Simplex locks can be attacked by repetition. There are a finite number of patterns. Additionally, most are lighter weight. If not bolted down, easy to take and attack by repetition. Finally, mostly lighter material. Easier to attack with more common tools. There are obviously degrees. See Vline

https://www.vlineind.com/

I own several simplex lock boxes…I own them primarily for “kid proof” for visiting kids (remember kids are great at patterns, and have the patience of Jobe if they want in something), and “smash and grab” prevention (weight).

If you want security, consider RSC and rated safes. Your definition will define the level of security you will pay for. More security: more dollars, more weight, more….
 
I’m aware of the finite combinations. Not worried about someone going through thousands of combinations to get the safe open.

I will be bolting it down, as I do all my safes.

I have an alarm and cameras in and around my property. I’m just interested in pry bar attacks and sledge hammers. The Fort Knox safes are pretty solid. As long as the CAB is at least as secure as the pistol box, I’m happy.

If it ever comes down to it, I have lots of insurance. Just don’t want to make it easy.

I guess the big question is, does it offer more security than the two office fire safes I have?
 
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Homerboy said:
does it offer more security than the two office fire safes I have?
Click to expand...

Not knowing the specs on these…no answer from me. I can answer I am comfortable with my Ft Knox. I guess the question, are you more comfortable with the Ft Knox, or the office fire safe?
 
rabid wombat said:
Not knowing the specs on these…no answer from me. I can answer I am comfortable with my Ft Knox. I guess the question, are you more comfortable with the Ft Knox, or the office fire safe?
Click to expand...

The two I have are a Stack On digital safe and a First Alert. They seem ok. But on the Fort Knox, there are no bolts that slide into place like most safes. When you turn the knob on a simplex lock, what disengages in the safe to allow you to open it?

I know Fort Knox is a quality product. As for how comfortable I am with the other two, I’m ok with them. Never really thought about it. But if the Fort Knox is a step up I’d prefer to upgrade.
 
The best I can tell on my Ft Knox, there is a single pin engaging the front of the box (in grey below). No much, but the the way the box is constructed…it keeps little fingers out. It is not multiple bolts engaging the perimeter, or better. Without the detail of the Stack On, I would put them more in line with VLine…glorified school lockers with a simplex lock vs padlock. I did not dig into First Alert.

Please realize, I believe in VLine…and own several (some only stored, some in use). The VLine is also a single pin (in beige below). You define the levels of security, buy what meets your needs. In my case, I have different levels dependent on my needs and locations.

upload_2021-8-11_21-46-23.jpeg

upload_2021-8-11_21-51-1.jpeg
 
I am fond of the sentry safes for my most expensive guns and cash and jewelry. Since I do not have children it is a not an issue for me. I prefer them as they offer some fire protection and since I put them in my regular gun safe it double the amount of fire protection should I ever be in such a life saving event. I've thought of the regular handgun safes but because they all have pre-drilled holes for mounting, to me it makes me think that they are not good for fire protection as well.

I had no idea the Fort Knox boxes were sooooo expensive.
 
I can understand since you are looking for something that might be an odd size/shape than a larger gun safe or small cube type safe, but it's probably not as burglary proof as you would like. The CAB boxes, I think have a center locking point only. That is pretty secure, but as the door gets longer it's easier to pry and deflect the door from the corners since there is nothing securing them. That's where I think the biggest weakness would be.

The Simplex lock is great on small boxes made with thick steel, especially for quick access. How many handguns do you want to secure in it?
 
The center locking pin only is my concern. As for how many, maybe 15. I recently got a free Cannon safe and it is more secure than the two office safes I have the handguns in. So I am going to move the more valuable handguns to the Cannon in the basement. I can use the handgun holders on the door of the Cannon.

Before anyone starts bashing in Cannon, I know it’s not a Fort Knox. But I didn’t pay a nickel for the Cannon and it’s a step up from what I had , a Stack On 8 rifle safe. I believe the Cannon is a lot more secure than the First Alert and Sentry.
 
Homerboy said:
As for how many, maybe 15. I recently got a free Cannon safe and it is more secure than the two office safes I have the handguns in. So I am going to move the more valuable handguns to the Cannon in the basement. I can use the handgun holders on the door of the Cannon.
Click to expand...
I recently moved some handguns from a larger safe to this smaller one. If your Canon safe has the the felt or rug material on the door you can order some gun holders with velcro to store on the safe door no drilling or tooling required, they even hold my 6" barrel python and 686.
 

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ms6852 said:
I recently moved some handguns from a larger safe to this smaller one. If your Canon safe has the the felt or rug material on the door you can order some gun holders with velcro to store on the safe door no drilling or tooling required, they even hold my 6" barrel python and 686.
Click to expand...

it does. They’re already installed on the door. I gotta look but it looks like they’re sewn in or something. I just don’t want them to come crashing down in the safe.
 
Homerboy said:
I recently got a free Cannon safe and it is more secure than the two office safes I have the handguns in.
Click to expand...

That sounds like the best plan to me. Like you said, the Cannon safe is going to be a very average RSC, but you said it's bolted down and in the basement it should be protected pretty good from a house fire. If it's placed next to a wall on the side the door opens then than would make it harder for someone to try to pry the door open.
 
I have a Fort Knox pistol box bolt mounted to my bedside table. A pretty determined thief would be able to get it open. But for a smash and grab, it would likely be ignored. The bolts are long enough that the thief would have to take a large end table with them to smash up to get better leverage on the box. And it keeps my son away from my EDC pistols every day.
 
FAS1 said:
That sounds like the best plan to me. Like you said, the Cannon safe is going to be a very average RSC, but you said it's bolted down and in the basement it should be protected pretty good from a house fire. If it's placed next to a wall on the side the door opens then than would make it harder for someone to try to pry the door open.
Click to expand...

It’s in the left corner and the door opens from the left so they’re not getting a pry bar in there. The office safes are bolted down as well. Cameras and alarm is all I can do. Hate to lose any of them but heavily insured as well.
 
herrwalther said:
I have a Fort Knox pistol box bolt mounted to my bedside table. A pretty determined thief would be able to get it open. But for a smash and grab, it would likely be ignored. The bolts are long enough that the thief would have to take a large end table with them to smash up to get better leverage on the box. And it keeps my son away from my EDC pistols every day.
Click to expand...

My Fort Knox pistol safe is in the closet and bolted down. That’s where the gun the wife would grab is if she needed a gun.

The bedside gun was in a GunVault for years. Also bolted to floor. The cable that opens the door snapped so I called GunVault. It was long past warranty but I figured I’d take a chance. They honored it and sent me a new GunVault, the double tiered one that I didn’t want. They said the new single tier one was slightly more valuable so they wouldn’t send that. I figured I’d take a free safe so they sent me the double tiered one. It arrived in less than a week and it is bolted to floor as well. It stopped working within 2 months.

A week later I get a voicemail about a safe delivery. I figured it was a mistake so I ignored it. Three days later a truck shows up with a 750 pound Cannon Safe, covered under warranty. I called them and came clean and the guy apologized and said they’d be in touch with a pickup date. I waited four months. They never came.

So the new safe at the bedside will be a V-Line Slide Away. A top opening safe won’t work in the space between my bed and the night stand. Truth is I might return the Slide Away and just use the Fort Knox in the closet next to the bed.
 
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