How secure is a Gunvault

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

Samuraigg

Member
Joined
May 9, 2007
Messages
274
Location
Central Illinois
I live in an off campus college apartment and I want to keep my handgun here. So I have the basic Gunvault Mini model that I recently bought, along with the security cable.

I was wondering just how much protection I can expect from the Gunvault. After buying it I read stories of people being able to easily pick the lock or pry the door open and this has me worried. I know the Gunvault won't be able to stop a dedicated thief with the proper tools, but I hope for at least some measure of protection against a"smash and grab" thief, as break ins aren't unheard of around here.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
 
Bolt it down if possible. I wouldn't worry so much about some skel picking the lock as I would about pry bar attacks and such. Nothing's impenetrable.

ETA: If smash and grab is a concern, they'd be more apt to take your PS2, DVD player, and laptop before screwing around with a safe or lockbox.
 
You get what you pay for : I have one and love it.

This is not a "safe" by any means - it can be easly opened by anyone with the proper tools and knowledge.

That being said its perfect for my application - quick access storage.
 
It will possibly help keep the honest people honest,
unless they're bored or drunk.
Off campus college apartment? 2 + 2 = (you fill in the blank on how long it will take before someone gets it open).
 
It'll keep kids out and stop a smash and grab if it's bolted down and they aren't expecting it. Beyond that, if they know you have it and they can find it, they'll get it. Anything you bolt it to is probably the weak link. Don't take ANYTHING that is treasured or irreplaceable to college with you.
The best tactic to defeat thieves is extremely tricky concealment, which usually involves some very clever carpentry, and this isn't an option in most college housing.
Marty
 
I bought a really small suitcase sized safe years back. Before I threw it away I took a hacksaw to it and had it open in less than 1 minute. I also figured out it was made of nothing but sheetrock/plaster and plastic. Deffinately buying a metal traditional type of safe next time.
 
I have one of those insulated metal cashboxes. You drill through it into the floor, in an inconspicuous location like a bedroom closet. Use (4) 1/4" x 2-1/2" lagbolts for a carpeted floor with plywood subfloor.

Toss laundry on top of it and it's invisible.

Even if it's an apartment (rented, I mean), the only thing visible after removal is the matted rectangular area where the carpet has been compressed. This can be restored slightly with repeated vacuuming with a beater-bar attachment.
 
I have a gunvault.
I am confident my 2 year old son can't get in to it. Yet.
That is the real reason I have it - to keep a toddler away from my "ready use" pistol - and still have that pistol readily accessible.

If any adult was seriously trying to get into the gun vault, or just run off with the whole thing, I don't think it would slow them down much. When I am away, my pistol comes with me. The other guns live in a more serious safe.

I think what you have to decide here is what kind of threat are you most worried about.
 
I've found several hidey-holes in apartments I've rented in the past left by previous renters.
 
Well it has one of those locks that you can supposedly pick with a bic ballpoint pen. I've owned a couple, have one now, I'd give it maybe 2-3 whacks with any decent hammer and it would open right up. Mine, thy keypad stopped working so I just use a key with it, so I may actually test this theory and video it one day. :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
Handgun safes: Gunvault vs. V-line vs. everything else?
Replies
7
Views
2K
rockstar.esq
R
P
  • Locked
Securing Handguns and Papers in an SUV
Replies
6
Views
436
Mr.510
Mr.510
D
  • Locked
Does this author's brain function?
2
Replies
35
Views
1K
2TransAms
2
C
  • Locked
Topics in University Security: Lockdown 101
Replies
4
Views
533
Dienekes
D
A
  • Locked
prevent door kick-in & secure shotgun
2 3
Replies
68
Views
5K
mbt2001
M
Back
Top