I'm wanting a bedside lockable, but quickly accessible type of storage box. If it was fireproof, that would be great. I just don't know if those Sentry type boxes from the big box stores are worth the money. Mostly I want to keep my HD pistol in it along with some important paperwork. My other safe is in another part of the house and is not fireproof. Thanks in advance.
Bedside Lockbox
- Thread starter matt_s07
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machinecraig
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I have used a Stack-On PDS-500 for a few years now, and have zero compaints. The electronic pad is fast and responsive and I like that I don't have to worry about a key (although a backup key is provided). Nobody is likely to be able to break into it without having some "alone time" with the safe and some tools, but you do need to recognize it's limits. Forgot to add: it offers no flame resistance, sorry.
subdude
Member
For the bedside box I have a small electronic access box. Important papers and such are in a locked Sentry firebox, which is then stored in the fire rated safe.
allaroundhunter
Member
The HD gun goes in a GunVault next to my bed.
The important documents go in a fireproof sentry safe, with copies in a safety deposit box.
The important documents go in a fireproof sentry safe, with copies in a safety deposit box.
Snowdog
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My wife gave me a Minivault deluxe for my bedstand. Initially, I didn't think I would care for it much but didn't have much choice as our daughter was learning how to walk, so simply keeping a pistol in a drawer was no longer a good idea.
I really like this thing. I don't have it plugged in, instead relying on the internal batteries. It's rated to last well over a year on a set of AAs, so I replace them every 10 months to be safe.
If the box is tampered with (moved around, failed entries, etc), the box has a method of informing the user. This is nice to know if you have older children. It's also portable if not bolted down, albeit not exactly what I would call "portable" due to its heft. I have take the unit to Myrtle Beach several times during vacations without much of a problem.
Mine doesn't have the biometric reader, but I can get into it within 2 seconds all the same.
If it fits your requirements, I would highly recommend it.
I really like this thing. I don't have it plugged in, instead relying on the internal batteries. It's rated to last well over a year on a set of AAs, so I replace them every 10 months to be safe.
If the box is tampered with (moved around, failed entries, etc), the box has a method of informing the user. This is nice to know if you have older children. It's also portable if not bolted down, albeit not exactly what I would call "portable" due to its heft. I have take the unit to Myrtle Beach several times during vacations without much of a problem.
Mine doesn't have the biometric reader, but I can get into it within 2 seconds all the same.
If it fits your requirements, I would highly recommend it.
bannockburn
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I have a fireproof Sentry safe for valuables, documents, etc. and a smaller Sentry lockbox that I plan on mounting to the bed frame for my HD gun. It is not fireproof and uses a key lock system.
FAS1
Member
In my opinion, your document safe and handgun safe should be two different items. Fireproofing is the main concern for your important documents and quick reliable access should be one of the main features for your handgun safe. You should be able to access your handgun safe with one hand and in the dark by touch, so that means no keys.
Delford
Member
+1 for stack on
dmazur
Member
Safety deposit box at bank. They tend to provide more secure storage for this kind of stuff than any "safe" I can afford to install in my house.
Just pick a bank that you can visit frequently. Then you can rotate USB drives for computer file backups, inventory updates, etc.
By the way, you can store a tremendous amount of stuff on a USB drive, and even the smallest safety deposit box can hold several of these, in addition to paper originals of deeds, etc.
Fishslayer
Member
How about one of those small fire safes by the bed? Open it up for quick access when you're home, lock it up for security when necessary. Room for a couple of guns and important papers.
aaronu
Member
Fire safe is good for papers, gun safe is good for guns.
Fire safes are designed to store papers and small valuables, not for quick opening in the dead of night.
Gun safes can usually be opened in the dark and quickly and contain nothing to get in the way -- just the gun and support materials (extra mag and a flashlight perhaps).
This really is best done with both.
The rationale I'd offer for not relying only on a safe deposit box is in the event of an emergency. Truly important documents should be in a safe deposit box if at all possible but valid copies of marriage certificate, birth certificates, property deed, a family photo, etc. need to be accessible in a portable manner as part of an emergency preparedness plan.
Fire safes are designed to store papers and small valuables, not for quick opening in the dead of night.
Gun safes can usually be opened in the dark and quickly and contain nothing to get in the way -- just the gun and support materials (extra mag and a flashlight perhaps).
This really is best done with both.
The rationale I'd offer for not relying only on a safe deposit box is in the event of an emergency. Truly important documents should be in a safe deposit box if at all possible but valid copies of marriage certificate, birth certificates, property deed, a family photo, etc. need to be accessible in a portable manner as part of an emergency preparedness plan.
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