Best Handgun Security Box for new gun owner

[DustyGmt]

I went to my LGS today with a friend of mine, also the pastor of my local church in an advisement capacity because my friend is totally new to guns. He wanted something easily concealed and me being a Glock guy I kind of nudged him in that direction and he settled on a nice G48 for $485. Pretty nice since glocks are in pretty short supply at the moment and typically way inflated prices.

He seemed quite happy with his choice along with his 8yo boy who was buzzing with excitement about his first trip to the gun shop with dad, lol, I was happy to be there to help and see that.

But, since he has little kids he'd asked about the best way to secure a handgun but still have lightening fast access. I have never kept my carry gun/night stand gun locked up so I didnt really have any concrete suggestions to cite. I told him about those biometric spring door safes but it's been so long since I looked into it I'm not sure if there are newer, better options out there. Just hoping to kick around some ideas and maybe you folks could name specific brands and types of handgun security safes, etc.... to give me a jumping off point. What works for you guys that use them, what's fast and 100% reliable but also reasonable in terms of price?

On a different note, it seems not only the pastor is interested in shooting and at the last church BBQ we all learned a lil more about each other and that is, quite a few of us carry and those that dont are interested and eager to learn so now on the calendar is a Church range day coming up and those of us who own guns and shoot will be there to introduce others to basic safety and shooting skills. While none of us are "instructors" and are not a substitute for formal training and instruction, I will be happy to lend a hand to new shooters who want to learn and help get those interested more familiar with guns with safety being the utmost priority #1, 2 and 3.

 

[wiscoaster]

I'd suggest looking into the Vaultek handgun safes. I have three of their Lifepod series safes and they each secure one handgun and extra magazine. They're extremely easy to use and reliable.

You might also point him in the direction of the "God, Family and Guns" YouTube channel. I think he'd relate.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I like the Knox Box or the V-line stuff. Simple with a proven Simplex lock in them. If you look on youtube there are tons of vids showing kids opening the biometric ones and the cheaper electronic ones.

I fell for a Gun Vault years ago as it was neat and all. NOT a good option, I threw it away after the 3rd time it failed on me.

 

[FAS1]

Personally, I wouldn't store my defensive handguns in anything that is electronic. For security, speed, reliability, and durability that will last many years take a look at ones that use the Simplex mechanical lock. Also, have him consider where and how he will mount it. Any brand should be bolted down.

 

[DustyGmt]

Personally, I wouldn't store my defensive handguns in anything that is electronic. For security, speed, reliability, and durability that will last many years take a look at ones that use the Simplex mechanical lock. Also, have him consider where and how he will mount it. Any brand should be bolted down.

Very nice. I like the concept, I personally would never have my gun locked up at night, more of an under the pillow, on the nightstand next to my head or on my person type of guy but I understand the impulse to want it locked, my daughter understood very clearly not to touch my gun but i know other peoples situations are different.

 

[FAS1]

I personally would never have my gun locked up at night, more of an under the pillow, on the nightstand next to my head or on my person type of guy but I understand the impulse to want it locked, my daughter understood very clearly not to touch my gun but i know other peoples situations are different.

Education and respect are big parts of the equation. I raised two boys and my experience and what I see with my granddaughters is that they aren't much interested in guns. They like dolls better. Girls are easier when it comes to guns, but I still wouldn't take the chance myself.

One of the things that you can do with a Simplex lock that you can't do with any electronic lock is pre-punch all or part of the combination when going to bed. That way you can have a complex code for security and then speed up your access even more at night buy just hitting say the last button and turning the knob.

Lot's of people want a way to keep hands off their dedicated home defense gun when they are not home rather than leave it unattended in the nightstand drawer or under the pillow. It might not just be kids. Could be housekeeping, the plumber, the cable guy, etc. Properly secured and in a well made safe might also keep it from being stolen if you experience a break in.

Some even leave the safe's door open at night. My safe is bolted to my bed frame and when the gun is presented it is right next to my pillow. It's always in the exact same place and since it is in the holster, it's impossible to grab the trigger in the dark. I'm a side sleeper and can access it very quickly with my right hand only. I do practice a little though and to be fair I am very experienced with the Simplex lock.

 

[I6turbo]

Another vote for the Fort Knox Original Pistol Box. Heavy gauge, rugged, you can easily open it by feel in the dark, and no Red Chinese-made cheap electronic lock to fail.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Since our grand kids are getting older and more inquisitive, we picked up a couple of these. Mounted them on the back of our night stands for easy access from bed. Certainly not top of the line but it keeps guns safe from the kiddos while they are here and put back where they belong at night.

 

[DustyGmt]

Education and respect are big parts of the equation. I raised two boys and my experience and what I see with my granddaughters is that they aren't much interested in guns. They like dolls better. Girls are easier when it comes to guns, but I still wouldn't take the chance myself.

One of the things that you can do with a Simplex lock that you can't do with any electronic lock is pre-punch all or part of the combination when going to bed. That way you can have a complex code for security and then speed up your access even more at night buy just hitting say the last button and turning the knob.

Lot's of people want a way to keep hands off their dedicated home defense gun when they are not home rather than leave it unattended in the nightstand drawer or under the pillow. It might not just be kids. Could be housekeeping, the plumber, the cable guy, etc. Properly secured and in a well made safe might also keep it from being stolen if you experience a break in.

Some even leave the safe's door open at night. My safe is bolted to my bed frame and when the gun is presented it is right next to my pillow. It's always in the exact same place and since it is in the holster, it's impossible to grab the trigger in the dark. I'm a side sleeper and can access it very quickly with my right hand only. I do practice a little though and to be fair I am very experienced with the Simplex lock.

Is it a coincidence that your forum handle and the name of the security box you mentioned are both the same. Are you part of the company? I do like those "simplex???" Style locks. Never heard them called that but we do alot of electrical work in vacant homes that use this style of button sequence thing for the key box....

 

[FAS1]

No coincidence, I have been manufacturing handgun safes for 11 years, but I’m also just a gun guy too.

Simplex is the name of this style lock made by DormaKaba that is used by FAS1, Fort Knox and VLine. It has a 60+ year track record that can’t be matched for the features I mentioned earlier.

The lock itself cost as much as some cheaper handgun safes. Most that use this lock also are made of thicker steel than their electronic Chinese counterparts.

 

[SeanSw]

FAS1. You will pay a bit but I am very happy with mine.

 

[SwampWolf]

I like the idea of not depending on a battery (or batteries) staying "alive" on a safe needing quick access for a gun intended for self-defense. And most of the safes in my experience require Lilliputian-sized hands when it comes time to access where the battery (or batteries) are stored to change them.