factors to consider in the purchase of a pistol safe?

[mr_dove]

I'd like to hear what kind of factors you should use to evaluate a good pistol safe. So far I have identified these factors.



Number of possible combinations:
How easy to open in the dark: (keypad lighting, raised buttons, etc.)
Can it be properly mounted to a solid surface:
Is it portable for vehicle and home use:
Number of guns held:
Does it function quietly so as not to give away your position:
Interior lighting


what other factors should I consider in the purchase of a good pistol safe?

 

[Felonious Monk]

Don't over analyze.

Fast access, can't be defeated.
Anything with a simplex lock, or a Gunvault.

 

[CGofMP]

I'll second the gunvault.

Have had mine almost 1 year - open and shut every day... has not lost battery power yet, can be operated from behind, above etc...

Still I do not trust electronics only... keep a key handy for the shtf stuff.

Charles

 

[Greg L]

One thing I would like (& don't know if it is out there because I haven't done the research ) is something that would have a light or some other indicator that the keypad was tried (at least once) with the wrong combination. Something I could buy and show the lowercase L's that I will know if they tried to get into it while I was gone. Being my offspring, they will get into trouble ( again ) however, short of a hidden camera I would like a way to help keep them honest in the things that they don't need to be playing with.

Other factors would be easy access from any angle (thinking of mounting it somewhere either sideways or on the underside of my desk/bed (I'll probably buy a few to scatter around the house)) & ease of mounting on said angles.

Greg

 

[CGofMP]

the more expensive gunvault has an alarm.

Try it X number of times too many or move it and Mr. Pizeo electric goes bonkers.

Charles

 

[geekWithA.45]

RELIABILITY IS #1!

I expect that my safe will open each and every time I correctly key in the combination, and I have returned two completely different models of electronic pistol safe, because that wasn't the case.

The first one would fail to actuate the lugs every 10th time or so. You could hear it trying, but no joy. I tested other examples of the same model, it's a design defect.

The second one had an annoying habit of going into "timeout mode" after the first blown combination. It'd do this about every 6 failed combos. (It's supposed to timeout if you blow the combo 3 times in a row) I've relegated that safe to guarding the "deep storage" stuff, as it's fairly reliable otherwise. I just don't feel comfortable with my defense gun in it.

Gunvault is where I ended up, although I gave gunlocker a good long serious look.

 

[BluesBear]

Another vote for Gunvault here.

I have a deluxe on order right now.

 

[CWL]

Is it portable for vehicle and home use:

Welcome to our little forum!

I have to add that portability of a safe is not the best thing. If thief knows there is a gun inside, he will simply take the entire safe if it is not bolted-down/properly secured.

Would suggest you get separate safes for home & auto.

 

[pytron]

Fast access, can't be defeated.
Anything with a simplex lock, or a Gunvault.

I have mentioned it before, but I wouldn't trust a simplex lock with kids. Against burglars, yes it will probably stop one from opening the lock while inside your house. But kids with time and internet access can figure out how to open it via brute force. Only about 1000 normal combinations (no three-key presses).

On the bright side, no batteries to mess with!

-Pytron

 

[Andrew Rothman]

I have, like and trust my GunVault.

In cold climates, it (or any other battery-operated device) would not be a good choice for a car. Alkaline atteries tend to die in the cold. So for outdoor use, stick with something mechanical.

 

[gulogulo1970]

I love my double gunvault. It works, is sturdy and is easy to get open. In fact, I'm about to get another gun vault for my study.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Safe does not equal lock box. A safe is something you screw into the wall, is NOT easily portable (otherwise a bad guy could just pick it up) and holds a lot of pistols.

Stackable would be nice since I'd like to store it on top of my rifle safe, but not a top prioroity. Fireproof ia a big plus. Combination dial with a locking dial is also a good feature. Doesn't need to be showy, never understood putting a $100 dollar paint job on something thats not meant to be seen.

Needs to have room for electrical.. (a light or a goldenrod), needs to be off the floor.

As far as a fast-action lockable pistol case, stay away from electronics. A simple combination or push button mechanical device will never refuse to open because the batteries are dead.

Trigger lock is far simpler.

 

[geekWithA.45]

Trigger lock is far simpler.

I disagree, especially in the case of the defense gun.

You shouldn't trigger lock a loaded gun, so that means you have to retrieve the key (N seconds) fumble off the lock, (5-7 seconds) and load up (1-2 seconds) , which puts a working gun into your hand in about 10 seconds, as opposed to 5ish seconds for a gunvault.

Trigger locks have their role in the deep storage of firearms, but not on the defense gun.

 

[bubbygator]

I have a single GunVault by my bed. But I found DAC gunsafes at Walmart that have double the space & exactly the same function - for 1/2 the price, & they've got a great releaseable mounting plate.

I got 2, & they work great.

 

[Graystar]

I had a Safe & Sound, which was a safe that looked like a clock radio. I can tell you what you DON'T want.

You don't want a keypad. Keypads are difficult to work at night when you've just been awakened by a noise. If you must use a keypad, get one that is always lit, or doesn't light at all. Last thing you want is a light going on to alert someone that you're trying to get to a gun. For the same reason, don't get a keypad that beeps when you press keys. Finally, make sure the safe door can open itself, or at least be able to open it with one hand.

Remember that a safe will be at least the size of a magazine in length and width. Something that big sitting on your nightstand will tend to get things placed on top of it. That's not good. Go for something that you can attach to the side of the bed or nightstand.

Personally, I now think a holster screwed to the bed frame is best. Nothing is faster or easier. In the morning, put the gun in the safe...at night it goes in the holster.

 

[Ringer]

How easy to open in the dark: (keypad lighting, raised buttons, etc.)

Personally, I do not consider speed of access as important as security. I don't think it is a good idea (not for me anyway) to rely on having enough time and visibility and dexterity to open any safe in the dark just be wakened from sleep. Mainly the time issue. The handgun safe in my bedroom may have 2 or 3 hanguns in it at any given time. When I go to bed there is always one within reach, usually in a dresser drawer left slightly open next to the bed.