Handgun safes: Gunvault vs. V-line vs. everything else?

[markinho]

Based on price, availability, overall reviews, and features/performance, I'm taking a close look at the Gunvault Multi, the V-Line Top Draw, the Handgunsafe model 401-S, and the DAC safe. I've done some searching here on handgun safes and am hoping some folks can give me some head-to-head analysis based on my need. I realize that this is a redundant thread, but if you happen to have any handgun safe comments, ideas, feedback, or advice based on the following criteria, I'd sure like to hear it:

1. Quick Access: This will be used to securely house my home defense, bedside handgun and I would like the best compromise between quick access and security. I don't have anything against battery-operated models compared to the Simplex locks. I do have another combo lock safe bolted to the floor, but it is in the closet and intended for documents and long-term firearm storage.

2. Portability: I live in CA and drive a truck, so technically I need to have some kind of "CA DOJ-approved" lockbox whenever I transport firearms from my house to the range or wherever. I'd rather not bolt one safe to my truck and keep another in my house; instead, I'm thinking to run a looped cable lock from the inside of my safe to one of my truck's seat frames. That way I have some modicum of security from the average smash-'n'-grab theft should I ever have to leave my guns in the truck for short periods.

3. Security: I realize that these small handgun safes are not as secure as Fort Knox. I do have kids and instruct them on firearm safety. Nevertheless, I don't want any unauthorized access to my guns and want to do a similar cable lock attachment to my bed or to the wall studs so that it is more difficult for someone to "take a walk" with my handgun safe and go tamper with it.

Here's what I know so far about the known competitors:

Gunvault Multi: Electronic unit that has the most "features" for the price, including alarm, internal light, etc. can fit two handguns. Is said to be less sturdy than the others, however and reports indicate that it is more easily hacked. More boxy and will not fit under car seat or inside of drawer and is hence more of a "plain-view" unit. Company's financial status in question?

V-Line: Has a low profile design that looks like it will fit more inconspicuously under a seat or drawer. Very simple design that is likely to be trouble-free.

Handgun Safe Model 401-S: Very sturdy unit that appears to be the most secure of the lot. Is more expensive than the competition by about $50, give or take a little bit. Appears to be a sturdier version of the V-Line safe for a bit more money.

DAC: Is cheaper and a bit larger than the Gunvault but with similar features. Looks cheaply made but has a quick-release base for frequent transporting.


Thanks ahead of time for any help you can offer!

 

[gulogulo1970]

GunVault has recently retooled their locks and you can now buy them new.

I have a Single Gunvault and a Multi Gunvault. I like them both. They do what I need of them both, which is to keep the kids away from my loaded guns. Sorry, I don't know a thing about the others.

 

[torpid]

You mention the Handgun Safe Model 401-S.

I have model #4811S from www.handgunsafe.com and I love it.
The thing is insanely rugged compared to all the other small, quick-access safes I've ever checked out it's built like a tank. What got my attention was that during a comparison test of gun box safes a few years back, it was the only one they couldn't break into.

I had a Gunvault, and it was nice, but it ate batteries like crazy, and I found the battery box to be mounted in a very awkward spot/angle when my vault was bolted to a surface. I just did not enjoy the sensation of going for my gun, only to find the safe didn't have enough power left to open the door.

Anyway I like the Handgun Safe a lot, and it's tough, heavy/thick, and its custom-combination mechanical lock always opens for me.


Bonus: Shipping was ridiculously cheap for the weight in CA.
Minus?: I don't know if it's "CA approved" (try checking the list )- which, if not, is asinine beyond words for the quality of these things compared to some of the others.

 

[Braden]

My wife bought me THIS last Christmas and I have been very pleased with it. It's exactly the same as the Gun Vault, only cheaper. It doesn't have the little finger grooves on top, but I've never had a problem finding the buttons.

It also doesn't have a light inside, but I've found that I don't need that.

That being said, the sole purpose of my safe is to keep my kid from getting his hands on my gun when I'm at home. I didn't buy it to prevent theft (and I don't think it would if someone really wanted what was inside it). Generally, when I leave the house the gun goes with me, so I wasn't concerned about theft. I just wanted something that was quick access but safer than leaving my gun laying on my nightstand.

I believe it also has a low battery alarm, but after 9 months or so the batteries are still fine. I probably need to change them out now that I'm thinking about it.

 

[5Wire]

Check out R&D Enterprises No key to lose, no battery to run down. You set the combination to the pattern you want.

Pushbutton Locks operate only when the correct buttons are pushed in the proper sequence and the turn knob is rotated. A new combination is set when the lock is installed using as many of the 5 buttons as desired. Buttons may be pressed individually or in unison. Example: a combination of 2-3-4 pushed individually is NOT the same as 2 and 4 together, then 3. Thousands of possible combinations make it virtually impossible to guess a code.--from Kaba-Simplex website

 

[DT Guy]

+1 on the R+D Enterprises Handgun Safe. Had one for 10 years or so and it's hellishly strong...and open in >2 seconds.


Larry

 

[mec360]

I have a couple of the Handgun Boxes from R & D Enterprises. They are tough and reliable. I managed to break the lock on one once from trying to close it with too much stuff inside (They are well made, it's just that I can break anything...). The simplex locks are apparently designed to fail shut if you try to force them, which I did, with pliers (not one of my finest moments :banghead: ). I sent it back to the maker and had it back within about a week, good as new, and I don't think they even charged me even though it was my own fault for breaking it. Highly recommended.

 

[rockstar.esq]

I have an ADC Sports vault and the single most influencial part of it's design for me was that it has an opening LID as opposed to a door mounted on one of the smaller dimensioned sides. The lid is spring loaded and it features a four button keypad, manual overide key, and it features two terminals on the side onto which you can apply a nine volt battery to give low batteries a boost. I use a laptop security cable which connects handlily to one of two slots cut into the safe for just that purpose. I find that I can easily fit two CCW sized firearms along with ammo etc. inside. When I played with other models in the showroom, it became obvious to me that the door type openings were only handy if the door perfectly faced me and if the entire safe was mounted above my waist. The best part of all was that this safe only set me back $95.00!