Mossberg Loc-Box (FOLLOW-UP)

[Ringer]

Mossberg Loc-Box

I want to start keeping my HD shotgun more close at hand in the bedroom and plan on trying out the Mossberg Loc-Box, for starters, to keep it secure.

It is intended to be used in a vertical position. I'm wondering what issues/concerns there might be using it in a horizontal position. Anyone familiar with the device have any input here?

Another option I was considering was behind the drape next to the window. This would put it right next to my side of the bed and out of sight but it would be right next to the window behind the drape. I don't notice any moisture build up on the inside of the window, and it's rarely open in the summer. Comments?

Thanks

 

[Norton]

Ringer,

I saw those too. My question is: Is it only key accessible? If it is, it seems to me that creates a problem of safety vs accessibility. In other words, if you make the key available to you in an emergency, then aren't you compromising the firearm's security at other times?

I'd be more interested in a combination type lock....

It does look like it's built fairly well though.....

 

[Ringer]

Norton

I think I understand your concern and yes it's only accessable by a key. My intent is to keep one key inside the handgun safe that is also in my bedroom, not sure what I will do the other key just yet. I would unlock the lock each night and lock it back up in the morning. I already do a similar ritual with handgun, either taking one off my hip or from the safe and placing it within reach of the bed at night and resecuring it in the morning. I don't like the idea of having to manipulate any type of lock in the event of an emergency. If something were to happen during the day I would rely on my sidearm as primary since I would likely not be within proximity of the SG. If I were to add a second for the lower floor I would probably want the combination style for sure.

 

[Norton]

Sounds like you've thought through the procedure pretty well.

One thing I picked up from someone here to make sure that I remember to lock up the .38 every morning is to place my keys right beside it. Can't leave the house without keys and I always see the gun right there and put it back in the safe.

Let us know how the Mossberg box works out.....

 

[MaterDei]

My set up is pretty much identical to the one in your photo. Regarding the key; I keep the key in a handgun safe in the same closet. The safe has an electronic keypad and is VERY quick to access. I can unlock my safe, unlock my Loc Box and rack the slide on my Mossy in under 10 seconds. ( The Loc Box requires the breech to be open on the shotgun during storage.)

 

[MaterDei]

My Pic

 

[dfariswheel]

MaterDei:
A military uniform and a shotgun are things burgulars like to see.......BEFORE they break in.......not AFTER.


From everything I've heard about the Loc-box, it sounds like a real winner.

Big advantages besides security, are simplicity and COST.

Yeah, a combination lock might be nice, but for the price, it just can't be beat.

On one of the boards, somebody had a link to a place that was selling the Loc-box at really discount prices, so I'd shop around for the best price.

Having something this good, (maybe not perfect, but real good) at a low price is just too hard NOT to buy.

 

[Ringer]

I bought mine at Cheaper Than Dirt for $26.75. I just need to decide where to install it.

 

[dfariswheel]

The Loc-box is designed specifically to allow horizontal mount.
I have one case of a local user who apparently mounted it on the CEILING of a closet.

A behind the curtain location doesn't have a downside I can see, as long as you keep the gun lubed to prevent any possible moisture from causing rust.

I do like the idea, since the usual beside the bed location does get strange looks from telephone installers or the cable guy.

 

[Norton]

Mater Dei,

Is your handgun safe a GunVault brand? I have one and am starting to lose faith in its reliability. It loses its "memory" every couple of weeks and won't open, neccessitating opening it with key and changing the batteries.

I may get rid of it and try something else, maybe with a Simplex lock that requires no power.....

 

[MaterDei]

Norton,

I don't own a GunVault brand safe. I'm not sure what brand mine is but here is a picture of it. I paid $80 for it at a local chain called Carter Country. Mine works flawlessly though I must admit that I haven't changed the batteries yet in over two years. I need to get in the habit of changing them at least once a year, just like my smoke detector batteries. Not being able to access my HD handgun and Loc Box key in a crisis would be very unfortunate.

 

[Ringer]

Just following up on this post. Finally got around to installing the Loc-box. It pretty secure, definetly safe from kids. I added some rubber tape to some edges to hopefully help avoid scratching up the gun. It hides the gun nicely behind the drape and is within arms reach once I slide off my side of the bed. With a little more practice I should be able to easily manipulate the gun out of the mount in the dark (it will already be unlocked at night).

 

[Shrinkmd]

Horizontal OK?

So it wouldn't be a problem to mount it above the closet door on the inside horizontally? My wife isn't crazy about this and wouldn't want little ones looking in the closet to see it (walk in closet). Then again I could just put it behind the clothes hanging in there.

Also, how sturdy is this once mounted? How deep do the screws go into the wall stud? I guess a crowbar would get it off the wall. This is really meant to prevent your kids from using it, right? That is what I need it for.

Thanks

 

[crucible]

Shrink, it's a relatively secure option-as are all our security efforts. It offers relatively secure storage in not usually thought-of locations in the home, yet provides for relatively fast access when needed.

It's also well-made with thick-gauge steel, and the provided screws I believe three inches long and fairly thick. Put it in studs and it isn't coming out with some fairly serious effort. I wouldn't be worried with my 9 year old with one.

(That said I do in fact have one, and am suitably impressed with it. However, I don't really use it as I've come to the personal conclusion that a handgun, in my case a 1911 and my CCW, on my person or very near it at all times, offers a much more secure and immediate means of primary armament for my home and family.)
Chris