Selecting a safe - Almost as daunting as choosing an EDC

[HPCadm17]

Good Morning,

I just got the call from my Resident State Trooper's office to schedule an interview with the ranking Sgt. This is the next step toward hopefully obtaining my permit. Nervous, as I really don't know what to expect, but looking forward to it all the same. Anyway, while patiently awaiting the culmination of the permit process, I have been researching a handgun for HD and possible EDC, plus a safe for the home.

I've been to a few "practice sessions" at the LGS and tried a few different pistols, but was limited to 9mm for these sessions. I really came to like the M&P9 M2.0 full-size. It fit like a glove, and I liked the tactile reset; not a huge fan of the hinged trigger but I can definitely get used to it. Plus I shot my best consistent grouping with it out of all the others I tried. Unfortunately we cannot get the M&P 2.0 compact in our state, so if I choose the full-size it will be relegated to home defense and range use as I feel it's too large for carry.

They do have the 2.0 full-size in .45ACP, so once I get my permit I'll have to rent it and see if it shoots as nice as the 9mm. The reason I'm interested in the .45 is due to our state's 10-round magazine restriction, and the M&P45 has a standard capacity of 10+1 (I just have a problem with restrictions on the standard design of anything, whether it's an automobile or a gun or anything else, that's just me). Without getting into a discussion of whether "10 rounds of .45 are better than 10 rounds of 9mm," my thinking is that if I can shoot the .45 as confidently as the 9mm, I'll go with .45.

The first thing I want to do though, before selecting a handgun, is to obtain a safe. I am looking for something that 1) I can keep close to the bedside, 2) can be opened quickly, and 3) is portable. The LGS only carries one brand and I know there are so many options out there, so I hope someone far more experienced than I can share their insight regarding what they find works well, and why.

Thank you in advance!

 

[rabid wombat]

Though not really portable (this weighs a lot - 22 lbs), the simplex lock is quick-ish. Likewise it is reasonably secure (simplex locks are not the most secure). It will keep an honest person honest.

https://www.ftknox.com/shop/original-pistol-box-wfront-sight-training-certificate-included/

What are you hoping to achieve with the box? Some more details will help in getting a better answer.

Best

 

[ilbob]

The problem is you're going to find that a real safe will cost more than the gun. Your best bet is to find something reasonably secure and live with the possibility that had a guy with a big Crow Bar probably can open your safe if given enough time. You will also find that safe rated for fire protection come in a couple of varieties. Don't get the kind that uses wet newsprint. It makes the inside of the safe very humid and your gun will Rust. Personally for a $500 gun I think your best bet is $100 safe from Harbor Freight or a similar level of protection. It's not perfect but it will slow down the average criminal and keep your kid out. Bolted to the wall and the floor makes it harder to steal but not impossible.

 

[HPCadm17]

My thinking is that for just a pistol, I'd want something I could keep in a nightstand for HD but also be able to move/hide in a closet would be ideal. I'm currently renting, so drilling holes to bolt down a big, heavy safe might not be permitted, and I would need to remove it when I move (hopefully soon). Just wondering what would be the best method of securing an HD firearm for someone living in an apartment. Thanks!

 

[badkarmamib]

I would look for a small pistol lockbox that suits your size/security/access needs, and bolt it to your bed frame. As was stated, a true "safe" will cost more than simply replacing the pistol, and no safe, no matter how expensive, is guaranteed to be unbreakable.

 

[HPCadm17]

I would look for a small pistol lockbox that suits your size/security/access needs, and bolt it to your bed frame.

This is a pretty good idea, thx!

 

[Sav .250]

If it were me looking , I just do a search........

 

[John Joseph]

One of these
http://www.fas1safe.com/

 

[Jack B.]

Just do a search on the internet like Sav .250 says . Many to chose from and you can also check reviews on many of them.

 

[MikeInOr]

Which state do you live in? California? NewJersey?

 

[John Joseph]

If you can't lag bolt it down because you rent, consider a Zanotti Armor
http://zanottiarmor.com/
When you move, it can move with you. You can also assemble it in a small area where it would be unable to be removed (unless walls are demo'ed) without disassembly first.

 

[HPCadm17]

Which state do you live in? California? NewJersey?

Just as bad: Connecticut.

I did a quick Internet search, it's daunting because of the multitude of options out there. One LGS carries something that's not a FAS1 but looks like it. I intend to look up reviews on the safes that my local gun stores carry as well and decide. The trouble with buying one from the LGS is that I'm sure I won't be walking out of there with just a safe...!

 

[FAS1]

Just as bad: Connecticut.

I did a quick Internet search, it's daunting because of the multitude of options out there. One LGS carries something that's not a FAS1 but looks like it. I intend to look up reviews on the safes that my local gun stores carry as well and decide.

There are several choices out there that share the same type of mechanical pushbutton lock that are well made. All have significant differences and how/where you want to mount it could make a difference as well. Most with this lock open like a cigar box and are meant to just be mounted in one way with the door opening up. The FAS1 can be mounted any way you like, you just need to drill the appropriate holes and buy the correct hardware locally for your application. Thanks for considering a FAS1!

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I've had a Gunvault Multi-vault for probably well over twenty years now, in addition to my regular gun safe, and ammo safe. Wow, I had no idea they had gotten that expen$ive over the years. Think I paid $49 for mine all those years ago, but it has been great for every one those years. If I'm going somewhere quickly where my EDC is not allowed, I pop it in there. And nearly nothing is as quick to get open. Can be bolted down as well, for some added protection. I have usually one gun in there, sometimes two, and some spare ammo that I like to keep in there, rather than the ammo safe.

 

[bassjam]

I have 2 Ft Knox pistol boxes in my house and one V-line. All are heavy duty metal construction with Simplex locks that are mechanical, so you'll never worry about a dead battery locking you out of your safe or beeps giving away your location in your house when you open it. IIRC the V-line is slightly cheaper, but I think the Ft. Knox is built a tad better. I highly recommend both. You can get top load or front load for either, depending on where you plan on placing it.