inexpensive, reliable, quick access pistol safe| Off-Topic Discussion forum |

Dusterbd13 SuperDork
9/30/14 4:20 p.m.

I don't want this to turn into a gun control thread. so please, don't flounder...

i have signed up for carry and conceal classes. will be carrying .38 special. wife requires it to be locked up when not on me. fair enough, if you ask me. I have seen the small pistol safes that sit in your nightstand drawer and have a finger activated code. I don't remember where, and a google search is not something I trust in this area. I want my weapon to be secured when not on me (in bed or at work, really) beyond reasonable concern. obviously, if someone breaks into my house, I want quick and easy access as well.

so I guys learn me pistol safes, GRM hive.

and yes, im from the town with the school shooting on the news today. whole town is pretty distraught, especially my wife who is a teacher. at the school across the road. where my kindergardener also attends school.

I have my rifles stored at my fathers house in his big gun safe that is bolted to the slab of his house inside a closet, and I will soon be looking for a gun safe for them, per my wifes request. not a collector by any means, but I do believe in my second amendment rights and the castle law.

anyway, I think I may have floundered my own thread at this point....

wearymicrobe SuperDork
9/30/14 4:48 p.m.

Costco used to sell one just like that for cheap.

Woody MegaDork
9/30/14 4:53 p.m.

Check out the Smith and Wesson Versa Vault.

kazoospec Dork
9/30/14 5:33 p.m.

I've got one similar to the "Cannon Safe" in this article. http://www.usacarry.com/handgun-safes-must-be-secure-fast-and-easy-to-access/ It was sub $100.00 IIRC and can be opened in about 2 to 3 seconds with the right combination. I feel reasonably confident the kids can't get into it (they are NEVER allowed in the room when I unlock it), but I've also given each of them sufficient education to know they don't touch it under any circumstances and enough opportunities to shoot in appropriate venues that the "mystique" is gone. (A safe is only one part of the equation).

I'm reasonably sure I could access it quickly "in a pinch" and it isn't dependent on batteries or other technology that could fail.

tuna55 UltimaDork
9/30/14 5:42 p.m.

My opinion only:

Don't get anything battery powered. Both directions the failure mode sucks. Get a manual lock. My pistol is always loaded, always one in the pipe, always either locked or in hand or holster. Always. Never even put it down unless I am sitting there cleaning it.

My safe is this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Fort-Knox-FTK-PB-Pistol-Handgun/dp/B004H6MKI8

But the same company also makes one that stands up that could be more convenient. It's easy to set the combination, it can be one-by-one buttons or a combination of buttons, and it's thick boring steel with nothing to pry on. I know that it can be carried off in the event of a theft, but once the gun is inside, it will not fire a bullet at anyone no matter what happens.

Also, get some hollowpoints for that 38, and make sure you test drive whatever you end up with.