Gun safe recommendations

[cypher1]

Just looking for recommendations on a gun safe and certain features you prefer. I have 2 handguns and do not see myself buying another in the near future, so a larger size isn't a priority. I'd prefer keeping it in my closet. Currently guns are locked up, and ammo in a separate room. No kids or SO, just 1 roommate.

I wasn't sure if gun safe are graded by fire and water limitations as other safes would. At the same time I wouldnt mind using to store important paperwork, cash, etc. The other option I was thinking of, was securing a lock box. Thoughts?

[bjl584]

If it's just a handgun and I'll assume it's for self defense, then you'll want a small lockbox that you have easy access to in the middle of the night should something happen. Something that will fit under the bed or in the night stand drawer. I'd get one that is not locked with a key. You won't have time to fumble with a key if you need it quick. Get one with a touchpad that you can access with a fingerprint or a sequence.

[rennigade]

Whats the point of having hand guns that are unloaded with ammo in a different room? Unless you dont trust yourself...you dont have kids, the gun isnt going to go off magically. I have mine loaded with one in the chamber mounted to the side of my bed for easy/quick access. Its been like that for 3 years and the gun hasnt shot any rounds off yet by itself.

As for a large gun safe, I personally like the spin dial old school ones, not the electronic ones. If you're looking for quick access they have bio metric small safes for hand guns. Ill probably pick one of those up if I ever have a child.

[cypher1]

Whats the point of having hand guns that are unloaded with ammo in a different room? Unless you dont trust yourself...you dont have kids, the gun isnt going to go off magically. I have mine loaded with one in the chamber mounted to the side of my bed for easy/quick access. Its been like that for 3 years and the gun hasnt shot any rounds off yet by itself.

I have several reasons for why I prefer having my handguns unloaded with ammo in a different room (although I do keep a loaded magazine hidden in my bedroom). Home defense isn't my primary reason for owning. Right now they're in my closet, so I keep ammo separate for the time being.

I may not have kids but I do not live alone. I'm no gun expert and I trust my friends, but any one living in my house who isn't as familiar or comfortable with handling a gun, then I'd prefer keeping them locked up for peace of mind. I trust in my own responsibilities and limitations, but not in others, and I never assume.

This is a more extreme reason, but if someone broke into my place when I was out, and found a loaded weapon, now they can use it in a crime. While the odds of that example occurring are slim, it's something I still don't want to risk.

While I understand if someone keeps their firearm loaded and ready by the bed, that's their business or choice. Even if I was living alone, I still wouldn't find the need nor want to do that, IMO.

Going back to the original topic, I may just go with a lockbox but still looking at my options and pricing.

[Tabs]

If you know you will only have two handguns, then something like this Gunvault can work.

These gunvaults also include quick access four-digit push buttons, and from security folks who have looked at it over, the electronic system is relatively secure, although it does require batteries.

The circular backup mechanical lock, however, has been deemed unsecure. I don't know how far you want to go with security, but if you really want to, you can disable it by filling it with super glue or something so it becomes permanently unusable.

Anyway, you can find these things on Amazon, or if you have a local gun shop around you, they could have it in stock as well.

Oh yeah, and remember, these things are small enough to have it mount it in all sorts of concealed places. Something worth keeping in mind.

[ua_guy]

I'm a fan of the speed-safe style. GunVault makes one called the SpeedVault I believe. It has a battery-operated keypad entry for quick retrieval and holsters the gun securely inside the safe so it's literally grab-and-go. It also has a lock-and-key should the battery or keypad fail. Great for discreet and safe mounting at a bedside, tucked inside a closet, etc. Mounts to a wall very easily.

Otherwise, if you just want a place to store your guns and quick access isn't important, as well as the ability to store important papers, etc, I'd look at just a regular safe. Lots and lots of models to choose from. No suggestions there...I don't know much about them. I would get one that's fire-rated, and, IMO the locking mechanism isn't as important as making a small safe immovable. Anyone can get into a safe; it just takes time. What you don't want is someone taking off with the safe. Some of them bolt to the floor, or concrete, and I'd highly recommend it.