|
Forum Rules | Firearms Safety | Firearms Photos | Links | Library | Lost Password | Email Changes |
Register | FAQ | Calendar | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
August 21, 2009, 07:40 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: March 1, 2008
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 125
|
Anybody Use The GunVault Safes???!!
I am in the market for a small safe to keep one loaded handgun and maybe two extra mags. I like the concept of the GunVault but have read greatly varying reviews. I have also looked at Stack-On Safes. They have gotten good reviews but aren't as quickly accessible. I have NO interest in any of the "bio-metric" fingerprint reader safes as these all seem to be an un-perfected work in progress. I appreciate everyone's input and experiences. Thank you.
__________________
NRA MEMBER, ISRA MEMBER, IL CCL, LOCAL 701 MEMBER (United We Stand...Divided We Fall) Glock 21SF | FNH FNP-45 | S&W 686 | Taurus PT1911SS | CZ75 SP01 Tactical 9mm | Buck Mark Stainless Camper | Ruger LCP | Springfield Armory TRP | Springfield Armory XDS-9 | Springfield Armory XDM Compact 9MM | S&W M&P15X | Ruger Mini-14 | Mossberg 500 20ga |
August 21, 2009, 09:04 PM | #2 |
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: June 25, 2008
Location: Austin, CO
Posts: 19,578
|
I have one.... with two small kids I take no chances, in fact, I won't even leave the gun in the safe unattended. Paranoid? You betcha.
However, I have no rational reason to distrust the safe. It is not rugged to the point that it will stop a determined thief but I don't see that as the point. If I'm not home then the gun isn't home either so Mr BG is doing a lot of work to get nothing. I consider it to be more for keeping curious hands off the guns than to prevent theft. If that's your goal, I think you'll find it more than satisfactory. If you're looking to stop a thief then you should get a "real" safe. My only issue, and I'm not even sure if it's legitimate or not, is that the loop for the locking mechanism that is on the door sticks up far enough to conceivably catch the trigger on my "safety-less" Glock. It seems possible to me that you could catch the trigger and cause a negligent discharge. No big deal though, I just use my non-gun hand to cover the latch when I put the gun in the safe. Paranoid? You betcha. You can set any combination you want, including multiple keys at the same time, making it virtually impossible to guess the combination.
__________________
Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley |
August 22, 2009, 07:25 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: March 1, 2008
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 125
|
Quick access, but secure from un-authorized handlers is my goal. Both safes I''m looking at could easily be picked up and carried away. Not a real concern in this circumstance. Anyone have success with a different brand safe?
__________________
NRA MEMBER, ISRA MEMBER, IL CCL, LOCAL 701 MEMBER (United We Stand...Divided We Fall) Glock 21SF | FNH FNP-45 | S&W 686 | Taurus PT1911SS | CZ75 SP01 Tactical 9mm | Buck Mark Stainless Camper | Ruger LCP | Springfield Armory TRP | Springfield Armory XDS-9 | Springfield Armory XDM Compact 9MM | S&W M&P15X | Ruger Mini-14 | Mossberg 500 20ga |
August 22, 2009, 08:27 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: December 28, 2006
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 281
|
I use a DAC sportsafe. Works great, and it was much cheaper.
The only thing these boxes are for is to prevent unauthorized access of the quick access pistols...
__________________
My $0.02 |
August 22, 2009, 09:58 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: November 28, 2005
Location: St. Charles, MO
Posts: 496
|
I usually suggest any quick access safe that uses the simplex mechanical locks. These locks are fast and easy to operate, built like a tank, and don't require batteries.
V-Line makes the largest selection of these types of safes, but similar units are also available through Fort Knox, Cannon, and several other companies.
__________________
www.zykansafe.com |
August 22, 2009, 12:23 PM | #6 |
Member
Join Date: July 5, 2007
Location: San Antonio, tx
Posts: 36
|
I have one. It works well.
ben |
August 22, 2009, 01:07 PM | #7 | |
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: June 25, 2008
Location: Austin, CO
Posts: 19,578
|
Quote:
__________________
Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley |
|
August 22, 2009, 01:37 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: November 10, 2008
Posts: 157
|
I have one of the gunvault biometric systems. I know you said you didn't want to use them, however I thought I could still add a bit of help. The first one I had the biometric stuff stopped working and I called GunVault about it. I had no receipt or anything but they shipped me a new one and included postage to send back the broken one free of charge. So if nothing else they have good customer service. On a side not the biometric ones do have the ability to use a key to open them.
|
August 28, 2009, 09:33 AM | #9 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: April 17, 2006
Location: Grand Prairie, TX
Posts: 694
|
Quote:
I highly recommend you stay away from GunVault products. http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=242167 |
|
August 28, 2009, 01:24 PM | #10 |
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: June 25, 2008
Location: Austin, CO
Posts: 19,578
|
You refer us to a 3 year old thread wherein you yourself stated that they have solved the issue you had on your safe, a problem solved since 2005?
__________________
Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley |
August 28, 2009, 01:39 PM | #11 |
Member
Join Date: January 19, 2008
Posts: 18
|
I had one installed day two after moving in to my new home in june. Also had one in both my last two homes. Suggest using a local locksmith/safe guy. This way if you ever have a problem, you have someware to turn. I always recommend bolting in to a cement floor when possible. Expect to pay in the $500.00 neighboorhood for a decent safe with electronic keypad and a backup key. Mine is large enough for a half dozen pistols plus ammo, and all my important papers. Fire retardent is a dfferent animal, if you are concerned about that, then you may have to spend a couple more dollars. Just make sure the guy that is putting in the safe, is experienced in installations. I was lucky enough to walk in cold and run into a locksmith that I had used two hours away for my business when I owned a health club, so I knew his work. He also re-keyed, my door locks for $15 dollars. Even though the builder told us that once you use the "owners" key, the ball bearings in the lock would fall out recutting the lock, "bullcrap", the loclsmith showed me that there were no such ball bearings in the lock. Also make sure that you have the install done during a week day when no one is around. That should be more than enough than you ever thought you needed to know, lol
|
August 28, 2009, 02:24 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: April 14, 2009
Posts: 897
|
i got one in the mini version and its working just fine. mechanical things do break. I can see it happening. Idk what I would do about it, probably use a dremel to force my way through.
__________________
1. The gun is always loaded. 2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger unless you are ready to shoot. 4. Be be sure of your target and what is beyond it. |
August 28, 2009, 02:46 PM | #13 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 31, 2008
Location: State of Confusion
Posts: 336
|
Quote:
I have a GunVault and have had it for over a decade. Not sure the model but it uses the four 'finger buttons' with recesses so you can feel it at night. I can very easily get it open in a matter of seconds. I have had no problems at all form it and I don't think I have actually EVER changed the batteries in it now that I think of it!!! Probably will do that tonight now. Have my over-ride key hidden close by as well just in case. Lifetime Warranty and from what I have seen good Customer Service. I say good to go!
__________________
I'm like a Fat Kid on a Playground..... " I ain't Playin' " Lifetime NRA, USPSA, HCSO, CRS Club |
|
August 28, 2009, 02:57 PM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: December 7, 2008
Posts: 282
|
Have had one for a bit over a year now. Works well for me, with enough room for my 220 Compact and extra mag.
__________________
Too many to list...enjoy em all! |
August 29, 2009, 09:45 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: April 17, 2009
Location: Montgomery County, MD
Posts: 215
|
I have 2 of them. A mini for my Jeep because it has no lockable inside compartment-no problems with it. holds my G30 or my Kimber with an extra mag.
I bought the larger version of the Gunvault and my first one started having lock and battery problems almost right away. I called them and they sent me a replacement and a return shipping label withing a week. No questions asked. I think the product does what is says which for me is to comply with Federal interstate transportation laws when in my Jeep and to keep little hands off my pistols when I'm not home. I normally just open my Gunvault when I go to sleep and close it when I wake up. I and some other folks have had some problems but Gunvault Customer Service fixed the issue no questions asked and seems excellent to me. YMMV Stu |
August 31, 2009, 08:57 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 20, 2007
Location: NH
Posts: 149
|
Ive had the Gunvault delux for about 3 years now. No problems at all for me. Ive got it bolted to a built in shelf in my closet. I have 3 young kids, so my firearms stay in the vaukt if Its not on me. I can go min the closet in the pitch dark and access the firearm very quickly. I really like the finger code lock. when the door flys open and yes it opens very quickly, theres a little light allowing to see what your reaching for. So far no problems. I may purchase thier new notebook style vault for travel and to keep my firearm secured at my getaway cabin. My biggest concern isnt theft but keeping my children from getting curiouse.
|
August 31, 2009, 09:08 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 19, 2007
Location: Montmorency Co, MI
Posts: 1,551
|
Mine is fine. When you buy get the larger size. May not think you will need it but will find all kinds of stuff in it sooner or later-probably sooner.
|
September 1, 2009, 10:07 AM | #18 | |||
Senior Member
Join Date: April 17, 2006
Location: Grand Prairie, TX
Posts: 694
|
Quote:
But no, by all means, patronize me with your snarky reply concerning a thread you couldn't even be bothered to read before commenting on. I'm just trying to keep a guy from wasting his money on an inferior product when a fail-safe mechanical device can be had for only a little more $. Quote:
Quote:
|
|||
September 1, 2009, 10:19 AM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 26, 2009
Location: Hmmm?
Posts: 510
|
I would never rely on electronics, whther its fingerprint coded or number coded.
Just a safe bolted to the floor with a lock and a few extra keys for me.
__________________
"I don't know what situation you'd be in where you'd be facing a bad guy and he'd have the time to notice your laser shaking and evaluate you as having low confidence. " |
September 1, 2009, 10:39 AM | #20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 20, 2007
Location: Rainbow City, Alabama
Posts: 7,167
|
I've got the little Stack-On drawer model. It uses a push-button code (so I can open it in the dark) and has a key override in case the battery is dead or you forgot the combination. The drawer model opens from the top, so it fits in a bedside chest of drawers easily.
It won't prevent theft. It will, however, prevent a curious child from picking up my loaded pistol. |
September 1, 2009, 11:40 AM | #21 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 7, 2008
Location: Southern CT
Posts: 1,406
|
I have both a GunVault and the StackOn handgun safes and they both work fine.
My GunVault Deluxe is bolted into my nightstand - it has AC power with battery backup and if those fail, a mechanical lock. StackOn is powered by batteries, but also has a mechanical lock for backup. They both work exceedingly well for what they are intended for - keeping kids and curious folks away from your loaded guns while still giving you quick access to your firearm should you need it. They will not make it impossible for a thief with all the time in the world to make off with your goodies.
__________________
"They have men amongst them who know very well what they are about..."
- Lord Hugh Percy, on the events of April 19, 1775 Do you know what you're about? Find out at an Appleseed near you. |
September 1, 2009, 10:29 PM | #22 |
Senior Member
Join Date: March 1, 2008
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 125
|
Tough Choice
I've read many posts from people who claim they have had GunVaults for many years with no issues so perhaps GunVault made some sort of improvement. From working in the automotive industry I've seen bad parts fail (recalls) if the part is not improved upon you will usually see many consistent failures. Haven't read any bad things on the Stack-on safes, they are a little less quickly accessible but maybe that is an acceptable trade-off for relaibility.
__________________
NRA MEMBER, ISRA MEMBER, IL CCL, LOCAL 701 MEMBER (United We Stand...Divided We Fall) Glock 21SF | FNH FNP-45 | S&W 686 | Taurus PT1911SS | CZ75 SP01 Tactical 9mm | Buck Mark Stainless Camper | Ruger LCP | Springfield Armory TRP | Springfield Armory XDS-9 | Springfield Armory XDM Compact 9MM | S&W M&P15X | Ruger Mini-14 | Mossberg 500 20ga |
September 2, 2009, 01:02 AM | #23 |
Member
Join Date: April 8, 2009
Posts: 31
|
I believe in bolts and studs. Shelves and overhangs. Hiding in plain sight and hiding in a busy room. The shear mass of items attached together...
A good cheap safe is easy to find. Harbor Freight sells some pretty cheap stuff. Seriously, the insides are functional, new, and I plan on replacing the batteries every winter, routine type stuff. I will simply remove a couple of screws and inspect the workings and life should be just fine. I have a key backup and I saved a few bucks. If I need to upgrade their crap, it just gives me something to do. I can make it better...I have the technology...a welder and a hammer. I had a Stack-on keyed box but returned it, didn't like the idea of playing with keys. Surprisingly, to me at least, HF had a Gun-Vault safe on their shelf. It was the smaller unit and was designed for horizontal mounting. Seemed like a nicely built unit. The door sprung open crisply. I almost bought it, I still might buy one. Just a larger size. In the mean time I'll rely on my reconditioned Chevy, er, ah, my quality Chinese cheap box, er my; whatever. |
September 11, 2009, 03:15 PM | #24 |
Member
Join Date: December 15, 2002
Posts: 18
|
I have a couple of them and they work well, but I did have one in which the lock cable snapped. Fortunately, my customer service experience was good as I got a free replacement unit within a week of calling it in (even though it was beyond the 1-year warranty period).
|
April 24, 2010, 05:41 PM | #25 |
Junior Member
Join Date: April 24, 2010
Posts: 1
|
Stay away from GUNVAULT
I have had a gunvault for some time. I had the exact same problem Syntax had. Keep your key nearby just incase the drive cable breaks!
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|