Want the quickest access gun safe to protect yourself and your family?
Find out my recommendations for all budgets…then see the safes in action with my actual home defense and CCW pistols.
And finally, learn the top criteria I used in selecting my personal bedside gun safe so you can apply it to your home situation.
And now we have a full YouTube video on our favorite safes that we cover in the article:
If that helped, please subscribe to our YouTube channel since we’re adding new videos every week!
Without further ado, here’s our favorite picks.
THE QUICK LIST
-
Best Overall Handgun Safe
-
Best Simplex Lock Safe
-
Best Discreet Safe
-
Best High-Tech Safe
-
Best Affordable Safe
-
Best Ready Position Safe
-
Best Travel/CCW Safe
Table of Contents
Loading…
How We Tested Handgun Safes for Quick Access
Selecting a gun safe might be actually harder than what you went through selecting your handgun.
There’s so much stuff out there across so many price ranges.
We tested each safe by putting in our go-to handguns, placing it near our bedside, and opening/closing 50+ times on a regular basis over at least a 6-month period.
Then we rated them on these following important criteria:
- Quick Access: My home defense pistol will be going in this safe and in a defensive situation, I want to be able to access it in around 1-2 seconds.
- Reliable: I’ll likely be groggy and fumbling around in the dark. Is the safe 100% reliable and easy to use in that state?
- Adequate Protection: Expensive and less used guns go into my larger and more secure safe. This bedside version is just to deter smash & grab burglars or to stop a nosy guest. I’m not looking for extreme child or fire protection here.
- Space: Enough of it to hold a full sized handgun like my Glock 17.
- Mountable: I make sure that the safe is small enough to be mounted high the closet or nightstand drawer so it’s harder to access for small children and won’t just walk away with someone.
Best Bedside Quick Access Handgun Safes
1. Fort Knox FTK-PB
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Fast and reliable mechanical Simplex lock
- Hefty 10ga steel build
- Holes for easy mounting
Cons
- Around 9
- Only 1081 lock combinations
Through all my research and asking around, I ended up with the Fort Knox FTK-PB Simplex Handgun Safe after a less than optimal buy or two.
It met and exceeded all the criteria I had set out for myself. I do not regret my decision and I tell all my new gun owner friends to get their own.
And each and every one loves it after install.
Quick Access
“Simplex” means that instead of electronic keys, a rotary dial, or biometrics, it uses mechanical buttons that provide good feedback and allow me to open the safe in around 1.5 seconds.
*2024 Update*: 8 years total worth of usage and going strong for my simplex safe.
Also picked up a second upgraded one! More details below in the Protection section.
All I do is put in my 2-stage code and turn the knob clockwise. An example of a 2-stage code would be pressing the 1st and 3rd button simultaneously, followed by pressing the 5th button.
I also like that I can previously input the code and turn the knob clockwise but not actually open the top. This means you can have super fast access to it at night if you open it before you go to bed.
Reliable
I wanted something that, like my self-defense gun, would “always go bang.” The Simplex lock is American made (as is the entire safe) and does not need batteries, like so many of the popular safes out there, need for electronic keys or biometrics. Also, no beeps and reading errors that could get you killed. There’s a lifetime warranty too.
Years of use in…it’s still going strong with no messups. Plus the foam is still good even after some oil dripped out from my gun.
Adequate Protection
The safe is really heavy (~20 lbs) since it has 3/16″ steel doors and 10 gauge steel bodies. I feel confident if it ever fell off a truck, or got attacked by a crowbar, it would put up a good fight. I also like that the corners and sides are folded in to make prying much harder.
I got a second one recently that is upgraded with a plate behind the Simplex lock that guards against smash attacks.
Space
Plenty of space for my full-size Glock 17 and extra mag.
There’s also two layers of foam underneath my gun and I feel confident that you could put at least one more full sized pistol in there if you wanted.
Mountable
4 pre-drilled holes on the bottom for easy mounting.
Cons
It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty close. The first few things I don’t like are nit-picky but the last one can be a deal breaker for you.
First is that it’s susceptible to water damage. My wife left a cold cup of something in the top left which formed condensation and left a pattern. It does slowly go away in a few months though.
The foam around the hinge gets in the way of closing but is easily addressed by just cutting it off. Here’s the finished product.
However the newer version fixes this as well with a better lifter too.
And the potential deal breaker is that it only has 1081 combinations that any smart child could try in a relatively short amount of time. However, if you don’t have kids yet, or plan on concealing the safe, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal.
What’s your take on the Fort Knox?
2. Steelhead Fast Access Pistol Box
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Fast and reliable mechanical Simplex lock
- Mount with safety security cable or drilled holes
- 15-lb 12ga build
- Modern aesthetic
Cons
- Simplex only has 1081 combos
- Non-pneumatic open assist
Finally…a worthy competitor to the Fort Knox!
The Steelhead Fast Access Pistol Box brings a more modern aesthetic to pistol safes while keeping the mechanical Simplex lock that I love.
Quick Access
Like the Fort Knox above, the Steelhead has the same Simplex lock which lets me get to my guns in under 2 seconds.
Check the video of me opening and closing:
Reliable
I’ve been using the Steelhead for over 6 months for my pocket carry revolver that is in my concealed carry rotation.
The American made Simplex lock has never failed to open when I needed it to.
Adequate Protection
The Steelhead is slightly lighter at 15 pounds compared to the Fort Knox at 20 pounds which brings it into the category of portable Simplex safe. And it exudes a well-made piece of kit whenever you pick it up.
Both the Simplex lock and the case are made in the US with only some lock components coming in abroad.
And the Simplex lock is guarded against prying and picking attacks with a metal piece behind the lock. Plus when the top and bottom halves are closed it’s super hard to get any tool near there.
Space
There is plenty of space in this bad boy for a huge full-sized handgun with extended mags, light, and red dot…like my Staccato P!
It’s shallower than the Fort Knox so it’s easier to lift the gun out of the safe.
There’s also two pieces of removable foam. I removed one of them for my Staccato to make it easier to close up since it is a thicker gun than most.
How about compact guns? You can fit two kitted out compacts in there too with room for extra mags.
There’s also a smaller version that’s about $20 cheaper if you only need to hold one compact handgun.
Mountable
There’s four pre-drilled holes at the bottom to be easily mounted to a surface.
Plus there’s the optional security cable for $25 that is a 3 ft long, 6,000 lb rated, and 1/4 inch galvanized that goes into the slots on the side.
I pulled as hard as I could when it was locked down and it is not budging!
Cons
It comes in at the same price as the Fort Knox at $299 which is a hefty price tag for a pistol safe.
But it still has all the options that I’m looking for in a quick access safe.
And with the smaller profile and safety cable way of securing…it can double as a travel safe too.
Another con vs the Fort Knox is that it doesn’t come with piston-assisted opening so you’ll have to work the lid. But it’s not hard if you have any semblance of arm strength.
So why choose the Steelhead over the reigning Fort Knox?
You want a more modern looking and portable Simplex safe instead.
3. Vaultek DS2i Smart Station
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Discreet safe that looks like an alarm
- Multiple reliable ways of entry
- Charges phone and gives you helpful data
- Great app features
Cons
- Higher priced
- Requires app for some capabilities
The Vaultek Smart Station sits on my work desk as a discreet tabletop clock which just happens to hold a H&K VP9 with an extra mag.
Besides the clock and safe aspect, it also gives you temperature and humidity data…plus a wireless charging option at the top.
Reliable: Access is via biometric finger scan, capacitive buttons, Bluetooth app access, or even a single press “Nano key.” The biometrics are top notch with scan and drawer open in under two seconds. See it in action here:
Adequate Protection: Coming in at around 10 lbs, the unit feels sturdy and the rubber feet prevent any unwanted side movement. You could probably pry into it with the right tools and time but this safe depends more on being hidden in plain sight.
Space: As shown above it can hold a full-sized handgun and an extra mag with ease.
Mountable: You’ll probably want this in the standard position which works great for bedside or work desk applications. It does come with a cable tether to prevent someone walking away with it easily.
The app is also great with customization of the front data, lights, sounds, etc. And lets you know the history and tamper attempts.
The only con I can give is that you need to have installed the app to enable temperature and humidity on the front panel.
Overall…my favorite for a discreet and tech-heavy handgun safe.
And now there’s a larger version…the Smart Station DS5i that holds two full-sized handguns.
And comes with 8 digits for more complex codes. As well as an optional backplate that gives you a more permanent mounting solution.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
4. Vaultek VS20i & VS10i
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Lots of reliable ways of entry
- Looks great
- Different sizes and colors
- Updated app
Want a reliable fingerprint and Bluetooth accessible safe that looks sweet? Check out the Vaultek VS20i and VS10i.
These are the updated versions of their VT series which we’ve been using since 2017. Full review of those.
Quick Access: 5 easy ways to access your firearm: key, number code, fingerprint, Bluetooth app, or Nano Key.
I love the Nano Key since you can place it in a more inconspicuous location like the side of your dresser and have it open up your safe.
Reliable: Fingerprint scanner is upgraded from the previous version which was pretty good already. I’m comfortable using biometric as my bedside choice. The Bluetooth app is also solid in this latest update.
Adequate Protection: Very robust feeling that resists drops and hits. Plus pry-resistant.
Space: The smaller VS10i will hold most handguns with a mag or two to spare.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
While the larger VS20i will accommodate 4″ revolvers and full-sized handguns with two+ mags. And also say yes to weapon mounted lights for both models.
Mountable: Comes with two pre-drilled holes and screws. Plus cable attachment.
Looking for bigger? We’ve also reviewed their bigger version…the MXi Handgun Safe.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Want more fingerprint-activated gun safes? We have our roundup of the Best Biometric Gun Safes.
5. Awesafe Biometric
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Affordable
- Fingerprint scanner is decent
Cons
- Had a recall notice but now it's the upgraded version
Looking for an affordable electronic safe that reads fingerprints AND has buttons?
Reliable: I’m still a fervent supporter of pure mechanical…but this nice biometric lock is still great depending on your own personal preferences. Otherwise there’s still the backup of buttons.
*2024 Update*: There was a recall on the safe but now there’s the upgraded version.
Adequate Protection: Definitely less robust feeling than the Fort Knox but it’s still acceptable. The lid is pry-resistant but given enough time and some tools someone can get in.
Space: Good amount of space to fit whatever you’ll likely need next to your bed or closet.
Mountable: Comes with holes in the back to mount or add a safety cable.
Overall a great budget option that’s electronic but has decent fingerprint capabilities and also buttons.
6. GunVault SpeedVault & 1000S
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Opens to an easy grip position
- Quick access
- Handgun size can be limited
Cons
- Needs to be mounted for full benefit
What I recommend to people who want pretty good quality but at a lower price point. The GunVault SpeedVault and the GunVault 1000S are top sellers with great reviews for electronic locking safes.
Quick Access: Quick access in the 2-second range. Video later shows slight speed reduction in taking out a handgun for the side opening models such as the 1000S.
Reliable: Not as reliable in my opinion as mechanical Simplex locks, but tons of people swear by them. I’d be comfortable using them if I were to unlock them before going to sleep. Can turn off the key entry sounds for “stealth” mode.
Adequate Protection: Tight fittings and thick steel meet my requirements for protection against burglars and nosy guests. 12 million combinations so the possibility of someone brute force trying all of them are much less likely. However, it still has a key override so keep it hidden.
Space: If it can fit a full-size 1911 style handgun, it will fit my Glock 17. However, some lights won’t fit. Other GunVault models are available for smaller or bigger storage needs.
Mountable: Easy to mount and the SpeedVault defines what it means to be a bedside or desk side safe with its ingenious opening mechanism.
7. Vaultek LifePod & LifePod 2.0
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Compact protection on the go
- Discreet
- Different sizes and colors
Cons
- Takes some practice to open quickly
Now one of their best-selling from Vaultek…the LifePod.
It’s what I use when I travel by car since it’s portable, discreet with its slingbag, and still able to be tethered down when you’re staying put at a hotel or Airbnb.
I leave it unlocked if it’s just me where I’m staying, but otherwise I unlock the latches and leave it still requiring a code to open.
I recommend practicing a decent amount if you leave it locked since you need to remember to press the Lock button first to activate the code buttons.
Here it is in action!
It’s pretty compact but holds enough for my needs…a compact pistol with light and a mag on the side.
Quick Access: Have a little more protection with the latches, or leave it with just the key option.
Reliable: No problems with very wet fingers since the keys are capacitive and there’s no fingerprint option. Note you’ll have to
Adequate Protection: Heavy but not too heavy. Slingbag also offers some cushioning. Has survived quite a few falls. Older generations had a physical exploit but Vaultek quickly remedied it and sent owners retrofit kits. Fastest company response I’ve seen!
I highly recommend the Vaultek Lifepod for a traveling quick access case.
There’s also the larger LifePod 2.0 now that can hold two handguns.
Or some other goodies if you use their tray instead of foam.
I use mine to hold my holstered CCW gun when not in use. The main purpose is to keep it away from the little ones or wandering eyes.
I had to go with the special edition camo version plus a regular black version…
Conclusion
Hopefully, I helped you out a little in choosing the right bedside gun safe for your purpose.
Looking for long guns or bigger safes? Check out our huge Best Gun Safes article!
Latest Updates
October 27, 2024 – Added Steelhead Fast Action Pistol Box.
July 23, 2024 – Updated Vaultek VT20i and VT10i with their latest versions, the VS20i and VS10i.
April 10, 2024 – Added additional experiences for several safes. Added Awesafe recall info.
102 Leave a Reply
Eric thank for all of your great article's. I retired after 38 years as an SPO. I have several Billconch safes through out the house with firearms. They are mounted down with 4 in bolts. They open with a finger print, code or key and they are alarmed. Now if I am not home, all 6 hand guns go into my big safe 3 feet x 5 feet which is in my 4 in wide steel wall room. Safety first
Seems like every single one of these boxes could be circumvented w/ 2 minutes and grind saw.
I am in search of a gun vault for my suppressed FNX-45
I havent been able to find one yet and wondering if you guys know of one.
Thank you,
Dean
Just a word of warning, I know Awesafe is being recommended, but be careful! I purchased an AweSafe 2 gun safe a few years ago, then earlier this year they contacted me and told me there was a recall on the safe and the fingerprint reader would actually allow anyone’s thumb to open the safe. Their customer service instructed me to scratch the fingerprint reader to make it unusable, send them a photo of it, and they would send me a replacement safe. I scratched the fingerprint pad, then sent the required pictures in an email in February then another a few weeks later and have yet to receive a reply. I finally got fed up and tried to contact Amazon because they are still allowing Awesafe to sell on their platform when they are doing this shady stuff. I know I’m not the only one based on the conversations on Reddit and other forums. Bottom line, be careful if you are looking at purchasing from Awesafe, they are a Chinese company and there is no recourse if you purchase something and need help with a warranty or recall issue.
No StopBox?
I like the Fort Knox with its all-mechanical, no-electronic design. No EMP or battery worries! Electronics can fail, mechanical rarely does.
Great article. One question, did you find any safes that could hold a full size pistol with a surpressor attached? My main use for a supressor is to still have some hearing after a home invasion and a small safe that would house my pistol and supressor combo would be very useful.
FWIW
Uncle Eric
I'm with Uncle Eric. Best Case is to have the gun stored safely with suppressor installed on gun, locked and loaded and in safe for quick retreival.
Any thoughts?
Hornady makes some really good quick access safes. I have 2 of them. One even has a clock like the vaultek but half the price.
Just an FYI regarding the Vaultek LifePod's and leaving the latches undone while in lock mode - the company recommends that this NOT be done. The latches take the pressure of the lock mechanism. In the event you unlatch BEFORE unlocking, you evidently run the risk of too much pressure being on the lock mechanism, resulting in it failing to unlock.
I like my Bladetech Tek-Mount receiver...easy access
Does any of vaulteks stuff actually fit pistols with optics and wml?
Printable targets aren't showing up on site.
I believe MaxSafes has all these beat with their vein recognition technology. Certainly the only safe I will consider as it’s truly the only one that can’t be opened by anyone else!
What about by your spouse?
I asked vaultek if leaving the life pod 2.0 with the latches undone would be okay to lock and unlock. They suggested not doing it as it can bind locking mechanism. I wanted to do this for quick access but vaultek CS said it wouldn't be covered under warranty if it binds up.
NONE of these safes are worth a darn! Spend some time with the Lock Picking Lawyer on YouTube and you'll find out what I'm talking about. If you have kids in the house. Teach them about gun safety, Teach them about proper gun handling. Anything gun safe sold by Amazon is GARBAGE and can be opened in seconds with basic tools using a low skill attack.
Stop the preaching based on only your views and circumstances. If these have no value to you, why are you here?
I came on to make exactly the same point. I have yet to see one that he can't bypass in under 10s....
Re: wife and ring on gun safe.
My wife is roughly 120 lbs she can bend rebar in one hand while picking the lock with a knitting needle. None of them say, wife proof.
You haven't seen it all, until you checkout Titan-Pistol-Vault
Budget safe shown is 169 on Amazon. Seems like quite a price jump in one month of 40 dollars. You should update with a real budget safe
Hey Jon, we try to update articles regularly, but sometimes prices jump before we can make it to the update.
Any concerns about how easy the vaulters can be opened with a paper clip and small flat blade screwdriver, or is that not part of the criteria?
Get Titan-Pistol-Vault, it covers all your concerns.
A word of caution on two concepts: biometrics and silencers. Buyer beware. As a human factors and ergonomics expert, I've tested a number of products and found sales promotionals often exceed the items' capabilities or characteristics. For example, the biometric safes tested are not 100% reliable; far from it. Failures we found in different products ranged from 60% to 90%. Our most recent test was conducted earlier this year on a promising product. It performed better than earlier products, yet it, too, failed at a high rate.
The technology is still a bit raw and if you seek reliable access, biometrics require more refinement before they become viable. If you depend upon a biometric as you would a parachute--and you should--then the reliability cannot be less than 100%.
Hollywood scenes depicting silencers are utter garbage. Anyone who has used a silencer has likely experienced the loud report they still emit, even on air rifles. 'Silencer' is inappropriate term. Are there significant noise suppression systems out there? Perhaps. If you find one advertised as such, it would be well to request the dealer allow test firing at their range to see if it meets your needs.
Best safe for me is my sock drawer right beneath my head. When grandkids are around then I lock them in my safe.
I never thought to lock my kids in a safe to keep them away from the firearms. That's not a bad idea. Also a quieter house on occasion.
We live in a world where no one is responsible for their actions. It's up to other people to manage our behavior. No thank you. My weapon is at hand 24/7/365. All of the items in this article are utterly worthless. Be responsible for yourselves. It's not the governments job to protect you. It's YOUR JOB!
A trigger lock is also a simple approach to provide this protection. Unless they have the combination, these locks will prevent individuals from firing or using the firearm.
Just make sure you have a good one. The Lock Picking Lawyer on Youtube shows that many of these can be disassembled, picked or just plain broken apart by hand quickly.
Sure, that’s a good solution to preventing misuse of the firearm by others. But not something I want to have to figure out at 2 AM when a bad guy just busted in my front door.
I always wonder, whats a good "road safe." What I mean is if you carrying and visiting family, I would like to lock it away in my luggage somehow. Something good enough for an EDC and two mags.
Anyone have any thoughts?
I bought a Lifepod 1.0 for my S&W Shield and it holds the pistol + 2 mags, but just barely. The buttons beep when pressed and the 1.0 version doesn't have easy-to-cut foam as the newer version does, so your pistol will slide around or the safe will have to be "smushed" hard to close. Costco has the 1.0 version for $99 right now so the price is right and I'm confident that it would take quite some effort to get this thing open. It has a cable that you can use to secure it, as well. If I were to do it again, I'd buy the Lifepod 2.0 because it's bigger, has the pre-sliced foam and would fit a few other things, like a wallet, watch or knife. With the Shield and two mags in the 1.0, there's hardly room for a matchbook.
Handgun Safe Research did a youtube review on the Fort Knox PB1, showing it being easily broken into by knocking the lock through with a hammer and screwdriver. I was all for it till I saw how easy that was to break. However, I can't see any other handgun safes on the market with a physical combo entry (not electronic) that wouldn't have the same issue. I would go for a regular safe, but then you have humidity and rusting issues (in long term). For nearly $300, I just don't know if that Fort Knox is worth it if so easily gotten into.
checkout out "handgun safe research's" most recent video on the fort knox. They fixed that security flaw.
I chose a StopBox. VERY few combinations. Difficult to open though because the spread of the buttons and the force required. Small children would be unlikely to have the strength to access it. INCREIDBLY fast access. I’d ask for Eric to take a peek at it, but I am not 100% that it will keep a full size. Fits my 19 well. Not sure about the 17.
At only $90, it’s worth a look. Not perfect and made of polymer, not steel.
Please review the Hornady Rapid safes that have touch free technology & I’m pretty sure they have a spring or hydraulic arm so it opens quickly as well. I also think it’s got security measures to make it more difficult for a thief to pry it open.
Note on the Gun Vault GV1000C - I owned one of these and used it for about 6 years, then one day the spring opening mechanism stopped working. You could hear the click, but it wouldn't open. Gun Vault customer service stated it was beyond the ONE YEAR warranty and offered no help. I guess maybe to be expected at the price point but I am glad it did not fail in an emergency situation. I had tossed the key out (IMO what is the point of having a gun safe to prevent child access if you are going to have a key the child can find), so I had to pry it open with a prybar to retrieve my gun. Took about 2 minutes to get it open. I really loved the spring opening concept, when it worked for the first 6 years. Thank you for your reviews! Very helpful when trying to select my new safe.
Same issue with mine.
SecureIT FastBox
Please review the Hornady Rapid Safe Noght Guard.
I am searching for a gun safe now. I REALLY want to love the Fort Knox safe, but just saw a video on youtube of a guy popping one open with a screwdriver and hammer in about 20 seconds. It is very disheartening.
Having gone through a similar search for an effective motorcyle lock about a year go, "consumer-level" security products are one area where technology has not provided us any benefits in line with progress.
Most of the safes in the review can be defeated with things like magnets and paperclips if you look around on the web. I am sure that thiefs do.
Guess it's just a compromise between convenience and security.
I have an awesafe biometric 2gun safe. It has 30 fingerprint storage, 4 digit code and barrel lock key. It holds 2compact pistols (G43x + TP9 SC) with room for an extra for each. It weighs 14.3 lbs and has 2 holes for bolt down. So far, it is working well.
I have a Hornady Rapid Safe, I wear a RFID bracelet that will give me access to my firearm in a moments notice, works great for me and I feel it deserves a special mention!
Fort Knox is as close to perfect for me as it gets - I have several. To the comment about things being placed on top of top-opening - - I have mine bolted to heavy-duty drawers of just the right depth such that there is not possiblity to cover them. - RodG
Another great choice along these lines is the Titan Pistol Vault from Titan Security Products. Their design has a mechanical lock, numerous mounting options, an optional magazine holder accessory, and it's built like a tank. Been very happy with this product.
I have had the Fort Knox for several years and it is well built and simple to use. Can't recommend though. Knob to the lock came off although product never mistreated and just sits in a drawer under my bed. No replacement parts available. Should be for this price or covered under warranty, which it was not after contacting manufacturer.
I totally agree + highly recommend the Fort Knox is the best bedside safe, I have had 1 for about 4 years and have practiced opening it in total darkness and it has never failed. They also make 2 different models, 1 is top opening + the other is front opening. Great suggestion to open it at night so your not fumbling around when seconds matter!
THE TROUBLE WITH BEDSIDE TOP OPENING SAFES IS THAT THINGS CAN GET PUT ON TOP - GLASS OF WATER, BOOKS, KLEENEX, PILLS ETC WHEN SPACE IS AT A MINIMUM - HENCE FRONT OPENING, SILENT OPS SEEMS BETTER - I ONCE SAW A FRONT OPENING SAFE WHERE A SHELF CARRYING THE GUN SLID OUT BY ITSELF FOR INSTANT PRESENTATION - I BELIEVE IT WAS BIOMETRIC AND HAD GOOD REPORTS - BUT I CAN NO LONGER FIND IT - RING ANY BELLS?
I just received my Hornady Rapid Safe Night Guard, from Midway. Special rebate now available. It resembles an alarm clock. Front opening, spring assisted. I'm very happy with my safe, price and design. Comes with keys, digital keypad, 4 RFID openers-2 adhesive discs, 1 key chain fob(flat-nice!), and a bracelet style fob.
Pro's- Sturdy, opens quickly and easily, roomy, good security features. LED functions NOT visible like some pics. show.
Con's- HORNADY label is too visible on battery compartment, pretty large footprint for a clock. RFID on bracelet is on the CLASP side not the "fob" side? Doesn't make sense and awkward .
Bottom Line: Fully recommend it! Love it.
Eric,
You may want to review a YouTube channel named "The Lock Picking Lawyer". He reviewed a couple of the safes you list here and you might change your mind when you see how easy safes such as Stack-On have their locks bypassed.
Almost every manufacturer has known about this for some time and either 1) fixed all more recent models of said safes, or 2)can send a special object to someone who purchased older models so that the ‘fork trick’ cannot work any longer. Most of those videos are pretty old actually.
What are your thoughts on the GunBox 2.0 or GunBox Echo?
Great article, how about one on car safes.
Hornady rapidsafes are the best options I've ever seen. Rfid, battery backup, physical key, and a key code give it all the options. The 2600kp can hold an m&p 2.0 3.6, and the 4800kp can hold much larger guns or even two of them. I have their vehicle safe as well but haven't installed it. The rfid options are plenty and you can put the same tags to all your safes that they make in that line.
What do you think of the Verifi S5000 safes? Expensive but you can find them half off on eBay. That’s probably why there aren’t many reviews yet
What do you think about the new Vara Safety Holster gun safe?
We have one in hand and are testing it!
What about a safe that can take a pistol with a silencer? The silencer is needed to prevent deafening everyone that you are protecting. Also normally, a silencer would go on a full sized pistol. So there is a needed for a larger safe. Honestly, a heavy duty case is not that important. Most robberies are smash and grab. They don't have 30min to beat a case open.
Even with a suppressor and no ear protection, you’ll still hurt your own ears and anyone within close proximity. And SUPRESSORS don’t make guns go pew pew
FAS1-SBD handgun safe for your suppressed handgun.
What about gun safes for long guns as rifles and shotguns?
And for transportation on a plane?
Check out Zore.life rapidial. It’s not a safe , but a legal way to store your firearm(even in CA). It has a locking mechanism that fits in the barrel. To unlock, you can turn the dial either way to start. Oh yeah, the loaded magazine can stay in the Pistol, You can use it blindfolded and can feel the clicks. Once unlocked, rack the slide, the lock falls off, and a round is chambered. By far the fastest access to your firearm.
For sure, we included it in our Best Gun Locks article.
Eric...do you get a lot of dates with your last name?
That's Mr. Hung to you, Brian.
I have owned the Fort Knox safe for years. I agree with Eric--In my opinion, it is the best safe of its type/class out there. I also have the Stack-on, which is far less satisfying. You get what you pay for.
Woohoo!
Really? I have two of the safes mentioned and a Hornady Rapidsafe.
The Hornady blows away the other two.. You can set it up with a wristband, keychain or even a decal(for your wallet) and open it in 2 seconds. Who’s gonna fumble with combination locks in the dark?
I suggest you read and then comment on the various Amazon negative reviews that claim the Gun Vault Speed Vault locks are defective and allow unauthorized entry .
So does fort knox have issues too. 12 minutes to enter half the combos, and 25 minute to enter all possible combinations. And because it is mechanical and not electronic there is no way for the ft knox to stop or slow you from entering endless combos. And it is also one of the easiest to be opened with brute force (a large screwdriver). Every make and model has some issues.
I have owned a variation of the first one since 1986 and it still is my #1 bed side safe. I also own 2 of the Stack-on safe in specific areas around the house. I have the tumbler style for my vehicle s if I have to go in a court house or post office I store my carry piece in my car. They are all good. I don't yet feel the biometric safes are fool proof as discussed. I would probably try a biometric for my defensive long gun which is usually a back up once the long gun safe prices go down.
Thanks for this article. Was looking at the top two, and checking out reviews. Now, I know you're going to get negative reviews of everything - personal choices vary, but if you see a fair number of negative reviews with the same complaints, it lends weight.
I'm leaning heavily towards the Fort Knox. I like the fact it doesn't require batteries, but there are several 1-star reviews saying the lock mechanism is cheap or faulty, and the customer service if/when lock fails is horrible. Gives me pause.
For the number two product, there's a GunVault customer video on Amazon that shows it's pretty easily broken into:
https://amzn.to/2OmWRJn
Doesn't mean these safes are wrong for you, but do please do your own research before buying. Eric's reviews give you a terrific list to start from. He's narrowed things down and saves a lot of work, especially when there are so many overwhelming choices out there.
I'm appalled that you included the Stack-on safe in your list of 'best' bedside safes, when stack-on is considered one of the worst made, and even you have it a lackluster review. GunVault, Hornady, GunBox, SentrySafe all make better products than Stack-On by large margins.
So I wondering what your thoughts on the Hornady series of quick access safes, such as the Hornady RAPiD Safe 2600KP L Pistol Safe Electronic RFID Safe for instance?
Seeing as you prefer mechanical vs electric or key (as do I) I'd love to get your review of the stopbox. I like the access time, but a little concerned with child access. They've added some not so obvious safety features to keep unwanted people out.
Hey Eugene, I quickly checked it out and there's only 6 possibilities so it's probably not the best for keeping a child out.
Great article. I'd like to mention a quality safe that I thought for sure would make your list. The Hornady Rapid Safe4800kp. It uses electric and has several methods of entry. You can use a code using numbers1-4 in a 6 digit number. Or, you can use RFID on ur keychain, on a sticker you stick to the bottom of something close by, or a barrel key. It also has a battery backup. We have lost power 5 times since I bought this safe a year and a half ago and I always try the safe and it works Everytime. You can text it by simply unplugging it. Also has a cable that you can use so the safe can't be taken.
I really love it and they have a rebate right now.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/756827/hornady-rapid-safe-4800kp-lock-box-safe-with-rfid-lock-steel
FAS1 - Piston assist door open (with holstered gun attached and ready to go), simplex lock and a ton of sizes as well as holster options.
What you reviewed was off the shelf big box store only.
I have two that has the combination system...have both for more than twenty years, I mounted one under my truck seat anywhere I went, it placed in that safe, and it was really handy that location.
I realize this article has been around a while, but I am just starting to look for a safe. I really appreciate the information here Eric, and I have read and enjoyed a few of your other articles. Thanks!
I did want to warn people that the GunVault SV500 - SpeedVault Handgun Safe can be opened with a gum wrapper! Please see the video by Handgun Safe Research (it should be the first one in the Reviews on Amazon). It is pretty amazing. While doing research on other gun safes his videos have steered me away from a number of otherwise impressive looking products.
[Edit] By the way, I did settle on this one Hornady 98172 RAPiD Safe 2700KP, its quick open NFC was a good selling point and it fits in my Harley's trunk :)
Kind Regards,
Jon
That "handgun safe research" person is a bit of a crank. He is a lock expert who takes apart safes to find exploits,
ALL of those handgun safes can be opened with either an exploit or brute force.
That Hornady you got as a result of that "research" now also has easy exploit with a PAPERCLIP. The Ft Knox he recommends can be opened with a curved sewing needle
The Fort knox in fact is a low number of combination, and because it is mechanical and not electronic, there is no way for it to slow or stop you from just going through every combination sequence. In 20 minutes it can be opened with no tool at all.
The Hornady 2700 with card reader. Key or code is supper fast also has cable lock and stew down holes inside if you want to use them. Comes with key fob. Phone stickers, and a card that you program. Also key lock is a barrel type! The key code can be up to Six numbers if need be. Around $ 130 dollars on sale at optic plantic
I have this model as well and very happy with it!! <1 second opening with RFID!
I personally chose the bedside bolt-on Gun Vault (two, large handguns) with finger placement coded buttons. The key is in the big safe and I don't have to worry about unauthorized access with an RFID key fob or bracelet.
The Gun Vault also alerts the owner to tampering with a flashing light and locks down for a specified period of time.
Another advantage because it completely encloses the handgun, an intruded will not know if it contains a weapon or not. Mine is literally bolted to the side of my bed.
Easy access and secure containment...it can't be beat
Thanks for a very informative article. How about one on bedside/under bed safes for an AR-15? Consideration would be enough space to put in a handgun eliminating a separate safe for the pistol
I like your initial selection of the Fort Knox Handgun safe. As a firearms instructor for GreenOps, we get questions all the time about quick access gun safes. I've had several over the years and within less than a year, they have all become unreliable. Most folks drop their handgun in a safe and don't have reason to access. Because I use mine daily, I tend to find the flaws in them. Thank you for suggesting "Simplex" to your readers!