[syspy]

Hi,
I'm looking for some advice for a nightstand gun safe. I've looked at a few types such as, bio-metric, electronic and mechanical. I realize the pros and cons of them, but wanted some feedback if any of you have one. I'm looking for something to hold say a full size 1911, or revolver. It seems the biggest issue with these things is their opening reliability.

Much appreciated

 

[JimLob65]

I have a Liberty HDX-250 Smart Vault bought at Cabelas and on sale right now for $200. It's biometric, has a (dim) light in it, is plenty large enough for my P320RX with extended 21 round mag and spare. Works very well for me.

 

[phlyers13]

I have a gun vault deluxe that has never hung up once in the last 8 years. You just need to make sure you change the batteries annually regardless of charge. The last thing you want is to need immediate access and the red light just flashes and beeps at you. I change mine every year on my birthday (along with my red dots) and throw the old ones in a bin for use in everything else in my house that takes double A's. As a matter of fact my wife is now trained and knows exactly what batteries I want for my birthday each year!

 

[syspy]

Awesome!, thanks for the feedback. Will read up on these. Believe it or not, this has been a tougher decision to make than any gun I've ever pushed a button on.....With little ones in the house, I'm very concerned with one of them getting curious and tampering and being able to open it.

 

[ThnkFrst]

Have had a Speed Vault Biometric mounted to the wall next to the bed for five years now that works very well. When I'm home, it's open unless the g-sons are over. The biometric opener has been very reliable, only issue has been if my thumb is damp from say hand washing but a quick rub of my thumb on a pant leg takes care of that.

I did modify the mounting; discarded the wall bracket and drilled holes thru the back of the vault then lag bolted the vault to a wall stud...very secure. I also blocked the switch for the internal light so I can leave the vault open when I'm home without running the battery down. It's large enough to accept a full size pistol.

 

[USMC6872]

one caution on Biometrics.

If you are over 60, your fingerprints are not as distinct, and often have "Mis-reads" and Rejections with most of the Biometric systems out there.

Unless you have VERY clean hands they can also misread your fingers in a crisis.

I went entirely with the electronic card system, and I have a "Fob" on my keys that I set next to the safe.
I just remember to put the keys, wallet and other pocket stuff on the dish next to the safe at night.

 

[ThnkFrst]

At my age, I trust my finger print more than my memory to get my safe open...now where's that dang fob!

I'm pushing 70 and the biometric unit I have has been very reliable. But recognizing that the aging process is inevitable, you can update the scanner memory with your current print anytime.

 

[syspy]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! I will let you all know what I go with. Amazing how a simple choice can get so complicated, but all valid reasons.....Probably do the Speed Vault Bio in my office (Like that setup ThnkFrst!) and the fob idea for home.

Thanks again, this Forum is awesome!

 

[Malicious Compliance]

I own a couple of the V-Line Top Draw Locking Tactical Gun Storage Boxes along with a few of their long gun products. Very good product, secure my weapons very well and I am never concerned about a battery failing. I have the combination for all of them set the same, easing the need to remember multiple combos. Highly recommended!

 

[7.62Kolectr]

I have a gun vault deluxe that has never hung up once in the last 8 years. You just need to make sure you change the batteries annually regardless of charge. The last thing you want is to need immediate access and the red light just flashes and beeps at you. I change mine every year on my birthday (along with my red dots) and throw the old ones in a bin for use in everything else in my house that takes double A's. As a matter of fact my wife is now trained and knows exactly what batteries I want for my birthday each year!

Same thing I've used for over ten years. And same suggestions. Change the battery annually and never look back or worry.

GunVault GV1000D Deluxe Handgun Safe Steel Portable Pistol Box Free Shipping | eBay

Another note on the biometrics. No matter you're age, if you go from 0-100 in an instant and are in immediate need the adrenaline dump will turn your cool dry hand into a hot sweaty mess pronto. Anyone who has a smartphone with a fingerprint reader has I'm sure tried to unlock it with a slightly dirty finger or a sweaty one. It won't unlock until you wipe it and you're finger off. You're fingers will be wet in milliseconds with sweat and that can interfere with biometric locks.
Good old fashioned push buttons as on the one I linked will work everytime anytime.

 

[BlindSquirrel]

My apology to the OP for chiming in here, but with the current comments, I thought there may be some information here I could glean. Does anyone know of a bio safe/box that is designed aesthetically, such as an attractive wooden box. I thought it would be nice to have a gun locked in the living room without explaining to the wife why this utility looking thing is sitting on her sofa table. Thoughts?

 

[sideburn]

I have 2 of the liberty safes. Cabelas sells them. They have a backup battery and power supply. I like them a lot.

 

[syspy]

Thought I'd give you all some feedback., So far, I went with a Hornady Rapid Safe 2700kp XL, $ 150.00. It got real good reviews. Comes with 5 different options to operate safe, Keys, RFID reader, fob etc....I'm using a Reader attached to the back of my cell phone which I keep next to my bed. Also set a 6 digit combo if reader ever fails......
Took a bit to program......probably pilot error Ordered a gunvault for the office.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[SteveAikens]

Everyone's situation is different. I have a holster bolted to the sideboard.

Oddly, my batteries have never run down and my fingerprint doesn't seem to matter...

 

[SteveAikens]

Carol,

I'll upload some pictures on that thread on the forum.

This is the thread:
http://sigtalk.com/gun-gear/162202-gun-safe.html

Your email is copied but I removed your address information.

If you need any more information, let me know and I'll do what I can.

Steve
-----------------

Sent: Saturday, April 1, 2017 9:30 PM
To: 'Steve Aikens'
Subject: RE: Holster

Mr. Aikens

My husband saw a post you made on the Sig Talk gun forum about bolting a holster for your gun to your bed. We have talked about using one of those safes with the fingerprint things to open it and some other ones he's talking about but if he can open it, I guess I can't because it's his fingerprints. I do shoot some and we both think we both need to be able to quickly get to a gun - in case. We live in Philly so it might be needed more here than other places. It just happened a block away from us and we think we need something. Not a crummy neighborhood but not the best.

Guess I'm rambling - Todd says I do that.
Its just him and me here so kids are not a problem for the safety thing. He has a bunch of holsters he tried and didn't like for some reason so they are just here and we were wondering what you did and if it might work for us too.

My question is, how is it bolted on the bed and how obvious is it. How easy is it to get to and how hard is the gun to put back in the holster. Is it plastic or leather or what? Does the gun get in the way of making the bed?

Thank you for your time.

Carol

Received this last night and thinking about it, I may not have been as detailed as some may have preferred. I took a few photos that may help.

The holster is a leather Ted Blocker IWB I've had for a hundred years. When there was nothing better for IWB, it was great but it depended on Velcro on the inside of the belt for attachment & security, and always felt like "a lump" between the belt and my side. When I discovered the VMII for P226, the Ted Blocker went in a drawer.

So on to the details for Carol and anyone else interested.

I said it was bolted on but it's actually attached with two screws. I cut off the Velcro attachment point, cut the outside leather piece that retained the gun and then drilled out the snap cover of the retainer. That left the inside flap of the retainer with the metal backing plate attached and gave me a hole to put a screw through at the top. The bottom is spaced away from the bed-frame with a nut, used as a spacer. That allows the grip of the gun to lay just away from the actual sideboard to allow an easy grip when needed, and easy re-holstering. It does not interfere with access to the bed or changing sheets - or in my case, turning the mattress without disturbing the gun. It is well "hidden" by the night stand next to the bed.

Thinking that explanation and the pictures I've attached should clear it up.

Again, what works for me may not work for others but it may give others an idea that works better for them.


.

 

[phlyers13]

My apology to the OP for chiming in here, but with the current comments, I thought there may be some information here I could glean. Does anyone know of a bio safe/box that is designed aesthetically, such as an attractive wooden box. I thought it would be nice to have a gun locked in the living room without explaining to the wife why this utility looking thing is sitting on her sofa table. Thoughts?

Maybe check out the Bulldog book safes.

 

[Basspraiser]

I bought one of these for my head board ( which has a sliding door compartment)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N...SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=hornady+rapid+safe

Multiple easy ways to open it.. Seems to be excellent quality and easy to anchor....

Only " issue" is needing a power outlet nearby.. It has batteries but I feel safer with constant power

You can open it with

Rfid fob ( multiple Included)
6 digit code
Key


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