Securing and protecting your firearms is vital, and these seven items will help you do just that
by Brad Fitzpatrick
Gun owners are concerned about their firearms falling into the hands of others, and rightly so. Firearms are a popular target for thieves, and as a gun owner, you should do everything possible to prevent someone who does not have your permission to access your guns.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best security products available today — crates and safes that keep your gun secure when you’re traveling to and from the range or while you’re at home. There’s also a security product for every budget here, whether you’ve got a couple hundred bucks to spend or several thousand. You want to keep your firearms secure, and these products will serve the need.
Hornady RAPiD Safe 4800 KP
The Hornady RAPiD Safe 4800KP is constructed from heavy-duty 14-gauge steel and features two hardened locking lugs to prevent thieves from prying the lid. It’s large enough to hold two 1911 handguns, so there’s ample internal space, and owners can quickly open their safe using the RFID on their key fob, watch band, or sticker. This makes the contents of the RAPiD Safe instantly accessible to the owner and virtually inaccessible to others. In addition, you can program a four- to six-digit security code and unlock the safe with a barrel key. The RAPiD Safe exceeds ATSM standards for child and pry resistance, lock strength, drop/pick/saw tests, and high-attack resistance. The spring-loaded lids open quickly when unlocked and a security cable is included. At 12-inches long and 2.9-inches tall, the RAPiD Safe is a perfect firearm safe for your bedside. MSRP: $322.99
MTM Case-Gard Crates
MTM Case-Gard is a family-owned American company that has been in business since 1968, and the truth is that it’s difficult to say which of their molded polymer products is my favorite. I used their Survivor Dry Box to store gear while hunting in Alaska and Canada and I always carry an Ammo Crate with me when I travel internationally (it saved me a lot of hassle on a South Africa trip because all ammunition on the airline had to travel in a separate locking case, and since I had the Ammo Crate, my ammunition made it while other hunters were out of luck). For gun storage and travel, though, The Mule is a great option. It secures firearms in a long case with locking tabs and the rolling wheels make it easy to transport guns and gear to and from the shooting range. Bins and dividers can be used to maximize internal space, and you can secure The Mule in the bed of a pickup or back of an SUV. This is a handy crate for storage and transport, and it’s an affordable option. MSRP: $104.99
Vaultek
The Vaultek VT Series vaults have enough room for two full-sized pistols, spare magazines, and lights. I have had one of these beside my bed for years and it comfortably holds two compact 9mm double-stack pistols with optics and magazines as well as a spare mag and flashlight. I like the option of using the biometric pad as well as the numeric keypad. It’s offered with Wi-Fi and biometric, Bluetooth and biometric, or a simple numeric keypad, and all these safes come with interior LED lights, pop-open anti-pry lids, anti-theft latches, and interior hinges that make it virtually impossible for anyone to get access. You can set the safe to alarm when it is disturbed or moved, and on a couple occasions I’ve bumped the nightstand on the way to bed and set off the alarm, but that’s a very minor irritation for the years of security and rapid firearm access the system has offered me. MSRP: $299.99 to $449.99
Pendleton Safes
Pendleton Safes are revolutionary because, well, they revolve. Their interiors allow you to store guns in a revolving rack that makes them much easier to access and prevents damage. Even the company’s smallest Revolution Stronghold safe can hold up to 26 long guns, yet it measures just 28.5-inches wide. These safes feature a Fail-Safe door handle that slips under pressure to prevent anyone from accessing the safe and 10 1 ½-inch locking bolts keep the door firmly shut when the safe is locked. The Stronghold is rated for 1,200 degrees and the two-inch-thick fire liner offers up to one hour of protection. Other Pendelton Revolution safes hold more guns, but they all utilize the company’s innovative Revolution design, making it easy to access any firearm in the safe without damage. MSRP: $3,495 – $9,495
Tuffy Console Safe
The Tuffy Console Safe immediately transforms your OEM center console into a lockable storage unit where you can store valuables. The Pry-Guard locking system and proprietary hook end cam arm make it virtually impossible for thieves to access the contents of your console, and the lid support bracket ensures that the safe lid won’t slam down on your fingers while you’re accessing the contents. The Tuffy Console Safe is easy to install without modification (no drilling) and you can even access the optional OEM USB and outlets in your vehicle. The console lid and armrests still work as intended and no one will know that you have a safe inside your vehicle. MSRP: $199
Hornady Mobilis Safe
Hornady’s Mobilis safe is modular, and that means you can transport the safe unassembled and install it wherever you like. This prevents having to hire movers to install a bulky, welded safe and it allows you to install the safe in any room — even if the door is too narrow to allow the safe to pass through when assembled. The design allows you to place the safe wherever you want (in a closet, bedroom, office) and makes it difficult or even impossible for thieves to steal. It features a 120-volt outlet and USB power strip, and the Square-Lok interior allows you to customize the internal space as you wish. The pry-resistant 3/16-inch steel door comes with nine one-inch steel live locking bolts to keep your guns safe from thieves. MSRP: $2,855.99
GOSAFE Mobile Mag
The GOSAFE is a totally different take on firearm security. It’s a functional magazine that fits in your firearm and has a key lock on the base with a unique key. When locked, the magazine cannot be removed, and the gun cannot be fired even with a round in the chamber. The GOSAFE Mobile magazine fits in all holsters and can be swapped out for regular magazines in an instant, but when the magazine is in place and locked, the gun is effectively inoperable. This may not be the best situation for every shooter but in certain specific scenarios (school resource officers, for example) the GOSAFE system makes sense. MSRP: $99
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