Gear Review: Top Five Quick Access Pistol Safes For All Budgets

Responsible gun ownership entails locking up guns when not in use; but how do responsible gun owners balance safety with access? With a quick access safe of course! Pairing techy features that grant speedy access to pistols with designs that prevent prying hands, quick access safes provide gun owners with the perfect blend of security and efficiency in times of need. With a bevy of options to choose, Guns.com has narrowed the field and come up with our top five picks for the best quick access pistol, listed from most expensive to least expensive.

1. Gunbox 2.0 — $289

The GunBox 2.0 comes with a biometric and RFID setup to allow gun owners to quickly access a stored firearm. (Photo: Gunbox)

The GunBox 2.0 The Sma... Buy New $299.00 (as of 07:30 UTC - Details) The Gunbox 2.0 is by far the most technologically progressive quick access safe on the list, boasting RFID and biometric capabilities. The basis for the Gunbox 2.0 is that gun owners, in the heat of the moment, might forget combinations or lose the fine motor skills required to manually key in a code. The Gunbox safe takes the guesswork out by allowing users to place their finger on the fingerprint scanner or use RFID equipped keychains/cards to pop the top on the pistol safe. Though the Gunbox 2.0 is a snappy safe that opens quickly, the technological approach does have its downsides. Namely that biometric only works for some people and not with dirty or wet fingers. In addition, the Gunbox uses a charging cable and batteries, so that leaves room for failure if the unit suffers from dead batteries.

The actual build of the Gunbox 2.0 is sturdy. Constructed from diecast aluminum, it’s light enough to move from room to room but also resistant to prying hands. Featuring a hydraulic opening mechanism and interior LED light, the Gunbox also touts an audible motion alarm that alerts users if the safe is moved. The safe is also outfitted with USB charge ports that allow it to charge other devices, such as tablets or phones. Offering pre-drilled mounting holes and a tether cable (sold separately) the Gunbox can be either mounted or tethered for better security. Topping our list on the high end of the price spectrum, the Gunbox 2.0 is perfect for the gun owner who prefers a high end techy means to secure their pistol.

2. GunVault SpeedVault — $279

The SpeedVault by GunVault provides a stealthy means to store guns, mounting against walls and under desks. (Photo: GunVault)

GunVault SV500 - Speed... Best Price: $165.00 Buy New $165.00 (as of 07:30 UTC - Details) The SpeedVault by GunVault delivers the most unique design on the list. While most pistol safes suffer from a boxy approach, the SpeedVault shakes things up with a rectangular, vertical design and digital combinational entry. The SpeedVault orients a single pistol in a manner that allows gun owners to immediately get a firing grip on the gun once the combination is input and the safe snaps open. Equipped with a light, the safe illuminates the pistol when the vault is opened for nighttime operation. As with any digital design, the SpeedVault is subject to its 9V battery; though the SpeedVault does sport an audible low battery tone to prevent lock-outs due to dead batteries. In addition, the safe offers a backup override key, preventing gun owners from being totally locked out of the unit.

Mounting to the wall, the SpeedVault’s advantage is that its unique shape can easily fit where traditional pistol safes can’t. Its shape paired with its steel construction grant users a pry resistant, sturdy safe that delivers on its promise of quick access. While not the cheapest brand on the market, the SpeedVault by GunVault is a solid option for users looking to circumvent the traditional box safe for something slightly unique.

3. Ft. Knox Original Pistol Box — $259

The Ft. Knox pistol boxes use a Simplex mechanical lock to safely stow pistols. (Photo: Ft. Knox/Facebook)

Fort Knox FTK-PB Pisto... Buy New $257.00 (as of 07:30 UTC - Details) The Ft. Knox Original Pistol Box provides a heavy steel box paired with a Simplex locking mechanism. The Simplex system utilizes mechanical buttons providing positive feedback. Users pop in their code then turn the knob next to the buttons clockwise and the safe is open. The biggest advantage to a Simplex style safe is that it doesn’t use batteries, so gun owners don’t have to worry about getting locked out of their safe due to dead batteries. The downside to the Simplex locking system is that combinations are limited with only 1,081 viable codes.

The Ft. Knox safe is built like, well, Ft. Knox. It’s sturdy steel body offers a pry-resistant design that keeps guns or other small valuables secure. Four pre-drilled bolt down holes allow users to mount the safe for added security. Inside, the safe is lined with foam to protect guns and valuables. Though pricey at over $200, the Ft. Knox’s Simplex system and steel style grants gun owners piece of mind when it comes to stowing and accessing pistols.

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