Bedside Handgun Security

[Mykidsdad]

Looking for suggestions regarding a bedside or under the bed FAST ACCESS gun safe.

I have seen a number of systems from key access, numeric combination access and biometric.

The key seems like a non-starter as I don't want too simple access for the kids nor do I want to be fumbling in the dark with a tiny key.

The numeric combo seems simple enough.

The biometric seems like it might be at risk of being to complex because of an electronics problem or battey issue.

Want something QUIET too...no loud clicks or sounds when the lock is engaged.

Needs to hold a full sized auto with barrel mounted light.

ANY suggestions based on your experiences would be welcome.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Some good info in this thread.
http://www.ar-15.co/forums/showthread.php?t=59899&highlight=Safe
[Beer]

[spqrzilla]

All the quick access boxes are crap. They can be defeated by an enthusiastic 8 yr old or a bored 10 yr old.

[Monky]

All the quick access boxes are crap. They can be defeated by an enthusiastic 8 yr old or a bored 10 yr old.

If your children touch what they should not.. you should try a belt and not time out.

'If your child does not fear the sound of a belt clearing belt loops. You HAVE FAILED as a parent!'[Tooth]

[spqrzilla]

Once the 10 year old has the handgun in his hot little fingers, I'm not reaching for my belt, I'm running away. He's a mean drunk, a vicious little brat and deadly accurate.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Once the 10 year old has the handgun in his hot little fingers, I'm not reaching for my belt, I'm running away. He's a mean drunk, a vicious little brat and deadly accurate.

[ROFL1]
Easily the funniest thing I've heard/read today.

[Wiggity]

If your children touch what they should not.. you should try a belt and not time out.

'If your child does not fear the sound of a belt clearing belt loops. You HAVE FAILED as a parent!'[Tooth]


What is that your title says? [ROFL3]



OP there is no good solution for you besides drilling gun safety into your kids and maybe keeping it in a high place the 8yo cannot reach. If you must have a box, the biometric would probably be the best followed by a combo like "4444" because when you need it, you need it quick.



My dad had an excellent approach to this when I was a kid. I was 9 years old when I saw him putting his HD gun back into its place as he never told me where it was. When he saw my little ass watching him put it away he sat me down and had a very serious conversation with me. He said "Now you know where I keep my gun to protect this family. I am not going to move it, I am keeping it right where it is. You are my son and I know you are responsible enough to know where this is and follow the rules." He then went over all the rules again (no telling anyone where it is, do not touch without me being there, etc) and my dad believing in me gave me a tremendous sense of responsibility.

[Monky]

What is that your title says? [ROFL3]


Well it orginally said 'idiot' like I had requested, and Thomas obliged me, then he went and put 'village' in front of it to make it nicer.. some mods right. So it was a title I asked for and Thomas knows why..

But I do think your kids should be taught gun safety, they should be made to respect things that belong to others, and you shouldn't have to worry if it's in a safe.. Hell if your kid wants to prove Darwin right after you tried to teach him.. just make another one.

[Mykidsdad]

Gentlemen:

Thanks for all the parenting tips, but I have that all covered.

There are frequently children that are guests in the house. Despite the best parenting intentions of our friends and ourselves, we feel that additional precautions are in order. I have chosen to secure a gun bedside. I am looking for constructive and specific recomendations regarding the physical hardware to accomplish this goal.

Thanks

[Wulf202]

put it on your hip when you're not in bed

[Buckaroobonsai]

When I'm home, my CCW gets locked up until I need it. I use a GunVault NV200. It sits by me on my bedside table, but you could bolt it down, or secure it to a post with the included cable if you wanted to.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91iCTASq6xL._AA1500_.jpg

I keep the key nearby but out of view while I sleep. Like anything else, with some practice, I can easily get the key, feel the lock cylinder, and open it, even in the dark. For this intended purpose, I prefer the key over a combo, or battery dependent lock. If you bolted it in a drawer, or kept it hidden under the bed, you could probably just leave the key in the lock while sleeping. My gun comes with me when I leave the house, but if your's stays home, just lock it up and take the key with you. It comes with (2) keys total, so I keep the spare in my primary gun safe. It's no replacement for a "real" gun safe that's bolted to the floor and wall, but it works great for short term security.

Less than $30 on Amazon, and worth every penny.

http://www.amazon.com/GunVault-NV200-NanoVault-Style-Pistols/dp/B00384755S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345779520&sr=8-1&keywords=Nv200

[skortch]

I'm partial to the Simplex style locks, such as those provided by the Fort Knox pistol safe, FAS1 safe, and V-Line. I think all of those are made in the USA, which is nice. No need to worry about batteries, keys, etc., and the construction seems top notch, at least in the ones I've seen. (No direct experience with FAS1 but I've read good forum reviews.)

The downside with regard to your requirements is that they do tend to make some noise when you push in the code and turn the release knob.

[XJ]

Once the 10 year old has the handgun in his hot little fingers, I'm not reaching for my belt, I'm running away. He's a mean drunk, a vicious little brat and deadly accurate.

[ROFL3]

[jbird]

Gentlemen:

Thanks for all the parenting tips, but I have that all covered.

There are frequently children that are guests in the house. Despite the best parenting intentions of our friends and ourselves, we feel that additional precautions are in order. I have chosen to secure a gun bedside. I am looking for constructive and specific recomendations regarding the physical hardware to accomplish this goal.

Thanks

I use a Sentry 1100 I purchased at Walmart. It's not made specifically for guns but will hold 2 handguns easily. I leave it unlocked with the key in it at all times until kids are coming over then it always gets locked and the key goes in my pocket.

[Great-Kazoo]

I'm partial to the Simplex style locks, such as those provided by the Fort Knox pistol safe, FAS1 safe, and V-Line. I think all of those are made in the USA, which is nice. No need to worry about batteries, keys, etc., and the construction seems top notch, at least in the ones I've seen. (No direct experience with FAS1 but I've read good forum reviews.)

The downside with regard to your requirements is that they do tend to make some noise when you push in the code and turn the release knob.

Instead of noise concerns you, or loved one, should be dialing 911 while accessing the safe, if you have one. If someone is in the house, i doubt they are listening for the low sound of a handgun safe being accessed.
Fortunately for us, our daughter moved out 10 years ago. After a certain age when she had 'friends" visit, it became necessary to secure the guns, when not at home.

[carnplanenut]

I have an alarm clock safe. It is a workign alarm clock that is also a steel box. Plus, if you can get past my German Shepard and upstairs, then either my wife or I will be waiting for you with reception in hand. It won't be your lucky night either.

Also, both of my daughter's now how to shoot. Come to think of it, we refer to our Weimareiner as barky bark, and my pointer is a good hunting dog with protective instincts. You probably won't make it upstairs as the Shepard isn't food motivated, the Weimer is loud, and the Pointer will protect his family and pack.

I digress, as I recommend an alarm clock safe. I liked mine so much I bought one for my dad 10 years back. We often have a lot of friends and other children over, so I have my main gun safe and my bedside safe too.

Jason

[Great-Kazoo]

I have an alarm clock safe. It is a workign alarm clock that is also a steel box. Plus, if you can get past my German Shepard and upstairs, then either my wife or I will be waiting for you with reception in hand. It won't be your lucky night either.

Also, both of my daughter's now how to shoot. Come to think of it, we refer to our Weimareiner as barky bark, and my pointer is a good hunting dog with protective instincts. You probably won't make it upstairs as the Shepard isn't food motivated, the Weimer is loud, and the Pointer will protect his family and pack.

I digress, as I recommend an alarm clock safe. I liked mine so much I bought one for my dad 10 years back. We often have a lot of friends and other children over, so I have my main gun safe and my bedside safe too.

Jason


Any specific brand or link to the one you have? I know a few people who could use them and the holidays are right around the corner.

[carnplanenut]

Mine is a Gamma III. They are no longer in business, but they can be found on GunBroker sometimes. It runs about $13 and comes in Cherry, Mahogany, and Oak.

I'll look around for some other brands soon.

Jason

[ray1970]

'If your child does not fear the sound of a belt clearing belt loops. You HAVE FAILED as a parent!'[Tooth]

You're a genius, Gump. A damn genius.

Someone change this man's title.

"Village Idiot" my ass.

Well spoken, sir. [Beer]