Nightstand gun - Childproofing while keeping quick access

[Wasn'tMe]

A mechanical push-button safe (Simplex Lock) will cost more initially, but will last many years if not a life time. Another benefit of this mechanical lock is that you can pre-punch part or all of the code when going to sleep making it even easier to open if desired. Just turn the knob counterclockwise in the morning to reset. With just a little practice, most people don't find this needed as they are really easy to operate by feel and very reliable and durable.

This!!!

Also, IMHO, these lock boxes should only be used when you are in the room, such as when you are sleeping or getting ready for bed. They can be opened fairly easily or simply carried away by a burglar.

My primary defensive pistol is in my safe the majority of the time. When I get ready for bed, the pistol is moved into a lock box with a simplex lock. The pistol goes back into the safe when I leave the house or if someone visits. I don't have kids, so this works for me.

Keep in mind that the 5 button simplex lock is not as secure as they advertise. Do a search, and you'll find that the possible combinations are considerably less than what's usually claimed.

[SkyHawk]

Battery

Fort Knox, V-Line, or Amsec - get anything USA made with a mechanical Simplex or Simplex style lock. They are very fast to open, and very secure to keep kids out.

I have two of these style and they have served me well for 20+ years including my own kids and many kid visitors. I never worry about them getting to the pistols, and I never worry about me or my wife being stymied by technology when trying to get to the pistols. In 20+ years I have *never* changed a battery nor have I *ever* been prevented from opening the safe.

Many classified government installations use Simplex locks. I have multiple large safes, but my bump in the night pistols stay in these small, nightstand drawer safes.

[champu]

Another brand/option in the simplex line up is Shotlock.

[GSLapua]

If only we had smart guns, this would be a non issue.

Seriously though, I use a 4 button quick access safe, gun vault, I have had for about 10 years, changed the batteries once in it. I open it every night, clear the handgun and reload it just to keep familiar with using the safe and handling the gun. also you need an alarm and camera system. Know they are coming and you won't have to speed draw from your safe when the intruder kicks in your bedroom door.

[GSLapua]

If only we had smart guns, this would be a non issue.

Seriously though, I use a 4 button quick access safe, gun vault, I have had for about 10 years, changed the batteries once in it. I open it every night, clear the handgun and reload it just to keep familiar with using the safe and handling the gun. also you need an alarm and camera system. Know they are coming and you won't have to speed draw from your safe when the intruder kicks in your bedroom door.

[FAS1]

Keep in mind that the 5 button simplex lock is not as secure as they advertise. Do a search, and you'll find that the possible combinations are considerably less than what's usually claimed.

Actually, I usually see the correct number of combinations advertised as 1081. Many people don't realize that 1/2 button pushes are also supported on the Simplex lock making the total number available closer to 2200.

I always say 1081 is the real (usable) number since under duress you will never enter the 1/2 button pushed reliably. I don't recommend trying to use the 1/2 button pushes. So, it is really not a high number of possible combinations.

That being said, I have never personally seen someone "crack" the code on a Simplex lock. I have given customers, including my Uncle the complete list of possible combinations when they reset their lock and didn't set it right. Now they have an unknown combination. None have figured it out this way (so far).

The supplemental keyed lock seen above is offered to those that want to "deadbolt" the push-button lock so it won't open even if the correct combination is entered. The backup entry function is just a side benefit.

[PhillyGunner]

+1 for Simplex (mechanical) lock boxes. My personal favorites are the V-line (SoCal manufactured & CAL DOJ approved) and several models have a plate that can be mounted and you can remove the box easily once it is open. Others can be 'secured' with a wire loop.

I haven't tried Shotlock, Fort Knox, Amsec or others.

I, personally, won't trust my life to anything that 'beeps', and, I wouldn't risk my loved ones' lives to an unsecured firearm. JMHO

[NinjaNinja]

a Glock of course

[leeber18]

My doberman is way better than my security system. He is a super lean 75lbs (he's not huge) and sleeps with one eye open and is scary protective. That being said if you get a dog for security, remember to introduce him to everyone you want him to be comfortable with. Also a security dog can be a pain, my little buddy is the sweetest dog in the world but only to the people he knows. It literally takes 3 sessions at the park to get him warmed up enough to not give the stink eye at someone on his territory.

So get a dog, it can be a little guy or a big one, a goofy one or a cranky one, but all the dogs I've ever had have alerted me to strangers approaching in the night in some way.

Personally i use a security system, have a gun in a 4 button nightstand box, and have mans best friend. I feel safe.

[Epaphroditus]

http://www.grangerroad.com/tactical-wall-shelves-hide-guns-plain-sight/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ixEXuq-OnA

Get creative!

I have a 'special place' which is a part of a wall with the drywall removed and replaced with construction paper. Completely invisible even under very close inspection but easily punched through to grab what's behind.


Security works best in layers.

[Jeepergeo]

Two questions:

#1 what about no round in the chamber? Enough protection against a 3 year old? Plus it would be hidden...maybe between mattress and box spring.

#2 Any mechanical safe that is relatively fast?

#1 - No.
#2 - A key lock security cabinet??

[JohnnyMtn]

If you have room under your bed the Amsec under-the-bed Defense Vault is pretty spectacular. http://www.amsecusa.com/gun-safes/defense-vault/

It is solid and well built. It is electronic but i think is reliable and I have heard nobody complain about its quality. They run about $300ish but sometimes turners has them for cheaper.

Plenty of room for a couple long guns and some pistols too.

[babe]

#1 - No.
#2 - A key lock security cabinet??

How do you manage the key when sleeping? I would imagine someone saying something like 'put the key in the lock before bed' forgetting about that just once could be catastrophic.

[babe]

And almost no one is saying biometrics. I wonder why?

[SkyHawk]

And almost no one is saying biometrics. I wonder why?

They are a joke on a gun safe unless you have D.O.D type money. Batteries and every other problem that develop with electronics like corrosion, tin whiskers, condensation, leaking capacitors, EMP, jesus man. Not to mention Youtube videos of paperclips opening electronic gun safes, or even a sharp bump which has resulted in the death of the child of a LEO when he gained access to the service pistol in an electronic handgun safe. And biometrics don't work with gloved hands, you might be coming in from the cold to get your gun in a hurry instead of just waking up. Cracked/dry skin, lotions, water, they all f up biometrics.

My Simplex handgun boxes are bolted in place, one to the floor and one to a reinforced solid maple nightstand drawer that itself cannot come out without tools or more time than you'll want to spend with my alarm sirens blaring indoors and out, the alarm company ringing the phone off the hook, and in a city known for ultra fast PD response times. When I am away for vacation the pistols get moved to larger and more secure safes, but I don't worry about them going anywhere while I am at the grocery store.

Yes Simplex locks have a limited number of combinations, but most people especially kids don't know they have to be reset for every attempt, and there are combinations that require multiple buttons to be pressed at once. And the beauty is none of these features prevent quick access.

Less than $200, it is cheap insurance and piece of mind to keep kids safe. They are pre-drilled for bolting to the floor or other structure. http://www.amazon.com/V-Line-Draw-Se.../dp/B000T24OFG

Go watch Marc Tobias' videos on Youtube if you want to see EPIC FAILS by, and HACKS on electronic handgun safes.

Unsafe Gun Safes Can Be Opened By A Three-Year Old

http://www.forbes.com/sites/marcwebertobias/2012/07/27/unsafe-gun-safes-can-be-opened-by-a-three-year-old/#2715e4857a0b6b7cb62303bb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnGrgZQMTok

There are a ton more...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Wzt0vJvOI