[Quick Guide] What to look for when buying a pistol safe [Updated 2020]

Pistol safes are meant to do of the same thing that a full size gun safes is. This is to secure guns (and other valuables), however with pistol safes this is meant to be a more portable or less visible option. Generally these safes are meant for quick access next to the bed, or to distribute firearms throughout a home.

Over the years manufacturers have built a variety of styles. Such as the heavier duty safes that you will see from Fort Knox, or Browning, to the lighter duty portable safes made by companies like Vaultek (VT10i), The Gun Box (2.0), V-Line, and Amsec. Every variety has their upsides and downsides and come in a range of prices.

What to look for when buying a pistol safe

What locks do pistol safes use?

Manufacturers of pistol boxes have become a little more creative with their locks than the larger full size gun safe brethren. With locks like the biometric locks made by manufacturers like these, simplex locks, electronic locks, key locks, and more. Some don’t even have a lock like the Issue Box and rely on being hidden.

An example of a great electronic lock on a pistol safe

What to look for on steel options

Steel options on a pistol safe are a little bit different than on a full size gun safe. With pistol safes you first have to look at what you want to do with the safe.

If you don’t plan on moving the safe often, I would recommend looking for a safe with thicker gauge steel to resist an attack (Fort Knox’s are 10 gauge). If you plan on traveling or moving the safe with you, something smaller with a lighter gauge steel will be to call for. Of course the lighter the steel thickness the easier to get through it, so its important to find the balance for what you personally need.

The Gun Box takes a different take on the market by offering an aluminum housing

Should I hide my pistol box?

Much like anything else of value that you own, but you also use often, its best to find somewhere that is most useful to you. Many people keep these on their nightstand, or hidden under their bed.

It is also a good idea to keep it in places throughout the house that you spend a lot of time in but may not be close to an escape route. Another option is to keep your pistol hidden in something like Tactical Wall’s Issue Box, however it relies on being a diversion, not on a lock and steel.

The Issue Box looks great from any angle.

What if I’m outside of my house but need to store my gun?

I highly recommend taking a look at Console Vault, they build an awesome vehicle safe that is custom fit for each vehicle. They may not have one for every vehicle, but they are getting closer and closer. I had a chance to review one of these in my own vehicle, check it out!