Best Pistol Lock Box

Features:

• Materials: 10-gauge body, 3/16” plate door, lock-reinforcing back plate, textured powder coat finish, foam-lined
• Locking Mechanism: Simplex Mechanical Lock (5-button punch lock)
• External Dimensions: 10.25” D x 12.5 ”W X 4.35 ”H
• Internal Dimensions: 9.75” D x 11.75” W X 3.5” H
• Weight: 22 lbs

Pros:

• Trusted brand
• Limited-Lifetime warranty
• Well built
• Reliable lock
• Mountable
• Accommodates most pistol sizes and spare mags

Cons:

• Mechanical locks are slower than electronic locks

Why I Chose It

I’m a big fan of the Fort Knox Original Pistol Box, because it’s reliable, mountable, and holds most pistol sizes with extra mags.

I’ve owned electric safes in the past and without fail, when I need in it fast, the battery is dead on the keypad, so I end up having to use the key anyway. This is why I still favor mechanical locks, and since this one is reasonably quick to open, it’s a great pistol lock box to have mounted next to your bed or in your vehicle.

However, it doesn’t open as fast as some electronic locks, like biometric locks, so if you’re looking for the fastest opening lock box, you should keep reading.

While it’s only 22 pounds, that’s actually pretty heavy for a pistol lock box, and since you can securely fasten it just about anywhere, no one is going to simply walk off with it (if it’s properly mounted).

Lastly, I appreciate not needing a compact pistol for home defense. I want as many rounds as possible, and the Fort Knox Original Pistol Box allows me to keep a full-size pistol and spare mags secure, yet within arm's reach and quickly accessible.

Features:

• Materials: Heavy-duty housing and hardened interior locks
• Locking Mechanism: RFID, Keypad, and mechanical key
• External Dimensions: 12" x 10.5" x 3"
• Internal Dimensions: 9.2" x 6.9" x 2.2"
• Weight: 18 lbs

Pros:

• Trusted brand
• AC or battery powered
• Mechanical key backup
• RFID locks are incredibly fast
• Doubles as a phone charger and clock
• Spring-assist drawer
• Most full-sized handguns fit

Cons:

• A little more costly
• Still need the key when the power goes out or batteries die
• Kids or thieves can get hold of the RFID tags and easily open it

Why I Chose It

I’ve loved Hornady products for many years. They’re dependable and always high-quality, and the RAPiD Safe Night Guard is no exception.

I appreciate that it’s a little more discreet and can be overlooked as just a clock (that’s bolted down and secured with a 1,500-pound cable), yet it’s large enough to hold most full-size handguns. The spring-assisted drawer is also great because you don’t have to fumble around with a lid or drawer in the middle of the night when something goes bump.

While RFID locks are very reliable and fast, they also run the risk of falling into the wrong hands, so you’ll need to keep the tags in another safe place away from this safe (except for the one you use/carry on you).

Hornady is known for having slightly higher prices, but this is often because they lead the way in various innovations, durability, quality, and user-friendliness. So I don’t mind spending a few extra bucks on Hornady products when I know I’m getting a higher-quality product in the end.

Overall, the Hornady RAPiD Safe Night Guard is one of the best pistol lock boxes you can have on your nightstand or next to your bed because it’s durable, easily accessible, and discreet.

Best Travel Pistol Lock Box: GunVault Range Vault

Features:

• Materials: 16-gauge steel with a reinforced U-lock and anti-pry tabs, tamper-proof concealed hinges, and high-density foam
• Locking Mechanism: Quick access digital keypad and backup key
• External Dimensions: 12.25" x 7.5" x 7.25"
• Capacity: 2 handguns and up to 7 mags

Pros:

• Meets TSA guidelines
• California DOJ certified
• Built-in carry handle
• Durable

Cons:

• Batteries will die
• Bulkier than other options
• Limited number of combinations

Why I Chose It

Whether you travel to the range or travel across the country, the GunVault Range Vault is a must because it’s well-built, meets TSA and California DOJ requirements, and holds multiple pistols and magazines.

I’m a fan of the built-in carry handle for range days since it makes it easy to grab and go (unless you have it mounted somewhere).

The biggest drawback is the batteries dying, but it also comes with a backup key, so you’re never completely locked out. It’s also bulkier than the other pistol lock boxes on this list, but it also holds more pistols and mags.

I plan on grabbing a GunVault Range Vault before my next long road trip or flight, so I can legally travel with multiple pistols.

Best High-Tech Pistol Lock Box: Vaultek 20 Series - Bluetooth + Biometric

Features:

• Materials: heavy-duty 16-gauge carbon steel, patented two-point anti-impact latches, interior-mounted hinges, and a rugged unibody design for strength and durability
• Locking Mechanism: 5-button keypad, Biometric, and manual keys
• External Dimensions: 11.5" X 9.0" X 2.75"
• Internal Dimensions: 11.0" X 5.75" X 2.0"
• Weight: 7.2 lbs

Pros:

• Latest safe technologies available to consumers
• Fast access
• Rechargeable battery
• Durable
• Mountable

Cons:

• Battery needs to be recharged about every 6 months
• Easy to steal if not mounted or tethered

Why I Chose It

If you’re a sucker for the latest and greatest technologies, then the Vaultek 20 Series - Bluetooth + Biometric is the pistol lock box for you. It offers you fast entry using biometric readings (up to 20 unique fingerprints), keypad, or, if the battery dies, keys.

The fingerprint entry is ideal because you don’t need anything else but your finger. There’s no need to try and remember a code when you’re half asleep or fumble around for an RFID tag. As long as you keep the battery charged, you should be good. However, I occasionally have problems with fingerprint readers when my hands are sweaty.

Even though this pistol lock box is durable, it’s lightweight and would be pretty easy to steal if you weren’t around and didn’t have it tethered or securely mounted.

When you want a high-tech pistol lock box, look no further than the Vaultek 20 Series - Bluetooth + Biometric safe.

Budget-Friendly Pistol Lock Box: ONNAIS IRON SE Gun Safe

Features:

• Materials: Alloy steel
• Locking Mechanism: Biometric scanning, keypad, and mechanical key
• External Dimensions: 11.5” X 9.17” X 3.07”
• Internal Dimensions: 10.63" X 6.57" X 2.9"
• Weight: 6.4 lbs

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Multiple ways to access
• Holds multiple pistols
• 1.2-second access

Cons:

• Flimsy lid
• Thin padding on the sides

Why I Chose It

The ONNAIS IRON SE Gun Safe is inexpensive, yet has biometric screening capabilities. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a solid option.

I appreciate that ONNAIS offers consumers multiple ways to access the lock box, without breaking the bank. So, even if the power goes out or the batteries die, you can still get to your pistol(s).

It can also hold multiple pistols and mags, so you can have plenty of ammo nearby if you need it.

However, the lid is flimsier than the other, more expensive, pistol lock boxes, and the foam padding is a little thin on the sides. I wouldn’t want to travel with it, unless I added more foam to the sides, even though ONNAIS advertises it as a travel box.

The ONNAIS IRON SE Gun Safe is tough to beat for the price, so if you need a pistol lock box that has high-end features, but doesn’t require a second mortgage, check this one out today.

Parting Shots: Best Pistol Lock Box

These are my top five picks for the best pistol lock box, but if you think I overlooked one, let me know in the comments, as I’m always looking for a better option to keep my family and myself protected.

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