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Best Compact Gun Safe

Posted on 6/29/19 at 8:45 pm
Posted by Vaquero
Member since Dec 2012
134 posts
Posted on 6/29/19 at 8:45 pm
So wife (no pics) and I had our first baby this week. Been an incredible couple of days, but we just got home from the hospital and naturally many thoughts are running through my head. Being the worry wart that I am, I think it’s a good idea to have something for self defense if God forbid someone were to break in. I grew up on a farm and have always had guns around the house, but my dad never believed in pistols so they’re not something I’m very used to.

My wife is terrified of guns and even the thought of having one in the house freaks her out. Now with a baby, she’s starting to warm up to the idea, but won’t let me gun shop until I buy a safe. We don’t have much space in our closets for a safe, so I was thinking about something smaller that could fit under a bed.

Any recommendations from the outdoor board is much appreciated. For the pistol, I think I’m going to go with a Glock 19 Gen 5 unless we decide to go with a .40 or .45. Any other recommendations there are much appreciated as well
Posted by Glock17
Member since Oct 2007
22382 posts
Posted on 6/29/19 at 9:17 pm to
A good cheaper option are the small safes harbor freight sells. They’re not the greatest of quality but they’ll keep a kid from getting their hands on it
Posted by dstone12
Texan
Member since Jan 2007
30125 posts
Posted on 6/29/19 at 11:32 pm to
Vline or Fort Knox simplex locks.

Posted by Ace Midnight
Between sanity and madness
Member since Dec 2006
89496 posts
Posted on 6/30/19 at 10:54 am to
Some sort of tool cabinet is going to be your best, compact, cost effective solution to your particular problem.

The gun safe market is very complicated with many overpriced options to steer you away from what you need.

(ETA: Some of the instant open, bedside "safes" for the ready gun might be acceptable, too.)
This post was edited on 6/30/19 at 10:56 am
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6811 posts
Posted on 6/30/19 at 2:25 pm to
Vaquero, Cograts to fatherhood! Your life will never be the same. As you're experiencing w/ home defense, you'll find yourself considering many things that previously gave you little thought. The most effective home defense gun is a shotgun. 12 gauge has been the traditional choice, but 20 is good as well. Choose whatever you and your family can best handle. And don't worry, it doesn't have to be a "tactical" shotgun. For many families, a youth model 20 is the best choice. You'll frequently see recs here for birdshot. Birdshot advocate have their reasons, but I agree w/ those who think who don't advocate. Birdshot at close range may cause a bad wound, but stopping power can be limited due to decreased penetration. Do your research and decide for yourself what you're most comfortable w/.

After shotguns, most folks would next turn to a handgun. I'd suggest a full size (e.g. NOT a compact or semi-compact) handgun in 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 Mag, 357 Sig or 45 ACP. All of these are similarly effective at stopping a fight, but I’d prob get a 9mm. Full size guns are generally easier to shoot for a number of reasons; you’re not looking for a concealed carry gun. Full size (not "airweight or lightweight") revolvers are fine, but they're not foolproof and have limited round capacity. Most folks would get a double stack magazine semi-auto (e.g a Model 17 Glock, S&W M&P, Springfield Armory XD/XDM and MANY other models). Of course, for someone willing to learn it's manual of arms, a reliable 1911 is always a good choice. There're lots of good self defense ammo available. One way to simplify the choice is to consider using whatever handgun ammo your local LEO's use. Put a premium on getting a 100% RELIABLE gun from a reputable gun maker, i.e. Ruger, S&W, Beretta, Sig, Springfield Armory. etc. This is NOT where you want to save money, especially for a handgun newbie.

Other options include carbine rifles, usually an AR-15 or a carbine chambered in a handgun round.

And yes, don't forego OTHER layers of home defense, including house dogs, security systems, security locks, etc.

Since you're not well versed in handguns, I'd consider getting some formal training, as well.

Carbines, shotguns and rifles will obviously require a larger case.

Since I'm also in the market for a small handgun case, I'l going to sit out now and observe that part of the discussion.

Posted by Handsome Pete
Member since Apr 2019
1310 posts
Posted on 6/30/19 at 2:34 pm to
I got one of these puppies right next to the bed. Fingerprint scanner works like a charm, pops open every time and ready to rock. It lets you program multiple fingerprints, but I just used the same finger over and over to make sure it would always read. A little pricy, but I don’t want to have to remember a combination in a sudden stressful situation. Just have to remember which finger I used!

Vaultek Biometric
Posted by dawg23
Baton Rouge, La
Member since Jul 2011
5065 posts
Posted on 6/30/19 at 6:52 pm to
quote:

https://zerogov.com/village-praxis-why-glock-recommended-modifications-for-a-fighting-gun-part-2-by-andy-rutledge/
This -- on one of these: Gun Vault. Amazon delivers.

If you ever need a firearm to protect your family, you'll need it ASAP. A gun vault in or on a nightstand is probably the fastest, most reliably accessible option. All the electronic/biometric/whatever have one issue in common - the potential for a dead battery. And if you're a believer in Murphy's Laws, you'll avoid the battery-powered stuff - unless you think you can find your backup key in the middle of the night, and insert it into the lock, in time to save your family.

As far a handgun calibers - don't overthink or try to reinvent this wheel. If you need reinforcement of your initial thoughts about getting a 9mm -that's the caliber the FBI issues (and the default issue weapon for the FBI is a Glock 19).

If this is your first kid, you won't need to lock the gun vault for at least a year (unless you acquired a homicidal wife, in which case never leave it unlocked ). But whenever you are ready to use the lock, you get to select a combination.

If your spousal unit is truly freaking out over having a gun in the house, you might want to consider getting her some training (not from you - from a certified instructor) Husbands should never try to teach a wife to drive or to shoot . I don't know where you're located, but if it's in/near BR, I'll be glad to provide a lesson pro bono.
Posted by weagle99
Member since Nov 2011
35893 posts
Posted on 6/30/19 at 7:24 pm to
quote:

Some sort of tool cabinet is going to be your best, compact, cost effective solution to your particular problem.

The gun safe market is very complicated with many overpriced options to steer you away from what you need.


This is all excellently stated.

OP, take a look at this website for many secure storage ideas.

Gun Safe Reviews Guy
Posted by chinese58
NELA. after 30 years in Dallas.
Member since Jun 2004
30370 posts
Posted on 6/30/19 at 7:54 pm to
Posted by weagle99
Member since Nov 2011
35893 posts
Posted on 6/30/19 at 8:01 pm to
quote:

Any other recommendations there are much appreciated as well


If you haven’t shot handguns much or at all, spend a day shooting a .22 first and then work up from there. Many ranges will allow you to rent one. Use this time to get a feel for shooting and practice your technique.

When I am introducing new shooters to the sport we always start with a .22 and work up from there. I don’t recommend your first shots to be with a .40 or .45.
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