Explore the real-world pros and cons of today’s most popular quick-access gun safes. From high-tech electronic options like Vaultek to time-tested mechanical safes from V-Line Industries and Fort Knox, this discussion helps you understand what actually works. We also cover long gun quick-access storage, drawer-style safes, rising brands like StopBox, and why cheap pistol safes often fail. Most importantly, we explain how placement, build quality, and lock type matter more than hype when choosing a safe for responsible home defense.
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Episode 39 Topics
1:12: Vaultek
4:20: Mechanical Quick Access Safes
5:38: Vaultek RS Series Offers Long Gun Quick Access
6:28: Leaning Back Into Mechanical Lock Quick Access Safes
8:40: Another Simplex Option - Fort Knox
9:38: Stop Boxes
10:07: Beware Cheap, Low Quality Quick Access Safes
12:09: Always Consider WHERE You’re Going to Put Your Quick Access Safe
13:18: Trying to Pry Into a Pistol Safe
Episode 39 Discussion Synopsis
1:12: Vaultek
When it comes to electronic quick-access pistol safes, Vaultek stands out as one of the best options available. Many people debate which quick-access safe is the best, but Vaultek is our top-recommended brand.
One reason Vaultek is so popular is its wide range of models. They offer different sizes and styles that work well for nightstands, vehicles, travel, and home use. Many owners keep one on their nightstand, in their car, or even use multiple safes throughout their home.
Vaultek is especially known for its biometric fingerprint access. Some people worry that biometric locks do not work well, but Vaultek’s system has proven to be very reliable. Out of hundreds of safes sold, fingerprint issues are rare. The fingerprint scanner is fast and gives quick access when it matters most.
Vaultek also offers advanced technology features. Some models include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the safe with a smartphone app. You can unlock the safe, check its status, or manage settings right from your phone. However, using the app is optional.
For those who prefer something simpler, Vaultek also makes models with no connectivity at all. These safes use a push-button keypad or biometric access only. You can choose exactly how much technology you want.
Vaultek releases new models often, which can feel overwhelming at first. But this also means they are always improving their products and staying ahead of the competition. Overall, Vaultek offers fast access, reliable security, and more options than almost any other quick-access pistol safe brand on the market.
Holds two full-size pistols and offers multiple different charging stations!
4:20: Mechanical Quick Access Safes
After looking at high-tech safes like Vaultek, it’s also helpful to consider more traditional handgun safe options.
Liberty Safe makes several biometric handgun safes, but we sell fewer of them. They are a good choice for some people, just not everyone. One thing Liberty safes are known for is their weight. Models like the HD700, HD500, and HDV are very heavy, especially the under-bed styles. That extra weight can feel more secure, but it also makes them harder to move.
Liberty used to be one of the leaders in biometric pistol safes. Over time, Vaultek became more popular by offering faster access and more modern features.
Liberty’s current handgun safes are more like drawer-style safes. They work well in fixed locations, such as inside furniture. Vaultek safes, by comparison, are better for nightstands, wall mounting, or vehicle use. Both brands serve different needs—it depends on how you plan to use your safe.
5:38: Vaultek RS Series Offers Long Gun Quick Access
Even though Vaultek makes larger safes, their RS Series has been very popular with our customers. The RS200i is the smallest model and can hold one rifle or shotgun, plus a pistol, magazines, and accessories. The RS500i is a mid-size option, and the RS800i offers the most space.
The RS Series is a great choice if you want quick access to long guns, pistols, and magazine storage in one safe. Many Vaultek owners use these safes alongside a larger garage safe for everyday access.
6:28: Leaning Back Into Mechanical Lock Quick Access Safes
For many years, the safest recommendation for quick-access pistol and long gun safes was a mechanical lock. Before modern electronics improved, we often told people to avoid biometrics and keypads. Mechanical locks were simply more reliable.
Even today, mechanical or simplex lock safes are still some of the most dependable options available. They do not use batteries or electronics, so they work every time. In fact, true failures are extremely rare. Most of the time, when someone thinks a safe failed, they’ve simply forgotten their combination.
One brand we’ve trusted for decades is V-Line Industries. Their safes are 100% American-made and built with solid steel. They offer many styles, including wall safes, slide-out models, and top-opening designs.
Popular models like the Slide-Away and the Brute are known for strength and simplicity. Some use thick steel and gas-assist hinges to make opening smoother. While mechanical safes are not automatic like electronic ones, they can still be very fast with practice.
Simplex locks can be customized, but we always recommend keeping combinations simple so you don’t confuse yourself when it matters most.
8:40: Another Simplex Option - Fort Knox
Another mechanical option uses the same simplex lock but comes from Fort Knox, a brand we started carrying last year. Like their full-size safes, these pistol and long gun boxes are very tough and built from heavy-duty steel.
Fort Knox offers top-opening models, auto pistol boxes, and even long gun versions. These safes are simple, strong, and mechanical—more like a steel strongbox designed for reliable, no-frills protection.
9:38: Stop Boxes
Over the last few years, especially on social media, one brand that has really grown in popularity is StopBox. They have done an excellent job with marketing and advertising, and their brand has gained a lot of attention.
While I haven’t personally handled one of their products, I respect what they’ve built. StopBox is based in Spokane, which is especially cool since we also have a location in the Spokane Valley area. It’s always great to see a local company doing well.
The team behind StopBox seems hardworking and passionate, and they’ve built a strong brand that clearly connects with people. Their products have helped many customers find a simple storage solution that fits their needs.
10:07: Beware Cheap, Low Quality Quick Access Safes
There are many very cheap pistol safes sold at big box stores for under $100. There’s a reason they cost so little. These safes often use low-quality parts and don’t last very long. People sometimes bring in a $20 or $50 box and are surprised when it stops working after a year—but cheap products usually fail quickly.
Higher-quality brands like Vaultek and V-Line Industries cost more, but they are built to last. Many people use the same Vaultek pistol safe for seven to ten years with no issues. Mechanical safes from Fort Knox or V-Line can last even longer—sometimes a lifetime.
When it comes to quick-access home protection, this is not the place to cut corners. You’re only spending a few hundred dollars more, not thousands. Paying a little extra gives you reliability when you need it most.
12:09: Always Consider WHERE You’re Going to Put Your Quick Access Safe
When choosing a quick-access safe, the first question should always be where will it go. Placement helps determine the right model. Whether it mounts to a nightstand, headboard, closet, or wall, most pistol safes are designed to be bolted down.
These safes are built for fast access and safety—not high-security storage. They help keep firearms away from kids and allow responsible home use. For long trips, firearms should be stored in a larger gun safe.
13:18: Trying to Pry Into a Pistol Safe
We once tried breaking into a small Vaultek VE20 pistol safe, and it surprised us. Even with cutting tools and long pry bars, it took a long time and was very difficult. Because the safe was small and not bolted down, it kept sliding, making it hard to get leverage.
Similar designs from V-Line Industries are also tough to attack. A quality pistol safe may be small, but it can slow thieves down significantly.