Safety & storage: there's a huge demand for products that protect firearms and the shooter. Are you meeting your customers' needs? - Safari Series Gun Safe

Shooting Industry, Nov, 2002 by Max Mckenzie

Compact Security-Mini Safes for Firearms

Small safes and locking security boxes for handguns have become increasingly popular with gun owners. Customers can keep a small safe in an easily accessible location in a home, office and even a vehicle.

DoskoSport introduced a new Gun Guard handgun safe this year. Available in two sizes, the safes are constructed of 16-gauge steel and feature a fingertip keypad, motion-sensitive alarm, interior courtesy light, low-battery warning and an optional DC power jack. The Double Pistol Safe measures 14x10x8.625 inches, the Single Pistol Safe 14x10x5 inches.

Saf-T-Hammer's Versa Vault, now available from Smith & Wesson, has a programmable-lighted keypad with more than 1,000 available combinations. It has a steel-mounting plate, tamper alert, low-battery alert, electronic backup and internal lighting. An internal holster presents the handgun for quick access when the vault is opened. It measures 10x14x3.5 inches.

Safari Safe Co. offers the Quick Safe Gun Box, a one-handgun safe with a push-button combination lock.

GunVault offers two versions of its compact vaults. The Mini-Vault is made of 16-gauge steel with a foam interior. It locks with a programmable keypad, and its built-in computer lets the customer know if anyone has tried to break into it. The Deluxe MiniVault adds a motion sensor and alarm. The company's Multi Vault and Deluxe MultiVault are similar but larger, with a shelf to allow for the storage of more than one firearm.

Phoenix U.S.A. offers security lockers that mount in the wall between wood studs. The Riflelocker holds up to four rifles and numerous handguns. It is made of 14-gauge steel and features a pry-resistant door that locks with four half-inch diameter, case-hardened steel bolts. Entry is through a keypad using a personal code. A tamper alert notifies the owner of attempted unauthorized entry. A shelf can be used or ammunition and other valuables. It also features a low-battery alert and optional universal-size handgun holsters for mounting on the door or back wall.

Other Phoenix U.S.A. in-the-wall mini-vaults include the Gunlocker, which measures 14x17x3 inches, and Home Security Locker, measuring 25x17.75x6.5 inches.

V-Line offers a number of small security cases. The Top Draw Case features a five-button combination lock. Other V-Line products are the Quick Vault, which is designed to be installed between wall studs; the Hide-Away and Desk Mate Case install under cabinets, desks and counters; and the Closet Vault holds long guns.

Beretta's Quick-Defense Pistol Vault features 16-gauge construction, a pushbutton lock and the company's logo. It will hold two large-frame handguns.

Homak has a new 12-pound small security cabinet with an electronic lock. It's constructed of heavy-gauge steel, and is designed for permanent mounting. It has an interesting feature: multiple units can be mounted together to increase storage as the customer requires.

Dual Safe takes a different approach to handgun storage with the Millennium Handgun Security Box. Instead of having to access an electronic lock, your customer opens the safe by sliding two buttons on the bottom of the box. The Millennium Handgun Security Box also has hidden safety features, including an invisible compartment for an additional handgun.