I found an ingenious pistol rack made by Rack ‘Em.  You can buy these in 9 Gun Pistol Rack up to 16 handgun configurations.  While this is really just a wire frame with a cloth protector and mounting kit, the makers of this product have really thought through the design.  The larger full door rack can be customized with pouches to hold documents and other valuables.  You simply use the enclosed drill bit to drill several holes on the inside of the safe to mount these small screws that secure the unit to the inside of the gun safe door.

This allows you to add extra room to your gun safe, keep your pistols organized and safe from dropping or scratching.  The unique design also allows air to flow around them to keep them dry.  Soft PVC coating protects the safe finishes from scratches; Fits all safes, securely fastens to top ledge with screws which Rack ‘Em supplies with the unit.

I do recommend that you check with your gun safe manufacturer before purchasing this unit to see if drilling holes will void any warranty.  I would assume that if you own a fireproof or waterproof safe, you may impair the protection by breaking the door seal.  You would not want to do this for organization benefits!  If it could cause a problem, simply purchase a separate pistol safe to move your handguns out of the gun safe.

If you own more than one pistol and have a gun safe, this may be a great pistol safe storage device for you.

Many gun owners rely on a small personal safes to store their pistols in.  These are often inexpensive safes that have a digital lock.  Unfortunately, they are rarely secured to the floor and they are not the highest security safes.  They can either be picked up and carried out to be opened at the criminal’s shop or they can be opened with a crowbar and/or drill easily. This has been documented several times in the recent past.

Some just put their handguns in the same gun safes that they have their long guns in.  These are tough and large gun safes that are designed with security in mind.  They can be an great place to keep your backup guns, but they really are not a great hand gun safe as they are typically in the basement and would not allow for quick access when you are awaken in the middle of the night by a sound of someone in the house.

An in-wall pistol safe is an excellent choice for both high security as well as quick access.  Better made units will have recessed doors and anti-pry brackets for additional security.  The door should be at least 3/8″.  Since it is mounted with large screws into the wall, it is very difficult to simply carry off.  Additionally, this safe can often be hidden in the closet or behind a picture or mirror adding to the security and stealth.

Because you may want to have your pistol close to you at night, a wall safe makes an excellent choice for high security and quick access.  Mount the unit in your bedroom closet or behind a picture in your bedroom.  I would recommend that you go with either a mechanical lock or a biometric safe lock for quick access in the dark.  You will not have the time or mental abilities to use a dial combination on a regular handgun safe at 3:00am when an intruder is in your house.

The next time you are in the market for a pistol safe, consider a wall safe as an secure and quick way to access your handgun.

• I bought a biometric handgun safe.  I love it because it opens in about 5 seconds within me putting my fingerprint on it.  I don’t have to remember a code or dial the combination lock.  I have read that in a crisis, you lose up to 80% of your fine motor skills.  If there was an emergency at my home, like I heard someone breaking in, your adrenaline is pumping and I worry that I would be able to open a typical safe.  With biometrics, I am confident I could open it every time, even in the dark.  Plus, I have programmed my wife’s fingerprints into the safe so that she could open it if necessary.
• I love the fact that my children are protected from accidentally finding the handgun.  Dozens of children are accidentally killed each year by loaded guns that they find and play with.  Sometimes it is not the gun owners children that are the victims, but the friends of the children.  Once in my pistol safe they can’t get to it.  In fact they don’t even know that where it is hidden.
• I love that I can be assured that I am doing what I need to do to protect this gun from getting into the hands of criminals.  They could then turn around and commit more crimes.  Stolen handguns account for more than 75% of all murders in the US.  I don’t want to know that my Glock could be used for a crime, especially a murder.
• Let’s be honest, a hand gun is not cheap.  I love the fact that my gun in protected in my pistol safe against it getting stolen and me being out hundreds of dollars.  My homeowners deductible is more than the cost of my pistol.  I would hate to lose it or have it stolen and be out over $600 to replace it.
• I love using my handgun safe for  more than just my gun.  Although it is not huge, I do add my extra credit cards, my passport, some cash, and my kids birth certificates in there for safe keeping.  I like knowing that these items are protected along with my gun.

If you own a handgun, you should own pistol safe.

Their newest models are made with the same hand print on the top, but these pistol safes add a biometric fingerprint reader.  The GVB1000 and GVB2000 have the same technology with the 1000 being what GunVault calls their micro unit.  It has a single shelf and could hold maybe 2 guns.  It is 2″ shorter and 2″ less deep than the GVB2000 unit.

The addition of the biometric reader has really changed the safe little compared to the non-biometric versions.  These new models feature a high-performance recognition software that is said to increase the speed at which the fingerprint is read and the safe is opened as well as decreasing the false reject (which means the safe won’t open even for someone that has been enrolled).  The algorithm updates the fingerprint scans over time by learning how subtle changes in a person’s fingerprint will affect the scans.  These units currently can hold 30 separate enrolled entries.

Just like the non-biometric pistol safe version are made of 16-gauge steel with a foam lining.  They come with mounting hardware to mount the pistol safe where you can access it quickly.  While these units need to be powered by a battery to run the scanner, all fingerprints are stored in ROM memory and will be saved even if the battery dies (although it will not open with out power).  GunVault expects the battery to last about 1 year, but also has a blinking low battery light to warn you.  The battery also powers a light on the interior of the safe (a nice feature you don’t even seen in large safes).  You can also attach the pistol safe to an AC or DC power supply (the adapter is included) for a piece of mind that the battery will not be a problem.  This would also be great for a vehicle safe.

While the GVB1000 weights almost 40 less than the GVB2000, it costs only $20 less.  For my money, I would spend the extra $20 and get the larger unit, which can hold at least 2 handguns and then some extra valuables.

With the many types on the market today there is not excuse for gun owners to not have proper storage for their weapon. This is the only sure fire way to prevent accidents. With all of the horror stories of children somehow obtaining guns and harming another child or themselves it is of utmost importance to secure them properly.  Children area always inquisitive and will spend time rummaging through their parents closet, drawers and under beds.  They will easily find even the best hidden, but unsecured gun in the house.  This often leads to terrible results.

Opting for a pistol safe over keeping the firearm in a draw or closest has benefits additional to safety. Accessibility is offered as well. Primarily the reason for having a pistol is for security. People are often scared of intruders coming into their home. They want to be prepared for such an event. If the gun is not close by or hidden in a closet it will not be any help. A safe can solve this issue.  Many biometric pistol safes have the added benefit of requiring just a fingerprint to open.  No need to remember a combination or keypad entry in an emergency.

Traveling is another factor to consider. Gun owners often want to carry their handgun on vacations. This is again for protection. People are more likely to be mugged as a tourist. This research has prompted many to bring along defense for their families and themselves. Correct storage is essential for these trips.  Many portal pistol safes can easily be placed in your luggage and will comply with the TSA requirements for gun transport.

No matter how one feels about guns it is the right of American citizens to own and carry a weapon. This may be solely to provide them protection. It could also be done as a hobby or sport. There are many pistol collectors in the world. Regardless of reasons for owning the ability to store is available. Pistol safes provide a way to store a gun securely ,but provide accessibility to only the owner.

For multiple reasons it is not a good idea to leave an unsecured handgun in your vehicle.  It would be simple to break a window and steal it.  You would be out your $500-$1000 investment, not to mention that now a criminal has your gun.  Additionally, I never wanted my kids to get in my car and accidentally find my pistol, resulting in something I don’t even want to consider.

After looking around at lots of different vehicle safe options, I found the Secure-It® Handgun Storage Safe works great.  Is about the size of a thin cigar box.  It opens with a simple key that I keep on my car key ring.  The inside is padded to keep the pistol quiet and protected.  The included cable wraps around anywhere under your seat where you can loop in through and then back into the case, creating a square knot.

While the cable could easily be defeated by a wire cutters and the box could be simply smashed open, it does deter the opportunistic thief and the child.  I also love that it is black in color and hides under the seat.  I can easily pull it out while still sitting in my drivers seat, open the safe with my key and then slide this pistol safe back under the seat.  This allows me to do this in the privacy of my car without drawing attention to my actions and letting a thief see me take off my handgun.

Additionally, I have taken this little guy along with me on road trips.  It works great in its standard operation as a pistol safe for in the car, but once I get to my destination, I feel very comfortable simply taking it out of the vehicle and bringing it into the place I am staying.  My handgun is still secure and close by my side.

Another option is to purchase a vehicle specific pistol safe that will mount in the large center console of many SUV models such as the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, or Hummer H2.  They even make ones that can mount to the saddle bags on your Harley!  These units are designed specifically for that vehicle and can be a quick and easy way to protect and store your pistol.  Since they are mounted in the arm rest console, they are also discreet and give you quick access to the gun when needed.  An example of this type of product is a Console Vault made for a Chevy Silverado.

A vehicle pistol safe is an absolute necessity in  my book.  Put it on your shopping list today!

Regardless of whether you’re a family man/woman or a single person, it’s important to be careful when choosing a place to store your pistol.

Safety courses and seasoned gun owners will always recommend a pistol safe. The two most important questions you can ask yourself when determining a location for your pistol are as follows:

1) Where can I quickly get to the pistol if I need it?
2) Where is a good place that is out of reach for anyone other than me?

Many choose to hide the pistol safe in a high location or in a closet. Others choose to store the safe in the open and then educate their children or others living in the home about gun safety. However, knowing the combination or having the key to the lock is the pistol owners responsibility and not something to take lightly. When choosing a location for your pistol safe, ensure that only adults know the combination and/or only adults have access to the key.

If your decision is to hide the safe, a conversation with your household members regarding gun safety is still recommended. Share that you have purchased a gun and that it is in the home. Let them know that you have chosen a place for it out of their reach and sight. This will help to avoid any incidents if the gun is found by children or a housekeeper.

Storing a pistol safe is something to take seriously. Children are curious and freak accidents do happen. The most important thing is that you have taken precautions by purchasing a pistol safe and that you have the combination or key to the lock.

Most pistol safes are made of thick, heavy gauge steel that cannot be pried apart and are resistant to fire. Some safes include shelves for ammunition or other valuable items such as jewelry or important documents. Many of these safety boxes are lined with soft foam inside to protect the firearm. They are also sealed to prevent moisture from harming the pistol, valuable items, or documents stored inside for safe keeping. Those equipped with motion detectors and audio alarms immediately alert owners of any tampering the moment that it occurs.

Safes can be bolted to the floor or wall in closets, offices, bedrooms, and dens. Smaller vehicle pistol safes can be secured with a cable if kept in a motor home, motel, desk drawer, or the glove box of a vehicle. Portable sized vaults are also small enough to be carried in a briefcase, suitcase, or purse.

There are different types of side or top loading pistol safes available. Electronic safes have either a computer controlled keypad, combination lock, or push button lock. A mechanical safe offers a push button locking mechanism. There are no keys to misplace or battery to charge.

A biometric safe runs on batteries and opens once its memory recognizes programmed fingerprints. This model allows numerous sets of fingerprints to be stored. The computer will even compensate for imperfections and fluctuations in fingerprints such as paper cuts or blisters on the fingers. A backup key can be used if the battery needs charged.

A high security pistol safe can be purchased from a specialty store or online. Prices vary depending on the size and type desired. It is well worth the money spent to keep your family safe from harm.

Parents are often concerned about the safety of their children with a gun in the house. Even if you do not have children, though, you need to consider what could happen if child visits and finds your gun. Children, having seen guns on TV, are naturally curious about them, but they don’t yet have the knowledge and foresight to understand their dangers. Preventing a child from shooting himself or someone else is a prime reason to have a pistol safe.  Don’t think that if you put your pistol in your sock drawer or under your bed that the child won’t find it.  Secure the gun and ammo in a safe to have the piece of mind that it and the children are protected.

You also want to make sure that your gun is used only by those who have permission for its use. Think about it. If someone broke into your house when you weren’t home, they could easily steal the gun and use it to commit further crimes. What about a friend of your teenager? How would you feel if he found your pistol and decided to commit a crime with it? If you don’t want to be responsible for those crimes, a handgun safe is the answer.  It has been reported that over 70% of crimes involving a gun are committed by a stolen gun.  Even if you don’t know the person that steals your gun, why contribute to the problem of illegal guns on the street?

Safety isn’t the only reason to have a gun safe, though. Consider the investment you have made in purchasing a gun. Many handguns will cost $100s or $1000.  Would you simply leave jewelry or cash lying around worth that much and hope it does not get destroyed if something happened to your home?  You want to protect that investment from damage due to fire or other disasters. If a tornado tears your house apart, your gun is still secure and unharmed in the pistol safe. If your house burns down, your gun is undamaged if you have a fireproof safe.  You have spent considerable money for your pistol, why not keep it safe?

Whether you are seeking to prevent accidents, stop unauthorized use, or merely safeguard your investment, a pistol safe is the answer to all of those needs.

Without knowing more about your particular situation, such as needs and gun collection, I can’t give you a direct answer.  What I can do is give you some thought provoking comments that should lead you down the right path.

How Many Guns Do You Own?
Many pistol safes are designed to hold 2 pistols comfortably.  Some can accommodate more, but may compromise quick retrieval.  Under the seat vehicle models are generally best for just a single pistols as they are thin and small for easy concealment under the seat of your vehicle.  If you have a large collection of both handguns and long guns, maybe you should consider a larger gun safe which will easily accommodate your long guns, but then add a pistol rack in the gun safe to hold your handguns.

Where Will the Pistol Safe Live?
If you are looking for a vehicle pistol safe, that has a very different application than if you want a safe to store your home protection handgun.  Vehicle pistol safes come in a couple types.  Some are generic metal boxes and simply slide under your seat with a cable wrapped around a part of the vehicle. Others are vehicle specific that will mount in the large center console of many SUV models such as the Ford F150, Toyota Tundra or Range Rover.  Many home pistol safes can also be tethered or mounted in the trunk of a vehicle for additional security.

If you want a handgun safe that will live under your bed or near where you sleep that give you immediate access to you pistol in the middle of the night, you should consider a biometric safe.  The BioBox – Biometric Fingerprint Safe is an example.  These units open in about 5 seconds and can be done without lights or fumbling for a combination.  These are just what you need in an emergency or crisis situation.

How Often Will Your Use the Safe?

Many gun owners simply keep their handguns in the same safe as their important documents and valuables.  That may be fine for them as they do not have a need for quick access and only have 1 gun in the home.  Plus, they may only go into that safe or get the gun once every couple months or once per year.  Alternatively, if you are carrying your pistol everyday and/or you need quick access as mentioned above, you should consider buying a decided safe that just holds your pistol.  Then mount it close to where you are every day when you get dressed.

There is really no wrong answer to what is the best pistol safe.  Depending upon your needs and applications, there is a  pistol safe that will work for you.