Using an In-Wall Pistol Safe

I have mentioned this numerous times before.  A pistol safe is for two purposes.  One it is to protect children and untrained adults from finding your handgun and accidentally shooting themselves or another person.  Two, it is to protect the gun itself against theft.  You neither want to lose the 100s of dollars you spent on the pistol, nor do you want it in a criminal’s hands.

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.