If you constantly move around in your car or on an airplane, in most cases, you are either leaving your gun at home or carrying it with you on a holster. Well, neither of the two options are very practical when you think about it. For one thing, leaving your gun behind when you go out means you do not have your safety.
On the other hand, if you carry it on a holster while driving, the experience might be quite uncomfortable. The gun inside the holster will constantly push up against your belly, and for a long drive, it can get very annoying. What you need for this is the best car gun safe.
This small investment gives you a handy and accessible way to keep your gun with you while you are driving around. Besides, since your gun will be out of sight, you are not breaking any concealed carry laws related to firearms. Furthermore, as long as only you have access to the safe, no one can get to your gun before you.
In this article, we will give you a complete rundown of everything you need to know when it comes to buying a gun safe for your car. We will also highlight some of our favorite models so that you can understand which options are worth your time, money, and effort.
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaultek LifePod Electronic Lock Box | 5 out of 5 | |
| Hornady RAPiD Gun Safe | 5 out of 5 | |
| Hornady Lockbox for Guns | 4.5 out of 5 | |
| SentrySafe PP1K Portable Safe | 4 out of 5 | |
| SnapSafe Combination Lock Box | 4.5 out of 5 |
Top 10 Best Car Gun Safe Reviews
If you have ever searched for any gun safes, you already know how frustrating it can get to find the right unit for your needs. It is nothing different when you are looking for the best car gun safe. Despite the large number of products floating around the market, not all of them will give you a good experience.
To ensure you make the most out of your budget, we have compiled a list of some of the finest models that you can buy in the following section.
1. Vaultek LifePod Secure Waterproof Travel Case Rugged Electronic Lock Box
When it comes to gun safes, the brand Vaultek requires no introduction. Whether you are buying the best pistol safe for car or for your office, you can be sure that this brand has a product just for you. This particular model is a prime example of the quality you can expect from them.
The unit comes with an electronic touch keypad. It allows you to set up a master code that you can use to gain access to the interior. You also get a set of backup keys to open up the safe manually if you ever need to. If you want, you can also use it as a portable lockbox without any of the electronic features.
Breaking into the unit is virtually impossible thanks to the anti-impact latches. The Dual side compression latches ensure full protection for your gun safe in addition to making it fully waterproof. As an added security measure, you can disable the key lock feature that prevents anyone from picking the lock to open it.
The overall construction of the unit is tough and durable. It resists impact damage to deter intruders from trying to break it open. However, it still manages to be light enough to ensure you can easily transport it around with you. For people who want to mount it up, it comes with a high-strength steel security cable.
The interior space allows you to store a compact handgun inside it with no hassle. Thanks to the carpeted design, you do not need to worry about scratching your gun accidentally while driving through a bumpy road. You also get a micro USB port at the front to charge the batteries whenever you want.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Hornady RAPiD Gun Safe With RFID Instant Access For Guns and Valuables
Up next, we will be looking at another brand that has made its mark in the industry by delivering high-quality lockboxes with innovative features. The Hornady RAPiD gun safe is revered for its fast and easy accessibility options and impressive security system.
This unit comes with a truly touch-free access system with its RFID tags in the form of a wrist band or key fobs. You can set up to five tags using the included stickers to access the gun safe instantly without any hassle. The spring-assisted lid ensures the door opens smoothly to give you access to your gun.
Furthermore, if you prefer the conventional electronic locking mechanism, the digital keypad in the unit will please you. You can easily set a six-digit access code that you can use to open up the safe. Besides, you also get a set of manual keys to use the safe if the battery runs out.
The thick 14-gauge steel construction of the unit will prevent any tampering with it by intruders. Do not let the compact form-factor fool you; the unit is capable of surviving a lot of abuse. It features a pry and hinge-attack resistant design that ensures the full safety and security for your items.
The unit requires four AAA batteries for power. However, you can also use a 12V car adapter for a continuous supply without having to change the batteries. With your purchase, you also get a 1500pound rated security cable to mount it securely to your vehicle.Pros:
Cons:
3. Hornady Lockbox for Guns and Valuables
Although the previous unit we reviewed comes with many innovative features, sometimes, people want something cheap and simple. Well, Hornady has a solution for that too. This lockbox comes in a barebones design and a very low price, making it highly appealing for people on a tight budget.
When it comes to security, the unit takes a simple approach. Instead of going high-end biometric security or electronic keypad, you get a simple mechanical key lock as the only access option. The quality of the lock seems solid, and it is quite capable of keeping the interior contents safe.
With mechanical locks, the build quality is a critical section. This unit does not disappoint in this regard with its heavy-duty construction. You get a 16-gauge steel housing along with barrel locks to protect it against any sort of impact damage or prying attempts.
The key design of the unit is round-headed to ensure that people cannot duplicate it easily. However, make sure you do not misplace the keys. Since it is your only means of access and it is the element that is most responsible for your security, you cannot afford to lose it.
To make mounting easier, you get a four feet long steel security cable with your purchase. The cable has a 1500 pound strength rating. However, the interior compartment of the safe does feel a bit congested. But you do get carpeted interior to protect your belongings.Pros:
Cons:
4. SentrySafe PP1K Portable Gun Safe
SentrySafe is one of the few brands you can trust blindly when it comes to fingerprint gun safes. The PP1K is an excellent product that can handle a single firearm when you are driving in the car. And for a portable gun safe, that is all you ever need in a practical sense.
Similar to the last unit by the brand Hornady, this unit also features a fully mechanical design. This old-school approach means that you do not need any batteries or alternative power source for it to function. However, you also do not get quick-access features that come with biometric or RFID access methods.
When it comes to the build quality, the manufacturers made no compromises to its construction. It is fully constructed using solid steel that ensures full protection against impact damage. The door comes with a pry-resistant design to further enhance its strength and durability.
One of the best addition to this unit is the convenient carry handle at the top. As a result, you can easily carry it with you when you step out of the car. For mounting options, you get a high-strength steel tether that you can attach to the car for safe mounting.
The interior of the gun safe comes with excellent foam padding that protects the cosmetic quality of your weapons. When it comes to space, you can easily keep a handgun and a couple of other small items inside it. However, the only issue for some people might be the cost, which considering its mechanical design, might be a bit high.Pros:
Cons:
5. SnapSafe Lock Box With Combination Lock
If you like mechanical lockboxes but want a little more safety than a key lock, a combination lock might be better for you. The SnapSafe Lockbox gives you a high-quality combination locking system at an affordable price. You get both quick access and security at the same time.
The unit features a three-digit combination lock that has the potential to set up hundreds of different combinations. So cracking it open is not exactly easy and fast. However, it does not feature any backup key access, so make sure to set a combination that you can remember.
Since the unit meets all the TSA guidelines, you can easily take it with you while traveling on an airplane. Considering the small and compact nature of the unit, it is a really handy little tool for any frequent flyers who do not want to part with their precious firearm.
Despite its small stature, the construction quality of the unit is pretty solid. It features a 16-gauge steel body along with a pry-resistant design that prevents any sort of tampering attempts. The interior of the unit comes with foam padding to ensure full protection of your belongings.
In addition, the unit also comes with a 1500 pound steel tether that lets you mount it easily. Although the unit is advertised to hold a single handgun, you can easily place two compact firearms inside it, along with a few rounds of magazine without any issues.
Pros:
Cons:
6. The Club LB200 Personal Vault Security Lock Box
The Club LB200 by the brand Winner International has a couple of interesting things going for it. First of all, it is a low-cost gun safe that you can mount almost anywhere you want in your gun safe. Second, it is fully mechanical, meaning you do not need to worry about batteries.
The locking system of the unit is simple and straightforward. You get a set of keys that you use to access the drawer-style compartment of the unit. The quality of the lock, in terms of response and sturdiness, seems pretty decent. And for the price, there is nothing much you can complain about.
Because of the drawer-style design of the gun safe, you get quite a lot of interior space with the unit. Besides, this design allows you to open the safe quicker, and you can retrieve whatever you want with minimal hassle. The positioning of the lock at the side of the gun safe is also quite convenient.
It features a strong and robust steel construction that can deter any prying attempts. The inclusion of a security cable means you can set it up as soon as you get your hands on this product. Since there is no opening on the gun safe when it is closed, it is fully protected against any sort of tampering.
The unit is also quite lightweight and easy to set up. Inside the gun safe, you have enough space to hole a compact weapon along with your wallet, cash, or important documents. However, the main issue with this unit is that it features no interior padding, which is quite a letdown.Pros:
Cons:
7. Hornady RAPiD Gun Safe With RFID Instant Access For Guns and Valuables.
For our next product, we will be looking at another Hornady gun safe. By now, you should already have an idea about the quality of this brand. This particular model comes at an affordable price tag, along with a few of the innovative features that we expect from them.
This unit also gives you an RFID access system to open up the gun safe without even touching it. You can find similar access methods in high-end gun safes by the brand because of its efficiency and quick access. With this unit, you get 5 RFID tags to set up your own access points.
For its backup access, you get two keys. If you ever run out of power, which is highly unlikely since you can use power from your car, you can use the backup keys to manually access the gun safe. Its security system is quite effective and safe for whatever you want to keep inside it.
With this brand, you can always be sure about the build quality. It features tough and rugged 14-gauge steel housing along with two hardened locking lugs internally to fully protect it against any sort of tamper or prying attempts. Despite its smaller size, it is built like a tank.
You also get a high-quality steel tether to attach it to your vehicle. Inside the gun safe, you can keep two compact-sized handguns along with some other small items without running out of space. It even features a carpeted interior to keep your belongings safe and scratch-free.Pros:
Cons:
8. RPNB Portable Security Safe, Quick-Access Dual Firearm Safety Device with Quick Reliable Keypad Access
Making an appearance near the end is one of the top-rated brands in the industry RPNB. The main thing to look out for when buying a unit by this brand is the quick access feature. For people who want the smoothest way to get to their guns, this unit is an excellent choice.
The primary locking mechanism of the unit is an electronic keypad. With the four-digit backlit keypad that comes with the unit, you can easily set up a personal pin code that you need to input in order to gain access to the inner compartment. In addition, you get back up keys to manually access the safe.
Thanks to the spring-loaded door design, the door of the gun safe pops open instantly the moment you input the right code. As a safety measure, using the wrong code causes the safe to lock itself for five minutes, which is plenty of time for you to get back to your car.
Considering the 16-gauge solid steel construction, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to its durability and strength. The steel comes with a powder-coated finish that can protect the device against rust or corrosion. On top of that, it also looks extremely stylish.
Since the unit comes with an electronic keypad, it obviously requires batteries for power. However, the backup keys can really come in handy if you run out of batteries. The unit comes with pre-drilled mounting holes that lets you set it up quite easily; however, you do not get any security cable.Pros:
Cons:
9. Stealth Original Handgun Safe Mechanical Pistol Box
The next product on our list is for people who do not want to sacrifice build quality while going for portability. This Handgun Safe by the brand Stealth is one of the finest units you will find on the market for the price featuring robust construction and a carry handle on top for easy transport.
As may have already guessed from the name, it is a mechanical lockbox. But for its security system, it goes with the Simplex combination lock, which is revered both for its excellent safety and ease of use. Because of the mechanical nature, you do not need to worry about any battery life.
The combination system in the unit comes with five keys at the top with a large dial. You can set up any combination of keypress you desire to access the gun safe, and its limitless potential means the chance of someone guessing your combination is slim to none.
Construction-wise, it features ten gauge steel housing. The door itself features 3/16 inches of solid steel that cannot be penetrated by drill or blunt force. IT even comes with pry-resistant dual lugs underneath the hinges to further boost its impenetrable nature.
The interior of the unit comes with thick foam lining that ensures full protection for your contents. You can easily place two of your favorite handguns inside the unit, along with other important items like cash, passport, license, etc. All in all, it is an excellent investment for anyone who takes the issue of security seriously.
Pros:
Cons:
10. RPNB Gun Safe, Quick-Access Pistol Safe for Multiple Handguns with Biometric Fingerprint Lock
To wrap up our portable gun safe reviews, we will be looking at another unit by the brand RPNB. Similar to the last product by the brand, this unit too boasts quick and easy access. Although it might be on the pricier side of things, the bulk load of features that you get with it really makes it worth buying.
The first thing about the unit that you will notice is that it comes with biometric security. In fact, it is the only unit that we featured on our list that comes with this efficient locking mechanism. As you know, biometric security tends to get quite expensive, and at this price point, this is the best choice you have.
In addition to biometric locks, you also get a handy RFID locking mechanism similar to the one Hornady uses to give you a hands-free experience. The overall security system of the unit is designed to promote convenience and ease of use. As a backup system, you also get a set of keys to manually open the box.
The construction material for this unit is steel, and anyone planning to break through is in for a hard time. It incorporates anti-theft technologies such as pry-resistant doors, dual-layer steel housing, and seamless welding to ensure complete protection for your firearms.
Furthermore, the interior spacing of the unit is quite nice. It allows you to store two of your favorite handguns, along with other important items. The body of the unit also comes with pre-drilled holes that allow you to quickly bolt it down on the floor or the door of your car with minimal hassle.
Pros:
Cons:
Things to Look for When Buying the Best Vehicle Gun Safe
Now that you have seen our list of products finding the right gun safe for your car should come easier. However, before you start throwing your money, it is worth learning about a few crucial aspects of this device. Each of these features will impact your overall experience with the particular model you want to buy.
To that end, here are a few of the factors that you should be on the lookout for when you are investing in the best gun safe for your car.
Size of the Gun Safe
Size, as you might already know, is an important element to think about when you are buying any gun safe. But when it comes to a portable one for your car, this issue becomes even more critical. You cannot go for big, bulky safes that you can keep in the corner of your office.
For the best portable gun safe, you need compact models, one that you can simply mount inside the vehicle without it getting in the way of your driving or passengers. You want a form factor that allows you to get to your gun without having to move passengers around for you.
Weight
Weight is another critical element for this type of gun safes. Since the primary purpose of a vehicle gun safe is portability, you need to invest in a relatively lightweight device. However, do not go too light, as it is an indication of poor build quality and bad impact-resistance.
Finding the right balance of weight and strength is important if you want a hassle-free experience with your gun safe. Some people tend to take their vehicle gun safe with them when they go away from the car for a long while. If you are one of them, a lightweight unit will make your life a lot easier.
Storage
Another crucial factor that you want to consider is the storage space that you get with the gun safe. However, when it comes to this issue, people tend to have varied opinions and preferences. That is why it is important to understand your needs and make your pick based on your preference.
For example, some people prefer to go with a compact fire resistant gun safe that can hold a single handgun and a spare round of magazines. Although it might work for him, some might want to keep a few extra goodies in the safe too. So make sure you go for a unit that allows you to keep all the essentials you want to keep inside it.
Build quality
With size and storage covered, now you must consider the quality and durability of your gun safe. If you are shopping in the budget range, then this becomes even more of an issue. There are thousands of low-cost gun safes for your car that you can find with a questionable build quality.
You should settle for nothing but heavy-duty steel when it comes to construction material for your gun safe. This material can withstand a decent amount of abuse and will protect your contents when you are away from your car. Furthermore, look at any other anti-theft features that come with the unit to get an idea of its build quality.
Locking mechanism
One of the main factors that impact the security and your overall experience with the gun safe is the locking mechanism that comes with it. For portable models, there are five different kinds of locking systems that you can find. They all have their own sets of advantages and setbacks, and it is up to you to decide which one will better suit your needs.
To give you a better understanding, here is a quick overview of the different types of locks you can find on a car gun safe.
➥ Biometric Locks
A biometric locking system is arguably the best locking mechanism that you can find on your portable gun safe. If you want a quick access car gun safe, this option will be best for you. It offers a truly hassle-free experience when you are trying to access your gun while on the road.
This type of locking mechanism comes with a sensor that takes images of your fingerprint to detect if you have the authorization to open it. Security-wise, they are efficient, as long as you go with a decent unit. However, the price of this locking mechanism tends to be pretty steep
➥ Electronic Locks
Another widely used locking mechanism in portable car safes is the electronic locking system. The best thing about this type of mechanism is that it is not as expensive as biometrics, although the security level is on par with that of a fingerprint scanner.
However, it does require a power source similar to that of a biometric locking mechanism. In addition, it is not as quick since you have to input a specific access code to gain access to your weapons. Regardless, it is one of the most popular systems that you will find in a car gun safe.
➥ Keyed Locks
Keyed locks, in most cases, can be found on electronic gun safes as a secondary method of opening the device if the battery or power runs out. There are a few major issues with this type of system, but as long as it is not the only way to open your safe, you should be able to get by without too much trouble.
The first issue is not everyone carries around their gun safe keys with them all the time. It is not very practical. Another major issue is when the keylock is the primary and only mechanism, it can cause some security concerns. Burglars can get through security with enough time and patience.
➥ Mechanical Combination Locks
Mechanical combination locks are also extremely popular these days due to its simplicity and efficiency. The idea is quite similar to an electrical safe, but instead of a keypad, you set up a combination code using the buttons or dials that you can find on the gun safe.
Security-wise they are quite good. But the best part is they require no power. So you do not need to worry about replacing the battery every few months. However, they are also not as fast as biometric security, and in some cases, they even lag behind electronic locks in terms of speed.
Mounting Options
Mounting might be one of the most critical aspects of a the best car safe. Because of the lightweight nature of this tool, unless you properly set it up, people can simply pick it up and walk away. Thankfully all gun safes come with some type of mounting options.
The two main methods of mounting that you will find when shopping for a car gun safe are either cable mounting or bolted mounting. Ultimately it is up to you which option you go for. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect with both types of mounting options.
➥ Cable Mounting
Cable mounting is the easiest mounting option that you will find in a gun safe. You basically get a steel cable one end of which you attach to an anchor point in your car and the other you attach to a dedicated slot in the gun safe. The best thing about this process is that it is hassle-free and you can remove the safe anytime you want.
However, it is also not as secure as the bolted mounting process. But as long as you use a high-strength security cable, the chance of a thief running of with your safe is very slim. Because of its easy installation, most people tend to go with this type of mounting process.
➥ Bolted mounting
For people who want a more permanent mounting for their gun safe, bolted mounting might be the way to go. As the name implies, you simply bolt it down to your car by drilling it through the gun safe. Obviously, in terms of security, this option is the best between the two.
However, setting it up takes a lot more effort. Although some gun safes come with pre-drilled holes for mounting it to your car, you will need to drill manually for the majority of gun safes that you buy. Furthermore, not many people are thrilled with the idea of drilling holes in their cars.
There is another niche mounting mechanism out there, but it is extremely expensive and not readily available for commercial use. This process basically repurposes the car stereo system into a portable gun safe. It is both secure and extremely efficient, but not many people can afford it in a practical sense.
Benefits of Owning a Portable Car Gun
If you are still wondering whether it is worth having a vehicle gun safe in your car, then the following section is for you. The level of functionality that this simple tool can provide for any gun owner is unmatched. Here are a few benefits and advantages of installing a gun safe in your car.
Lightweight and Easy Mobility
One of the biggest benefits of this type of unit is its lightweight nature. It allows you to move it around with you whenever you need it. If you mount it using a security cable, you can even take it out of your car and carry it with you while keeping your gun away from prying eyes.
Besides, a car gun safe holds a lot more than just your firearms. You can keep other valuables such as your sensitive documents or cash and jewelry inside it to keep them protected. And once you keep the items locked inside the car safe, you can move them around as you please.
Carry your guns during Air Travel
If you are a frequent flyer, a portable gun safe will really come in handy. Airplanes have a strict policy against carrying your gun while you are traveling. But if you have an FDA approved car gun safe, you do not need to part with your weapon when you are flying.
Protecting your Business Secrets
Corporate espionage is a common business these days in the world of the modern economy. If you are a successful businessman, you can be sure that there are people out there trying to gather information and secrets about your business that can help bring your company down.
With a portable safe, you will be able to keep all of your important documents locked behind bars and with you at all times. It is essential to protect your information when running a business, and a portable car gun safe gives you the perfect tool for that purpose.
Affordability
For all the functionality that this tool offers, the price of a portable gun safe is typically low. Yes, there are expensive models in the market, but most people do not need to make that investment. If you want cheap and easy protection on the fly, you can find some excellent budget options out there.
Besides, even an inexpensive vehicle gun safe can add a lot of value if you have small items or firearms that you want to keep safe. People who want a high-value, low-cost gun safe that they can move around with them cannot go wrong with this type of unit.
Versatility and Discretion
Discretion is a vital part of any gun safe. The first step to ensuring people cannot break into the safe is hiding it. And with a portable car gun safe, it is quite easy. Since this type of unit allows you to mount it in a plethora of ways, you can easily keep it out of sight even in a congested vehicle.
Besides, you can even use this type of gun safe in your home for different purposes. They can work really well as a nightstand gun safe or even an under-table option. The versatility that this unit brings is exceptional and serves well in a wide range of scenarios.
How to Install A Pistol Safe in Your Car?
Now that you have a good grip on the basics of a car gun safe, you should feel pretty confident about buying one for yourself. After you get your safe, you need to set it up. We already discussed how important it is to set it up properly to get the full security out of it.
Although some might think of it as an intimidating project, in reality, it is quite simple and straightforward. The mounting process for cable or bolted mounting is, however, quite different.
Cable Mounting
As we have mentioned above, the simplest way to install a pistol safe in your car is by using a security cable. In most cases, your purchase includes a strong and sturdy cable right out of the box. Make sure you are using a unit that has 1500 pounds of strength rating to ensure proper security.
The gun safes that allow cable mounting typically have a slot where you insert the security cable. But before you do that, you should connect the other end of the cable to your car. Where you make the connection is up to you but make sure the cable holds tightly.
Once you are done with one end, you can simply insert the other end into the slot located in your gun safe. Twist it slightly, and it should lock automatically. You might need to use keys if you want to remove the tether from the slot.
Bolted Mounting
Although bolted mounting does require a bit more work, the process is pretty simple if you know your way around a power drill. However, keep in mind that the holes you drill in your car are here to stay, so only take this approach if you want a permanent car gun safe.
Make sure you mark out where you want to install the gun safe clearly before you start with the drilling. You can use a white pencil to make the marks after removing the carpeting from the area. While drilling, make sure you set the drill at a slower speed since you do not want to cause any damage to the car.
If your gun safe comes with pre-drilled holes, you need to match the location of the holes to that of your car. Once all that is done, you can simply place the safe over the drilled location and screw it down with some bolts. As you can imagine, running off with a gun safe that is bolted down is practically impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to carry a gun inside a car gun safe?
Yes, it is. As long as you have a concealed carry permit, you can legally carry a weapon inside your car gun safe. Just make sure only you have access to the gun safe. Furthermore, you should always keep your gun safe locked, and your weapons should only come out when you are in real danger.
Which locking mechanism is best for my car gun safe?
This is a very common question that people often have about a car gun safe. But the honest answer is, there is no such thing as the “best locking mechanism.” Each locking system has its own benefits and setbacks, and the one you go for ultimately comes down to your preference.
The most sophisticated system out there might be biometric security. However, the major issue with this system is its absurd cost. Furthermore, if you go with a cheaper scanner, you will have to place your finger multiple times on the sensor until it picks up on your prints.
Although a lot of people vouch for biometric security, it might not be the best for you because of these issues. You might benefit more from something like an electronic keypad. Even high-quality keyed locks have their place in the industry.
How can I make my car gun safe even safer?
One of the most common issues with even the best gun safe for car is its lightweight nature. This means unless you have mounted it securely, burglars can simply lift up the safe and run away with it.
To make sure your car gun safe is completely safe, you need to choose a proper mounting location and install it the proper way and a dehumidifier.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a car gun safe might be one of the best decisions you ever make as a gun lover who drives around a lot. That way, you will always be able to get to your weapon should you ever run into any trouble.
We hope our article on the best car gun safe could help you figure out the right product for your needs.