Posted: 5/30/2006 2:29:04 PM EDT
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Who uses a Gun Vault? I have the small basic model and I like it a lot. However, there are 2 things that could use improvement: The batteries don't last very long, and the locking mechanism seems very small and flimsy, not beefy at all. Other than that I really like it, the design is very good IMO. So who uses a Gun vault and what is your opinion on it? ETA: Just so there is no confusion on what safe I am talking about: www.gunvault.com/ |
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I have one and love it. I was a bit taken back with the number of batteries it takes (something like 8 AA) but it's been going for well over a year now with no problems. You actually have to be careful not to enter the code too fast or it won't take it. I just use one number over and over and keep pushing the button until it opens. That seems to be the fastest and most reliable way for me. Just my $.02 Ed |
| I set my code to something that uses all 4 buttons and one entry uses 2 buttons at the same time (a nice feature to add more possible codes). With my niece and other children in the family, I'm sure one of them would end up pressing one of the buttons 6 times, so I don't think your method would work out well for me. |
That sounds like an actual problem, you might want to call the Manufacturer on that. Could have a short in the board using current. |
I wonder if there is an upgrade kit so I could go with 115VAC and use the batts as a back up. I really don't want to go with the full up delux model, just have AC as primary and DC as backup.
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That's crap. As I posted above, I've had the same Duracells in my gunvault since approx. 2001, and it opens every time I want it too. How often are you opening yours? |
Is the delux model more energy efficient? One would think the opposite. |
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Mine has been working for well over a year now with no need to change the batteries. If that is a major issue for you, you could always get a small DC adapter of the correct voltage (number of batteries X 1.5), drill a small hole in the case and hook the the wires across the battery terminals (making sure to get the polarity correct of course). Ed Edited to add: I seem to recall that there was some sort of modification that had to be made to early units to extend battery life. I'll see if I can find anything on that. More edits: Well, I couldn't find anything on that but I swear that there was something about the older units that used the flat key. Anyway, a third alternative would be to use AA lithium batteries. More expensive, but more engery overall and much longer shelf life than alkaline batteries. |
I open mine at least once a week, sometimes 2 or 3 times a week. It all depends on my shooting and cleaning schedule. |
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I open mine once every two or three weeks just to check function and battery status (just like testing my smoke detectors) and that is pretty much it. I am really lucky if I get 6 mos out of them. When I do test it, and I get the red light indicating batteries are low, I have very little time to get new batteries in it (maybe a day or two and thats it). The only way I know of knowing when the batteries are low is to test it. If I where negligent to test it for a couple of months it would be possible that I couldn't open it at all (without the key that is). This happened to me once. In a situation like that a person could be in a world of hurt if they really needed their gun. So... if you have one of the standard models, make sure you test it regularly and have a stock of batteries on hand. The price difference between the standard model and the deluxe model is quite a bit IIRC. If there where another unit available for the price that is just as secure I would jump on it just because the battery issues are really irritating. |
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The idea of adding your own AC adapter is a good one, you would need to put a 12V adapter in parallel with the batteries, you still need batteries, even the deluxe model requires them in order to keep the password memorized if a power failure should occur. However, the batteries should last much, much longer with the AC adapter connected. mjmarsha1, what happened with mine was different, and possibly more problematic. The keys beeped fine and the unit accepted the code, however the lock did not open. There was no dead battery indicator at all, even after 20 more attempts to open it. The lock just wouldn't open unless I used the key. I e-mailed GunVault and they replied that it was probably a broken cable, so I decided to call them to see what to do. When I called, I talked to someone who seemed to know everything about the GunVault, he said to disregard that e-mail, he was actually pretty pissed at whoever e-mailed me, he said that it must have been "an office person". He explained that the problem was lack of power in the batteries, that is when he explained that I needed to use Duracels and they had to be the furthest expiration date available, he said that I shouldn't expect more than 6 months, and if I wanted more I should get the deluxe model.. For the people calling "crap" on that, give them a call. On another note, does anyone else think the lock is a little wimpy? It looks like a crowbar or even a screwdriver could pull that door open with one tug. Who wants to try it out with their GunVault??? |
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I have two of them, and they are on their first set of bats, too. Probably about five years old. I like them so much I bought a third one. I can't remember where I put my keys! Is each key unique? Are these the locks that can be defeated with a Bic pen? |
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I just bought one, installed it in the cargo area of my Cherokee so that I have a place to leave my carry weapon in the car if I end up somewhere I am not allowed to carry. I like it, got the basic model, affixed it to the metal frame in the sideall of the cargo area, facing rearward so that when the tailgate is open, I can reach inm hit the keys, and the door opens towards me. I need to take a picture. No Expert |
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As a matter of fact I do, sir! This is what I have. Same model. I am by no means an expert on handgun boxes, but in my opinion it is very well made. No batteries. If you can't get the gun out in time, you could grab it by its handle and bludgeon the bastard to death. One whack to the noggin would probably suffice considering it weighs 10lbs. without any hardware within. www.lock-depot.com/scripts/prodview.asp?idProduct=59 I paid $100 about 8 years ago.
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