Growing up in my house, firearms were a huge part of our life, much bigger than TV. Guns were not locked up, as Dad might only have a moment’s notice to dispatch a groundhog in the garden, a skunk, or other critter. That said, none of the guns were loaded. Today, keeping firearms in the home for self-defense has become commonplace, which means keeping one loaded. For this reason, quick-access safes for the nightstand are becoming a necessity. Let’s look at a few.
Nightstand Safes Have Come a Long Way
When I went to stay at grandpa’s, a firearm was in every corner of the house, and each was loaded. I was taught respect and not to touch any of the guns unless Dad was there. And believe me, you just didn’t. I knew that if I wanted to start shooting soon, I had better not touch them until I was given Dad’s blessing.
Those were different times. No school shootings, teen suicide rate wasn’t a thing, and children going on a shooting spree was unheard of. This was before the internet, and the most up-to-date news came from Walter Cronkite on the evening news.
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Back then, if your parents told you not to do something, you did not do it. Corporal punishment hadn’t yet fallen out of favor.
Today it’s different. Social media, influencers, and who knows what else is out there infiltrating our kids’ brains and lives.
But you must keep the bad guy out of your house. Likewise, you must keep everyone inside safe from the unintentional threat of an accidental discharge.
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The first bedside safe I ever saw did not impress me. Fumbling for keys to open a lock in the heat of the moment didn’t appeal to me. Oh, how times have changed. There are nightstand safes with biometric keys that open with your fingerprints and electronic keypads. Similarly, others use RFID technology, allowing access to your pistol.
The goal is to keep your family safe from danger while protecting them from threats outside the home.
Here is a rundown of a few of the nightstand safes available.
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Fort Knox FTK-PB
The Fort Knox FTK- PB is the heavyweight of nightstand safes, weighing in at a whopping 22 lbs. It can store two handguns with magazines. It features the Simplex mechanical lock. You simply hit two buttons, then one, and turn the dial.
The five-button lock gives the user more than 1080 combinations, which are programmable by the user. It features a 10-gauge steel body, 3/16 plate door, and a gas-assisted piston. It also features thick foam to protect the finish of your firearm. The FTK-PB is also made in the USA.
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MSRP: $345.00
Onnais Iron SE Biometric Pistol Safe
The Onnais Iron SE Biometric has room for a large frame pistol. It features a biometric (fingerprint) reader lock and a backup illuminated, programmable button combination lock. It’s a bit on the light side at 4.4 lbs. However, it does come with mounting holes to attach to a wall, as well as a cable lock.
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A pistol safe with these features for under $90, there’s little excuse not to have one.
MSRP: $89.99
Spartan Guardian
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One of the newest entries in portable weapon safes is the Spartan Guardian. It uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to gain access to the pistol. Once locked into place, the RFID wristband, key fob, or ring opens the vault for fast access to the pistol. In the unlikely event the lock fails, a drill-proof 10-pin lock mechanical backup key is provided with the vault.
The Spartan Guardian also has a hidden tracker compartment in case the vault is lost or stolen. However, the tracker is not included with the vault.
The Spartan Guardian has 1100 lbs. of holding force to keep your pistol out of the hands of unauthorized users. The Spartan Guardian also offers multiple mounting options, allowing it to be placed wherever you need it, such as in the bedroom, kitchen, or your car.
MSRP: $489.00
Vaultek Smart Station DS2i
If incognito or hiding in plain sight is your thing, then take a look at the Vaultek Smart Station DS2i. On the face of the safe is a digital clock, and the entire unit is easily overlooked as such. Using a biometric, electronic keypad, or mechanical key, you will always have access to your pistol.
The DS2i also features an optional phone charger as well as USB and USB-C ports to charge electronics. The DS2i would be a perfect traveling companion for those staying in motels or Airbnb, and no one would know you are “packing.” There is also a Bluetooth app to monitor tampering with the unit and humidity. Finally, the brightness of the LED lights illuminates the inside of the unit.
MSRP: $399.99
Nightstand Safes: Your First Line of Defense
More and more states are holding the firearm owner liable if their firearm is stolen and used in a crime. For this reason, a nightstand safe can be the first line of defense to keep your pistol secure from unauthorized users, while maintaining quick access should you need it fast.
