There are many different manufacturers of storage devices for your handguns. Most of the gun safe manufacturers will also have a product line for storing just your pistols. Some will call them pistol safes, some will call them pistol boxes. While this is not a comprehensive list and often the lines blur, let's examine the differences:
Pistol Safe
Pistol Box
There is no best pistol safe for each person. You need to consider where and how you are going to use this device to store your weapon.
Pistol Safe
- This container is often built like its big brother gun safes. It may use much of the same design with lighter materials. They often include concealed hinges, multiple locking bolts on the door, and heavy duty locks.
- Pistol safes will typically have an electronic or biometric locking mechanism for quick access.
- These units can be much more expensive to purchase averaging around $200, but can approach $1000.
- They are heavier than a simple metal box, but then are also much more secure. Some will be fireproof and others are also water proof, which protects not only your weapon against theft, but also against the elements.
- Because of their weight and size, these safes are not as easy to conceal. They can be considered a long term or permanent storage location.
Pistol Box
- These products have a much wider range of different types. Some are simply locked metal boxes not much different than a locking cash box. Others have many of the same features as the above pistol safes.
- They are typically less expensive and are lighter.
- These will often have simple key locks, but can have mechanical or electronic button locks also.
- Because of the thinner metal, they can often be defeated by a large crowbar or screwdriver.
- These are best for short term storage, like a vehicle pistol safe, or by your bed at night.
- If your purpose is to simply keep the gun away from small children, a pistol box is an inexpensive option.
- It is also good for law enforcement use to store their handgun in for a short period of time.
There is no best pistol safe for each person. You need to consider where and how you are going to use this device to store your weapon.
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