Best night stand gun safe and why?

Sharpshooter3

Sharpshooter3

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 10, 2018
123
59
#1
I have a couple of little ones that are just getting to the age that they are starting to get in to things around the house. Before my wife and I had children I always just kept a hand gun in the top drawer of my night stand, but with the little ones around I think I am going to invest in some type of small safe to keep a full sized hand gun in the bedroom. What all are you guys using/ had good luck with?
 
#5
308pirate said:
I've never kept my nightstand gun anywhere but in my night stand drawer. It's the same pistol I carry every day, no need for anything different.

My kid has never touched it because she was told she was to not touch it unless she asked me first.
Click to expand...

Don’t take this the wrong way, because I don’t intend to be a dick hole. My old man told me that I was not allowed to to drink, use tabacco, or have sexual intercourse while I was in high school. Somehow I found myself drunk as piss, intercoursing my girlfriend, with a big ass wad of snuff in stuck in my gums every weekend. Kids will be kids. I have a 1.5 yo daughter and am in currently the same boat. I keep a gunsafe where most would have a nightstand. It’s daylocked at night with a loaded PCC in it.
 
#6
My lies on top of the night table...well, on a mouse pad so the wife doesn't bitch.

MySafety.jpg
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: Alphatreedog, Maggot and oneshot86
#7
McNamara0851 said:
Don’t take this the wrong way, because I don’t intend to be a dick hole. My old man told me that I was not allowed to to drink, use tabacco, or have sexual intercourse while I was in high school. Somehow I found myself drunk as piss, intercoursing my girlfriend, with a big ass wad of snuff in stuck in my gums every weekend. Kids will be kids. I have a 1.5 yo daughter and am in currently the same boat. I keep a gunsafe where most would have a nightstand. It’s daylocked at night with a loaded PCC in it.
Click to expand...

I'm not describing how I wish my kid would behave in the future. I'm describing the way my daughter has behaved around firearms for the 17 years she's been alive. It's a fact, she was told to not touch them without permission and she's done so.

I bring that up to show what is possible, regardless of whether anyone believes it is or not.
 
#8
I have one of the Liberty handgun safes it's fast and quiet

I'm going to build or get one of the concealment walls for the closet to have an AR and pistol in also.

My kiddos are 7/11 they both know to leave it alone and do, with friends coming over from time to time. I'm not taking the chance with an unattended weapon in the house.
 
#9
Show your pistol to her when she wants to see it. Show it to he when she doesn't. Sit her down at the table and clean it. Field strip it while describing what you're doing. With excruciating detail, describe every part and its function. By the time you're done she is will have decided for herself that guns are BORING.

The above is only 1/2 tongue in cheek. Proper education will prevent more "accidents" than a safe. Once the taboo is gone, so is the fun.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rockn30809, DarnYankeeUSMC, Maggot and 1 other person
#10
im more worried about a friend that wanders off if my kids in the bathroom etc.
sentrysafe on the nightstand (not screwed in) next to the alarm clock
wife doesnt mind it and i stuff it in a drawer for a larger party where people might wonder or use other bathrooms
 
#11
For kids only?

I gave my mother a G17 and a couple mags and some +P+ to keep for home defense, she and her husband didn't have jack shit. They have my sister's three kids over a lot so to keep the grandkids out I told 'em they'd have to get a small safe.

They went with one of the fingerprint types that bolts to the nightstand. They can get in it FAST if need be and it's strong enough to keep out kids and even smash and grabbers who don't have tools.

They make different ones, different locks, different mounting methods. There are also locking safe drawers that will mount under your bed and hold a shotgun and armor and it's spring loaded so it pops open when you unlock it. Lots of options really. Just do your research and make sure it's not a POS because you can almost never tell from the pictures or descriptions.
 
#12
We need a nightstand safe for the friends of the kids reason also.

As far as raising them right, I started when they were just old enough to talk.
A few weeks ago, I took my oldest daughter (24) shooting.
I opened the safe and grabbed a rifle to move it out of the way. As I held it by the barrel, Megan asked if I was gonna check it to see if it was loaded.

Nothing in the safe is ever loaded, but I can't fault her for calling me out on it.

That's how she was raised.

I'm doing the same for the step kids too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: oneshot86
#14
Same situation here.

About 6 years ago, I reluctantly bought a Barska biometric/fingerprint scanner 'safe'. That thing has been rock solid. It has never failed to work for me or my wife. It opens quickly (1-2 seconds) and alarms when I forget to lock it back up. Still on its original battery too.

Amazon.com: BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Safe with Fingerprint Lock: Gateway

Buy BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Safe with Fingerprint Lock: Gun Safes & Cabinets - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Granted, this thing will NOT stop a thief. I didn't even bolt it down. But it will keep the kids from having the single brain lapse that could cost them their lives.

And yes, my kids are schooled in the "don't touch" program. I test them frequently by leaving (unloaded) pistols on the table, counter, bathroom, etc. and they've never failed to come get me without touching. But, it only takes 1 time to end a life.

Anyone with younger kids around that thinks their kids are exceptional and would never touch is just an idiot.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jetracer013 and wh20crazy
#16
It's not just my son that I worry about. We have guests with children from time to time and I have no idea what kind of training/education they've had.

WNC SeaBee: Does that Barska "Beep" or make any other loud noise when you unlock it? My safe beeps for every number I key in, not exactly tactical in the event of an intruder.
 
#18
Mike Casselton said:
We need a nightstand safe for the friends of the kids reason also.

As far as raising them right, I started when they were just old enough to talk.
A few weeks ago, I took my oldest daughter (24) shooting.
I opened the safe and grabbed a rifle to move it out of the way. As I held it by the barrel, Megan asked if I was gonna check it to see if it was loaded.

Nothing in the safe is ever loaded, but I can't fault her for calling me out on it.

That's how she was raised.

I'm doing the same for the step kids too.
Click to expand...
Everything in mine is.
 
#19
WNC Seabee said:
Same situation here.

About 6 years ago, I reluctantly bought a Barska biometric/fingerprint scanner 'safe'. That thing has been rock solid. It has never failed to work for me or my wife. It opens quickly (1-2 seconds) and alarms when I forget to lock it back up. Still on its original battery too.

Amazon.com: BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Safe with Fingerprint Lock: Gateway

Buy BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Safe with Fingerprint Lock: Gun Safes & Cabinets - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Granted, this thing will NOT stop a thief. I didn't even bolt it down. But it will keep the kids from having the single brain lapse that could cost them their lives.

And yes, my kids are schooled in the "don't touch" program. I test them frequently by leaving (unloaded) pistols on the table, counter, bathroom, etc. and they've never failed to come get me without touching. But, it only takes 1 time to end a life.

Anyone with younger kids around that thinks their kids are exceptional and would never touch is just an idiot.
Click to expand...
It depends on the age of the child. A three or four year old could. Older than that they shouldn't if they have been allowed too since they were three or four and taught how.
 
#20
jetracer013 said:
It's not just my son that I worry about. We have guests with children from time to time and I have no idea what kind of training/education they've had.

WNC SeaBee: Does that Barska "Beep" or make any other loud noise when you unlock it? My safe beeps for every number I key in, not exactly tactical in the event of an intruder.
Click to expand...

It does, but I'm fairly confident that it can be turned off.
 
#23
best to just have a few pistols on top of either side of the bed side night stand, a 12 gauge pump on either side of the bed, a 12 gauge at every door a rack of ARs locked and loaded behind the master bedroom door, satchels full of magazines loaded with green tips.

Safes are for people who want to die empty handed.
 
Last edited:
#25
I have a liberty non finger print version. Took some 3/16" coated cable ran it through the safe where the corners are folded (small gap) looped it through a 5" i lag eye bolt and used cable clamps inside the safe to tie it together. Will need a set if bolt cutters to take it. (Make sure mine are hidden in the garage).

Locked when the kid is up, open at night. Also teaching gun safety at the same time to my 2yr old. Shes interested but understands only when im around and say its okay. Same training we use on the wood stove (its still gated even though she knows not to touch and doesnt.)
 
#26
Dose anybody have experience with a vaultek VT20i? They seem to get several good reviews. I'm not sure I'm real cracked on the idea of something that has to use battery's or be plugged in. But it may be faster/easier to get in to in the dark than a manual push button type.
 
#27
WNC Seabee said:
Same situation here.

About 6 years ago, I reluctantly bought a Barska biometric/fingerprint scanner 'safe'. That thing has been rock solid. It has never failed to work for me or my wife. It opens quickly (1-2 seconds) and alarms when I forget to lock it back up. Still on its original battery too.

Amazon.com: BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Safe with Fingerprint Lock: Gateway

Buy BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Safe with Fingerprint Lock: Gun Safes & Cabinets - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Granted, this thing will NOT stop a thief. I didn't even bolt it down. But it will keep the kids from having the single brain lapse that could cost them their lives.

And yes, my kids are schooled in the "don't touch" program. I test them frequently by leaving (unloaded) pistols on the table, counter, bathroom, etc. and they've never failed to come get me without touching.
But, it only takes 1 time to end a life.

Anyone with younger kids around that thinks their kids are exceptional and would never touch is just an idiot.
Click to expand...

"But, it only takes 1 time to end a life.

Anyone with younger kids around that thinks their kids are exceptional and would never touch is just an idiot."

Amen and amen.

I dont have nay kids coming around. I still keep my sidearm stashed behind some books and the 12 gauge loaded with 00 behind the door.
 
#28
Sharpshooter3 said:
Dose anybody have experience with a vaultek VT20i? They seem to get several good reviews. I'm not sure I'm real cracked on the idea of something that has to use battery's or be plugged in. But it may be faster/easier to get in to in the dark than a manual push button type.
Click to expand...
I have one in my trucks center console. No complaints. Its not super big though on the inside. Just big enougj for a pistol in a holster and maybe a spare mag.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sharpshooter3
#29
When my cousin's kid was almost 2 they were visiting some friends, kid got tired so they put him down for a nap and he found the gun and boom. He was sitting crossed legged on the floor as kids do at that age just playing around with the new found toy apparently. The bullet went through his lower leg with serious injuries. His leg is still screwed up years later as an adult. He was barely talking - just a few words at a time so it was a "hot gun" as the muzzle blast burned quite a bit.

I grew up with guns on our ranch and was taught how to be responsible from an early age. I respected them and used them responsibly. I had access to mostly long guns- open access or permission depending on the caliber and my age. The revolver was hidden away and not fired much - it was a permission gun. I was a pretty good kid - good grades at the christian school, respectful, overachiever, etc. As far as my dad knew I was totally responsible with guns. I brought the revolver to school a couple times - unloaded just to show my friends discreetly. Hung out with other "good, responsible" kids and saw very unsafe handling of guns and I'm sure their parents had no idea. Good kids are very capable of making bad decisions.

I've never felt having a loaded gun around the house was necessary. I'm just not worried about it and don't feel there is an inordinate threat in the places we live. Nothing wrong with having a loaded gun around if you live where there is a climate of threat either. Just pointing out that kids and guns can come together in ways we least expect.
 
#30
Gunbox. Well made unit. For situations that don’t safely allow a pistol to be sitting out, whatever that reason may be. My wife bought one for me and I bought one for a neighbor. They have their place and I’d rather have a gun in the gunbox than no gun safely within reach.

I have no worries about my boys, or just about any of their friends. That being said, the living room gun is in the box.
 
#31
p
Herb Stoner said:
When my cousin's kid was almost 2 they were visiting some friends, kid got tired so they put him down for a nap and he found the gun and boom. He was sitting crossed legged on the floor as kids do at that age just playing around with the new found toy apparently. The bullet went through his lower leg with serious injuries. His leg is still screwed up years later as an adult. He was barely talking - just a few words at a time so it was a "hot gun" as the muzzle blast burned quite a bit.

I grew up with guns on our ranch and was taught how to be responsible from an early age. I respected them and used them responsibly. I had access to mostly long guns- open access or permission depending on the caliber and my age. The revolver was hidden away and not fired much - it was a permission gun. I was a pretty good kid - good grades at the christian school, respectful, overachiever, etc. As far as my dad knew I was totally responsible with guns. I brought the revolver to school a couple times - unloaded just to show my friends discreetly. Hung out with other "good, responsible" kids and saw very unsafe handling of guns and I'm sure their parents had no idea. Good kids are very capable of making bad decisions.

I've never felt having a loaded gun around the house was necessary. I'm just not worried about it and don't feel there is an inordinate threat in the places we live. Nothing wrong with having a loaded gun around if you live where there is a climate of threat either. Just pointing out that kids and guns can come together in ways we least expect.
Click to expand...
You weren’t a good kid in this respect and wasn’t responsible. Some are. I do get your point though.
 
Last edited:
#32
308pirate said:
I'm not describing how I wish my kid would behave in the future. I'm describing the way my daughter has behaved around firearms for the 17 years she's been alive. It's a fact, she was told to not touch them without permission and she's done so.

I bring that up to show what is possible, regardless of whether anyone believes it is or not.
Click to expand...

I believe it...I never went near the firearms in my house when I was a kid because my Dad said not to...no more needed to be said....

my kids are the same and that would be a total of 6. The strength of your convictions are important. Kids know when you are serious and when you are not
 
  • Like
Reactions: 308pirate, Geno C. and ArmyJerry
#33
I went to a Hornady Rapid safe. I looked at some safes that you had to lay 4 fingers on the pads just right to read your prints and then slowly (but quietly) would open. I decided that at night in the dark after being woken from a dead sleep and maybe not have the wherewithal, that safe might get a guy and his family killed. The Rapid Safe is loud, but it opens quick. I have not had the RFID fail, but I would change the AA batteries frequently if you are not depending on AC power.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sharpshooter3
#34
Some of the things I do don't make a lot of sense to a lot of folks, myself included.

My 10 y/o Granddaughter is visiting for the Summer, and we've ensured that all of the accessible firearms are secured with those free VA handout cable locks.

I prioritize responsible gun ownership above handy self defense. When she goes back home soon, the cables will come off.

All of us who possess and shoot these firearms sat down and discussed how we would handle this situation, and we decided that we would sacrifice the (admittedly very low) likelihood that being self-disarmed would actually cost the price of unpreparedness during the time in question, in favor of taking as thoroughly effective steps as possible to prevent a shooting accident involving our littlest Grandchild.

All of life is choices, and all choices have consequences, both potential and real. Sometimes the choices are not clear, but we have to make them anyway. We do as best we can, within real limitations.

Greg
 
  • Like
Reactions: jetracer013 and Geno C.
#35
Don't get the finger print ones. A little dust and they never open. I guess ok if you keep the key handy. and mostly for the wife when Im out of town.

I have 3 little boys. Im on the fence. I grew up with weapons behind every door. Midnight coons were a constant threat. While still leaving some long arms around, I teach as soon as they can speak to never touch my rifles or pistols and if at a friends and see one to leave immediately and call me. So far the 7 and 3 yr old have nvr touched a single firearm.

Liberals want us and our kids to be afraid of weapons. They are tools. Nothing more to fear than any blunt object.


GL
DT
 
#37
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Dog&Jeep
Problem with one of my gun safes.
Replies
26
Views
417
Simonsza1
Simonsza1
Cheeseburger1976
Large Gun Safe
Replies
30
Views
856
CageFighter
C
DangerDave
Home construction worth
Replies
34
Views
1K
AmmoFort
AmmoFort
M
invader takeovers
Replies
9
Views
632
Terry Cross
Terry Cross
mtnhunter22
House fires suck
Replies
31
Views
1K
rope
rope
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts