Vehicle portable safe/lock boxes

[Trebor657]

I recently had an incident which was a reality check for me. In thinking of it and possible outcomes and solutions, I have been looking at getting a vehicle biometric gun safe. Just a small one pistol size with fingerprint, combination and key opening options for access. A couple local shops have a few in stock. I looked at them and they seem sufficient except for one issue. The box is secured in the vehicle by a cable which loops around the seat frame or something similar. My concern is how easy would it be to cut that tether cable? Packaging states a "steel security cable" is included. Looking at the cable, looks like a pair of bolt cutters could easily cut it.

Just curious if anyone knows how secure the cable would make the safe. I would not leave a weapon in the box all the time since I have issues with leaving a firearm in my truck unattended for a long period of time. Anyone had to cut a cable or have any experience with them? Thanks for any input...

 

[Bassbob]

Yes, that steel cable can be cut using bolt cutters. I know this for a fact. It's like regular gun safes. The $200 one at Walmart will deter inexperienced thieves or those with no time, but can be easily defeated. Even the $800 safes can be defeated by determined thieves with a circular saw and a half an hour to operate while making a lot of noise.

The bottom line is that those under seat cable safes are better than nothing, but if you're actually trying to secure something you need a heavier grade safe and it needs to be bolted through the floorboard into a steel crossmember. Preferably under the seat.

 

[somorris]

I’m definitely not a cable expert, but I believe aircraft grade cable is pretty difficult to cut. Still a lot better than the glove box, but anything like a cable or chain can be defeated given enough time and the right tools.

 

[Bassbob]

I’m definitely not a cable expert, but I believe aircraft grade cable is pretty difficult to cut. Still a lot better than the glove box, but anything like a cable or chain can be defeated given enough time and the right tools.

Large pair of bolt cutters it takes about 13 seconds.

 

[Goaliedad]

Take a look at Console Vault. If you have a vehicle that one will fit. I Installed one in my wife’s Tahoe, they bolt into the metal under the console, and also it’s hard to tell they are in there.

 

[Mr.W.]

Decent bolt cutters will defeat any cable secured box I'm aware of, FWIW. I use one when needed, as it's better than nothing. Also, it can't hurt with possible LE and/or insurance queries on gun theft.

 

[Phoenex]

I have a single handgun lock box mounted at the rear of a Ford Explorer. The frame allows you to secure it to the floor ( barely enough room not to interfere with the 3rd row seat) once secured the lock box can be inserted and secured -- I fold the seats and it's invisible. Cable always seemed insufficient. I don't have the brand because I received the box from a friend.

 

[The Night Rider]

Large pair of bolt cutters it takes about 13 seconds.

How many car burglars walk around with large bolt cutters?

 

[Bassbob]

How many car burglars walk around with large bolt cutters?

My guess is just about all of them dude.

 

[powerboatr]

I have a single handgun lock box mounted at the rear of a Ford Explorer. The frame allows you to secure it to the floor ( barely enough room not to interfere with the 3rd row seat) once secured the lock box can be inserted and secured -- I fold the seats and it's invisible. Cable always seemed insufficient. I don't have the brand because I received the box from a friend.

can you please share the name and model number
i am looking for one to fight in my wifes 23 explorer thank you

 

[Phoenex]

can you please share the name and model number
i am looking for one to fight in my wifes 23 explorer thank you

I was given the box by a friend - no box or brand on the unit. I'll check Amazon and if I can find it or a similar one I'll post the link.

 

[powerboatr]

I was given the box by a friend - no box or brand on the unit. I'll check Amazon and if I can find it or a similar one I'll post the link.

thanks
i have a roughly 12x12 small security fire safe with a 5/16 cable now to lock around the seat frames, makes it easy to move from vehicle to vehicle
the console safes imo are to small and really can be ripped out in short order
good thing about the explorer is a ton of people have no idea where all the hidden storage places are in that body

 

[The Night Rider]

My guess is just about all of them dude.

LARGE? I mean I wouldn't be surprised if they had some kind of snip on them but it would have to be something that could hide in the pocket.

Actually they show videos on the news here of people going down the streets checking cars looking for something to burglarize and from what I've seen in most of these videos if they can't get in the car they go right to the next one.

 

[Bassbob]

LARGE? I mean I wouldn't be surprised if they had some kind of snip on them but it would have to be something that could hide in the pocket.

Actually they show videos on the news here of people going down the streets checking cars looking for something to burglarize and from what I've seen in most of these videos if they can't get in the car they go right to the next one.

I lost count of how many hood rats I saw pull an AR pistol out of their pants.

The car burglars downtown have tools on them brother, believe me.

 

[Jfal]

OK, my question is why you want to leave a firearm in a vehicle for "a long amount of time"? Leaving your car at the airport? That's the ONLY reason that makes sense to me....but I know I don't know everything...

 

[3L120]

A while back, when expensive locks came along, crooks found out that filling a thermos with liquid nitrogen filled the bill. Pour some on the lock, or cable…it freezes up and a tap on the metal shatters it. Walking around with a thermos, not so noticeable.

 

[The Night Rider]

OK, my question is why you want to leave a firearm in a vehicle for "a long amount of time"? Leaving your car at the airport? That's the ONLY reason that makes sense to me....but I know I don't know everything...

I have a lock box for the times (such as at the VA) where I have to disarm and leave my gun in the car. I never leave a gun in my car overnight.

 

[Lo-Profile]

I use one with the cable.
Mine uses a key. Like $30 on Amazon. I only use it when I absolutely have to, and only for as long as necessary.