The History of the Revolver, Fun Facts & More!

Posted on by Adam Riemer
history of the revolver

From the iconic spinning chamber spun by cowboys in wild west films, to the sleek chambers of modern firearms, the revolver is likely the most iconic of all guns.  Original ideations date back to the 1400’s, and they continue to evolve to this day.

Revolvers (also known as six shooters) get their name from the rotating barrel that contains the bullets.  As you pull the trigger and the hammer strikes the chamber and the bullet is ejected.  From there the chamber rotates the new bullet into place.  Because the chamber “revolves”, it gave way to the name revolver.

You can identify a revolver through its signature features including a:

  • Rotating cylinder
  • Hammer
  • Sight (normally found on the nose and hammer)
  • Ejector rods
  • Trigger
  • Frame

Although many believe the first revolver was created and patented in 1835 and 1836 by Samuel Colt, Samuel made a discovery that inspired his invention at the Tower of London.  It turns out the revolver was actually created hundreds of years prior, and the model he found is still on display.  

Unlike the six shooter, this original model had a revolving chamber that could hold four bullets. Although six shooters are the norm, there’s a lot to be said about the stealth Smith and Wesson 638 whose magazine holds 5 bullets.  

From major motion pictures to being a backup firearm for law enforcement, get ready to learn fun facts and the history that lead to the revolver taking its place in the history books.

Definition of a Revolver

A revolver is a type of handgun characterized by a rotating cylinder that contains multiple chambers, each holding a single cartridge.

The cylinder rotates to align each chamber with the barrel, allowing for sequential firing of rounds. This distinctive design distinguishes revolvers from other firearms, such as semi-automatic pistols, which utilize a different feeding and firing mechanism.

The History of the Revolver

From its beginnings as the “hand cannon” in the 1400’s, to modern day protective weaponry, here’s how this iconic firearm has evolved.

15th Century

  • The earliest known revolving firearm, the “hand cannon,” emerges in Europe. These primitive weapons featured manually rotated chambers.

16th Century

  • 1548 a three chambered matchlock pistol is created and can still be found in Venice Italy 
  • Shortly after in the late 1500’s the Xun Lei Chong is created, and properly named “thundering fast arm”.  It held five cartridges and rotated to make firing from each of the five barrels fast and easy.

17th Century

  • 1630 is about the year Marin le Bourgeoys invented the flintlock for King Louis XII.  The flintlock was a game changer as it led to pistols, revolvers, and other models of handheld firearms for ship-to-ship and close quarters combat and protection. 

18th Century

  • 1718 James Puckle patents the “defence gun” which had a revolving cynlinder and gave way to the idea of a machine gun.  Although not a revolver as we know them being a handgun, you can see where the ideas have some cross over.

19th Century

The concept of a self-contained cartridge with a percussion cap gains popularity. Innovators like Samuel Colt and Elisha Collier develop early versions of the revolver, revolutionizing firearms technology.

  • 1814 – Elisha Haydon Collier invented the first flintlock revolver.
  • 1831 – Samuel Colt invents the modern day revolver.
  • 1836 – Samuel Colt patents the first commercially successful revolver, the Colt Paterson.
  • 1847 – Colt’s Walker revolver becomes the first mass-produced revolver for military use, known for its power and reliability.
  • 1857 – The Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver gains widespread popularity, becoming a symbol of the American frontier.
  • 1873 – The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the “Peacemaker,” becomes one of the most iconic revolvers in history, used extensively in the Wild West. 
  • 1899 – Smith & Wesson introduces the .38 Hand Ejector, later known as the Model 10, marking the company’s entry into the revolver market.

20th Century to Modern Times

  • 1955 – Ruger Firearms is founded by Bill Ruger, introducing innovative revolver designs such as the Ruger Blackhawk and Security Six.
  • 1971 – The introduction of the Smith & Wesson Model 686, a stainless steel revolver, revolutionizes the industry with its durability and performance.

With over 600 years of evolution, there’s also numerous types of revolvers.

The Types of Revolving Firearms

Each type of revolver serves a different purpose.  Some could be easier loading, and others could be for safety reasons.  There are five main evolutions that changed the way this firearm is manufactured, and that you will still find today.

  • Single Action Revolvers – These revolvers require the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot, with the trigger performing a single action—releasing the hammer.
  • Double Action Revolvers – Double action revolvers allow for both cocking the hammer and firing a round with a single pull of the trigger, providing faster follow-up shots.
  • Break-Action Revolvers – Also known as “top-break” or “hinge-action” revolvers, these firearms feature a hinged frame that allows the barrel and cylinder to pivot downward for loading and unloading.
  • Swing-Out Cylinder Revolvers – This design, commonly found in modern revolvers, features a cylinder that swings out to the side for easy reloading.
  • Pocket Revolvers – Compact and concealable, pocket revolvers are designed for discreet carry and personal protection, often chambered in smaller calibers.

What Made the Revolver Famous

The advancements in close quarters combat and being a perfect backup firearm aren’t the only reasons the revolver is a popular handgun.  It has to do with the “cool” factor it receives from popular culture.

It’s hard to picture the Wild West in a movie without a gun slinger spinning a cylinder, or a deadly game of Russian roulette in a thriller movie since the barrel with an unlucky bullet is the star. 

Here’s a few of the movies and pop culture references that lead the revolver to being one of the most popular handguns of all time.  

  • “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966) – Sergio Leone’s iconic Spaghetti Western features Clint Eastwood wielding a Colt Single Action Army revolver as the mysterious “Man with No Name.”
  • “Dirty Harry” (1971) – Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of Inspector Harry Callahan popularized the .44 Magnum revolver, famously uttering the line, “Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?”
  • “Taxi Driver” (1976) – Featured 6 different revolvers including Smith & Wesson Models 10, 29, and 36, Colt’s detective special and the official police model.
  • “The Untouchables” (1987) – Kevin Costner’s character, Eliot Ness, carries a Colt Detective Special revolver while battling crime in Prohibition-era Chicago.
  • “Back to the Future III” (1990) – No western is complete, even in sci-fi without a revolver, which is why the Colt Single Action Army is held by Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd).
  • “Pulp Fiction” (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s neo-noir masterpiece showcases the character Vincent Vega, played by John Travolta, carrying a Smith & Wesson Model 629 revolver.
  • “Casino” (1995) – You’ll find two Smith & Wesson Model 15 revolvers wielded by the hitmen.
  • “James Bond Series” – Throughout the James Bond franchise, various iterations of the iconic spy have wielded revolvers, including the Walther PPK and Smith & Wesson Model 29.
  • “The Dark Night” (2008) – You’ll see a mix of 7 revolvers in this classic release of the Batman franchise including the Smith & Wesson Model 64 and Colt Anaconda.

Revolvers are an iconic piece of weaponry that inspired engineers to find new ways to help people defend themselves, and created memorable moments in movie and TV history for generations to enjoy.  If you enjoyed this post about the history of the revolver, subscribe to our blog for more content like it by entering your email below.

What AR and 15 Stand For in the AR-15

Posted on by Adam Riemer
what the ar and 15 actually stand for in ar-15

The “AR” in AR-15 stands for “ArmaLite Rifle” which is the manufacturer of the firearm and the “15” is the model number.  Many people get these acronyms wrong, and some people assume AR means “automatic rifle” or “assault rifle” and the 15 could mean it fires “15 rounds per second or minute” or that it can hold “15 bullets” total.

Think of it like a car, the “Ford Mustang”, where “Ford” is the manufacturer and “Mustang” is the specific model.  Then you have the year you can add on, or variants like the “Shelby” or features like “EcoBoost®”.  Firearms get the same naming systems with terms like “special” which can mean compact, limited release, inexpensive, or small-caliber.

The AR-15 is the updated model from ArmaLite AR-10 and its piston is what was used for the M16 which is one of the most iconic military rifles. And the benefits of the AR-15 lead to the development of the M4 which is used extensively by the US Military by the Army starting in 1994 and the Marine Corps in September, 2016. 

The reason AR does not stand for assault rifle is not just because it is the manufacturer’s name, it is also because an assault rifle will be fully automatic and the AR-15 is semi-automatic meaning the person shooting needs to pull the trigger to fire each bullet.  It’s semi automatic because the next bullet is loaded automatically vs. manually like some revolvers.

Now you know the truth behind the meaning of “AR” and “15” in the AR-15. If you found this post helpful, subscribe to our blog for more like it.

The History of the M16 with Fun Facts & Trivia

Posted on by Adam Riemer
m16 rifle

The M16, also known as “black rifles” was developed in May 1957 by Eugene Stoner at the Armalite Company as a military grade rifle for the troops in the Vietnam war to replace the heavier and less reliable M14 model.  

The M16 officially met the military standard of shooting a five-inch group at 100 yards which is an inch smaller than the M14.  It also fired the newer 5.56 mm round with an official range of 550 meters for point targets and 800 meters for area targets. 

The M in M16 does not stand for “military” or “machine gun”, it stands for “model” as in model 16 where the 16 is the variation.  M14 is the 14th model.  

Fun fact: There is no M15 because this model was only a slight variation of the M14, and not modified enough to become the M16 we know today.

The M16 wasn’t introduced to the battlefield until May of 1964, almost 7 years after its creation and well into the war.  This is because the M16 and M16A1, encountered reliability issues due to inadequate training and maintenance procedures, as well as the use of a different powder in the ammunition and its ability to support a bayonet, including the newer M9.  

This model has a clip-point blade with saw teeth along the spine and can be used as a multi-purpose knife and wire-cutter when combined with its scabbard. For soldiers on the field, this versatility can come in handy for defense, building a shelter, hunting food, and other necessities.

After the initial introduction, Armalite worked hand-in-hand with the military and advisors to fine tune the model and in June of 1968, the Department of Defense, Defense Information Technical Center declassified the review and report on the new M16. The new M16 was over two pounds lighter than the M14, and had a greater magazine capacity of 10 bullets (20 in the M14 and 20 – 30 in the M16).  You can see why the military was excited to replace the M14 with the new M16.

Fun fact: In Stanley Kubric’s film “Full Metal Jacket” they paid extra close attention to detail and feature both the M14 and M16, however the film used the Colt Model 604 vs. the accurate M16A1 which was the model used by the Marines.  “Apocalypse Now” by Francis Ford Copolla did use the correct model, but both films used replicas vs. a real firearm.

There have been four main iterations of the M16 including the standard and models from A1 to A4.  This latest version is the most widely used as it has a carbine (gas fired) magazine, and four picatinny rails which can be used to mount scopes, bipods, and lasers.

And there has been a strong evolution of this model. Some of the most notable moments include:

  • November 1963, Secretary of Defense McNamara approved the U.S. Army’s order of 85,000 XM16E1s.
  • February 1967, the improved XM16E1 was standardized as the M16A1.
  • The 1980s when the M16A2 featured a more robust design, a heavier barrel for sustained automatic fire, and a switch to a three-round burst firing mode instead of full automatic.
  • Early 2000s when the M16A4 adopted a removable carrying handle with an integrated Picatinny rail for mounting optics and other accessories.

Now that you know the history and background of the M16, lets jump into why they’re helpful, some commonly asked questions, and some more fun facts.

Everything You’d Want to Know About M16 Rifles

As we said this model is lighter than the M14 predecessor, and offers more versatility and accuracy making it the superior firearm for the military.  So here’s how it stacks up, the ammo you can use with it, and some commonly asked questions about ownership.

The M16 Specs Include:

Weight unloaded

7.5lbs

Length

38.81 inches

Barrel Length

20 inches

Caliber

5.56mm NATO

Rate of Fire

700-900 rpm

Effective Range

550m point target

800m area target

Maximum Range

3,600m+

Magazine Capacity

20 – 30 Bullets

Materials

7075 Aluminum alloy, buttstock plastic, steel 

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Semi-automatic and automatic settings

You’re probably pretty excited if you’re a collector, a veteran, or are just getting into firearms.  Well good news, you can purchase an M16 legally in the USA.  But it isn’t as easy as walking into a store.

How to Buy an M16

yes you can buy an m16 legally in the USA

Yes, you can legally buy an M16 rifle in the USA if you pass department backgrounds checks by the DOJ and follow the process including purchasing from an authorized dealer.  

The Process and Steps to Buy an M16 Rifle:

  1. Apply with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and go through the background screening process.
  2. Once approved you’ll receive a tax stamp and be provided with paperwork that allows you legal ownership.
    1. Due to states rights, some jurisdictions have banned M16 and AR-15 Models regardless of federal tax stamps, so check your local laws before you try to buy.
  3. Now you’ll need to find an authorized and licensed dealer who has a permit to sell machine guns.
  4. Once acquired, you’ll need to register the firearm with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives).

These guns are rare, so be prepared to pay a lot if you’re lucky enough to find one.  Some go as high as $30,000.  You’re better off choosing an AR-15 with a price tag like this.  But don’t be sad if this price tag is too high, you can still try one out.

Some shooting ranges like the machine gun adventure companies in cities like Las Vegas or in states like Arizona allow you to rent and shoot firearms like these on premise and with a firearms instructor.  It’s the next best thing to being able to own one.  And if you’re lucky enough to buy one, you’re going to want to learn proper cleaning and care.

How to Clean an M16 Rifle

The process is easy, but take care as they’re rare.

  1. Disassemble the gun.
  2. Sprayed with a cleaning solvent.
  3. Scrub the interior and exterior of the gun.
  4. Wipe all surfaces clean.
  5. Oile the rifles moving parts.
  6.  Reassemble the rifle and function check.

Ever since it made its way to the battlefields of Vietnam, the M16 has been an icon of military might and American ingenuity.  And now you know the history of the M16, the process to buy one, and some fun facts for trivia night.

Did you enjoy this firearms history lesson?  Join other like-minded people and subscribe to our blog below for more content just like it as we update the blog.

A SecureIt Tribute to 3 Heroes for Memorial Day, 2024

Posted on by Adam Riemer

SecureIT Tactical has long been tied to the military, including hiring veterans like myself, Marketing Director, Josh Kinser.  Our dedication to protection, safety, and supporting those who support us has made us the global leader in military weapon storage. 

josh kinser

We truly appreciate the sacrifice of all heroes including those that did not make it home from conflict. Freedom comes with a high price, and we’re honoring our military’s sacrifices.

This Memorial Day, we’re highlighting three of our country’s bravest who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each have incredible stories, and you’ll find links to learn more at the end of each if you want learn more about what these American heroes did, how they died, and what their families went through.

SecureIt Tactical will be donating Agile 52 Pro safes, one of our top-of-the-line gun safes, to the Gold Star Family members below.

  • Major Troy Gilbert’s sons – Boston (26) and Greyson (24)
  • CW3 Michael Hartwick’s son – Tanner (25)
  • ITCS (SEAL) Dan Healy’s son – Jacob (34)

Major Troy Gilbert

major troy gilbert

Maj. Troy Gilbert’s is the pure definition of Service before Self. Although known for his elite skills flying the F-16, he dedicated his life to his family, helping with church functions, and to serve and protect others.

On Nov. 27, 2006, Major Gilbert was killed in action protecting others. The 12-year Air Force veteran was assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq. He had already completed 21 combat sorties in the F-16 supporting ground forces under enemy fire. 

On one mission, he found and identified anti-Iraqi forces, then passed critical targeting information to coalition forces, who attacked and eliminated the threat. In another time-sensitive mission, Major Gilbert destroyed 10 insurgents concealed in a palm grove with the pinpoint delivery of a laser-guided weapon.

The day he died, Major Gilbert heroically led a flight of two F-16s in an aerial combat mission near Taji, Iraq. On the ground, insurgents were unleashing truck-mounted heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, small arms fire, and mortars to attack coalition troops. To add to the intensity of the situation, a downed Army helicopter crew was in danger of being overrun. 

Major Gilbert knew that engaging the enemy meant certain anti-aircraft fire, but he went after the insurgents as his last act of service before self. He launched a strafing attack, aiming for targets on the ground using aircraft mounted weapons, against the truck and destroying it with his 20-millimeter Gatling gun. 

Despite enemy fire, Major Gilbert continued to press the insurgents with a second strafing pass at extreme low-level to help save the lives of the helicopter crew and other ground forces. He lost his life on that strafing pass when his aircraft hit the ground. 

Major Gilbert’s final act of moral and physical courage was conducted selflessly, just as he had always lived his life.

Read more about the recovery of Major Gilbert’s body 10 years later here.

CW3 Michael Hartwick

michael hartwick

Army Chief Warrant Officer Michael L. Hartwick, 25, of Orrick, Missouri, was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 4th Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, and served during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

On April 1, 2006, CW3 Hartwick and another soldier died when their Apache helicopter was shot down while conducting a combat air patrol in Baghdad, Iraq.

With an all-American boy resume in high school, and having graduated from Orrick in 1986, CW3 Hartwick was a member of the National Honor Society and student council.  Not only did he excel academically, he showed leadership from the start serving as senior class president while playing football and basketball.  

In 1992 he joined the Army and trained as an Apache helicopter pilot. He served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania, and was twice deployed to Iraq.  CW3 was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the Air Force Achievement medal, the Army Good Conduct medal, the Air Force Good Conduct medal for his service and sacrifice.

His teacher at Orrick Sandra Pendleton said it best, “When I heard the news, I thought, ‘That’s one of America’s best and brightest.” She went on to add “If you had a son, he was what you would have wanted him to be.” His wife Kerri adds “My husband, CW3 Michael Hartwick, died while fulfilling his life dream of flying the AH-64 Apache helicopter while serving his country. He was a true patriot.” 

To read the story about how CW3 Hartwick’s wife and family were notified of his death and what they went through in the days after click here.

Dan Healy w/ Marcus Luttrell

dan healy

At the young age of 36, Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Daniel Healy of Exeter, NH died on June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 service members killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

The force was on a daring night mission to reinforce a four-man SEAL reconnaissance squad that had been ambushed in 10,000 foot mountainous terrain. A total of 11 SEALs died that day in the Global War on Terror. He was assigned to a West Coast based SEAL team.

Click here to read more about Dan Healy and here for the Dan Healy Memorial Run click the links below.

There are countless stories of bravery and heroism, and we look forward to sharing more with you throughout the year to honor those that serve and protect.

What to Look for in a Bedside Gun Safe and Why

Posted on by Marketing
how to choose the right bedside gun safe

There’s no shortage of bedside gun safes on the market, and they come in all shapes, sizes, attachments, and with technology like biometrics.  But not all bedside gun safes are created equal, and some may malfunction when you need them most, during a break in.

A thicker gun safe may look more symmetrical as it fills a space, but if the door cannot open all the way it could stop you from reaching your firearm in time.  You may be leaning towards an under the bed option vs one that attaches to your nightstand. 

While that is a great option some people find their bed height or design does not accommodate for that. Others incorporate both, a safe under the bed for a long gun with the addition of a handgun safe at their bedside.  And some gun storage companies like us at SecureIt create innovative designs including our fastbox 47 so you can have access and storage under the bed.

This post covers the most common types of bedside gun safes, what to look for, and what to consider when purchasing one.  In order for us to consider the safe to be a good bedside option it must meet the following criteria:

  • Can fit next to a bed
  • Has easy access for emergency use
  • Does not hinder the users ability to access the firearm
  • Must have a locking mechanism so it is a safe vs. a display case

One thing we decided not to do is mix this with a traditional handgun safe as rifles and other items could be stored in a bedside safe, the size and storage capacity able to be stored bedside changes based on the size of the room.  

This guide is based on practical experience as one of the countries leading manufacturers of gun safes, as well as feedback from customers, and our on-staff gun experts.  Each section is double fact checked and we put each scenario to the test.

Biometric and Fingerprint Bedside Gun Safes

These look and sound cool!  Who doesn’t love technology and being able to safeguard your guns from being accessed by kids and burglars if you’re not in the room?  But with technology comes a price, reliability.  When you’re stressed, anxious, panicked, or caught off guard your hands and fingers sweat.  It is a medical term called hyperhidrosis, you can read more here at the Mayo Clinic website.

The wetness on them can prevent biometric readers from unlocking and your firearms will not be there to protect you.  In the event of a threat situation, when seconds matter most, your bedside gun safe needs to be reliable. This is an argument many are making for app based locking mechanisms.

If your phone or tablet aren’t in reach, or it is on a nightstand and gets knocked to the floor, or your hands are sweaty, you delay your ability to unlock the safe and access your firearm.  And biometric gun safes are notorious for needing regular cleaning, so if you procrastinate, this option is not for you.

Pros:

  • Keeps your guns out of kids and intruders hands
  • You don’t have to worry about missing keys or pin codes
  • Technology is cool

Cons:

  • Sweaty and wet fingers cause malfunctions
  • If the power supply runs out you cannot access your firearms
  • They tend to be more expensive because technology is an upsell
  • In constant need of cleaning

Under the Bed

If you have your heart set on storing your firearms under your bed, and protection is the goal, make sure the safe can open towards you and that you do not have too many items below your bed.  This way you can access it when you need it and quickly.

If you live in a city apartment where space is limited, make sure the safe fits under or next to your bed by measuring the area first and then looking at the manufacturer specs.  You can go with a fancy design, biometrics, etc… as protection is secondary.  This is where lines like our Fast Box safes come in handy.

Pros:

  • Does not get in the way of your home decor
  • Harder for guests and children to find
  • Lets you hide your favorite pieces away from the main safe in case of burglary

Cons:

  • The door can get blocked by other items preventing access during a breakin if you are disorganized with additional clutter.
  • Depending on your physical ability, it may be harder to climb under your bed vs. being next to your bed making it less accessible

Side of the Desk

Sometimes the only space you have is the side of your desk.  Whether it’s hidden as part of the desk or bolted to the side, this style of storage unit is appealing because it is unexpected by an intruder and blends in with your bedroom.  

Pros:

  • You maintain the element of surprise
  • Extra space under your bed for storage
  • It can be level with your arm reach as you roll over for quick access

Cons:

  • Limited space for storage
  • You have to modify your desk which can be expensive or make it non-repairable
  • Once you move, the safe may no longer fit the new room layout

Hidden on Top of a Desk or Dresser

There’s nothing cooler than seeing a lamp or sculpture that is actually your firearm storage unit “hidden in plain sight”.  You have the element of surprise with style or functionality for your bedroom.  And if it is on top of your desk and someone would break in, you can reach your piece from your bed or quickly from your seated position while working or studying.

Pros:

  • The element of surprise
  • Easy access whether you’re working or sleeping
  • It doubles as a light or design element for multi-purpose use

Cons:

  • They normally only hold one firearm
  • In plain sight safes are not always fast access.
  • Kids may learn about it and show it off to their friends putting people at risk
  • Easy to move if the intruder or person finds out what it truly is

Free Standing

Sometimes a classic free standing gun safe or stackable gun safe is the perfect bedside option.  If you have the space next to your bed you’ll be able to store multiple guns as well as have a place to rest a glass of water or put a lamp for extra light in your room.  

Pros:

  • The most storage available for bedside gun safes
  • Can double as a tabletop for books, lamps, or other items you keep close while sleeping
  • Easy to hide with a table cloth or design element

Cons:

  • Takes up additional space
  • It’s an extra piece of furniture you’ll need to be accustomed too, and avoid in the middle of the night
  • It is not hidden so intruders will know exactly where your guns are stored

Bedside gun safes are your line of defense during a nighttime home invasion.  Knowing which type fits your space and provides you with the right security is an additional line of defense to protect yourself and your loved ones.  If you found this guide helpful, subscribe to our blog for more posts just like it.

Handgun Storage and the Fast Box System

Posted on by Kevin

Handgun Storage in Today’s Market

With so many different types of handguns in the market, gun owners can choose from a variety of storage options from traditional gun safes to handgun safes that can be hidden under your bed or in your car. However, finding the best option to store your handgun has now become an inundating task. While there are many serviceable lockboxes available to consumers, they don’t go above and beyond single handgun storage. Gun owners with smaller firearm collections and associated gear are left with having to buy something oversized or a number of these tiny handgun safes.

Enter the Fast Box Storage System

Fast Box Handgun Storage

With a Fast Box hidden gun safe, handgun owners can efficiently store a number of pistols or revolvers along with associated ammunition and gear. The Fast Box system can be installed in two ways, horizontally or vertically. In a horizontal application, the neoprene pad (standard with all Fast Boxes) adds a level of protection to the firearms and valuables you choose to store. When storing your Fast Box vertically, incorporating a series of Pistol Pegs and Storage Bins allow you to maintain fast access to the handguns and gear you want without sacrificing any level of safety or security.

Decentralizing Your Handgun Storage

By decentralizing your handgun storage, you give yourself the tactical advantage over home intruders. You can securely store defensive firearms around the home for fast access in the event of an emergency situation. Some of the more accessible locations in your home are also the best place to secure a firearm to achieve this advantage. The benefit to the Fast Box is that it is secure, easily hidden, and easily accessible. A Fast Box conveniently hides under your bed, in a front hall closet, kitchen pantry, and even your vehicle.

Secure Hidden Gun Storage

Finding the Right Accessories

Pistole Storage Bins

The application of a Fast Box 47 in a vertical orientation will provide gun owners with storage for (depending on the overall size) up to 22 handguns (16 for the Fast Box 40) or a mixture of handguns and gear. When storing your handguns in a vertical application, chances are you will require the following:

Storage Bins:

Pistol and Magazine Storage

With a Medium Storage Bin, you can store smaller caliber handguns along with magazines and ammunition. Each bin has a storage capacity of 15lbs and comes with a polymer divider.

Bin Storage for Revolvers, 22 cal

Dividers allow you to store multiple pistols in one bin while not having to worry about your guns becoming damaged from bumping into one another. The bins are also a great method of keeping associated handgun parts together and organized.

Disassembled Pistol in Bin

Single Pistol Pegs:

Pistol Peg Storage

Adding a Single Pistol Peg to your Fast Box is a convenient way to incorporate handguns into your rifle storage or build a decked out handgun storage system. These individual handgun pegs store a caliber of 9mm or larger.

Single Pistol Peg Storage

They hang from a single louver and can adjust on the fly. Each peg also comes with a rubber protective coating to protect the barrel of your revolver or pistol.

See Our Handgun Storage Systems in Action

Click the links to shop Handgun Accessories and Storage Bins.

Visit the Fast Box product page to shop and learn more today!

Gun Storage Options for Condos and Apartments

Posted on by Olivia Card

Does a Heavy Gun Safe Fit your Lifestyle?

Do you live in a condo or an apartment? Do you move often? Have to deal with an HOA? If so then a big, heavy gun safe is not the best option for you.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more Americans are renting homes rather than buying. It is also expected that the average American will move 11 times during their life. With many Americans living this on-the-go, ever-moving lifestyle, finding a firearm storage system that not only keeps your guns secure but can also be adaptive to your living situation is crucial.

Proper firearm storage for many living situations can be difficult. Most homeowners association rules block the use of heavy safes in condos and townhomes. With that in mind, SecureIt offers a selection of gun storage solutions to keep your firearms safe, secure, and quickly accessible in a crisis situation.

Consider the Agile line of gun cabinets and the Fast Box line of hidden gun safes. Both of these gun storage solutions provide safety, security, are accepted by HOAs and are easily moved if needed.

The Agile Model 52

With the ability to do everything a traditional gun safe can do, the Agile Model 52 is a lightweight alternative to those unreasonably heavy gun safes.

The Model 52 features knockdown technology which can be very helpful if you move on an annual basis. It allows you to disassemble the entire safe in a matter of minutes. When disassembled it lays flat and compact for discrete and easy moving. Because let’s face it, you don’t want everyone to know what your safe looks like let alone that you have one. Also eliminating the extra expense and hassle of specialized movers. However, if you want to move it fully assembled the 52 is ultralight, weighing in at a 105 pounds. Do keep in mind, the added weight of each firearm. No worries though, grab a friend and you’ll get it done in the same amount of time.

The Fast Box Model 40 & Model 47

The Fast Box hidden gun storage systems provide secure storage while not sacrificing the element of fast access.

The four button touch keypad allows you to secure your firearm with your own combination. It is discrete and can be mounted under a bed, vertically in a closet, or mounted in a car or truck. The heavy-duty all-welded steel construction makes it durable which is perfect for mobile application. A recessed full piano hinge door, also makes it adaptable for any position. The best part? It weighs less than 50 pounds.

Custom Gun Walls and Retrofitting

Already have a cabinet that your okay with or looking for something that allows for more space to be utilized? Then perhaps retrofitting your existing gun cabinet or building a custom gun wall in a lockable area is more for you!

With a SecureIt Retrofit Kit, you can upgrade a gun cabinet with the CradleGrid system and enjoy the plethora of storage accessories. Alternatively, building a custom gun wall inside a lockable room or closet allows you to store your firearms without having to deal with any large safes or cabinets making it easier to tear down in the event you plan to move in the future.

If living in a condo or apartment is the right choice for you. SecureIt is the smart choice for your secure firearms storage.  And don’t forget to checkout our selection of handgun safes here.

Home Defense Firearms – The Four Places You Must Store Guns

Posted on by Tom Kubiniec

Gun Storage for Personal Defense and to Foil Thieves

Single-location gun storage no longer makes sense. Decentralized gun storage makes it tactically more effective to protect your family and much more difficult for gun thieves.

The two basic security concerns when it comes to guns in the home are opposing forces.

Home Defense

Secure your guns so others cannot get them and have them available quickly in the event of a crisis.

You can easily achieve both goals. In fact, some of the most secure locations in your home are also the best places to store guns, as it applies to self-defense and achieving a tactical advantage. We say “secure locations”, because hiding is better than securing. The truth is, the only type of safe that cannot be broken into is one that cannot be found.

A big, obvious gun safe is the last place I would keep valuables or any firearms I may want available for personal defense. Modern gun safes offer little in the way of security, take too long to open, are too big to hide, and are usually the first place a thief goes to look for valuables.

Decentralizing your gun storage makes it tactically more effective to protect your family and more difficult for gun thieves to gain access to your firearm collection.

The Statistics: United States Department of Justice Report

Consider the numbers surrounding home invasion and burglary:

– 65% of all home break-ins occur during the day. Most occur between 10am and 3pm.

– Most criminals are in and out of a home in under 10 minutes.

– 30% of burglaries occur when someone is home.

– 38% of assaults and 60% of rapes occur during home invasions.

– It is possible to buy a set of bump keys for less than $20 online and these will unlock nine out of ten doors in the United States with little difficulty.

The actual risk of a violent home invasion in America is low, but we still take steps to ensure the safety of our families. When people tell me “My neighborhood is safe” or “the odds of a break-in are so low”, I respond “Do you ever buy lottery tickets? The odds of winning the lottery are much lower, but you still buy a ticket.”

Personal defense and security is a choice you make. The odds are, you will never have to deploy self-defense measures but it is important to have them available in case you need them. How and where you secure guns in your home can be critical to your safety and defensive capabilities. If you have firearms locked in your home, store them in a manner that gives you an advantage in the event of a crisis. What good is a gun in a crisis, if you cannot get to it?

Where do thieves go when they break into a home?

Real-world crime data shows that when a thief breaks into your home they are going to the master bedroom, home office, living room, and the dining room, most likely, in that order. If they think there is a safe in the house, they will likely go to the basement after going to the living room. A big, heavy gun safe is not a deterrent, but an invitation to a thief as they know something valuable is inside. Once found, if a thief came prepared, they will have a safe opened in mere minutes.

So where do you store firearms for the best tactical advantage in the event of a crisis?

– The Master Bedroom – While the data suggests this is the worst room to store valuables, it is also a room where you spend a great deal of time sleeping. Store one to two firearms in a Fast Box under your bed. No more than that is necessary.

– The Kitchen Pantry – Great location for a small gun cabinet as thieves are not typically interested in the kitchen. This is also a room where people spend a lot of time during the day. In the event of a home invasion, if you are in the kitchen, you will have quick access to a firearm. Also, most homes have an exit near, or from, the kitchen. This allows you to arm yourself and then evacuate the home. Your goal always should be to avoid confrontation.

– A Closet Near the Front Door – This is a great location for securing firearms. Thieves ignore these closets. If someone you do not recognize knocks on the door, you refuse to open and they start trying to kick it in, you’ll have very fast access to a gun in that closet.

– Guest Bedroom – If your home has a guest room with a closet, this is a good location for additional gun storage. Thieves will typically ignore guest rooms.

Bottom line: Have a plan

We are taught that in case of a fire you should have a place outside the home for everyone to meet. This way you know everyone is accounted for.

In a robbery or home invasion where you cannot exit the home, you should designate a room where family members go in the event of an emergency. A guest room or secondary bedroom with a locking door is a great choice. You should have a Fast Box or Agile cabinet secured in this room.

However, in the case of home invasion, no matter where you are in the house you should always be within a few seconds of accessing your firearms. They should not be out in the open and they should be secured and hidden from small children and from being used against you.

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Hidden Gun Safe: SecureIt Fast Box 47 Videos

Posted on by Tom Kubiniec

The SecureIt® Fast Box™ Model 47 hidden gun safe offers fast access to your home defense or primary firearm. The Fast Box, in either a horizontal or vertical application, provides hidden, secure, and fast access to a firearm in key locations throughout a home or business.

A depth of 13″ provides sufficient room for firearms with optics attached and also a 30-round magazine in the mag-well.

Best practices for home security and safety require that all firearms be locked. SecureIt’s Fast Box hidden gun safe provides that secure storage while maintaining the ability to gain fast access.

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Adding a SecureIt Vertical Kit to a Fast Box

To install a Fast Box in a vertical configuration, a Vertical Kit needs to be purchased separately.  Click here to view all of our gun safes.

Hidden Gun Safe: Fast Box Vertical Kit

Posted on by Tom Kubiniec

Convert your Fast Box with a SecureIt Vertical Kit

Quickly and easily convert your horizontal Fast Box Model 47 or Model 40 to store two firearms vertically for fast access. Our Vertical Kit contains two patented upper cradles with bungees and one lower stock base. This application allows you to properly store two firearms in a vertical position.

Added to a Fast Box

FAST BOX- Vertical Kit

CradleGrid Technology

To retrofit a Fast Box you simply place the stock base in the bottom of the box and hang the patented upper cradles on the back grids. The system quickly converts the Fast Box to store virtually any rifle for fast access. It gives you straight line access to either gun meaning you can remove either gun quickly without having to move the other one. The holes on the bottom and sides of the box at all four corners allow you to bolt Fast Boxes together. You can stack them or set them up like lockers. If you’ve got young shooters they can have access to their 22 without having to grant access to larger caliber weapons.

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The most flexible gun storage on the market

With rifle, handgun and gear storage options you can do almost anything with a Fast Box Hidden Gun Safe.

Using the pad on your workbench

When using the vertical kit, the pad is removed from the Fast Box. It very versatile, so don’t throw it away. This pad can be used on your bench for cleaning guns or for gun maintenance.

Gun cleaning

If you take safety and security seriously, and you’ve got guns around the house, make the smart choice and get a SecureIt Fast Box.

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