Hidden Gun Safes: Home Defense & Gun Storage

Home Defense & Gun Storage

This Week at SecureIt – Ryan and Tom return to reflect on SHOT Show 2019 and discuss what they noticed at the show regarding fake capacity claims. They also talk about meeting exhibitors and show visitors, hidden gun storage and its benefits and how to incorporate decentralized storage to maintain a tactical advantage in the home. Home defense gun storage is a hot topic.

Hidden Gun Storage

Home defense gun storage: the ability to defend your home means having the right type of gun storage. Single-location storage – Gun Safes do not make make sense. They are inefficient in terms of protecting your home in a crisis situation. Decentralized gun storage will provide you with fast access to your defensive firearm without sacrificing safety or security. Products like the Fast Box™ or Agile™ allow you to store multiple firearms in discrete and easily accessible locations. This enables you to protect yourself and your family in seconds.

Learn more about gun storage solutions for home defense:

The Four Places You Must Store a Firearm in the Home

 Gun Storage Options for Condos, Apartments, and Smaller Homes

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Securing Your Defensive Firearms with Hidden Gun Storage

Why You Need to Consider Hidden Firearm Storage

This week at SecureIt: Ryan and Tom show you the versatility of the Fast Box product line along with the benefits of hidden gun storage and storage decentralization. Be sure to watch until the end as Tom provides a major announcement regarding a game-changing addition to the SecureIt product line.

Product of the Week: Fast Box – Hidden Gun Storage

Fast Box Hidden Gun Safe

It’s a common conflict among many gun owners: The need to keep your firearms locked up and out of sight and the need for fast access to a defensive firearm in the event of a crisis situation. This is why SecureIt developed the Fast Box. The Fast Box hidden gun storage system solves this problem by allowing you to maintain fast access to your firearms without sacrificing security.

Hidden Gun Storage

The Fast Box Model 40 and Model 47 were designed for gun owners to have fast access in tight quarters. When it comes to security, it is inefficient to have just one centralized location for all of your firearms. By decentralizing your defensive firearms with the Fast Box system, you are able to store firearms under your bed, in a closet, the kitchen pantry, and even your vehicle.

Applications for the Fast Box also go beyond rifle and shotgun storage. With a Fast Box hidden gun safe, handgun owners can store a number of handguns along with ammunition and gear. Installing the Fast Box 47 in a vertical orientation (Vertical Kit required), gun owners can store up to 14 handguns or a mixture of handguns and gear.

Home Defense Firearms – The Four Places You Must Store Guns

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.

learn more: Modern gun storage

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Hidden Gun Safe: SecureIt Fast Box 47 Videos

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.

Comparing SecureIt, Barska, and Amsec Hidden Gun Safes

SecureIt Fast Box Overview

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: Comparing Barska, AMSEC and SecureIt

Hidden Gun Safes - Which is Best?

In this video, we compare 3 popular hidden and fast access gun safes

Comparing Hidden Gun Safes


Proper gun storage requires that all firearms be locked in a safe or secured in a cabinet. While this keeps your guns safe, it has the potential to block your access to the firearms in a crisis situation. Here we compare 3 popular products on the market that each tries to address the issue of secure storage vs. fast access: the AMSEC gun safe, BARSKA Biometric gun safe, and the SECUREIT Fast Box Hidden Gun Safe.

SMALL SAFE - COMP

BARSKA Summary Rating: Fail

  • Street Price $279.00
  • Fails on stated capacity
  • Will not store any type of modern sporting rifle or shotgun
  • Does not consider rifles with scope
  • Not really a hidden gun safe

BARSKA Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe: While it is not advertised as a hidden gun safe, it can be placed in a closet. This is a small vertical-only gun safe, available on Amazon for $279.

SMALL SAFE - barska

BARSKA Fails Test – The BARSKA simply fails and what it says it will do. The box depth is less than 6”. This severely limits the type of rifles you can store. The BARSKA will not store an AR15 or any rifle or shotgun with a pistol grip.

Any rifle with a scope will also not fit. Your only option is to carefully place the rifle sideways in the safe and lean it against the back. In this scenario, the scope is hitting the safe’s metal wall and the capacity has been drastically reduced from the stated 4 guns to just 1 gun.

We were very disappointed in the BARSKA. It simply does not do what it claims. BARSKA shows an image on their site of a safe with the door open and an AR 15 inside. This is deceptive and misleading as the door could not be closed and locked.

AMSEC Summary Rating: C

  • Street price: $399.00
  • Solid quality construction: stores 1, possibly 2 rifles under 43”
  • Only one use, designed specifically for under bed/horizontal use
  • Fast access in a crisis situation is not possible
  • Lock and door operation extremely loud which can give away your position

AMSEC Home Defense Vault: This is a horizontal (under a bed) hidden gun safe, available on Amazon for $399.

SMALL SAFE - amsak

The AMSEC is an under bed gun safe with a drawer system. It is a very well-made all-steel welded construction. It is designed specifically to mount underneath a bed. What you notice right away when opening the safe, is that the lock mechanism is loud. The lock beeps and opening the lock bar makes a loud “clank”.

This safe drawer, where the firearm sits, is 43” long. While that will store most tactical shotguns or an AR15, you may struggle to fit more traditional shotguns. Anything over 43” will not fit.

The AMSEC can only be used in a horizontal under the bed configuration. This is a one-dimensional product. The position and type of lock make this impossible to open quickly in an emergency situation. You will have to get out of bed, down on all fours in the dark and try to open the lock. It may be difficult to see and the loud beeping from the lock can give away your position to an intruder, putting your safety at a much greater risk.

SecureIt Fast Box Summary Rating: A

  • Street Price Model 40 $285.00 | Model 47 $295.00
  • All Welded heavy gauge steel construction
  • Fits all firearms with attached optics up to 5” thermal imaging scopes
  • Can be used vertically or horizontally
  • Can be used in mobile vehicle applications
  • Provides fast and quiet access
  • Wide variety of accessories available

SecureIt Fast Box: Fast Access Hidden Gun Safe: Heavy-duty, secure gun safe in two lengths for flexible and fast access to a secure firearm; The Fast Box hidden gun safe is available in two sizes (Model 40: 40” long / Model 47: 47” long) allowing unlimited uses in key location according to your firearm type and storage needs.

FB-40-77-01-Example 0

Both Fast Box models can be used in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. The Model 40 is designed for tactical weapons and small shotguns where space is limited. The Model 47 will hold any rifle or shotgun up to 46 1/2” long. At 13” deep, the Fast Box will hold rifles and shotguns with optics and magazines. Vertically, there is room for 2 rifles, a few handguns, and extra ammunition.

Fast Box Model 47 Hidden Gun Safe

Right away you notice the lock makes virtually no noise and opening the box is fast and quiet. Construction is rock solid, the box was designed to meet DOD AR190-11 and OPNAV 5313-c military security requirements. The basic model (model 47) includes hardware to mount to a steel bed frame (no drilling required). There are mounting holes in the top and bottom to allow bolting to wood frames or to the floor.

Vertical Applications:

Both Fast Boxes can be used vertically (Vertical Kit required) to properly store two long guns with scope attached.

Fast box Fast access gun storage

The vertical kit consists of two cradles and one base unit (stores two firearms).

Fast Boxes are also compatible with most CraddelGrid accessories so you can easily add storage for handguns, ammo or other valuables.

Mobile Applications:

With the purchase of the quick release tie-down strap kit ($9.95), the gun safes can be used in mobile vehicle applications. The Model 40 is primarily used for Law Enforcement mobile applications and includes the quick release tie-down straps.

Locker Applications:

Fast Box Hidden Gun Safes can be bolted together in a locker format if you have multiple firearms you want to be locked and stored together. This application style is popular among SWAT teams and other rapid response security force units.

Conclusion

  • All 3 safes were well made.
  • The BARSKA fails at a very basic level. I do not think it was designed by a gun owner since it will not store what it claims it can store and it would be difficult to hide.
  • The AMSEC is a solid under-the-bed hidden gun safe for long guns under 43”, however, it does not allow for fast access and is too loud when unlocking.
  • The FAST BOX provides secure and hidden storage of the widest variety of firearms and is the only product that offers quiet fast access in a crisis situation. The ability to adapt to vertical or horizontal applications is also unique and makes the SecureIt Fast Box adaptable to almost any situation – vertical, horizontal, and mobile.
  • When you compare the facts it’s easy to see why the SecureIt Fast Box is the market leader in small fast access and hidden gun safes. SecureIt is also the only company that offers a “Buy-It-Back” Guarantee.
  • Firearms should be locked when not in use. All 3 of these products will achieve this at some level but we believe the Fast Box wins in every comparison. Regardless of what gun safe you use, the number one take away here is – All firearms must be locked. Please be responsible.

Gun Safes: Fast Box sales are growing quickly

The SecureIt Fast Box hidden gun safe is quickly becoming the top selling small gun safe in America. The unique and flexible hidden gun safe provides secure storage for up to 2 rifles, handguns and some ammo. “We are really pleased with the accelerating sales of the FAST Box line” stated Tom Kubiniec, SecureIt founder and president. “People are just getting it. We applied our military storage principals to designing the small gun safe and the results were just great. It’s strong, simple and adaptable to a wide variety of situations and it’s very affordable.”

The Fast Box gun safe is unique in its ability to provide fast access and secure storage in multiple locations throughout a home. It can be mounted under a bed, vertically in a closet, bolted together locker style or mounted in a car or truck. The programmable 4 button lock is designed to be used by touch to provide fast access even in total darkness. A key override is also included.

Available is two sizes; 40” and 47” the smaller safe is used primarily by government security groups and law enforcement for in vehicle secure out of site storage. The Model 47 is the primary consumer product. All Fast Box gun safes are 13 deep and 6 1/5” high. This provides enough storage for an AR platform rifle with optic and magazine installed as well as a handgun and ammunition.

fast box gun safe

Kubiniec: “If every gun in America was properly secured and locked out of sight, we could eliminate many tragedies. The problem has always been that secure gun storage blocks fast access. Many Americans have their firearms secured in a gun safe only to leave one or two out, under a bed or in a closet so they can get them quickly if needed. They are opposing forces, Secure gun storage and quick access when needed. The SecureIt Fast Box effectively addresses these opposing forces and provides the location and storage flexibility to effectively work anywhere in a home, office or vehicle.”

BARSKA Gun Safe: Fails

BARSKA Gun Safe – Does Not Work

I am very disappointed in the small quick access biometric rifle safe by Barska, it fails at its most basic function. It does not do what it claims it can do.

The biggest issue we have with this gun safe is the depth. The door is about two inches thick but it is recessed into the cabinet yielding about five and a half inches of usable internal space. The net result is a lack of adequate space for rifles or shotguns.

This gun safe will not hold rifles or shotguns with a pistol grip!

Although the safe is marketed as a four capacity rifle cabinet, We could not fit 4 long guns.

The BARSKA door would not close when trying to store this rifle with a low profile scope.

even low profile scope doesn't fit

There’s no way to close the door. I even experimented by taking the internal panel off the door to see if I could make it work but the gun still interferes with the locking mechanism on the door. Since the door does not close your only option would be to turn the gun sideways, but now you’re only storing one gun. This is sold as a 4 gun safe.

The biggest issue with the BARSKA is the depth.

depth

Can not handle scopes or optics!

Rifles with scopes or optics do not fit in the BARSKA, it hits the back of the safe and you can’t shut the door. I used my Marlin as an example with a scope that is pretty tight to the barrel and doesn’t have a huge offset. Then I tried storing an AR 15, it has to go in sideways it is not supported properly. It was very difficult to balance the firearm in the safe. You would not be able to store any additional firearms with the one awkwardly placed AR15. You can not fit two rifles with scopes in the safe without damaging your gun or your scope. If you’ve got stripped down old Winchester Model 94 you might get four in but any modern firearm or combination of firearms is just not going to work. The construction quality of the product is OK, it just fails horribly at storing firearms. Five and a half inches of usable space is simply not enough.

In comparison

The Fast Box is 13 inches deep with internal usable space of twelve and a half inches. Vertical Fast Boxes use the CradleGrid System to properly store two long guns with scope/optics attached ( up to 5″ thermal imaging scope) for proper and accessible storage. Originally designed for law enforcement applications, the Fast Box stores any length firearm up to 45.5″ in length with accessories attached. For example, this safe properly stores an AR 15 with optic and magazine. You can lock the gun in a fully ready to roll fashion and it’s still quickly accessible ( popular with Rapid Response and Reaction Teams). What it gives you is proper storage for any two long guns with optics attached in a fast access locked safe. You get proper storage for the stated number of rifles. The Fast Box secures any two rifles with any size optic. You even have room above to store handguns and ammo.

The Fast Box Model 47 properly stores both a Marlin and an AR Super SAS with scopes attached.

SuperSAS

The BARSKA is about the same price as the Fast Box but they advertise it as a four-gun safe. You are not going to fit four guns in it. You can fit one maybe two and at that point, anything with a pistol grip or a scope is going to bang into each other. They’re not going to fit properly. So when you’re looking at small gun safes you’ve got a decision to make and it’s one of reality versus myth.

Added Value: The Fast Box can be used horizontally mounted under a bed and on a closet shelf.

Model 47- horz

Vertically the Fat Box it gives you unlimited options to store any two firearms with a lot of flexibility at a very affordable price. The safe is fully seamed welded heavy gauge steel with full-length piano hinge door with three points hardened steel locking system.

Shop: Hidden Gun Safes

Hidden Gun Safe: Firearms, Locked and Out of Sight

Children do not even need to know.

Until they are old enough, children don’t even need to know there are firearms locked in the house.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) recently published its “Top Ten” list of safety tips firearm owners should remember to help ensure they are taking responsible precautions with firearms in their home.

Fast Box Hidden gun safe for fast access

Fast Box hidden gun safe has become the most popular small gun safe in America. Mounts under a bed or anywhere. The fast access hidden gun safe is discreet, secure and virtually silent to operate.

Hidden Gun Safe

Where you need it when you need it fast!

Use several Fast Boxes in different locations around your home to be prepared for any crisis situation. SecureIt offers two sizes: Model 47 and Model 40. Both hidden gun safes can be used under beds, in closets, under counters or mounted in cars and trucks. Convert to vertical use with our Vertical Kit featuring CradleGrid Technology. Vertically, Fast Boxes store 2 rifles. The Model 47 has room above the long guns for handguns, ammo or other gear.

“Nearly all firearm accidents in the home can be prevented when gun owners take simple precautions, and proper storage is the number one way to help prevent accidents,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president, and CEO. “Anyone who is going to own a firearm should respect it and secure it when not in use to help prevent firearm accidents and misuse.”

NSSF’s Top Ten Safety Tips include:

  • Tip # 1 — Always keep the firearm’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. A “safe direction” means that the gun is pointed so that even if an accidental discharge occurred, it would not result in injury.
  • Tip # 2 — Always keep your finger off the trigger until you actually intend to shoot. When handling a gun, rest your finger outside the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Don’t touch the trigger until you are actually ready to fire.
  • Tip # 3 — Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use. Whenever you pick up a gun, such as when removing it from or returning it to storage, remember to point it in a safe direction and make sure it is unloaded.
  • Tip # 4 — Be sure you know how your firearm operates: read the manual on your firearm, know how to safely open and close the action of the firearm and know how to safely remove any ammunition from the firearm and its magazine.
  • Tip # 5 — Store your firearms in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case when not in use, ensuring they are in a location inaccessible to children and cannot be handled by anyone without your permission.
  • Tip # 6 — Store your ammunition in a locked location separate from firearms.
  • Tip # 7 — Use a gun locking device that renders the firearm inoperable when not in use. A gun lock should be used as an additional safety precaution and not as a substitute for secure storage.
  • Tip # 8 — Make sure young people in your home are aware of and understand the safety guidelines concerning firearms. Reminder them that if they find an unattended firearm in their home or a neighbor’s to not touch it, and tell an adult.
  • Tip # 9 — Always unload, clean and place your firearms in their secure storage location immediately after returning from a hunting trip or a day at the range.
  • Tip # 10 — Educate everyone in your family about firearms safety. Visit the Project ChildSafe website for safety information and to find out where to get a free firearm safety kit in your area.

Children don’t need to know.

Keep all guns locked and out of sight. We’ve all heard the saying “Out of sight, Out of mind.” Until your child is old enough to understand — don’t touch, please be responsible and take the proper precautions.

out of sight

Be Prepared!

Fast access hidden gun safe

Hidden Gun Safe: Fast Box Vertical Kit

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.

Locked Gun storage-Youth

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.

Shop: Fast Box Hidden Gun Safe

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