Nightstand Safe

[mattmillerrx]

I am currently running a Gunvault standard mini vault with a GP-100 inside.  The battery life stinks.  It will only get about 30-45 days out of a set of batteries.  My main concern is not being about to get into it when really needed.  I am also sick of it eating up so many batteries.  It takes 8 AA's each time, I tried Lithium and did not get any additional time.  I am currently using with rechargeable to cut back on so many batteries getting used.


I like the GunVault otherwise.  If I change I will most likely go with a larger unit that will also hold my CCW gun when not in use (I have a couple that get rotated around).


The point of this post is to get opinions on other small safe models and how long the battery life is with your safe.

Thanks,
Matt

[ironglow]

  Have you ever considered concealment, rather than lock.  In every home I have owned, I have installed "secret compartments" most of which will hold more than a handgun... Of course, if one rents or leases, this may be difficult..
  ....But there have always been "hidden compartments" in common furniture. many with secret locking devices (slides, pins etc).. even back in colonial days.  Just make sure that the piece of furniture isn't so attractive as to be stolen for it's own value.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlAuSUWG9WA
 
  http://www.google.com/search?q=hidden+compartments+in+furniture&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=xvNTUN63HqvD0AGI9ICIDw&sqi=2&ved=0CB0QsAQ&biw=1366&bih=589

[35Remington]

  Have you ever considered concealment, rather than lock.  In every home I have owned, I have installed "secret compartments" most of which will hold more than a handgun... Of course, if one rents or leases, this may be difficult..but there have always been "hidden compartments" in common furniture.. even back in colonial days.  Just make sure that the piece of furniture isn't so attractive as to be stolen for it's own value.

Could you show some pictures of that? I would love to mod a hidden compartment into my nightstand for a Glock 19.

[mattmillerrx]

  Have you ever considered concealment, rather than lock. 

Not an option at this time, kids in the house.  But a good idea otherwise.

[ironglow]

35Rem;
   There are many plans for such.  If you click on the youtube links I put in the first post, it will show not only that video but many more in the same area.  Here is a neat little compartment for a desk or bookcase, which would work well with your Glock.
   http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip021100ws.html
  You can google > hidden compartments in furniture, plans < and you should find something to work with.
  Below is a nightstand photo (worth a thousand words)..I would have a locking pin installed..a dowel or brass pin on each corner all alike..but one would have to be pulled al the way out to open the swing draw.. a ball head pin as used in door hinges would work..  Let me know if you find something

[Curtis]

I am currently running a Gunvault standard mini vault with a GP-100 inside.  The battery life stinks.  It will only get about 30-45 days out of a set of batteries. 

Something is wrong with your gunvault IMO.  I have two of them.  The first one I bought quite a number of years ago (maybe six or seven) and I am only on my second set of batteries if memory serves me correctly.  Even if I'm mistaken about that (I could be on my third set), your 30 to 45 days is no comparison to the battery life I get with mine.  I put my second gun vault into service just a few months ago, so I cannot comment on its battery life.
 
If I were you I'd drop a note to gunvault and test their customer service.  Something is not right with your particular gunvault unit.
 
Curtis
 
P.S.  The only current draw should be to maintain the memory (combination) and to fire the unlock solenoid.  The solenoid is by far the higher draw, although it is not continuous.  I open mine frequently to toss in my billfold and keys when I'm keeping the house open in mild weather, so I doubt frequent opening is contributing to your problem.  I am an instrument and controls tech in industry so I have lots of experience with solid state memory and battery life.  In most cases, shelf life of the battery and life to maintain solid state memory are not that far apart.  Make sure you are using fresh batteries (buy them from somewhere with a high turnover).

[mattmillerrx]

Thanks Curtis, that is good advise.  What unit are you running?  I would be ok with another Gunvault model if battery life is better.


I got my owners manual out to look up their info and they suggest only Duracell.  It also states batteries only last 4 months to 1 year.  I am going to try a set of Duracells next and see what happens...not sure I have ran that brand in it or not.  if no improvement, then I will give them a call and see what they say.


I got the same unit for my mother-in-law and she is getting about 3 months out of hers, again not sure what kind of batteries she is using.