The Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black isn’t just another gun safe; it’s a compact fortress designed to provide quick and secure access to your firearms. Hornady, a name synonymous with quality ammunition and reloading equipment, steps into the safe market with a product promising convenience and peace of mind. With its electronic keypad, backup key access, and 16-gauge steel construction, it stands out as a practical solution for home defense. This vault attempts to strike a balance between accessibility and security.
My need for a compact, reliable safe stemmed from a recent move to a smaller apartment. Space was at a premium, and I needed a secure way to store my handgun without sacrificing quick access in an emergency. Other options I considered were similar keypad vaults from Stack-On and SentrySafe. I ultimately chose the Hornady vault due to its reputation for quality and the positive feedback regarding its electronic keypad reliability.
Upon unboxing, the Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black made a solid first impression. Its sleek black finish and compact size gave it a discreet yet sturdy appearance. The weight, while not excessive, felt substantial enough to deter casual theft. I was impressed by the overall build quality, particularly the seamless welding and the smooth operation of the door.
The initial feeling was definitely excitement mixed with a touch of cautious optimism. The keypad felt responsive, and the interior foam padding offered a reassuring layer of protection. I was hopeful this would solve my space and security concerns.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black in my bedroom, placing it discreetly on my nightstand. Its compact size allowed it to blend in without being overly conspicuous. I ran several drills practicing opening the safe using both the keypad and the backup key in low-light conditions.
The keypad proved to be remarkably easy to use, even in complete darkness. The illuminated keys were a welcome feature. However, I discovered that entering the code too quickly sometimes resulted in missed digits.
There were no major issues after the initial testing, but I did notice that the internal light, while helpful, was not as bright as I expected. This made identifying contents in the back of the safe slightly challenging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use, the Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black has proven to be a reliable addition to my home security setup. The keypad continues to function flawlessly, and the door mechanism remains smooth and responsive. There are no signs of wear and tear on the exterior finish.
The vault’s interior, however, has shown minor compression of the foam padding where the firearm rests. The exterior only needs occasional wiping with a damp cloth to keep it clean. Compared to previous, less reliable gun storage solutions I’ve used, the Hornady vault far exceeds expectations in terms of accessibility and dependability.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black
Specifications
The Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black is constructed from 16-gauge steel, providing a reasonable level of protection against unauthorized access. This thickness offers a good balance between weight and security, suitable for deterring opportunistic theft.
It features an electronic keypad that allows for a programmable 4- to 6-digit code. This offers quick access for authorized users while maintaining a secure locking mechanism. The range of possible codes enhances security by making it more difficult to guess the combination.
A backup barrel key is included for emergency access in case of battery failure or keypad malfunction. This provides a fail-safe method for opening the safe, ensuring access to your firearm when needed most. The backup key functionality ensures you’re never truly locked out.
The vault includes a removable shelf, which effectively doubles the interior space for storing multiple firearms or valuables. The ability to customize the interior layout increases its versatility.
An interior light automatically illuminates when the safe is opened, improving visibility in low-light conditions. This feature is particularly useful in home defense scenarios where quick identification of contents is critical. The interior light improves accessibility.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black performs its primary function – securing firearms and valuables – reliably and effectively. The keypad is responsive, and the locking mechanism is robust. Its compact size makes it suitable for placement in discreet locations, enhancing its overall security.
The vault’s strength lies in its ease of use and quick access, which are crucial in emergency situations. However, the 16-gauge steel construction might not deter a determined thief with sophisticated tools. It meets expectations for basic home security, but it is not a replacement for a larger, more robust safe.
Design & Ergonomics
The vault’s sleek black finish allows it to blend in with most home decors. The compact size makes it easy to place on a nightstand, in a closet, or under a desk. The interior foam padding provides adequate protection for firearms and valuables.
The keypad is intuitive to use, and the door opens smoothly. The vault’s design prioritizes functionality and ease of access. There is minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black, made from 16-gauge steel, feels reasonably durable. Regular cleaning of the keypad and occasional inspection of the locking mechanism are sufficient for maintenance. The durability is adequate for its intended purpose.
It is relatively easy to maintain and repair. Replacement parts, such as keypads and locking mechanisms, are generally available from Hornady or authorized dealers.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black comes with a backup barrel key and mounting hardware. There aren’t many options for customization, but the removable shelf offers some flexibility.
The internal dimensions are compatible with standard pistol storage accessories, such as foam pistol racks. These can be purchased separately to further organize the interior.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black
Pros
- Quick Access: Electronic keypad allows for rapid entry in emergency situations.
- Compact Size: Ideal for placement in discreet locations and small spaces.
- Backup Key: Provides a fail-safe method for opening the safe.
- Removable Shelf: Increases interior storage versatility.
- Interior Light: Enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
Cons
- 16-Gauge Steel: May not deter determined thieves with specialized tools.
- Battery Dependent: Requires batteries for keypad operation (though backup key is available).
Who Should Buy Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black?
The Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black is perfect for homeowners seeking a quick-access, discreet storage solution for handguns and valuables. It is also great for apartment dwellers with limited space. This vault provides peace of mind without sacrificing accessibility.
Those seeking maximum security against determined burglars with specialized tools should skip this product and invest in a larger, heavier-duty safe with thicker steel and advanced locking mechanisms. Consider also those who dislike the dependency on batteries.
Must-have accessories include high-quality AAA batteries and potentially aftermarket pistol storage racks to optimize interior organization.
Conclusion on Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black
The Hornady Two Gun Keypad Vault Gun Safe Electronic Keypad 16 Gauge Steel Black is a well-designed and functional safe that delivers on its promise of quick access and basic security. Its compact size, electronic keypad, and backup key functionality make it a practical choice for homeowners and apartment dwellers. At $109.99, the price is justified given its features and build quality.
I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a convenient and reliable handgun storage solution. It’s a worthwhile investment for peace of mind and responsible firearm ownership. Secure your peace of mind today!