The Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown Made a Bold First Impression
The Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown isn’t your typical high-security vault, but it’s a clever piece of kit that blends in seamlessly on a bookshelf. It aims to provide discreet storage for valuables without screaming “steal me!” to every passerby. I was intrigued by the idea of a low-profile security solution that didn’t require bolting to the floor or announcing its presence with thick steel walls.
My main concern was securing a small handgun and some sensitive documents from curious kids and opportunistic burglars who might not have the time or inclination to search meticulously. I’ve always been a fan of unconventional security methods, and the Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown seemed like a good fit for a secondary layer of protection.
Upon unboxing, I was pleasantly surprised by the realistic appearance of the book. The brown cover had a convincing texture, and the gold lettering added a touch of authenticity. The weight felt appropriate for a real book, and the overall build quality seemed decent, considering the price point.
I had been considering a small steel lockbox, like those from SentrySafe, and even a biometric bedside gun safe. Ultimately, I chose the Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown for its discreet nature and the lower profile, since I don’t need Fort Knox-level security. My first impression was positive; it seemed like a well-executed diversion safe that could serve its purpose effectively.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown in my home office, placing it among other books on a shelf. The combination lock was easy to set and operate, and the foam interior provided a snug fit for my handgun. The “book” blended in remarkably well, and nobody who entered the room seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary.
I also placed it in a humid environment in my garage to see if there were any issues with the cover peeling or the lock rusting. It seemed to hold up fine after a week. The ease of use was a definite plus, as I could quickly access the contents without fumbling with keys or complex locking mechanisms.
No real issues arose during the initial testing, although I did notice that the foam insert had a slight chemical smell upon first opening the safe. After airing it out for a couple of days, the odor dissipated.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the cover remains intact and convincing. The combination lock still operates smoothly, and the foam interior continues to provide adequate protection for my valuables.
I wipe down the exterior of the book safe with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and fingerprints. The interior foam is easily removable for cleaning, and I occasionally vacuum it to remove any debris. It has performed as well as I expected it to, even if its security is not on par with a traditional safe.
Compared to my previous storage methods, such as hiding items in drawers or under the bed, the Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown offers a far more secure and organized solution. It’s not a replacement for a proper gun safe, but it serves its purpose as a low-profile deterrent.
Breaking Down the Features of Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown
Specifications
The Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown features an exterior size of 10.6″ x 7.7″ x 2.5″, allowing it to convincingly mimic a standard hardcover book. This size is large enough to accommodate smaller handguns and important documents.
The interior dimensions are 9.3″ x 6.7″ x 2″, offering a reasonable amount of storage space within the diversion safe. This internal space is lined with foam, providing cushioning and protection for the stored items.
The safe utilizes a combination lock, offering a keyless entry system for quick and easy access. This eliminates the need to carry a key and reduces the risk of losing it.
The construction consists of a sturdy metal box concealed within a realistic book cover, providing a degree of physical security. The cover is made of a durable material designed to withstand moderate wear and tear.
The foam interior can be customized to fit specific items, such as handguns, jewelry, or documents. This ensures that valuables are securely held in place and protected from damage.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the functionality and effectiveness of the diversion safe. The size determines what can be stored inside, the combination lock provides a secure entry method, and the construction materials influence the safe’s durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown performs its job adequately as a low-profile storage solution. The combination lock is easy to operate, and the foam interior provides a snug fit for valuables. The overall design effectively disguises the safe as a regular book, making it difficult for casual observers to identify it as a security device.
The main strength lies in its discreet nature and ease of use. Its weakness, however, is its security level, as a determined thief could easily break into it with minimal effort. It meets expectations as a diversion safe, but it should not be relied upon as a primary security measure.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown features a convincingly realistic book cover, complete with textured surface and gold lettering. The metal box inside is sturdy and well-constructed. The foam lining protects the contents from scratches and impacts.
The combination lock is simple to operate and doesn’t require any special tools or knowledge. There is no significant learning curve associated with using this diversion safe.
Durability & Maintenance
With reasonable care, the Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown should last for several years. The metal box is durable, and the cover is resistant to minor wear and tear. However, the cover could be susceptible to damage if exposed to excessive moisture or physical abuse.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth and vacuuming of the interior foam. Repairing the safe would likely be difficult, as it is not designed to be disassembled or have replacement parts installed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited to modifying the foam interior to accommodate specific items.
The safe is not compatible with any external accessories, such as mounting brackets or locking cables. It is intended to be used as a standalone storage solution.
Pros and Cons of Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown
Pros
- Discreet Design: Blends seamlessly with other books on a bookshelf, making it difficult to detect.
- Easy to Use: Simple combination lock offers quick and convenient access.
- Affordable Price: Offers a budget-friendly security solution for those on a tight budget.
- Lightweight and Portable: Can be easily moved from one location to another.
- Good for Minor Deterrent: Keeps items safe from children or casual burglars.
Cons
- Not Highly Secure: Can be easily broken into with basic tools.
- Limited Storage Space: Interior dimensions restrict the size of items that can be stored.
Who Should Buy Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown?
The Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown is perfect for individuals who want a discreet and affordable storage solution for small valuables. It’s well-suited for homeowners who want to keep handguns and important documents out of the reach of children, and college students who need a safe place to store cash and other personal items in a dorm room. It also works as a good option for casual campers to store small valuables while away from their campsite.
This product should be skipped by individuals who require a high level of security for expensive items or firearms. It is not a substitute for a proper gun safe or a heavy-duty security vault.
A must-have modification would be custom-cut foam inserts to perfectly fit the items being stored, providing additional protection and preventing them from shifting during transport.
Conclusion on Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown
The Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown offers a clever and affordable solution for discreetly storing small valuables. While it’s not a replacement for a high-security safe, it serves its purpose as a low-profile deterrent, blending seamlessly into any bookshelf environment. Its main advantage is in its ability to hide in plain sight.
At a price of $25.99, the Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown offers good value for the money. It’s a well-made product that effectively fulfills its intended function.
I would personally recommend the Bulldog Deluxe Diversion Book Safe Brown to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and discreet storage solution. Just remember that it’s not designed to withstand serious attacks, so don’t rely on it as your sole line of defense. Get yours today and add a layer of stealthy security to your home or office!