The Bulldog Car Vault with Mounting Bracket and Cable Black 11.3×6.9×2.5 in. – Black Color, Key Entry, Gun Safe Type Made a Bold First Impression
As someone who spends a significant amount of time on the road, both for work and recreation, the security of my firearms is always a top priority. The Bulldog Car Vault with Mounting Bracket and Cable Black 11.3×6.9×2.5 in. – Black Color, Key Entry, Gun Safe Type promised a solution to the age-old problem of safely storing a handgun in a vehicle without attracting unwanted attention. It’s a compact, key-entry safe designed for discreet carry and quick access.
Recently, there have been news stories about car break-ins targeting firearms, even in what were considered safe neighborhoods. I needed a solution that was affordable and effective for storing my sidearm when I couldn’t carry it on my person due to legal restrictions or other practical reasons. Upon unboxing, the Bulldog Car Vault felt solid, a reassuring weight in my hands. The matte black powder coat looked durable, and the key lock mechanism felt surprisingly sturdy for a safe in this price range.
I considered the GunVault MicroVault and the Hornady RAPiD Safe 2700KP, both of which offer similar functionality. However, the Bulldog Car Vault won out due to its lower price point and the inclusion of both a mounting bracket and security cable. The initial impression was positive – a no-frills, potentially reliable solution to a serious security concern. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to its promise of discreet and dependable firearm storage.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bulldog Car Vault with Mounting Bracket and Cable Black 11.3×6.9×2.5 in. – Black Color, Key Entry, Gun Safe Type to the Test
First Use Experience
The Bulldog Car Vault first saw action during a week-long cross-country road trip. I mounted the bracket under the driver’s seat of my SUV, a relatively discreet location offering easy access. The safe held my Glock 19 comfortably, along with an extra magazine.
Initially, opening the safe was smooth, but I soon encountered an issue after driving on some rough, unpaved roads. The vibrations seemed to have slightly shifted the internal mechanism, requiring a bit of jiggling to get the key to turn. This was a minor concern, but one that highlighted the importance of keeping the key readily accessible. The soft interior lining did a decent job of preventing scratches on my firearm, even with the jostling of the road.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Bulldog Car Vault has held up reasonably well, though not without some caveats. The matte black powder coat finish is showing some minor scratches from daily wear and tear, especially around the keyhole. The locking mechanism remains functional, but the initial smoothness has degraded slightly; it now requires a more deliberate key turn.
Cleaning is relatively simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dust and grime. However, the user feedback mentioning the latch sticking became a reality for me after about two months of use. There were occasions when the latch required several attempts to release, a concerning issue considering the primary purpose is quick access in an emergency. Compared to my experiences with higher-end safes, the Bulldog feels less refined, but given the price difference, it’s a compromise I was somewhat prepared for.
Breaking Down the Features of Bulldog Car Vault with Mounting Bracket and Cable Black 11.3×6.9×2.5 in. – Black Color, Key Entry, Gun Safe Type
Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions: 10.75 inches x 6.5 inches x 2.5 inches. This compact size allows for discreet placement in various vehicles and locations.
- Interior Dimensions: 10 inches x 6.25 inches x 2 inches. This provides enough space for most compact and some full-size handguns, along with a spare magazine or two.
- Construction: Heavy-duty steel construction with black matte powder finish. The steel build offers a degree of protection against forced entry, while the finish provides a low-profile look.
- Locking Mechanism: Deluxe key style lock. The key entry system is simple and doesn’t rely on batteries, ensuring consistent operation.
- Mounting: Includes mounting bracket and 3-foot security cable. The bracket allows for secure, permanent mounting, while the cable offers flexibility in securing the safe to fixed objects.
- Interior: Soft, durable scratch-resistant interior. This protects the firearm from scratches and abrasions during transport and storage.
- Color: Black. The black color ensures it blends into most vehicle interiors, minimizing visibility.
- Type: Gun Safe. Classified as a gun safe, specifically designed for firearm storage.
These specifications are important because they dictate the practicality and security of the safe. The size determines what firearms it can accommodate, the construction affects its resistance to tampering, and the mounting options provide flexibility in installation. The key lock mechanism is a reliable, if somewhat less convenient, alternative to electronic locks, especially considering the price point.
Performance & Functionality
The Bulldog Car Vault performs its primary function – securing a handgun – adequately, but not flawlessly. Its strengths lie in its compact size, ease of installation, and affordability. Its weaknesses include the occasionally sticky latch and the potential vulnerability of the security cable, as pointed out in user feedback. It meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly car safe, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price. The materials are sturdy enough to deter casual theft, but a determined thief with the right tools could likely breach it. The interior is adequately padded, protecting the firearm from scratches. However, the design is fairly basic, lacking any advanced features or ergonomic considerations.
Durability & Maintenance
The Bulldog Car Vault is reasonably durable. The steel construction is resistant to dents and impacts, but the powder coat finish is susceptible to scratches. Maintenance is minimal; occasional cleaning and lubrication of the lock mechanism are all that’s required. However, the long-term durability of the locking mechanism is questionable based on my experience and other user reviews.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bulldog Car Vault comes with the essential accessories: a mounting bracket, a security cable, and two keys. There are no official customization options offered by Bulldog. However, users could potentially replace the mounting hardware with stronger alternatives or add additional padding to the interior. It is not particularly compatible with accessories from other brands, given its simple, self-contained design.
Pros and Cons of Bulldog Car Vault with Mounting Bracket and Cable Black 11.3×6.9×2.5 in. – Black Color, Key Entry, Gun Safe Type
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Compact size allows for discreet and versatile placement.
- Includes both mounting bracket and security cable for flexible installation.
- Key entry system is reliable and doesn’t require batteries.
- Soft interior lining protects firearm from scratches.
Cons
- Locking mechanism can be sticky and unreliable.
- Security cable could be vulnerable to cutting.
- Powder coat finish is susceptible to scratches.
Who Should Buy Bulldog Car Vault with Mounting Bracket and Cable Black 11.3×6.9×2.5 in. – Black Color, Key Entry, Gun Safe Type?
The Bulldog Car Vault with Mounting Bracket and Cable Black 11.3×6.9×2.5 in. – Black Color, Key Entry, Gun Safe Type is perfect for individuals on a budget who need a basic, discreet solution for storing a handgun in their vehicle. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a key-entry system over electronic locks. It would work well for those who need temporary storage, for example, when entering non-permissive environments where firearms are prohibited.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who require a high level of security or demand flawless reliability. Anyone who needs to store their firearm in a vehicle for extended periods or in high-crime areas should consider a more robust and tamper-proof safe.
A must-have modification would be replacing the included security cable with a thicker, more durable cable. Regular lubrication of the locking mechanism is also recommended to prevent sticking.
Conclusion on Bulldog Car Vault with Mounting Bracket and Cable Black 11.3×6.9×2.5 in. – Black Color, Key Entry, Gun Safe Type
The Bulldog Car Vault with Mounting Bracket and Cable Black 11.3×6.9×2.5 in. – Black Color, Key Entry, Gun Safe Type offers a reasonable level of security and convenience at an affordable price. It’s not perfect, and it has its limitations, but it provides a viable solution for those seeking basic firearm storage in their vehicle.
The price of $36.49 is justified for what it offers. It’s significantly cheaper than many competing products.
I would cautiously recommend it, with the caveat that buyers should be aware of its potential shortcomings, particularly the occasionally sticky latch. For those who prioritize affordability over absolute security, the Bulldog Car Vault is a decent option. Take the first step towards securing your peace of mind; purchase the Bulldog Car Vault today and ensure your firearm is safely stored while you’re on the road.