Hand Gun Vault ideas for Ranger?

Yetti · #1 10-25-2015, 05:27 PM

Hi Guys,
I have been looking at small handgun safes / vaults for under the front seat, but nothing looks very secure, just a cable for a thief to cut and your gun is gone.
There's not much room under the seat, and the console armrest is big enough for a little gun, but not secure.
I was thinking about building an under the front seat drawer, as I want it to be secure, but easy to get to quickly.
Do any of you have suggestions for a handgun safe?
Vault Brand, or Safe Location inside the Ranger, or a Build it yourself project...I'm open to any ideas.

Thanks!

STL · #2 10-26-2015, 02:39 AM

I don't think under the seat is ideal. As you stated it's not a very large area for anything to fit. Also getting to it quickly how fast could you possibly get it opened and get it out?

I keep mine in my console and never leave it behind when I go in somewhere.

Birdhunter1 · #3 10-26-2015, 04:08 AM

I've been thinking of adding a lock to my console for this reason.
I don't know about your console but I have no problem fitting a service model XD and my S&W M&P Shield in my console at the same time.

SB03Ranger · #4 10-26-2015, 05:34 AM

it would have to be very strong and most likely bolted to the truck. Anything else a few minuets and anyone can break into those things. Locks are for honest people if someone wants it bad enough they will find a way to get into it.

Like mentioned before when I exit the truck so does the gun.

sole · #5 10-26-2015, 07:22 AM

Imo the easiest way would be to buy one of those finger print ones and situate in being the console standing straight up and bolt it to the floor

Yetti · #6 10-26-2015, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birdhunter1

I've been thinking of adding a lock to my console for this reason.
I don't know about your console but I have no problem fitting a service model XD and my S&W M&P Shield in my console at the same time.

One thought I had was ripping out the console plastic guts, and getting a safe that would fit inside...I would use at least 6 long bolts, or cut threaded rod to go thru the safe, thru the seat , and down thru the floor boards.
Of course when I am in the truck, the safe lock would be open underneath the arm rest hinged panel..

JJSLAIL22 · #7 10-27-2015, 07:02 AM

I do just have a cable attached lock box. It is not the most secure but if someone breaks into my truck, chances are they don't have tools to unbolt the seat or wire cutters to cut the wire.

fishon1 · #8 10-27-2015, 09:29 AM

Bolt one of these little sentry safes under the rear passenger seat if you have an extended cab.

Use steel carriage bolts with lock nuts inside the safe. Best cheapo safe for your money !!

Logan03CO · #9 10-27-2015, 02:33 PM

Let's remember this topic is simply about the desire to have a 'safe/vault' located in a truck & happens to be for the purpose of housing a gun.

Feel free to picture it housing bubble-gum if it will make it easier to avoid the temptation to veer away from that fact.

No 'rants' or other 'comments' are needed. Thanks!

smokinAMD · #10 10-27-2015, 03:31 PM

Have you actually tried to cut the cable on one of those under seat boxes? It's not that easy. You need a SERIOUS pair of bolt cutters in order to cut thru that.

Bolt cutters aren't exactly something someone breaking into cars is going to have on them. People that break into cars are thieves of opportunity, they are looking for something quick and easy. Like, the moron that left their laptop back sitting in plain sight on the back seat, or the guy that left his 500gb iPod 10 sitting in the cupholder.

I have one of those cable lockboxes in my car, my truck, and my wife's car. Have no worries about it. And like the original poster, have it for those times when I venture into those places where carrying concealed is frowned upon.

Yetti · #11 10-27-2015, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJSLAIL22

I do just have a cable attached lock box. It is not the most secure but if someone breaks into my truck, chances are they don't have tools to unbolt the seat or wire cutters to cut the wire.

One advantage to the cable lock box is that it can be hidden under the seat and out of view.
If I do go this route, I think I will want to add an additional chain or a larger cable...Thanks!

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishon1

Bolt one of these little sentry safes under the rear passenger seat if you have an extended cab.

Use steel carriage bolts with lock nuts inside the safe. Best cheapo safe for your money !!

That looks good...I do have an extended cab Ranger, an I am still considering all options.
I was thinking that it may be best to hide the safe from view, but I suppose if I install a bolt down safe in the back, I could throw a blanket over it. Thanks for the suggestion

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokinAMD

Have you actually tried to cut the cable on one of those under seat boxes? It's not that easy. You need a SERIOUS pair of bolt cutters in order to cut thru that.

Bolt cutters aren't exactly something someone breaking into cars is going to have on them. People that break into cars are thieves of opportunity, they are looking for something quick and easy. Like, the moron that left their laptop back sitting in plain sight on the back seat, or the guy that left his 500gb iPod 10 sitting in the cupholder.

I have one of those cable lockboxes in my car, my truck, and my wife's car. Have no worries about it. And like the original poster, have it for those times when I venture into those places where carrying concealed is frowned upon.

I watched a youtube video of a guy cutting thru the 1500 pound rated cable with wire cutters...about the size of a regular pair of pliers.
I think it only took him like 10 or 15 seconds. lol
I have been searching bike locks, and bike lock chains...I am considering adding that to a stock cable lockbox....
I have a few weeks off work in late Nov., so trying to plan for a fun project. Thanks!

Yetti · #12 10-27-2015, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan03CO

Let's remember this topic is simply about the desire to have a 'safe/vault' located in a truck & happens to be for the purpose of housing a gun.

Feel free to picture it housing bubble-gum if it will make it easier to avoid the temptation to veer away from that fact.

No 'rants' or other 'comments' are needed. Thanks!

Hi Logan,
Please do not take this as a rant or anything negative...ok?
I respect your opinion, and I am not trying to change that, but I would like to clarify my intentions.
I am a legal CCL license holder, and it is perfectly legal in Illinois for me to keep the gun in an unlocked glovebox, or an unlocked center console, IF the vehicle doors are locked.
I want to do more than what the law requires, and lock both the doors and lock the gun away from criminals who would break into my beloved old 98 Ranger.
If, or when the conceal carry laws change to allow me to legally carry in areas currently restricted, the gun safe can be used for gum.

Kind regards...
God bless.

Logan03CO · #13 10-28-2015, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yetti

Hi Logan,
Please do not take this as a rant or anything negative...ok?
I respect your opinion, and I am not trying to change that, but I would like to clarify my intentions.

No worries - you missed all the posts I had to delete in this thread due to 'rants' or 'off-topic' posts about how & where people 'should' be allowed to have a gun.

As a moderator, I was simply clarifying to the general public what the true topic of the thread is (and what it wont be). The thread topic is simply about ideas for mounting a vault/safe within a truck.

My opinion has never been stated & wont be because that isn't what this thread is about. Simple topic....but some people try to make things 'political'.

With that said - anyone have any other ides for mounting a gun safe/vault within his truck?

Yetti · #14 10-28-2015, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan03CO

No worries - you missed all the posts I had to delete in this thread due to 'rants' or 'off-topic' posts about how & where people 'should' be allowed to have a gun.

As a moderator, I was simply clarifying to the general public what the true topic of the thread is (and what it wont be). The thread topic is simply about ideas for mounting a vault/safe within a truck.

My opinion has never been stated & wont be because that isn't what this thread is about. Simple topic....but some people try to make things 'political'.

With that said - anyone have any other ides for mounting a gun safe/vault within his truck?

I see...Thank you Logan!

epicelite · #15 10-30-2015, 04:55 AM

Get a ammo can and bolt it to the floor behind the drivers seat, you can put a regular padlock on them I think that should be pretty secure and cheap!