Vaultek Essential Compact Safe VE20
Pros
- 4-8 Digit Electronic Keypad with 40,000+ Possible Combinations
- Laser Cut High Security Key Override
- High Density Foam Interior with Security Cable Included
- Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
- Reliable and Helpful Company for Service & Warranty
Cons
- Thin 18 Gauge Steel Construction
Vaultek has been making premium handgun safes for around 6 years now. They are the fastest growing handgun safe company with an incredible presence online. Nearly every influencer in the gun community backs them. Normally, I would look at that as a red flag and only due to a large marketing budget. However, tons of these partnerships aren’t even paid, people just really like their products. They utilize what used to be unreliable technology like biometric fingerprint scanners and app access but significantly improved the quality to make it reliable and long lasting. In this review, I’ll go over what makes the Vaultek Essential Compact Safe VE20 a great option for a handgun safe.
Lock – Vaultek Essential Compact Safe VE20
First and always most important for any safe is its lock and the Vaultek Essential Compact Safe VE20 uses a 4-8 digit backlit LED keypad electronic lock with key override. The buttons on the keypad are firm and easy to use with a feel that provides feedback. There are over 40,000 possible keypad combinations and a proximity sensor illuminates the keypad in low light situations.
The lock is powered by an internal lithium ion battery that lasts 4-6 months on a single charge. You can also leave the safe plugged in if you store it on your nightstand. The battery can recharge in 2.5 hours. Finally, the key override is usually a feature I despise but Vaultek uses a very high security laser engraved key that I approve of. These laser cut keys are pick proof and even lock pickers like LockPickingLawyer on Youtube approve of them.
Security – Vaultek Essential Compact Safe VE20
The Vaultek Essential Compact Safe VE20 is built super tough with full solid steel construction. In addition, security features include anti-pry bars, interior hinges and interior shielding that prevent tools from entering the safe and poking around at the release mechanism or programming buttons. This is a huge upgrade from the traditional handgun safes that leave exposed holes and easily accessible reset buttons.
This handgun safe is CA DOJ Approved as a firearm safety device. This means it passes the standard break-in methods and is definitely suitable for storing handguns safely away from children. This handgun safe is only 18 gauge steel construction which is considered thin for handgun safes which normally range between 14 gauge and 16 gauge. However, considering it is supposed to be lightweight and for travel, you have to keep it light and 14 gauge would just make this far too heavy. Finally, they also offer thicker models that increase the thickness all the way to 12 gauge.
Style and Function
The Vaultek Essential Compact Safe VE20 is styled extremely well. The paint is so much better than the traditional textured black that usually comes out of China. It has a rugged finish similar to a trunk liner where you can feel the bumps within the paint. It also makes the safe extremely durable and resistant to scratches or damage. The logo on the front is very attractive. I’m positive you will impress your friends with this Vaultek handgun safe. The interior is lined with foam to prevent scratches to your pistols. The included free security cable inserts into the rear of the safe while the door is open which is such a better design than the usual security cables which screw or adhere to the side of the safe.
The Bottom Line
Would I buy the Vaultek Essential Compact Safe VE20 to store my handgun? Yes, I 100% absolutely would buy it but mainly for transport and portability. It is substantially more secure than portable lock boxes made by GunVault, SnapSafe and Amazon Basics and has better features but is still too thin for me to be considered a high quality handgun safe for the home.
However, I think there are much better options such as the Vaultek VTi, Vaultek NMX. Finally, I would spend the extra money and get the absolute best handgun safe available, the Stealth ShadowVault SV1.
