GunVault MiniVault GV1000S Handgun Safe
Pros
- No Look Keypad
- Electronic Lock with 12 Million Possible Combinations
Cons
- Thin 16 Gauge Steel Construction
- Tubular Override Key Easily Defeated with a BIC Pen
- Misleading Warranty
GunVault was the original inventor of the first ever electronic handgun safe roughly 15 years ago. Sadly they have made zero changes to the product and continue to sell an easily broken into pistol safe. In this review, I will help you understand why the GunVault MiniVault GV1000s handgun safe is a product you should definitely avoid.
Lock – GunVault MiniVault GV1000S Handgun Safe
First and always most important for any safe is the lock. GunVault uses a typical solenoid electronic locking mechanism that operates with a latch and spring. Overall, this mechanism is decent and the electronics should last at least a few years. There are over 12 million possible combinations with the electronic code.
However, this is not the main issue with the safe. The fatal flaw is the key override. In an attempt to save some money and have a lower price, they went with a tubular override key. These locks can be opened with BIC pens just by inserting and twisting. There are also numerous tubular lock picks available on Amazon that pick these locks in seconds.
Security – GunVault MiniVault GV1000S Handgun Safe
The GunVault MiniVault GV1000S is CA DOJ approved as a firearm safety device. This is not a difficult test to pass and nearly every safe gets approved, so long as the manufacturer pays for the testing. Sadly, this does not ensure the product is actually secure and if it can be opened in seconds with a BIC pen, I’ll let you do the math. Next, this handgun safe is built with 16 gauge steel which is the thickness of a penny. If you are expecting security in your handgun safe, this is not the safe for you.
Style and Function
The GunVault MiniVault GV1000s handgun safe is finished in a relatively nice paint job that is much better than the standard textured powder coat black. It has a crinkled feel to it that is durable and strong, very similar to the Stealth and Vaultek product lines. The interior is lined with foam to prevent scratches to your handgun. The identifying factor is the no-look patented keypad that perfectly fits the grooves of your finger. The keypad also comes with brail so that you can know which number you’ve placed your finger on. The bottom of the safe features six bolt down holes and mounting hardware is included
Warranty
GunVault advertises all of their handgun safes to have an exclusive 5 year warranty. However, when you read the fine print, the 5 year warranty only covers damage caused by fire, burglary or attempted burglary. The actual product warranty is only for 1 year. You also have to pay for the shipping back and forth to GunVault for repair or replacement. Always read the fine print.
The Bottom Line
Would I buy the GunVault MiniVault GV1000S to store my pistols? No, not a chance. With an easily defeated tubular override key, misleading warranty and electronics that will not last, I can not recommend this handgun safe.
With that said, I do recommend two handgun safes instead of this one. The first is the Stealth ShadowVault which uses a UL rated high security S&G electronic lock. The second is the V-Line Brute XD which is a mechanical handgun safe and Made in USA.
