Recently, I had the opportunity to test and evaluate the GunMag Exclusive Snapsafe Large Lock Box. This lock box allows one or two handguns to be safely secured in the home or automobile, keeping guns, valuables, or other dangerous items out of the hands they’re not supposed to be in.
Features and Specs
The Snapsafe box is manufactured by Hornady, and those folks know a little something about firearms.
Dimensions of the box are 9.5 inches x 6.5 inches x 1.75 inches, making it compact and yet large enough to fit two medium to small handguns, or one large handgun and a small gun.
Some other features include:
- Simple to operate steel key lock mechanism (two keys are included).
- 1500-pound rated four-foot steel security cable.
- Protective Foam Interior.
- 16 gauge steel housing that is durable and pry resistant.
- Meets TSA airline guidelines for firearms storage.
- Approved by the California Department of Justice for firearms storage.
- Corrosion-resistant powder coat finish.
The case is 16 gauge thick steel, so it is solid and not easily dented or compromised. At four pounds, it’s not overly heavy and is a good compromise between security and lightweight.
The particular model that I received is decorated with the raised GunMag Warehouse logo on the top of the box, which looks attractive. Standard models have the same type of raised logo, but it says Snapsafe.
Another attractive feature is the powder-coated finish; it looks professional and businesslike. Mine came in black.
Two Keys
The lock box comes with two keys. I really like this aspect of the security system. Electronic locks depend on batteries and often require us to remember a combination. These days, I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, let alone a combination for a safe! The keys adhere to the KISS Principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid! I like that very much.
One great aspect is that you cannot lock the keys into the box because you have to insert the key and twist it in the lock in order to lock it. That takes care of accidental key locking.
The Security Cable
The cable is also simple. There’s an end with an attachment that fits into the edge of the body of the box, onto which the lid is closed. A loop at the other end allows it to be attached to any solid object that’s handy—a bed frame, car seat, vehicle frame, other furniture…basically anything solid that the imagination can come up with will work for this one.
The steel cable is rated for 1500 pounds and it is cut-resistant. That’s pretty secure! I believe the cable adds a lot to the versatility of the box because people can’t simply carry it off. If you’re staying in a hotel room, you can secure the box to something solid in the room so it won’t be carried off. Personally, when I say in a hotel room or a rental, that’s frequently one of my worries—that someone will carry off firearms or valuables.
Interior
The foam interior is very thick and will keep firearms and valuables from sliding around much. Also, it protects the finish of your gun from being scratched.
If the interior foam turns out to be too thick, there’s a surprise: it’s double thickness. Which means there are two layers on each half. You can remove one of the layers if your guns or other valuables are very thick, which gives you a bit more room in the box while still providing a layer of foam for protection. That’s a neat feature!
How much usable space does the GunMag Snapsafe box really have?
It easily fits two compact handguns. I am able to fit my Glock 43X and my Smith & Wesson 642 into the case with very little room left over. Fitting a Glock 43 and Glock 43X into the case is not difficult.
When I place my Glock 19X into the case, there’s not much room left over. In fact, with the 19-round magazine in place, it just barely fits; removing the magazine or using the 17-round magazine would make the fit easier. Perhaps there’s room for a couple of magazines or maybe a very compact pistol left over.
Basically, one large handgun will fit, or two medium to small-sized handguns. For those needing more storage space, Hornady offers larger boxes in both XL and XXL sizes.
Agency Approved
This lock box is TSA approved, which may be a plus for those who frequently fly with their firearms. I don’t make a practice of it (at least, not yet), but there are those who do, and they need a lockable case for such endeavors.
Other Uses
As mentioned, the obvious use for this lock box is firearms. However, medication, vital documents, jewelry, watches, and other valuables would also be securely kept in the box.
The Price
For $22.99, I think this product is a steal! I also think I need a couple of these! Incidentally, GunMag Warehouse does sell a two-pack of these lock boxes for a reasonable price. It’s very cheap for the peace of mind that it provides.
Overall
I had been looking for a simple, compact, lightweight lock box like this for a while. It’s great to slip into a drawer for when I want a pistol nearby, loaded, but secured. This Snapsafe lock box fills the bill perfectly. The simplicity and compact nature are my favorite aspects of this piece of kit.
It’s a well-constructed product at an unbeatable price point that you shouldn’t pass up. I highly endorse it.
