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10-29-15, 07:03
At some point I may write a detailed post in Tactics about why I secure my weapons the way I do. This thread, however, is merely a review of the latest product I've used, the Shot-Lock AR Solo-Vault. I don't normally do product reviews, but there's an extreme lack of unbiased information out there on this.
This "Vault" is essentially the carbine equivalent of one of the numerous quick-access handgun boxes on the market. It provides a level of security sufficient to stop curious children, and to prevent a home invader from quickly snatching a weapon and turning it against you and your family. Even someone familiar with the design of this unit would need a noisy minute or two with power tools to access the weapon. Hopefully everyone understands that this is NOT equivalent to storing your firearm in a proper safe, and is not going to prevent a burglar with a few minutes and some basic tools from leaving with your weapon.
I was a bit disappointed when I opened the box, as the opening knob had come undone and I needed to completely disassemble the locking mechanism to replace the knob, which is fastened with a circlip. It came in a damaged box from Amazon and I'm sure this happened in-transit and it would have been replaced without question had I asked. But, in ten minutes I not only had it repaired, but had a better understanding of the inner workings. It's a simple, robust mechanical combination lock, and a sliding bar that latches the door in place at the top and bottom.
Once I got it back together, I mounted it. Mounting is easy, with a number of holes that can be used. There's also an adjustable grip rest to customize the fit a bit. The marketing information claims the door is reversible, but the AR model is NOT, unless you just flip it over and hang it upside down. It's still secure this way, but you'd have to hold the gun in place as you open and close it. The shotgun versions have internal pieces that can be moved around to allow mounting either way. The magazine on the AR-15 prevents this.
Here it is, mounted. Note that with the forward assist clearing the bottom of the slot, the entire rail is exposed. A carry handle or optic would fit easily. However, an optic like a scope that extends forward of the barrel nut will NOT fit. You can slide the gun down another inch, as the forward assist will fit inside, but it closes easier this way. I'll be running an Aimpoint Micro T1 or H1, mounted to the receiver, so it won't be an issue for me.
http://ptmaynard.com/guns/IMG_5090.JPG
Notice that the BCM angled grip (KAG) fits easily. A vertical grip would fit as well, if it was forward enough to clear the box, or very stubby. For the most part, rail-mounted lights and other accessories will end up outside the box, so clearance isn't an issue there.
Finally, note there is a bit of storage space inside. A second mag could be set on the platform behind the one attached to the gun (or two detached magazines could be stacked there, with the gun empty), and there's room below for a hand-held light or maybe a flash-bang for the true HD Ninja.
http://ptmaynard.com/guns/IMG_5091.JPG
A closer view, with the locking mechanism visible. To open, you simply punch in the combination, and turn the knob. It's pretty darned fast, just a few seconds.
http://ptmaynard.com/guns/IMG_5092.JPG
Overall, I think this is a great alternative for people like me who don't have quick access to their normal safe, and don't want to leave a firearm out unsecured. It's a very slight impediment to user-access, and a very substantial impediment to children and unauthorized adults.
It's $200, which seems a little steep for what it is, but I guess it's a small market. The shotgun versions sell for $120-140, and the handgun models can be found for $100. There is nothing special about the AR unit, and I don't see how it could cost a penny more to produce than the others.
This "Vault" is essentially the carbine equivalent of one of the numerous quick-access handgun boxes on the market. It provides a level of security sufficient to stop curious children, and to prevent a home invader from quickly snatching a weapon and turning it against you and your family. Even someone familiar with the design of this unit would need a noisy minute or two with power tools to access the weapon. Hopefully everyone understands that this is NOT equivalent to storing your firearm in a proper safe, and is not going to prevent a burglar with a few minutes and some basic tools from leaving with your weapon.
I was a bit disappointed when I opened the box, as the opening knob had come undone and I needed to completely disassemble the locking mechanism to replace the knob, which is fastened with a circlip. It came in a damaged box from Amazon and I'm sure this happened in-transit and it would have been replaced without question had I asked. But, in ten minutes I not only had it repaired, but had a better understanding of the inner workings. It's a simple, robust mechanical combination lock, and a sliding bar that latches the door in place at the top and bottom.
Once I got it back together, I mounted it. Mounting is easy, with a number of holes that can be used. There's also an adjustable grip rest to customize the fit a bit. The marketing information claims the door is reversible, but the AR model is NOT, unless you just flip it over and hang it upside down. It's still secure this way, but you'd have to hold the gun in place as you open and close it. The shotgun versions have internal pieces that can be moved around to allow mounting either way. The magazine on the AR-15 prevents this.
Here it is, mounted. Note that with the forward assist clearing the bottom of the slot, the entire rail is exposed. A carry handle or optic would fit easily. However, an optic like a scope that extends forward of the barrel nut will NOT fit. You can slide the gun down another inch, as the forward assist will fit inside, but it closes easier this way. I'll be running an Aimpoint Micro T1 or H1, mounted to the receiver, so it won't be an issue for me.
http://ptmaynard.com/guns/IMG_5090.JPG
Notice that the BCM angled grip (KAG) fits easily. A vertical grip would fit as well, if it was forward enough to clear the box, or very stubby. For the most part, rail-mounted lights and other accessories will end up outside the box, so clearance isn't an issue there.
Finally, note there is a bit of storage space inside. A second mag could be set on the platform behind the one attached to the gun (or two detached magazines could be stacked there, with the gun empty), and there's room below for a hand-held light or maybe a flash-bang for the true HD Ninja.
http://ptmaynard.com/guns/IMG_5091.JPG
A closer view, with the locking mechanism visible. To open, you simply punch in the combination, and turn the knob. It's pretty darned fast, just a few seconds.
http://ptmaynard.com/guns/IMG_5092.JPG
Overall, I think this is a great alternative for people like me who don't have quick access to their normal safe, and don't want to leave a firearm out unsecured. It's a very slight impediment to user-access, and a very substantial impediment to children and unauthorized adults.
It's $200, which seems a little steep for what it is, but I guess it's a small market. The shotgun versions sell for $120-140, and the handgun models can be found for $100. There is nothing special about the AR unit, and I don't see how it could cost a penny more to produce than the others.