Wanted to share my experience. I had a pistol stolen from my truck in 2011. Amazingly, it was recovered and returned in 2018. It was rare that I had a pistol in my truck because I went into refineries and petrochemical plants. Murphy's Law was that they hit me on that rare day.

I learned from this experience and purchased a Console Vault for my new truck in 2016. In Mid-December, my truck was broken into (restaurant parking lot at lunch time) and ... my pistol was stolen. I had their combination lock. I found this lock is easy pickings (no pun intended) against Channel Locks. I called Console Vault to discuss replacement, and they were going to replace it under warranty, which I think is standing behind their product. As I examined it, there was nothing wrong with the vault itself, just the lock. They replaced the combo lock with their barrel key lock at no charge.

Nothing is impervious to a determined thief but think the key lock would not be as vulnerable to Channel Locks. Only problem is that the access is slower vs the combo lock since the key in my pocket.

Just curious but why do you think channel locks would be less effective against a key lock? I have kids, which is why I prefer a code vs a key.

MaxPower said:

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Just curious but why do you think channel locks would be less effective against a key lock? I have kids, which is why I prefer a code vs a key.

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Guessing because the combo lock sticks up above the top of the door and gives enough surface area for channel locks to get a grip on, whereas the key lock is essentially flush with the door and you can't get a hold of it with anything.

I'd just wonder if a thief who knows the channel lock trick wouldn't also know how to defeat the barrel lock. Obviously these guys were ready for a safe from the jump. A quick smash and grab wouldn't figure out how to defeat the combo on the fly.

I went with the Lock er Down keypad on my new truck. So glad I spent the extra money for as often as I'm in and out of it. Way better than the console vault if you edc.

In my opinion, just make your truck pistol is an inexpensive pistol. I lock mine up when not in vehicle but I know if the thieves come prepared they're gonna get the pistol. Having it "locked up" just makes me feel better when it comes to police and insurance.

Rockdoc said:

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In my opinion, just make your truck pistol is an inexpensive pistol. I lock mine up when not in vehicle but I know if the thieves come prepared they're gonna get the pistol. Having it "locked up" just makes me feel better when it comes to police and insurance.

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I bought a Console Vault for my F250 years ago after I was broken into while working in SA. Not 6 weeks after the first break in, I was hit again while eating lunch one day. They jacked my briefcase, computer, work phone and some other items, but didn't break into the Console Vault. You could tell they made a half hearted attempt, but it did it's job.

I would like to try one but my daily driver is a Jeep Wrangler and I'm afraid the vault would be awful tiny. Right now I use a Hornady cable vault with heavy duty cable, but I know it's no match for bolt cutters.

Rockdoc said:

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I would like to try one but my daily driver is a Jeep Wrangler and I'm afraid the vault would be awful tiny. Right now I use a Hornady cable vault with heavy duty cable, but I know it's no match for bolt cutters.

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I have a console vault under my TJ's seat and it's big enough for an EDC gun.

Don't disagree but it's just as much about not wanting a criminal running around committing crimes with a weapon they acquired from me.

Couple of responses to some of your points. SC99 hit it in that the combo lock sits up high. They broke the cover off with the Channel Locks, then broke the remaining lock. The key lock sits closer to flush. I think a tire tool might defeat that too.

I couldn't understand how the guy broke into my F-150 in 2011. The HPD officer said Fords are easy to break into. He pointed out the guy just stuck a screwdriver into the key hold and broke it. My 2016 is also an F-150 but uses a key fob. The SAPD officer said nothing has changed. Cost more to repair as there is programming involved in the key fob related locks.

In retrospect, I realize there is no more need to store a pistol in my case. I am retired so have no restrictions on where I go. I don't think I'll need my pistol, just like I don't think I'll need my seat belt, but I buckle every time and carry everywhere I go. Ironically, I took my wife to a doctor appointment last week. As we walked up to the door, I saw a 3006 and 3007 sign. It was not a legal sign because the letters were much smaller than required. I struggled on whether to comply or ignore. This was especially difficult given my experience from a couple of weeks earlier.

MaxPower said:

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Don't disagree but it's just as much about not wanting a criminal running around committing crimes with a weapon they acquired from me.

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That's why I said having it locked up makes me feel better if it was stolen.

Seems to me that relying on any vehicle safe to prevent theft of your handgun is risky at best. Hard for me to understand why one would routinely store their "EDC" in the vehicle instead of actually carrying it. Certainly locking it up for the 5 minute stop to run into the post office (or other prohibited location) is understandable, but beyond that, why bother to take it if you won't/can't carry it?

Solution: take the slide off your pistol when you go somewhere.

Then it's just a gun part, and not a gun.

If someone breaks in to steal it, they'll get a frame at most, so would they even bother?