(Photo by Michael Anschuetz)
March 01, 2023
By Richard Nance
As responsible firearm owners, it’s our responsibility to guard our guns. While securely storing a handgun may deter unauthorized access, it can also make it difficult for you to access. That handgun you keep for home defense won’t do any good if you can’t get to it, should you need it.
Hornady Security has developed several firearm storage solutions in recent years. Their focus has been on products that offer affordable security and fast access. If you are looking for a way to safely keep a bedside gun, Hornady Security’s new RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault should fit your needs.
The RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault delivers fast access to handguns and/or other valuables. Constructed of tamper-proof steel, it’s suited for use in drawers and can be permanently mounted using the supplied hardware. An interior light activates when the spring-assisted lid opens. The RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault weighs a hefty 15 pounds, largely due to the 14-gauge steel construction. Its exterior dimensions measure 13.1 inches by 11 inches by 3.9 inches. Internally, it is 10.6 inches by 7.8 inches by 3.3 inches. The space inside will accommodate a full-sized handgun, including those with a red dot and a light. There’s also room to keep a flashlight and spare magazines — or even a second gun. I tested the vault box using a Smith & Wesson Model 686 with a 6-inch barrel to explore how big of a handgun could be stored. The interior is lined with high-density foam. It will reasonably protect the finish of your handgun(s) or other valuables.
Programmable RFID tags allow for easy, quick access to the RAPiD Safe. They can attach to watchbands and phones. The bottom of the safe is predrilled, which means that it can be securely mounted to furniture or walls using the supplied hardware. The safe is also powered by four convenient AA batteries, which powers the keypad or radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.
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The RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault can be programmed to accept a four- to six-digit access code. As a factory default, the keypads beep when pressed, but this feature can be easily turned off if you prefer stealthier operation. When any key is pressed, a subdued red light appears to help you enter the correct code. While a keypad is faster than a dial, and more convenient than a mechanical key, what makes this unit unique is its RFID technology.
A traditional key set is included. These are necessary if batteries run out or you need a simple reliable backup to get inside. Before use, the supplied watchband tag or decal need to be programmed. Then, after pressing any key on the keypad to wake the safe from its sleep mode, the safe can be opened by holding the tag near the RFID reader, which is located to the left of the keypad. Additional RFID tags can be purchased from Hornady. If you have tags from other Hornady Security products , they too can be programmed to operate the RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault.
Once pressed, the keypad lights up to allow for use in dark environments. The access codes and be set between four and six digits. As the name implies, the RFID watchband tag attaches discreetly to your wristband. If you don’t wear a watch, odds are, you’ll use a cell phone. You can also adhere an RFID decal tag to the back of a phone case as an option.
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The RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault has been certified as a firearms safety device by the California Department of Justice. Hornady is a supporter of Project ChildSafe, a nonprofit organization committed to raising awareness about safe and responsible gun ownership. Visit hornady.com for more information.
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