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Best for Vehicles:ย Steelhead Outdoors Pistol Box

BEST FOR VEHICLES
A black and silver Steelhead Outdoors pistol box on a black and white gradient background.

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Specs

  • Dimensions:ย 6.5โ€ x 10โ€ x 3โ€
  • Weight:ย 9 pounds
  • Material:ย 12 gauge steel

Pros

  • Great lock
  • Extremely tough powder coat
  • Slim profile

Cons

  • Expensive

While leaving a firearm or other valuables in a vehicle is never ideal, the Steelhead HD pistol box made me feel a whole lot better about it. Burglars will need to contend with some incredibly thick 12-gauge steelโ€”and thatโ€™s only if they somehow get it loose from the ยผ-inch galvanized steel security cable. Most smash-and-grab thieves likely wonโ€™t put in the effort required to get this one loose. Even if they do, theyโ€™ll have a hell of a time opening it. I slammed it on the ground multiple times trying to pop it open. I only succeeded in making the exterior dirty.

A black pistol box open showing a Glock 19 inside while sitting on a grassy lawn.
The interior of the small version of this box is perfect for a Glock 19 and a couple magazines.ย Travis Smola

While thereโ€™s only one entry method via a key, itโ€™s a secure lock. And the paperwork I got with the safe indicates each key is unique because it requires a new cylinder and keys if you lose both. That means someone canโ€™t simply buy one of these safes and have a magic key to every Steelhead box out there. Thatโ€™s a nice little extra peace of mind.

The $170 price point is expensive, but itโ€™s also understandable once you hold this safe in your hands. I feel like this thing would shrug off being run over by a tank. I didnโ€™t think products of this quality were made anymore. Bonus: This box is even TSA-approved for flying. Given the way the interior foam cradled securely and protected my Glock 19, I wouldnโ€™t worry about baggage handlers being rough with it.