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Best for Vehicles: 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: 6.5” x 10” x 3”
  • Weight: 9 pounds
  • Material: 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 steel—and that’s only if they somehow get it loose from the ¼-inch galvanized steel security cable. Most smash-and-grab thieves likely won’t put in the effort required to get this one loose. Even if they do, they’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. Travis Smola

While there’s only one entry method via a key, it’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 can’t simply buy one of these safes and have a magic key to every Steelhead box out there. That’s a nice little extra peace of mind.

The $170 price point is expensive, but it’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 didn’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 wouldn’t worry about baggage handlers being rough with it.