V-Line 2912-S Top Draw Security Case (Black), 12.5" L x 9.5" W x 2.5" H

This lockbox is not as thick and sturdy as a Fort Knox brand lock box, but it’s good enough to keep handguns out of the hands of children. It’s also a lot more affordable, and it uses the same reliable mechanical combination lock mechanism as the Fort Knox brand. No batteries to die at the worst possible moment.

Bought this as a night stand case for a pistol. My first priority was to ensure my firearm was inaccessible to our children but still relatively accessible to me. Secondary priority was to prevent theft.Reference priority one, this safe is robust enough to keep out children. The simplex lock is reliable and easy to operate quickly without the inherent dependability issues that plague electronic or biometric locks. I was employed in the corporate/industrial security field for several years and can speak from experience that reliable biometric and electronic lock technology carries too high of a price tag to be utilized or expected in a $200 handgun safe - and even the good stuff can occasionally fail. The simplex lock is a proven, reliable mechanical lock that won't short, run out of battery power or fail to recognize you as an authorized user. The ability to program multi-button sequences in your combo allows you to enter your combo with fewer key strokes while keeping the combo complex enough to prevent someone guessing it. So, as for priority one, this will keep kids out and allow me in when I need it most.As for priority two, this safe is tough enough to deter common theft. However, if someone is willing to spend the time to open it, they can probably do so in relatively short time. 16ga steel is not very thick and can be pried, drilled or cut with the proper tools. Not a huge obstacle for the determined or skilled burglar but will definitely deter common theft.A couple things I wish V-Line had done differently:1) I would have liked the foam interior to be more customizable or the safe interior be deeper. There is about 1 to 1-1/2" of foam on the lid interior. This is to cover the guts of the simplex lock so it doesn't rub against the contents of the safe when the lid is closed. The problem is, this takes up a lot of room in the safe. A double stack handgun on its side does fine, however, place that same handgun in a low profile kydex holster, like a Raven Concealment, and you really have to push down on the lid to compress the foam and close the safe. Start adding more items in the safe that will push against the foam and the pressure to close increases again. This also makes turning the knob to open then safe less smooth as the bolt that secures the safe is fighting the upward tension of the foam on the safe's lid. There is a layer of egg crate foam on the floor of the safe, however it is very thin and removing it doesn't do enough to solve the issue. With it removed, items also make more noise being placing in and removed from the safe and their is no barrier to protect item from the bare steel bottom.2) Something to hold the lid open. This safe doesn't have any kind of opener or hold open and since the lid is relatively heavy, it would have been a nice feature. Additionally the lid tilts 180 degrees back so a built in stop at 90 or 100 degrees would be prudent.Overall, a good safe for my needs and only a few recommendations that I think would have made it better for me.

After using several AMSEC safes like this made 15 - 20 years ago, I found myself needing a few more. I looked at the AMSEC again but found they now use electronic locks, which is a non-starter for a gun safe. So I saw the V-LINE and thought I'd give it a try. Immediately upon opening the package I could tell it was not a real SIMPLEX lock. SIMPLEX locks are made by KABA-ILCO. The lock included with this V-LINE is a D900 from Illinois Lock Company. The lock is made in China. I would have had no reason to even research this if it weren't for the fact that the lock feels cheap. It feels 'loose', and not in the attachment sense but the operational sense. Worse, it feels and sounds as if it could or is about to break or jam internally every time you use it, or the knob is going to strip off. In short, the lock does not inspire confidence and does not hold a candle to my old school USA MADE SIMPLEX locks found in my AMSEC safes. My old SIMPLEX locks work and feel as if someone knew your life depended on it. These D900 locks feel as if profit was the only consideration given to their manufacture.In fairness, I have heard from V-LINE that KABA is now making the SIMPLEX lock in China too and V-LINE moved away from the Simplex locks after having trouble with them. I will need to confirm that with KABA though before I am convinced this isn't self serving FUD.So it is pretty disappointing to have such a well made case equipped with such a cheap feeling, confidence busting lock. I plan to exercise this lock several hundred times before I put my faith in it, and I suggest you do the same. Stuff something in the case like rolled up socks so as to put some upward pressure on the door and lock before you start exercising and validating it. Testing the lock with an empty case isn't a test.Speaking of upward pressure on the door, these cases are very short. My AMSEC cases are a couple or few inches taller and accept a holstered pistol with no problem. These V-LINE cases have too much padding up top to allow the door to close on the same pistol setups. I may be forced to remove some of the padding on the top door. When the door is forced closed against something, it only causes more stress on the lock when you have to open it. So keeping pressure off the door is pretty important. These cases would be great as-is for vehicle mounting because they would keep whatever is in them very snug and immobile. But for home use in a drawer, this is not required so the extra padding is taking up valuable real estate.The case is otherwise very well made. It is pre-drilled on the bottom so you can use bolts or lag screws to attach it to things.Five stars for the case, one star for the lock. I guess that means three stars total. I will edit my review after some time working the lock and trying various products inside.UPDATE AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS USE: Although I don't use the lock very often, my confidence in the lock has increased. I have had no problems at all. The lock knob that feels like it could break off, could be designed to do just that. It may be designed to shear off if the correct combination is not used - so that the lock internals cannot be forced open. I would not hesitate to purchase another of these cases. The case is very well made. I'm raising my rating to four stars. It would get five stars if it had at least one inch more usable vertical space and a USA made lock.

Excellent product. Fast shipping.

If you need to open this safe in the dark, or in a hurry, or both, look elsewhere.The first strange thing is the numbers from left to right are 5,4,3,2,1 not 1,2,3,4,5 as one would expect.Secondly after you punch in your code, you have to remember to turn the knob in the correct direction or the safe resets itself and you have to punch the numbers in all over again. Not very useful if you're in a hurry or flustered, or both.Thirdly, it does not pop open automatically, you have to lift the lid up manually so if it's in a drawer and you're not standing directly over top of it, it's a bit difficult to get to the contents.