GunVault NanoVault NV100 Handgun Safe
Pros
- 1,500 lb Rated Security Cable Included
- Foam Pad on Bottom
Cons
- Key Lock Can Be Opened with Almost Anything
- Super Thin 20 Gauge Steel
- Too Small for Most Handguns
- Misleading Warranty
GunVault was the original inventor of the first ever electronic handgun safe roughly 15 years ago. Sadly they have made zero changes to the product and continue to sell an easily broken into pistol safe. In this review, I will help you understand why the GunVault NanoVault NV100 handgun safe is a product you should definitely avoid.
Lock – GunVault NanoVault NV100 Handgun Safe
First and always most important for any safe is the lock. GunVault uses the lowest quality key locking mechanism on this. It can be opened with just about anything including coffee stirrers, flat head screw drivers or anything else with a flat surface that can fit into the keyway. You don’t even need a lock pick, just walk around your house until you find something flat and you’re in, it’s that easy.
Security – GunVault NanoVault NV100 Handgun Safe
The GunVault NanoVault NV100 is not CA DOJ approved as a firearm safety device. This barely meets TSA guidelines for flying. GunVault claims this is virtually impossible to pry open which is laughable at the steel gauge. This handgun safe is built with 20 gauge steel which is a third of the thickness of a penny. All in all, If you are expecting security in your handgun safe, this is not the safe for you.
Style and Function
The GunVault NanoVault NV100 handgun safe is finished in a standard textured powder coat black. The bottom layer includes a foam pad to prevent scratches to your handgun. Finally, a 1,500 lb rated security cable is included for securing the safe to a fixed object. Sadly, this cable is quite literally the strongest thing about this “safe”.
Warranty
GunVault advertises all of their handgun safes to have an exclusive 5 year warranty. However, when you read the fine print, the 5 year warranty only covers damage caused by fire, burglary or attempted burglary. The actual product warranty is only for 1 year. You also have to pay for the shipping back and forth to GunVault for repair or replacement. Always read the fine print.
The Bottom Line
Would I buy the GunVault NanoVault NV100 to store my pistols? No, not a chance. With an easily defeated key lock, misleading warranty and only 20 gauge steel, I can not recommend this handgun safe.
With that said, I do recommend two handgun safes instead of this one. The first is the Stealth ShadowVault which uses a UL rated high security S&G electronic lock. The second is the V-Line Brute XD which is a mechanical handgun safe and Made in USA.
