Starting a new job and want a gun safe for one full sized handgun and 2 extra magazines. Want a cable to attach to a fixed object to keep it from walking off. Do not want one that requires a fob, wrist bracelet, batteries etc. Have a mechanical one bought year ago with 5 buttons and then a latch one flips. Works 100% of the time and quick enough to open with a little practice.

Suggestions welcome.

I have one of these. It's about as basic as you can get. Don't count on it if a guy has tools.
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/e...rtable-security-safe

I ended up installing a ConsoleVault in the vehicle, but keep this under the seat just in case I have to lock something in a hotel room.

Simplex-style locks are tried and true.

Most mfrs offer this variant despite the recent tech push.

Fort Knox PB1
V-Line has several models
FAS1 posts here and seems to have a solid product.

I've been using two of these for over twenty years. Not even sure if they make them anymore.

As noted, the Simplex type locks fit your need.

You might scan the listings at an online dealer (example - Dean Safes) to get an idea as to size, gauge and presumed method of “installation” (bolting thru bottom holes, using a cable, etc).

V-line offers a compact portable box that is intended to be secured by a cable. But it may not be large enough. V-Line’s Top Draw box is larger and still relatively portable. American Security has a similar offering. Then both companies each have a much more HD box that compete with Fort Knox’s PB1. Those boxes typically have a gas strut to help with the heavy lid and are intended to be bolted down to something.

And, there are other variations that work with a slide-out drawer and mount under a shelf or desk.

V-Line has the greater variety. American Security boasts of its unique protection of the lock assembly. The Fort Knox PB1 box might be the most popular and is the less expensive of the three HD boxes.

I love the Simplex method and have two V-Line variations. My struggle is always trying to find a reasonably secure method of installation of the safe itself.

Not an endorsement, but a personal FYI.

I have a ShotLock 200M that uses a Simplex-style mechanical mechanism. Admittedly it has continued to work fine over the past several years but to me its overall construction doesn't inspire a ton of confidence. It feels somewhat lightweight and flimsy in comparison to other brands of 'personal' pistol safes, including a number of electronic lock units. We sell these from time to time at our shop and I got a good price on one (free) so I decided to try it. Why not, right? Well, the button mechanism feels rather rattily compared to an actual Simplex lock, the gauge of the steel is relatively light and purportedly one can pop the hinged door wide open by dropping the safe and having it hit on one corner. Which corner that is, I dunno. I screwed my unit down to mount vertically on a wall so the latter concern isn't really one for me, but I do wonder if the lock mechanism won't go and freeze up at some point. And it definitely seems like someone with a pry bar could easily pop the thing open...especially now that it's firmly mounted...(drat)

And while ShotLock is a locally-based company to me, I believe that their product is actually made in the PRC if that is a flash point for you.

quote:

Originally posted by FHHM213:
As noted, the Simplex type locks fit your need.

My struggle is always trying to find a reasonably secure method of installation of the safe itself.

Simplex locks have a 60+ year track record that is unmatched by their electronic counterparts.

I hear this all the time. People will buy a handgun safe and then when they go to mount it figure out it won't work well the way they decided. When you have it in your hands you might find better ways to mount it than you initially thought. The problem is maybe the design opens up and you want to mount it opening from the side, but it probably won't work well mounted that way. Keep in mind that some are more universal on how they can be mounted than others.

Thanks for the advice, ordered one that should suit my needs.