Fast, sturdy access, room for two pistols, and peace of mind at night.
You want quick, secure access when it matters, yet the safe must keep curious hands out. That’s the balance many bedside safes miss. After living with this compact vault, I found it hits that sweet spot for speed, safety, and size. If you need a reliable spot for two handguns, spare mags, and small valuables, this model aims to do it without fuss. Here’s my honest take after daily use, plus how it compares to other popular choices.
Is Hornady 2 Handgun Vault Safe Good?
My verdict: yes, for most users. It’s ideal if you want fast keypad access, a compact footprint, and enough space for two handguns. If you need biometric entry or a larger interior, it depends on your needs. For me, it nailed the basics: solid steel feel, bright interior light, and smooth keypad operation.
One night, I timed myself from the bed to open-and-ready. It took seconds. The door opened cleanly, and my EDC fit next to a compact with room for mags. Another time, a storm cut power. The backup keys worked without drama. That calm confidence is why I kept it by the nightstand.
My First Impression
The vault arrived well-packed, with foam around the body and clear instructions. The finish looked clean and even, with no sharp edges. The door felt tight, and the hinges moved with a solid, deliberate action. The keypad had a reassuring click, and the interior light was brighter than I expected.
Setup took a few minutes. I set a code, tested the door springs, and tried different gun layouts. Two handguns fit, but I got the best layout by staggering grips. First use met my hopes: fast entry, tidy interior, and a steady door drop. I felt relief. It did the simple things right.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Room for two handguns plus small valuables or spare mags
- 4–6 digit keypad entry with bright, easy-to-press buttons
- Interior light for low-light access without fumbling
- Backup keys for emergencies or dead batteries
- Compact footprint: about 12.7 x 9 x 8.8 inches (H x W x D)
- Steel construction and smooth gas-strut style opening
- Mounting holes for added security to a shelf or nightstand
What I Like
- Fast, reliable keypad access, even in the dark
- Interior light helps you grab the right item fast
- Fits two pistols without feeling cramped
- Solid, confident door action with quiet opening
- Simple setup and easy code changes
- Compact size works well on a nightstand or shelf
- Backup keys give peace of mind during power or battery issues
What Could Be Better
- No biometric option if you prefer fingerprint entry
- Interior space may be tight for large-frame pistols with tall optics
- Not fireproof; it’s built for quick access, not fire rating
My Recommendation
If you want a dependable, quick-access bedside safe with space for two handguns, this is a strong pick. It shines for parents, concealed carriers, and anyone who values fast entry with a clear interior view. In my Hornady 2 Handgun Vault Safe Reviews testing, it proved steady, simple, and safe for daily use. It’s not the biggest or the flashiest, but it does the job right.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Bedside quick access | Fast keypad, bright interior light, quiet opening |
| Two-pistol storage | Compact design still fits two handguns and mags |
| Simple, reliable setup | Easy code program, backup keys for emergencies |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
Vaultek VT20i Smart Safe — Great for users who want Bluetooth app control and fast biometric entry. It’s slimmer and tech-forward, with quick fingerprint access. Compared to the Hornady, it offers more connectivity but a different feel. If you love smart features, this is a strong alternative.
SentrySafe QAP2EL — This model offers electronic keypad access with interior lighting and space for two handguns. It’s a budget-friendly competitor. The door action and fit-and-finish feel a bit lighter than the Hornady, but it still delivers quick access at a solid price.
BARSka Biometric Safe — Best for users who want a fingerprint-first experience. It stores many prints and opens fast once trained. Compared to the Hornady, it trades keypad simplicity for biometric speed. It’s a good pick if you prefer finger-only access.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Hornady 2 Handgun Vault Safe | Quick-access two-pistol storage | Keypad entry, interior light, compact and sturdy |
| Vaultek VT20i Smart Safe | Tech lovers and biometric users | Fingerprint + app control, slimmer profile |
| SentrySafe QAP2EL | Budget two-gun access | Good value, lighter build feel |
| BARSka Biometric Safe | Fingerprint-first access | Biometric focus over keypad simplicity |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a simple, sturdy, and fast two-pistol vault, the Hornady 2 Handgun Vault Safe is easy to recommend. It gives you keypad reliability, a bright interior light, and a confident door action that works when you need it. It’s a strong bedside companion with enough space for essentials.
Choose the Vaultek VT20i if you prefer biometric access and app features. Pick the SentrySafe QAP2EL if you are price-conscious and want a basic two-gun setup. Go with the BARSka Biometric Safe if you want fingerprint-first access at all times. Each serves a different user, but for balanced speed, space, and simplicity, the Hornady stands out.
FAQs Of Hornady 2 Handgun Vault Safe Reviews
Does it really fit two full-size handguns?
Yes, two standard pistols fit. Larger setups with tall optics may need careful placement.
How fast is the keypad access in the dark?
Very fast. The buttons are easy to find, and the interior light helps right away.
Can I mount it to a nightstand or shelf?
Yes. It includes mounting points so you can secure it to furniture for extra safety.
Is it fireproof?
No. It’s designed for quick access and basic security, not fire protection.
What happens if the batteries die?
You can use the backup keys. I tested them during a power issue and they worked fine.
