Gunvault MV500-STD Microvault Pistol Gun Safe

by GunVault

• Dimensions: 11 inches by 8-1/2 inches by 2-1/4 inches
• Interior dimensions: 10-3/4 inches by 6-1/2 inches by 2 inches
• Weighs 5 pounds, 16-gauge steel exterior construction
• Learn buttons make it easy to program more than 12 million user-selectable access codes
• Foam lining inside to protect the firearm or other valuables

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Gunvault pistol safes are truly premium products that set the standard for the rest of the industry. We know that security and reliability are prevailing priorities when you need our products, and that's why Gunvault pistol safes have the features you want. The MV500-STD comes with our patented No-Eyes Keypad that provides lighting-quick access, even in the dark. The improved high strength lock mechanism and precise fittings make it virtually impossible to pry open with hand tools. Over 12 million user selectable access codes are available. The audio feedback feature instantly confirms correct keypad entries and can also be disabled to allow "stealth" mode operation. The safe is battery powered for maximum security and easy portability. A tamper indicator notes invalid entry attempts and a built in computer blocks access after repeated invalid keypad entries.

Product Description

The outside of the Microvault is constructed of heavy-gauge steel with soft foam on the inside to protect the pistol. High-strength lock mechanism performs reliably time after time. Precise fittings are virtually impossible to pry open with hand tools. Built-in computer blocks access after repeated invalid keypad entries. Conveniently located keypad is easy to use. Mounts almost anywhere. Four pre-drilled holes on bottom of vault.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

139 of 142 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars MV500-STD Pistol Safe Perfect for Vehicle Storage!! November 2, 2010

By Desert Delights

Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased the MV500 so that I could safely and securely store my weapons in my SUV (no trunk) when I will be entering a building where Concealed Carry is prohibited. The center console, or underneath the seat is not considered secure storage under state law. You have a big legal/liability problem if your weapon is stolen from your vehicle because you were negligent and it was not properly secured. The MV500 is also great to secure valuables (Radar detector, GPS, etc) when you Valet park. The MV500-STD easily fits a 1911 .45 ACP, a widescreen Garmin GPS, and a Radar Valentine Detector. The unit is very easy to open with one hand using the combination lock, and has a backup key lock if the battery dies. To secure valuables, you simply wrap/loop the included steel cable around a front seat attach point, and slide the cable end into the cutout on the side of the safe. When you close the lid, the safe is secured to the fixed point on the vehicle. The cable could be cut with large bolt cutters and some time, but the chance of smash and grab type thefts is greatly reduced. It's also smart to hide the safe under the seat, or on the floor covered with a jacket, etc. The safe has a great anti-tamper feature that will let you know with a beep, and flashing red LED if an incorrect attempt to open the safe has been made since you locked it. Easily busts curious Casino Valet's! I have used the safe daily for 2 months, and I haven't yet discovered any negative aspects to owning and using it. Completely satisfied at this point! It is TSA approved for Airline travel too.

87 of 90 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Was as described January 21, 2010

By Joe15720

Amazon Verified Purchase

Since I ordered it close to christmas, and was not expecting it before 25 Dec, shipping took longer. Product was as described. Some reviews stated it was flimsy?!?? I do not think so. Had no problem putting batteries in, setting up code, and testing it a couple dozen times. You just have to read the manual!!!!!! Have 4 and 6 yr old boys and wanted to keep gun close, but locked up. This is in my nightstand with my small hand held 75 lume flashlight. It holds my 40 cal and 3 extra magazines. You need to practice opening it up and getting the gun out. Do not want any surprises when you really need it to count / work.

44 of 47 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars I can no longer recommend this product December 29, 2010

By Joe Smith

UPDATE, January 3, 2012: I can no longer recommend this product. About two months ago while traveling, I tried to open the safe and found that one of the buttons that was part of the combination would not function (i.e., when pressed there was no beep and the safe would not open when the correct combination, including this button, was pressed). When I got home, I opened the safe with the key and then the button suddenly began working again (I don't think opening it with a key had anything to do with making the button work again; it was probably just a coincidence). I thought this was just a fluke, but then the same thing just happened about a week ago and the button still doesn't work. I purchased this safe in order to have quick access to my firearm in a self-defense situation, but this is impossible if you can't rely on the buttons working all the time. Sure, the box can still be opened with a key, but that defeats the purpose of "quick access".

I plan to look for another similar device that uses a mechanical combination lock, such as those from Fort Knox. I would give this Gunvault zero stars if I could. I haven't yet contacted the Gunvault customer service to see if they will repair or replace the device, but that's irrelevant to me since I still won't feel I can rely on it to work when I need it to work.

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ORIGINAL REVIEW:

I've had this item for just a few days, so take what I have to say in that context.

So far this devices seems perfect for keeping my loaded pistol in my home in a manner that makes it relatively quick to retrieve in a self-defense situation, yet inaccessible to children. For that I think it serves its purpose well. Additionally, I use it to secure my pistol in my vehicle when I'm traveling and am unable to carry it on my person due to local laws, as well as to secure my pistol while in my hotel room rather than just leaving it laying on a table. Along the same lines, it's great to secure your pistol when visiting family that may have children in the house.

However, as other reviewers have said, it does not provide much theft-deterrence. First, because the construction does not lend itself to resisting forceable entry (you could probably pry it open with a strong screwdriver, but I'm not going to try it on my own device!). Second, someone could just steal the box itself with your pistol inside it, giving the thief all the time in the world to break into it at another location. It does come with a security cable (similar to those sold to secure laptops and other electronics) that can be wrapped around a stationary object then attached to the inside of the case, but this would only prevent a casual theft because the cable could probably easily be cut with bolt cutters or a good pair of wire cutters.

A couple of other negative points:

-The buttons do seem a bit mushy and flimsy. You definitely have to press them more or less directly in the center.

-The foam lining does not press tightly against thin pistols when closed, allowing them to slide around if the box is tilted - I have a 1911 in mine with which this occurs. This is kind of a pain since the box is meant to be portable. I have my pistol in its holster inside the box, which prevents it from sliding around, but of course may require another second or two to remove it from the holster to make the pistol ready to fire.

-The instruction pamphlet is a little confusing and does not explain well the steps to program a new code. It took me a few minutes to figure out the correct button sequences required to program it.

I can't comment on the long-term reliability or durability, since I've only had it for a few days. Provided the device doesn't wear out from use, I think the positives out way the negatives and it will serve the purpose I described above. Bottom line, it's great to secure a pistol against children's fingers and casual snoopers, but get a real safe that you can bolt down if you want to deter a serious thief.