ShotLock AR Classic Solo-Vault , Black

At some point I may write a detailed post in Tactics about why I secure my weapons the way I do. This thread, however, is merely a review of the latest product I've used, the Shot-Lock AR Solo-Vault. I don't normally do product reviews, but there's an extreme lack of unbiased information out there on this.This "Vault" is essentially the carbine equivalent of one of the numerous quick-access handgun boxes on the market. It provides a level of security sufficient to stop curious children, and to prevent a home invader from quickly snatching a weapon and turning it against you and your family. Even someone familiar with the design of this unit would need a noisy minute or two with power tools to access the weapon. Hopefully everyone understands that this is NOT equivalent to storing your firearm in a proper safe, and is not going to prevent a burglar with a few minutes and some basic tools from leaving with your weapon.I was a bit disappointed when I opened the box, as the opening knob had come undone and I needed to completely disassemble the locking mechanism to replace the knob, which is fastened with a circlip. It came in a damaged box from Amazon and I'm sure this happened in-transit and it would have been replaced without question had I asked. But, in ten minutes I not only had it repaired, but had a better understanding of the inner workings. It's a simple, robust mechanical combination lock, and a sliding bar that latches the door in place at the top and bottom.Once I got it back together, I mounted it. Mounting is easy, with a number of holes that can be used. There's also an adjustable grip rest to customize the fit a bit. The marketing information claims the door is reversible, but the AR model is NOT, unless you just flip it over and hang it upside down. It's still secure this way, but you'd have to hold the gun in place as you open and close it. The shotgun versions have internal pieces that can be moved around to allow mounting either way. The magazine on the AR-15 prevents this.Note that with the forward assist clearing the bottom of the slot, the entire rail is exposed. A carry handle or optic would fit easily. However, an optic like a scope that extends forward of the barrel nut will NOT fit. You can slide the gun down another inch, as the forward assist will fit inside, but it closes easier this way. I'll be running an Aimpoint Micro T1 or H1, mounted to the receiver, so it won't be an issue for me.Notice that the BCM angled grip (KAG) fits easily. A vertical grip would fit as well, if it was forward enough to clear the box, or very stubby. For the most part, rail-mounted lights and other accessories will end up outside the box, so clearance isn't an issue there.Finally, note there is a bit of storage space inside. A second mag could be set on the platform behind the one attached to the gun (or two detached magazines could be stacked there, with the gun empty), and there's room below for a hand-held light or maybe a flash-bang for the true HD Ninja.To open, you simply punch in the combination, and turn the knob. It's pretty darned fast, just a few seconds.Overall, I think this is a great alternative for people like me who don't have quick access to their normal safe, and don't want to leave a firearm out unsecured. It's a very slight impediment to user-access, and a very substantial impediment to children and unauthorized adults.It's $200, which seems a little steep for what it is, but I guess it's a small market. The shotgun versions sell for $120-140, and the handgun models can be found for $100. There is nothing special about the AR unit, and I don't see how it could cost a penny more to produce than the others.

It’s solid and has good lockup. Make no mistake though, this is a deterrent, not a true safe. With about 30-40 minutes and proper tools, it could be broken into with minimal instruction. That said, I doubt there is a more sturdy one of these on the market. Their purpose is quick access, but they do sacrifice some security by nature of their clamshell design. Setup and install is straightforward. I would recommend to the manufacturer to include more of the wall anchor screws and maybe some lock washers as well. I added some to mine as a precaution. A note on gun safety: I strongly recommend placing this somewhere that will not draw the eye to it. If someone sees it during a break in, they will automatically be drawn to it. A smash and grab thief might not bother, but someone determined would probably be able to rip this off a wall stud with a crow bar given enough time. Perhaps hang a bathrobe over it to mimick a coat hook on the wall or place it in the back of a closet with clothes hanging in front of it. Something along those lines would be preferable to leaving a weapon out on display effectively.

I am impressed with this. As someone with small grandchildren around I was looking for something to store a weapon other than my gun safe which is in the study at the other end of the house. A locked weapon is a useless weapon in times of need. I have tried the locked boxes and so forth but they just never gave me a level of confidence that I could get them open quickly in time of need. This intrigued me. I like how it looked but wasn't sure I really needed an AR for home defense.I figured what do I got to lose. If nothing else it will look cool on the wall in my closet. Make no mistake, this item will only keep an extremely stupid thief from taking it. The best you can hope for is that they don't want to take the time to try to get it. The weapon itself can be used as leverage to pry this vault off of the wall but it will be no easy task. They could then just take it and overpower the lock later once they have left your residence. I have no intention of this item keeping the weapon safe from a thief. It will however keep it safe from curious grandchildren. There is no way they can even get their fingers into the trigger area. The locking system while rather crude and simple does its job. The vault holds the weapon safely and without scratching the weapon.It was extremely easy to mount and took only 20 minutes from start to finish and that included getting the tools. Changing the combination was easy. NOTE: The directions show you changing it after mounting it. Go ahead and change it before mounting it. It is much easier to do while on the floor. Plus just in case it doesn't work, you have not gone through all the trouble of mounting it.I like the feeling of having a little more firepower readily available if ever needed. I still have the pistols handy but now I got this too for added insurance and I feel confident it is secured. Set the combo to whatever you like and practice opening it. After a few times you can access it within seconds.

Very cheaply made safe...lock wouldn't function properly when mounted on wall. Lock mechanism felt very cheap and flimsy..would not recommend!...I returned it and refunded my $$...Amazon was very good and prompt with my return 👍