SpeedLocker Means Quick Access
This past SHOT Show, my friends at Streamlight introduced me to the SpeedLocker, a lightweight locking storage container that uses a mechanical locking mechanism. I have been playing with one ever since.
Portable Lockable Storage
The SpeedLocker is really a portable lockable storage container, not a safe. Since it isn’t a portable safe, I have been pondering its real purpose in life: is it good for cigar storage? Is it something to put into a backpack at the beach for my car keys? Can I get away with toting my gun on a plane in my check-in? So far, all of the above, except the cigar part. I’m not allowed.
The SpeedLocker is 12.4”x 8.2”x 2.78” on the outside. It weighs only 2.6 lbs, which is about the same for many similar non-metallic cases. It has a five button combination, which is not a keypad, but actual keys, which must be fully pressed in order for the box to operate.
Most of the container is made of high impact polypropylene. It is a pretty sturdy material, and the product can easily support my weight, both flat on the ground and on its side. The lip of the lid recesses into a gasket, adding to the water resistance of the case.
No Batteries Required
The locking system, which is entirely mechanical, really adds to the low tech intrigue of the SpeedLocker.
It doesn’t need batteries. There are 5 buttons, which are programmed individually, using steel pins that allow or prevent the coding plate to move. This is a mechanical logic circuit that allows 31 different combinations. If the correct button combination is pressed, the plate moves, and the mechanism opens. If only some of the correct buttons are pressed, or if any incorrect button is pressed, the plate does not completely advance, and the box stays locked. The buttons must be pressed at the same time, so any deviation from the correct combination keep the box locked. Partial presses also keep the box locked.
I tried to fool the lock. I had the advantage of knowing the correct combination, so I was entering a single or double combination of the correct combination. I could not fool it. However, an incorrect combination raises the lid slightly. The mechanism needs to be cleared, which means pushing the slightly raised lid back down at the corners. I’m guessing that an incorrect combo pulls the lip away from the gasket. It stays locked, but if this is your “going to the beach” lockbox, I would occasionally check the box to make sure your teenagers didn’t attempt the code for your wallet.
Handiest Thing At The Range
It’s really easy to change the code. One simply uses the supplied Allen wrench to remove the metal pins assigned to each button. If the pin is placed in the top hole, the key must be pressed to open. If on the bottom, it must not be pressed. I keep the Allen wrench, padlock, and supplied cable in the SpeedLocker, under the foam. I stuffed the cable and lock under the foam, and pull them out when I need them.
Can you fly with it? Streamlight anticipated this use. Generally, it has to have a lock, and “locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.” To avoid any questions, they supplied a separate padlock, a cable, and 3 keys. Since I always fly with a checked firearm, I can tell you that no airport, state, terminal, or person is entirely consistent. Use the padlock, and you should be fine. This is, however, coming from someone who just recently had 2 pens confiscated at the airport worth almost $400 recently. They weren’t “tactical pens,” either.
What did I do with my SpeedLocker? It was the handiest thing at the range. We generally require guns to enter our range in a container and I showed some of our range members its convenience. It is big enough for my battle belt sized guns like my M18, along with 2 magazines. It was extra handy on session breaks where I like to set the gun down and take off the battle belt.
Is It Worth Owning?
You’ll have to check your local laws, but the SpeedLocker is perfect for transporting extra firearms in a vehicle. Extra firearms? Yes, you do have one IWB or AIWB already, don’t you? In some states, a locked box is required for carrying a firearm in a vehicle. Since I can get to my firearm in a single step (in 5 seconds) using the SpeedLocker, it may be the fastest tool for this purpose.
When I go for trail runs, I only carry my truck key, phone, and NAA revolver. The house keys and a larger revolver go into the SpeedLocker, which is cabled to the truck. The SpeedLocker has two mounting holes for this purpose. Around the house, I never leave any gun unlocked. The SpeedLocker allows quick access. It is not where I store a gun, but it is how I set one down.
What would I change on the SpeedLocker? It is hinged on the top, and a carrying handle is part of this hinge. I have yet to use the handle. In fact, the area on the bottom of the box has a natural recess between the locking mechanism and the cargo area. I would develop this into a handle, and remove the one on the hinge.
Is it worth owning? I found the SpeedLocker to be the handiest tool for everyday security. Obviously, it is an excellent product for preventing a tragedy.
Visit Streamlight for more information.
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