In this article, we’ll be giving you our in-depth and hands-on review of one of those safes: The Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about this popular pistol safe through our hands-on experience with it.
Our Video Review
Below, you can see a quick video review that goes over what comes with the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock and how to use and program it.
To learn all of the criteria we use to rank gun safes, see: How We Test Gun Safes
Hornady Rapid Shotgun Wall Lock Review
If you’re looking for the best way to secure your shotgun with ease, this is the only review that covers all of the bases in a comprehensive and unbiased way.
RFID Quick-Entry
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In today’s world, ensuring the safety and security of your firearms is of utmost importance. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock.
This exceptional product offers convenience, reliability, and advanced security features, making it an excellent investment for gun owners.
Let’s delve into its remarkable features and the reasons why it stands out as an exceptional long gun safe for the money.
Features and Benefits:
- Quick and Easy Access: The Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock is designed for swift access to your shotgun when you need it most. Its innovative touch-free entry allows you to unlock the safe using up to 5 programmable RFID devices or the user-programmable electronic keypad, ensuring that you can retrieve your firearm quickly in emergencies.
- Secure and Tamper-Proof: This wall lock boasts heavy-duty, tamper-proof construction, providing the utmost security for your shotgun. It features a hardened steel locking mechanism that is virtually impenetrable, ensuring that your firearm remains inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
- Easy Installation and Mounting: Installing the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock is a breeze. The package includes all the necessary mounting hardware, making it simple to securely attach the safe to your desired location on the wall, either vertically or horizontally. The user-friendly instructions guide you through the process, saving you time and effort.
- Versatile and Adjustable Design: This wall lock is designed to accommodate pump-action or semi-auto shotguns of various sizes and styles. It features an adjustable barrel retention mechanism and cushioned liner, ensuring a secure fit for your firearm while preventing scratches or damage. Whether you own a tactical pump-action shotgun or a semi-auto hunting model, the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock is compatible with a wide range of manufacturers.
- Backup Access Options: In case of battery failure or forgotten access codes, this wall lock offers additional entry methods for added peace of mind. It comes with two circular barrel keys, allowing you to unlock the safe manually. Moreover, the included backup power supply can be connected externally, ensuring continuous operation.
Unboxing Experience
The Hornady shotgun wall lock came shipped to us in a plain cardboard box with Amazon branding on the outside.
There were no indications of what the contents inside were, which is always appreciated to help reduce theft.
Inside the cardboard box, you can see the well-designed Rapid Safe packaging plastered with useful info and features regarding this compact shotgun wall safe.
Under the hood, the safe is protected well with some thick egg crate molded paper that ensures the safe arrives with minimal risk of damage during shipment. Ours arrived in perfect condition, so that’s an A+ for packaging.
The Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock comes with a comprehensive set of accessories to enhance its functionality and convenience:
- User-Programmable Keypad: The safe includes a user-programmable keypad that allows you to set your unique access code for quick and secure entry.
- RFID Hands-Free Entry: 1 RFID bracelet, 1 RFID key fob, and 2 RFID cellphone disks with adhesive backing.
- Circular Barrel Keys: Two circular barrel keys are provided as a backup entry method in case of battery failure or forgotten access codes.
- Mounting Hardware: The package includes all the necessary mounting hardware, making it easy to install the safe securely on the wall.
- External Power Supply: For connecting your Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Lock to wall power.
- Barrel Stabilizer: For adding stability that keeps your shotgun barrel securely in place.
- Cushioned Liner: The interior of the safe features a cushioned liner to protect your shotgun from scratches and ensure its pristine condition.
- User Manual: A detailed user manual is included, providing clear instructions on how to install and operate the wall lock effectively.
First Impressions
Our first impressions of this Hornady shotgun wall safe are off to a good start. This thing is built like a tank and the fit and finish are all very excellent for the money.
Made out of a 14 gauge steel body with hardened locking hooks, this is a fairly stout safe that doesn’t feel cheap and uses a mostly metal construction with some plastic parts in key locations.
The spring-loaded lid shoots open with authority, so just be prepared to steer clear of the lid once it’s unlocked!
Weighing nearly 3 lbs, this wall locker is stout for its small size. We also like the egg crate foam on the interior that helps lock your shotgun down while also preventing scuffs or scratches.
Setup and Programming
The Hornady RAPiD® Safe Shotgun Wall Lock is designed to be powered by either the AC power supply or four AA batteries.
To connect the AC power supply, first, open the safe with the circular barrel key. Locate the square hole in the back of the safe and insert the power cord into this hole.
Then:
- Route the power cord under the foam and toward the front of the safe.
- Plug the power cord into the jack on the back of the door.
- Use the integrated cord hook in the door to help retain the power cord.
Note: Press and hold the “H” button on the keypad for 5 seconds until the light turns off to toggle the sound on and off.
To install batteries, open the door with barrel keys and locate the battery compartment on the back of the door.
Remove the battery cover and insert four (4) high-quality AA batteries. Replace all batteries at the same time.
To check battery level:
- Disconnect from the A/C power source.
- Press and release the “H” button on the lid.
- The LED light on the “H” button will flash.
a. Flashing Green – Good battery
b. Flashing Yellow – Low battery
c. Flashing Red – Dead battery - After 10 seconds the safe will return to
normal operation. - NOTE: Replace batteries every twelve months or if they become weak.
When the RAPiD® Safe is unplugged, and is operating on battery power, you must press any button on the lid to activate the reader.
Pressing any button on the lid causes the system to go from battery-saving
mode to ready status.
For example: To open your safe with an RFID tag, while the system is running on battery power, first press any button on the lid to bring it to ready status.
Place your RFID tag within 1″ of the center of the RFID reader to open the safe.
The RAPiD® Safe Shotgun Wall Lock includes three (3) styles of RFID tags, including:
- 1 Wristband
- 1 Key Fob
- 2 Decals
*Additional styles and sizes can be purchased separately. The RAPiD® Safe can store up to 5 tags.
To Program These Tags:
- Open the RAPiD Safe with either the key or a previously programmed RFID
tag or key code. (The key code safe does not ship with pre-programmed RFID tags. An RFID tag must be programmed to work with this safe.) - Locate the red program button. Press and release the button to begin programming an RFID tag. The first available program location will begin to blink.
- Hold the RFID tag within 1″ of the illuminated RFID reader area on the top of the safe lid. If the programming is successful, the safe should beep two times and the available slot should go from blinking to solid red for approximately ten seconds.
- NOTE: If the user attempts to program an RFID tag that is already stored in the safe, the safe will beep three times and the RFID tag will not be programmed into the duplicate slot. The RFID tag can only be programmed into one location.
Verify the RFID tag is programmed by holding the tag over the RFID reader with the lid open. The motor should cycle after each scan.
- If the RFID tag does not program into the safe, the program function will time out
after ten seconds and the safe will return to normal operation. If multiple attempts to program an RFID tag fail, please contact Hornady® - One to five RFID tags can be programmed into the safe.
A single user-defined 4 to 6-digit code can be entered into the RAPiD® Safe:
- Open the RAPiD Safe with either the key or a previously programmed RFID tag or key code. The safe ships with a default code and should be reprogrammed before first use.
- Locate the red program button to begin programming your key code. The first available tag location will begin to blink to indicate program mode.
- With the lid open, enter a 4 to 6-digit code into the keypad on the lid. Press the “H” after entering your code. Verify your code is correct by re-entering your code and pressing “H”. The motor should cycle.
- Your key code can now be used to open the safe. NOTE: Only one key code can be entered into the safe. If a second code is entered, it will override the previous code. **A total of 5 RFID tags and 1 key code can be entered into the safe.
How to Remove All Tags From Safe:
- Open the RAPiD® Safe with either the key or a previously programmed RFID tag or keycode. Locate the red program button. Press and hold the button for five seconds to erase all tags from the safe.
- All five red LEDs will begin to blink in sequence. (The safe does not allow individual tags to be removed. They must all be erased at one time. The intended RFID tags can then be reprogrammed back into the safe with the instructions above.)
- NOTE: To abort the erase procedure, press the “H” button on the lid of the safe or do not touch anything, and the erase procedure will automatically abort after 10 seconds and return to normal operation. Test RFID tags and the key code to confirm they are operational.
- To confirm the erasing procedure, press and release the program button again. All five LEDs will blink three times to visually confirm all RFID tags have been removed.
- All RFID tags will no longer work until they are programmed back into the safe with the instructions in the “How to Program Your RFID Tags” section.
Storage Capacity
Being a single shotgun safe, the capacity is one shotgun that is mounted with the bolt locked open to prevent accidental discharge.
Seeing as this wall safe has a mount that goes into the ejection port of a shotgun, it is compatible with a wide variety of pump-action and semi-auto shotguns (not compatible with over-under or side-by-side shotguns).
The “muzzle ring” helps keep the shotgun straight and in the correct orientation and adds another layer of security and stability.
Your shotgun can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal orientation to suit your requirements. In the vertical position, the shotgun can be better hidden in a closet and will take up less space.
We demonstrate the classic “The Coat Hanger Technique” in our review video to show you how to hide your shotgun in plain sight.
Pros and Cons
So what’s to like and what’s not to like about the Hornady shotgun wall safe? After spending untold hours testing and using this wall locker in practical use-case scenarios, we can offer you our expert opinion based on our years of security product experience.
What We Like:
- Sturdy Build With Great Fit & Finish
- Very Responsive Hands-Free RFID Entry
- Lightning Fast Spring-Loaded Door Lid
- Electronic Keypad Entry Is Quick & Easy To Use
- Programming and Setup are a Breeze
- Can Be Operated On Wall Power Or Battery Power
- Pretty Long Battery Life When Battery-Powered
- Compatible With Most Pump-Action Or Semi-Auto Shotguns We Tested
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s A Bit Pricey (But Is Well Worth It In Our Opinion)
- Have To Press the Keypad To Wake Up The Device First On Battery Power
- RFID Wristband Could Be Less Sensitive To Placement
- Spring-Loaded Door Is Startling & May Be A Hazard Dending On Placement
Who This Safe Is For
Who It’s For:
- The Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock is perfect for those wanting to securely store a home defense shotgun that can be quickly accessed whenever the need arises.
- If you’ve got a pump-action or semi-auto shotgun, then this is a great option to have as it takes up way less space than the typical shotgun safes on the market.
- Its small footprint makes it ideal for hiding your shotgun in smaller spaces like a closet or behind a bedpost.
Who It’s Not For:
- This wall safe is not for those with incompatible shotguns or for those needing fireproofing or water protection since it wasn’t built for storage.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to protecting your shotgun and ensuring quick access when needed, the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock is the solution you’ve been looking for.
Here are some key takeaways that will help you decide to make this smart investment:
- Unmatched Security: Rest easy knowing that your shotgun is safeguarded by the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock. Its tamper-proof design and robust, hardened steel locking mechanism provide superior protection against unauthorized access. You can trust that your firearm will remain secure at all times.
- Swift and Easy Access: In moments of urgency, every second counts. With this wall lock, you can access your shotgun quickly and effortlessly. Its touch-free entry system and user-programmable keypad ensure that you can retrieve your firearm with minimal delay, allowing you to respond promptly to any situation that requires immediate action.
- Versatility for Different Shotguns: Whether you own a tactical shotgun or a semi-auto hunting model, this wall lock is designed to accommodate a wide range of firearms. Its adjustable barrel retention mechanism and cushioned liner provide a secure fit while preventing scratches or damage. Regardless of your shotgun’s style, it will be snugly and safely stored.
- Effortless Installation: Worried about complex installations? Don’t be! Installing the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock is a breeze. The package includes all the necessary mounting hardware and a user manual that guides you through the process step by step. Within no time, your safe will be securely mounted, giving you peace of mind.
- Backup Access Options: We understand that unforeseen situations can occur, like battery failure or forgotten access codes. That’s why this wall lock offers backup entry methods. The circular barrel keys included in the package allow for manual unlocking, ensuring that you can always access your shotgun. Additionally, you have the option to connect the included external backup power supply for uninterrupted operation.
- Unbeatable Value for the Money: Investing in the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock means investing in the safety and security of your shotgun and your loved ones. With its exceptional features, reliable performance, and affordability, this wall lock offers outstanding value for the money.
Make the smart choice today and experience the difference this reliable and convenient wall lock can make in your life.
Where To Buy
The best place to buy the Hornady Rapid shotgun wall lock is on Amazon.
Hornady Rapid Shotgun Wall Lock
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
With the lowest price we could find online and Amazon’s hassle-free return process, there’s no chance of getting stuck with the bill should anything go wrong with your order.
Q&A Section
In this section, we answer questions we come across regarding the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock.
Is the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock suitable for home defense?
Absolutely! This Honady wall lock offers rapid access to your shotgun in critical situations, allowing you to protect yourself and your loved ones quickly.
Can I mount the wall lock in my closet or bedroom?
Yes, the wall lock’s compact design and versatile mounting options make it perfect for securing your shotgun in any location that suits your needs.
Will the cushioned liner protect my shotgun from scratches?
Yes, the safe’s interior is lined with a soft, cushioned material to safeguard your firearm and prevent any scratches or damage.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the safety and security of your shotgun, the Hornady Rapid Safe Shotgun Wall Lock is an exceptional choice that offers unbeatable value for the money.
With its quick and easy access, tamper-proof construction, simple installation, and versatile design, it stands out as a top-tier option in the market.
This feature-packed wall-mounted shotgun safe is loaded with highly responsive RFID technology and performed without fail during all of our extensive tests.
