In this article, we’ll be giving you our in-depth and hands-on review of one of those safes: The ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about this unique wall-mounted shotgun safe through our hands-on experience with it.
Our Video Review
Below, you can see a quick video review featured on our YouTube channel that goes over what comes with the ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe.
To learn all of the criteria we use to rank gun safes, see: How We Test Gun Safes
ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe Review
The ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe offers gun owners a secure and convenient storage solution for their shotguns.
Battery-Free Operation
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With its robust construction, easy setup, and advanced programming features, this safe ensures quick and reliable access while maintaining the highest levels of safety.
Unboxing Experience
The ShotLock Solo-Vault came to our door in a plain white bubble wrap package which keeps the contents of the package a mystery as well as provides the necessary protection from most shipping and handling mishaps.
Under the outer package, you can see the ShotLock outer box that was intact and free of any damage.
Under the lid, you can see the entire contents encased in a plastic cover with the owner’s manual and sticker on top.
With everything removed from the box, you can see all of the included parts that come with the safe.
The Solo-Vault itself was in perfect shape with no signs of scratches, dents, or dings. The factory code sticker lets you know the code to gain entry, or you can simply use the included backup key sealed in a plastic bag.
What’s Included:
- ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe
- Mounting hardware (screws or bolts)
- 3 Backup Keys
- User manual and instructions for programming
First Impressions
The ShotLock Solo-Vault is built like a tank with its 14 gauge heavy steel construction and the fit and finish are very nice with a matte black textured paint job that looks like it’s baked on.
We appreciate the clean front panel with its simple design cues and retro styling. The buttons are pleasant to push and the large white numerals are very easy to see.
Under the lid, you can see the thick layer of foam that keeps your shotgun from making contact with the steel frame underside.
We like the robust build quality of this wall-mounted safe and can appreciate the hardened latches that greatly contribute to the pry-resistance of this safe.
On the backside of the ShotLock Solo-Vault, you can see a myriad of holes, some flush-mount and others counter-sunk, to accommodate your particular shotgun by changing the location of the ejection port mount or trigger guard mounting hardware.
The flush mount holes are used to mount the ShotLock to a wall, or any solid surface, using the included screws.
Setup & Programming
Setting up the ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe is a straightforward process. The package includes all necessary mounting hardware and instructions.
Users can secure the safe to a wall or floor using the provided screws or bolts. Once mounted, the safe can be programmed with a personal access code using the intuitive control panel.
Check out our quick video guide to learn how to easily reprogram the ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe.
Storage Capacity
The ShotLock model 200M wall safe/locker was designed to accommodate a single pump-action, side-by-side, semi-auto, over/under, and some pistol grip shotguns.
It can be mounted vertically or horizontally to the studs of a wall, flooring, or even a bedpost. I’m sure some might even mount it in a vehicle trunk, but that would require some fabrication skills to build a suitable bracket to mount this on.
The ejection port hanger is designed to secure pump-action shotguns while the trigger guard blocks are designed for mounting shotguns that won’t work with the port hangers.
You can vary the thickness of the port hanger (with the included rubber pads) and mount it in different locations using any of the multiple countersunk holes drilled into the back and affixing it with the provided screws to get the perfect fit for your particular shotgun.
We had no problems mounting our Savage Stevens 320 Security shotgun with a pistol grip.
Pros & Cons
In this section, we list all of our pros and cons regarding the ShotLock Solo-Vault shotgun mount.
What We Like:
- Rugged Build Quality
- Easy To Reprogram Its Robust Locking Mechanism
- Keyless Entry With Backup Keys
- Can Fit Many Different Shotgun Makes & Models
What We Don’t Like:
- Kind Of Pricey But You’re Paying For Quality Security
- There Are Some Exploits But These Can Be Mitigated
Some Additional Pros:
- Robust and Durable Construction: The safe’s sturdy build quality ensures protection against unauthorized access and tampering.
- Quick and Reliable Access: The innovative design allows for swift retrieval of the shotgun when needed, without compromising on safety.
- Easy Installation: The included mounting hardware and clear instructions enable users to set up the safe quickly.
- Customizable Access Codes: Users can program personalized access codes, providing an additional layer of security.
- Universal Compatibility: The ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe is designed to accommodate most shotgun models, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Who This Safe Is For
Who It’s For:
- The ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe is designed for gun owners who prioritize both security and accessibility.
- It is an ideal choice for homeowners, sport shooters, and anyone who wants to ensure their shotgun is securely stored while remaining easily accessible during critical situations.
Who It’s Not For:
- The safe may not be suitable for gun owners who require storage for other types of firearms, such as rifles or handguns, though ShotLock does make a model for single handguns.
- Additionally, individuals seeking a portable safe may find the ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe less suitable due to its stationary nature.
Key Takeaways
Why it’s a Great Safe for the Money: The ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe offers excellent value for money due to its combination of security, accessibility, and durability.
With its competitive pricing and robust features, this safe ensures the protection of your shotgun while maintaining ease of use.
Here are some key takeaways you should consider to help you decide if this is the shotgun solution for you:
- Secure and Quick Access: The ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe provides a secure storage solution while allowing quick access to your shotgun in case of an emergency.
- Durability and Construction: Built with high-quality materials, this safe offers excellent durability and protection against tampering or unauthorized access.
- Easy Installation: The safe’s straightforward installation process ensures that users can set it up without requiring professional assistance.
- Customizable Access Codes: The advanced programming features allow users to set their unique access codes, adding an extra layer of personalization and security.
- Versatile Design: The ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe accommodates most shotgun models, making it suitable for a wide range of gun owners.
Where To Buy
The best place to buy the SecureIt Fast Box 47 is on Amazon, but Optics Planet is a good alternative when there are availability issues.
Amazon’s pricing tends to be lower than most and with their hassle-free returns, there’s no chance of getting stuck with the bill should anything go wrong with your order.
ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault
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Features:
- Sturdy steel construction with high-quality materials
- Programmable mechanical lock with 1,500 possible combination codes
- Accommodates most shotgun models
- Quick and easy installation with provided mounting hardware
- Tamper-proof design
Potential Weaknesses & Exploits
Most people know who the Lock Picking Lawyer is and are familiar with his YouTube channel and the type of content he produces.
So, a few years back he posted a video that demonstrated 3 potential weaknesses that he proceeded to exploit.
The most glaring weakness is demonstrated by dropping the locked safe on its corner which allows the safe to be opened.
The solution to this design flaw is this safe should be mounted as intended to prevent the safe from drop shock or movement.
The second weakness is one he no doubt had to open the safe first to discover a way to take a piece of notebook wire and bend it in such a way that allows access through a small hole on the outside corner of the closed lid.
Note: Ask yourself if a thief could know this without seeing the inside, unless, of course, he watched this video!
Once the bent wire is inside, it can interact with a bar that disengages the lock when pressed down.
The solution to design flaw 2 is to JB Weld the tiny hole that allows any wire or custom tool to pass through.
The 3rd weakness is the backup keyed entry itself, which is better than a lot of cheaper locks on most safes but can still be picked open with the right picking tools and a bit of practice.
If you’re truly worried about such a thing, then you could also render it useless by JB Welding it. Of course, once you do that you’d better not forget the access code!
The mechanical lock itself is not a weakness if you come up with a reasonably good button sequence (such as making sure some keys are pressed at the same time).
Despite these design flaws, the ShotLock is still one of the better wall safes on the market due to its heavy-duty steel construction, and with a few precautionary measures taken, you can ensure that only you will be able to access your shotgun at a moment’s notice.
Q&A Section
In this section of the article, we tackle most of the most relevant questions regarding the ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Wall Locker.
Is the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe easy to install?
Yes, the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe is designed for easy installation. It comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and detailed instructions to guide you through the setup process.
With basic tools and a little bit of time, you can securely mount the safe to a wall or floor.
Can I change the access code on the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe?
Yes, you can (and should) change the access code as often as is necessary to maintain the highest level of security possible.
The mechanical lock provides reliable and quick access to your shotgun without the need for batteries or electronic components.
What shotguns are compatible with the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe?
The ShotLock 200M mechanical safe is designed to accommodate most shotgun models. Its interior dimensions are optimized to fit standard-sized shotguns, ensuring a secure and snug fit.
Can I mount the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe in my vehicle?
No, the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe is primarily intended for stationary installation in a home or office setting. It is not designed for use in vehicles.
If you require a safe for your vehicle, it is recommended to explore options specifically designed for vehicle mounting.
Does the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe provide any fire or water resistance?
No, the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe does not offer fire or water resistance. It focuses primarily on providing secure storage and quick access to your shotgun.
If you require fire or water protection for your firearms, you may need to consider alternative safes that offer these features.
Can the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe be used for purposes other than shotguns?
While the ShotLock 200M mechanical safe is primarily designed for shotguns, it can potentially be used to store other items of similar size and shape.
However, it is essential to note that the safe’s interior dimensions and design are specifically tailored for shotguns, so it may not provide optimal storage for other items.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up this review, we really like this shotgun solution since the ShotLock 200M Solo-Vault Shotgun Safe is a reliable and user-friendly storage solution for shotgun owners.
It strikes a balance between security and accessibility, making it an excellent investment for gun owners seeking peace of mind and quick access to their firearms.
