The Stack-On PS-514 is a small safe that is becoming more popular especially due to the fact that its price has been lowered. Now, there is no negative reason why this safe has such a low pricing. In fact, you will have trouble finding any cons at all which makes this safe a bargain compared to others in its price range.
It is primarily a gun safe but can also be used to store a number of other items. It is California firearms approved, is made of solid steel and is very easy to operate. You know those safes you find in hotel rooms? Well, this is like one of those but better designed and with a whole lot more features.
Let’s go through what else this gun safe has to offer.
Who Would Benefit From Having A Stack-On PS-514 Safe?
Firstly, this is not a “High”security safe. It is a theft safe for a more basic security. This small safe is perfect for keeping your day to day valuables or your hand guns in one place and will deter any casual burglars, guests, friends and children from getting to the contents.
However, if you are specifically on the look-out for an Anti-Theft design then I would think it best you searched for a safe designed for that purpose. There are many of these on the market but expect to pay much more than the price of this safe.
The Stack-On PS-514 will keep out kids or an opportunistic thief, (especially if you bolt it down), but isn’t going to stop someone with a little more experience, time and with the right tools.
If you are looking for an uncomplicated security box that is very easy to use and is just the right size to fit inside something like a kitchen cabinet, then the PS-514 would be a good choice. It will provide ample space for personal things like jewelry, passports, keys, checkbooks, wallet and of course handguns.
Besides the handgun, it wouldn’t be unknown to find many of these items just sitting around in a person’s drawer somewhere. We need to be aware of how venerable our belongings are when left out in the open. It would be so easy for a thief to just swipe those items with a blink of an eye.
For protecting your possessions against a house fire you will need to look into buying a fireproof safe. This product has not been designed for fire safety in mind.
The Stack-On PS-514 Construction And Design
This is a strong home safe and perfectly adequate for providing basic security for your possessions. It has a good locking mechanism consisting of 2 live locking bolts in the front edge of the door and has a simple method for re-setting the combination. With an easy 8 digit code it’s very fast to open which will certainly be handy in an emergency.
If for any reason, there is a problem with opening the safe door, (e.g. dead batteries), do not panic because as a precaution this model comes with keys that will open the safe using a hidden key lock.
There is an LED light that comes on to let you know that the batteries are beginning to get low so there generally shouldn’t be any issues with unlocking the door. Just make sure the override keys are also kept in a secure place preferably away from the safe itself.
If you have read some of the reviews on the Barska Biometric Safe then you will appreciate the option to turn off the default beeping sound whenever the door is opened. Some of you will prefer to keep the beeping sound switched off and with the Stack-On PS-514 you will have the option to do so.
A removable shelf comes with the unit that would come in handy for storing ammunition and other accessories. If you are not keeping guns then the shelf is a good way of keeping certain valuables neat and in order.
For additional security it would be a good idea to bolt the safe to either the floor or a wall. It has available pre-drilled mounting holes in the bottom and at the back which will make securing a lot easier.
Even though this safe offers basic security to deter burglars it does have a pry-resistant door featuring concealed hinges. This will prevent any attempt at breaking in through the door using prying tools such as a crowbar. A very beneficial feature.
Conclusion
This Stack-On PS-514 gun safe has some nice features offering quite a few benefits to anyone looking to store their handgun or valuables. As mentioned above, it does provide a more basic security so if you are worried about intruders then a higher security safe may suit you best.
It’s a nice medium to small size for hiding it away somewhere and is also still roomy enough inside to get quite a few things in there. For this price, you cannot go wrong especially with the free shipping that is offered to all Amazon buyers.
Not a fireproof or waterproof safe and not used to deter professional thieves but does have concealed hinges which for any safe is an added bonus. Four AA batteries are supplied with this unit which is also a nice little bonus.
PROS
Very quick set up. Just insert the batteries, punch in your code and your ready to go.
The bypass key a very handy to have in case you forget your pass code and the safe locks you out.
It is a solid, heavy build made of steel.
The price is unbeatable for this type of safe.
It has a lot of storage space for a safe of that size.
The beeping can be turned off if you don’t want someone to hear you opening the safe.
The inside has a padded surface, so your contents don’t get scratched.
CONS
The interior lining or padding is a good idea but its quality could be a little better. Not a problem for many as additional material can be easily placed on top.
Plastic handle can be a bit difficult to grip because it’s slippery.
Features
California DOJ-approved firearms safety device that meets the requirements of California Penal Code Section 12088.
Solid steel pry resistant plate doors.
2 Steel live locking bolts.
Concealed hinges to provide greater security.
Easy to use electronic lock keypad.
Comes with override key.
Has a time out period after three incorrect code attempts.
Quick access electronic lock includes an LED warning light.
Electronic beep sound can be turned on or off.
Combination changes is a simple proccess.
Foam padded bottom and shelf.
The PS-514 has pre-drilled mounting holes for securing to the floor,(hardware is included).
I just got this safe and I can’t figure out an easy way to open center panel where the key goes. It feels like it’s going to break if I try to pry it open.
Unfortunately there really isn’t much you can do about that. I guess the Stack-On company figured
it wouldn’t be a priority seeing as you would only need to get into the center panel when you first program the
safe and in an key overide situation.
Sorry I couldn’t help.
Good luck opening up the panel!
I have lost the key code to my safe can you help me to reprogram. Thanks
Hi Deborah,
What safe do you have?
I am assuming you have the Stack-On PS-514 seeing as you left your comment here.
If you cannot reprogram the safe you may need to contact Stack-On to get a new combination. This information is in the manual.
I hope this helps.
I just got this safe and I can’t figure out an easy way to open center panel where the key goes. It feels like it’s going to break if I try to pry it open.
Hi Bob,
Unfortunately there really isn’t much you can do about that. I guess the Stack-On company figured
it wouldn’t be a priority seeing as you would only need to get into the center panel when you first program the
safe and in an key overide situation.
Sorry I couldn’t help.
Good luck opening up the panel!