Tested Tough: The All New Streamlight SpeedLocker

For 50 years, Streamlight has been lighting the way for military and law enforcement personnel, as well as hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. With that kind of proven background, the company has gained a faithful following that trusts their products will work in all conditions.

That’s why I’m excited about their move into the category of secure storage solutions with the recent introduction of the SpeedLocker, a portable lockbox that offers instant access to a firearm without requiring a power source.

I spend a lot of time on the road, for both work and play, and I often take a handgun with me. Not to mention a passport, cash and other valuables. Many states require a firearm to be carried in a secure and locked case, and, of course, any time I fly I must have my guns locked up. The Streamlight SpeedLocker offers a secure way to travel with a small handgun, while keeping it quickly accessible via a nonelectric push-button keypad. There are also two holes that accept padlocks when my travel plans require extra security, such as flying.

The five-button keypad is easily set to the owner’s preferred code, and can include any array of numbers, offering 31 different user-selectable combinations in total. Changing the combo is easy. Simply move each of the five pins inside the lock using the supplied 2mm hex wrench to the appropriate position and secure them in place. Pins in the top position correspond to the buttons on the outside of the case that must be pushed to open the case.

Unused pins are secured in the lower positions, but can be accessed to change the code anytime the box is unlocked. For added security, Streamlight also includes a keyed padlock that can be added to one of the two exterior lock holes (Note: If you’re going to use the SpeedLocker to fly with a firearm, TSA requires a lock in all exterior lock holes, so you’ll need a second padlock.)

The Streamlight SpeedLocker is built from durable, high-impact polymer with a dust- and water-resistant seal. The eggshell foam interior securely cradles the case’s contents. At 12.4 inches long by 8.2 inches wide by 2.78 inches high, the Speedlocker is compact enough to fit in the console of many full-size vehicles or stash in a duffel or suitcase without taking up too much room. Yet, the interior is just big enough for a compact handgun, as well as a flashlight and other travel necessities. The carry handle has two small holes to use as a mounting option, and the front of the case also features a pair of mounting holes should you want to screw the case down to your floorboards or other flat surface.

About the only thing missing is a faster way to lock the case in place, yet keep it mobile. You could run a small cable lock through the handle or perhaps through the padlock hasps to lock the case in place temporarily. Otherwise, Streamlight’s SpeedLocker has proven to be a great way to keep my handgun close, yet secure, while traveling.

$165; streamlight.com

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