Steelhead Outdoors’ Lock Box is a Brickhouse of Freedom

Published On: July 18, 2025 Updated: October 1, 2025 BY S.H. Blannelberry

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

I picked up the Limited Drop Founder’s Edition Fast Access Pistol Box from Steelhead Outdoors—finished in bold Royale Blue with a Crimson Red handle—and let me tell you: this thing is no joke.

It’s like a tank disguised as a pistol box, and it showed up just in time for the 4th of July. Patriotic? Yep. Overbuilt? Absolutely. Worth it? We’ll get there…

: Close-up of the Simplex-style mechanical lock on the red and blue Steelhead pistol box. — The mechanical Simplex lock is fast, reliable, and requires no batteries—just push, turn, and go!

Heavy-Duty Construction That Means Business
Baby on Board: Why I Upgraded My Pistol Storage
Company Features and Specs:
Simplex Lock = No Batteries, No Nonsense
Fits a Full-Size 1911—But Should I Go with the Python?
Optional Cable Adds Big Security in Small Spaces
Yes, It’s Pricey—But You Feel the Quality
Final Verdict: A Lock Box Built for Life

Heavy-Duty Construction That Means Business

Steelhead Outdoors Founder’s Edition pistol lock box and heavy-duty cable on wood table. — The patriotic Founder’s Edition lock box from Steelhead Outdoors—built tough and ready for secure travel with the optional 6,000 lb-rated cable.

The first thing you notice when you unbox it is the weight. This beast clocks in at just under 15 pounds.

That may not sound like much—until you catch a corner of it on your toe and suddenly understand the meaning of pain. It’s heavy. It’s solid. And it’s not going anywhere once you set it down.

Built from 12-gauge steel, TIG welded, laser cut, and powder coated in Shakopee, Minnesota, the quality is obvious the moment you touch it. The hinges are massive. The locking mechanism is encased and reinforced.

Underside of pistol lock box showing four pre-drilled mounting holes. — Four mounting holes give you the option to anchor the box to a nightstand, floor, or vehicle for extra security.

You get four pre-drilled holes in the base for optional mounting, but honestly? You could just park a truck on it for good measure.

Baby on Board: Why I Upgraded My Pistol Storage

Steelhead’s overview of the lock box.

I’ll be honest—life at home recently changed. We just had a baby. That means the household dynamic is shifting fast, and while she’s still a sleepy little bundle right now (5.5 pounds), I didn’t want to wait until she’s crawling before I start taking secure firearm storage more seriously.

This box gave me the peace of mind I was looking for. I wanted something fast-access, but tough enough that no one’s getting into it without the right combo—or a welding torch.

Steelhead lock box open on a table with Springfield Ronin 1911 and magazine inside. — Plenty of room for a full-size 1911 and spare mag—secure foam padding holds everything in place.

Company Features and Specs:

Weighs in at just under 15 lbs
8.5 inches wide x 12-1/4 inches deep x 3 inches tall
Printable template for internal capacity
Has the same internal capacity as our Large HD Pistol Box
Four mounting holes on the base to facilitate anchoring
Laser cut, formed and TIG welded from 12 ga steel throughout
Massive 1/4 inch hinges that are staked, welded and feature an integrated pin guard to prevent punch attacks
Push button Genuine Simplex lock features fast access without electronics or batteries
Fully enclosed lock support
270 degree, welded reinforcement hoop
Clear powdercoat finish over authentic rust
Two layers of 3/8” foam in bottom to protect contents and provide adjustment
Thick convoluted foam in lid to keep contents in place
optional 6,000 lb rated, 1/4 inch 7×19 galvanized cable that is nylon coated to 5/16 inch

Simplex Lock = No Batteries, No Nonsense

The Simplex mechanical lock is perfect. No batteries, no Wi-Fi, no phone apps. Just five buttons, a turn of the knob, and you’re in. Reprogramming it is easy, and the included tool makes it idiot-proof (a feature I always appreciate).

Springfield Armory Ronin 1911 in 10mm inside open Steelhead lock box with spare magazine. — The Ronin fits like a glove. Thick foam and rigid steel keep your home defense handgun ready—but safe.

Fits a Full-Size 1911—But Should I Go with the Python?

The interior fits my setup perfectly. Right now, I’ve got my Springfield Armory Ronin 1911 in 10mm in there, with room for an extra mag. The foam is thick, grippy, and keeps everything where it should be.

Two handguns—1911 and revolver—securely stored side by side in the Steelhead lock box. — The Steelhead pistol box offers a roomy interior—perfect for those who like to keep a backup to their backup.

But here’s the question I’ve been asking myself—should I swap it out for the Colt Python?

That stainless steel wheelie just looks right inside the red-white-and-blue box. Then again, 10mm hits like Thor’s hammer. It’s a real dilemma.

Optional Cable Adds Big Security in Small Spaces

Close-up of lock box and cable connected through the side loop. — The reinforced cable loop attaches cleanly and securely—no slop, no weak points.

I added the $25 heavy-duty security cable, and I’m glad I did. It’s 6,000-pound rated, coated, and built like something you’d use to moor a jet ski.

You can anchor it in a car, hotel room, or wherever else you need peace of mind. It makes the box travel-ready without sacrificing security.

Yes, It’s Pricey—But You Feel the Quality

Close-up view of the security cable inserted into the lock box corner next to a handgun. — Heavy-duty cable fits into the side port, securing the box without sacrificing internal space.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. At $310 plus the cable, it’s not cheap. You could buy two entry-level lock boxes for the same price.

But here’s the truth: this isn’t something you compare to the $99 imports. That’s like comparing a cast-iron skillet to a dollar-store pan. You’re in a whole different category here.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget, Steelhead offers several alternatives:

Large HD Pistol Box – $190
Small HD Pistol Box – $170
Standard Fast Access Pistol Box – $300
Small Fast Access – $280
Large Handgun Locker – $245

There’s even a Rustic Fast Access version at $325 if you want a different aesthetic, and the Fast Access Handgun Locker at $345 if you want something with a little more vertical clearance.

So yes, the Founder’s Edition is premium—but it’s not your only choice. And honestly, none of their boxes are cheap in construction, even if they’re cheaper in price.

Steelhead Outdoors security cable looped and coiled on a wooden surface. — The optional 6,000 lb-rated cable adds peace of mind when traveling or securing your box in a hotel or vehicle.

Final Verdict: A Lock Box Built for Life

If you want a pistol box that’s built like a vault, gives you quick access, and looks good doing it, this is the one. It’s overbuilt in the best possible way. The patriotic Founder’s Edition color scheme is just the cherry on top.

It’s perfect for the truck, the hotel room, or the nightstand—especially in a house like mine, where there’s a little one crawling soon and I don’t want to gamble with “good enough” security.

Just one last tip: don’t drop it on your finger. Seriously. You’ll be explaining that bruise for weeks.