V-Line Tactical Closet Vault Flat Black in Wall Gun Safe and Tactical Gear Safe – This Safe Provides Security for Firearms, Simplex Lock – Fits Between Wall Studs– Ideal for Home or Office

Why I chose a wall-mounted option

I wanted quick, reliable access to a couple of long guns and a handful of accessories without dedicating floor space to a full-size safe. The Tactical Closet Vault hits that sweet spot: it tucks between wall studs, presents a clean flat-black face, and uses a mechanical Simplex lock so there are no batteries, electronics, or keys to manage. It’s not a bank vault, and it isn’t a fire safe, but as a secure, low-profile storage solution for standard or home-defense firearms, it does a lot right.

Design and build

The cabinet is sized to fit a standard 16-inch on-center stud bay (the body measures 16.76" W x 52.88" H x 5.88" D). In practice, this means the bulk of the unit recesses into the wall cavity while the face and door protrude a couple of inches—enough to look purposeful rather than tacked on. The flat black finish is subdued and resists fingerprints better than glossy paint.

The door closes positively and engages steel locking rods at multiple points. The Simplex push-button lock is the defining feature: a mechanical five-button pad that allows single- and simultaneous-button combinations. It’s fast, tactile, and consistent. I can open it in the dark, under stress, with cold hands—exactly why I prefer it over biometric readers and battery-powered keypads. Changing the combination is straightforward with the door open, and there are no keys to hide (or for kids to find).

Build quality feels solid. The door has minimal flex, the hinges track smoothly, and the frame tolerances are tight enough that I’m not worried about casual prying. I wouldn’t expect it to withstand a prolonged attack with power tools, but that’s not the category this product competes in.

One practical note: this is made in the USA and is CA DOJ approved. Neither label guarantees invulnerability, but both are meaningful for buyers prioritizing compliance and domestic manufacturing.

Installation experience

Installation took me about two hours with a stud finder, level, drywall saw, and drill/driver. The process is simple: mark your opening, ensure you actually have 16-inch on-center studs (14.5 inches between studs), cut the drywall, slide the cabinet in, and fasten to the studs through the side flanges. I recommend:

• Verifying what’s inside your wall before cutting. Check for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC runs, and consider what’s on the opposite side of the wall.
• Choosing an interior wall whenever possible for easier routing and less risk of hidden lines.
• Having wood screws and shims on hand to ensure a snug, square fit.
• Sealing any gaps and touching up paint for a finished look.

If your home has non-standard stud spacing or shear walls, plan on a little more creativity—or choose a different location. The cabinet is designed for standard framing; that’s a strength for most installs and a limitation in some homes.

Shipping protection was excellent; mine arrived unscathed and square. I always verify hardware tightness on arrival—check the door panel attachments and any interior racks before mounting.

Interior layout and MOLLE flexibility

Inside, the cabinet is essentially a vertical locker with MOLLE-compatible mounting options. You can configure it several ways, and that versatility is the differentiator. I outfitted mine with:

• A vertical rifle rack and magnetic barrel supports to secure two long guns
• A MOLLE panel on the door for holsters, pouches, and small accessories
• A slim shelf for documents and a compact ammo box
• A stick-on LED motion light and a desiccant pack (highly recommended)

With sensible placement, I can stow two long guns and four to five handguns plus spare magazines and a light. Depth is the limiting factor. Most AR-pattern rifles, shotguns, and traditional hunting rifles fit, but large optics, tall turrets, or offset-mounted accessories can make things cramped. Measure your longest setup, including muzzle device and optic, against the cabinet’s 52.88-inch interior height and 5.88-inch depth. Shorter collapsible stocks help.

The MOLLE board is the hero here. Being able to reconfigure attachment points to fit your specific kit is far more useful than fixed shelves. If your storage needs evolve, the vault evolves with them.

Day-to-day use

Access is quick. The Simplex lock is the right tool for a cabinet like this: no wake-up time, no dead batteries, no “did my fingerprint scan?” moment. The mechanical feedback alone gives me confidence. The door swings clear, the interior is uncluttered, and the flat black exterior blends into most rooms without screaming “gun safe.”

I added a battery-powered motion light inside. Because there’s no wiring, it keeps the cabinet tech-free while still making it easy to see contents at night. Humidity control is basic—add desiccant and replace it periodically.

Noise management is good if you set it up that way. Soft-mounted magnets, padded rests, and tight organization keep rattles down. That’s partly on the user; the cabinet gives you the platform.

Security expectations, set realistically

This is a secure storage cabinet, not a heavy-gauge safe with a fire rating. It’s designed to slow and deter, not to beat an angle grinder. The advantages are different:

• Concealment and low profile
• Fast mechanical access
• Kid-resistant, with no keys or batteries
• Mounted directly to framing, making snatch-and-grab theft difficult

Pair it with a monitored alarm and thoughtful placement for best results. If you need fire resistance or long-duration tool attack resistance, you’ll want a different class of safe—and you’ll give up the in-wall convenience this offers.

What I’d improve

No product is perfect. A few things I noted:

• Price: It’s on the higher end for an in-wall cabinet. You’re paying for US manufacturing, the Simplex hardware, and the modular interior. Worth it for me, but budget-minded buyers will notice.
• Depth constraints: Large optics and side-mounted accessories can be a tight fit. An optional spacer frame to increase stand-off depth would be a nice accessory for some installations.
• Hardware QC: Mine was complete and tight, but I’d love to see a tamper-seal checklist in the box to reduce the chance of any missed fasteners from the factory.
• No fire rating: This isn’t a flaw so much as a limitation of the category. If document or data protection is critical, supplement with a fire-rated box.

Who it’s for

The Tactical Closet Vault is a strong fit if you:

• Need quick, reliable access to a few firearms and essential gear
• Prefer mechanical locks over electronics
• Want to save floor space and keep a low profile
• Appreciate modular organization via MOLLE
• Live in a state where CA DOJ approval is beneficial or required

It’s less ideal if you:

• Need to store a large collection or heavy ammo stock
• Require fire protection
• Have non-standard wall framing everywhere you’d want to install it
• Rely on very large optics or extended configurations that challenge the depth

Bottom line

As an in-wall, quick-access storage solution, the Tactical Closet Vault does exactly what I want it to do—and it does it consistently. The Simplex lock is the star: simple, fast, and trustworthy. Build quality feels robust for the category, the modular interior makes organization easy, and the cabinet integrates cleanly into living spaces without advertising its presence.

Recommendation: I recommend it. If your priority is secure, kid-resistant, and dependable access to a modest number of firearms and tactical essentials—without the maintenance and uncertainties of electronic locks—this cabinet is a smart, long-term choice. You’ll pay more than for import alternatives, and you won’t get fire protection, but the reliability, US-made construction, and flexible MOLLE interior justify the investment for its intended role. Add a motion light, desiccant, and thoughtful placement, and you’ve got a practical, purpose-built solution that stays out of the way until you need it.