V-Line Closet Vault PLUS, White In-Wall Safe, Simplex Lock, CA DOJ Approved, 1.7 Cubic Feet, Fits Between 2 Wall Studs

Why I chose an in‑wall “closet vault”

I’ve owned a few traditional floor safes over the years, and they all shared two qualities: they were heavy and they were in the way. I wanted quick access, kid-resistant security, and something that didn’t consume floor space or scream “there’s a safe here.” That’s what led me to the Closet Vault Plus. It tucks between wall studs, presents as a clean white panel in the closet, and uses a mechanical push‑button lock—no batteries, no Wi‑Fi, no keys to misplace.

After living with it, I’m convinced this category makes sense for a lot of homes. It’s not a vault in the bank‑safe sense, but it’s a strong, purpose‑built storage solution that’s easy to live with.

Design, build, and fit

The cabinet is tall and slim, designed to fit a standard 16-inch on‑center stud bay. Exterior dimensions are roughly 53 by 17 inches, and the unit projects about 2 inches from the wall once installed. In practice, that protrusion is easy to work around in a closet; it didn’t interfere with clothing on hangers and didn’t catch the eye. The white finish looks like a built‑in panel and can be painted to match if you’re particular.

Construction is stout for the category. The door closes into a box section frame and engages a three‑point locking system—steel rods that throw into the top, bottom, and latch side. There’s minimal door flex, and the frame-to-door fit was square out of the box. Welds and seams are clean. Inside depth is about 3.6 inches, which is the number to internalize: it governs everything from what optics you can keep mounted to how you mount accessories.

A steel pegboard panel comes installed on the back wall. It’s a smart choice because it keeps the interior modular. I was able to arrange barrel rests, hooks, and small shelves in a way that made sense for my setup without drilling new holes.

Mechanical locking, no batteries

The Simplex mechanical push‑button lock is the heart of the daily experience. Programming a new combination is straightforward and takes a couple of minutes. In use, it’s quick—press the code, rotate the knob, and the door swings free. There’s tactile feedback on each button press; once you build the muscle memory, it’s a very fast, low‑friction way to get in.

A couple of practical notes from use:
- Button presses need to be deliberate. If you partial‑press a digit, you can confuse the mechanism and need to clear it and start again.
- Keep the lock clean and dry. I wipe it down occasionally and use a graphite lubricant sparingly if things feel gritty. Avoid oily sprays; they attract dust.

The appeal here is obvious: no batteries to die, no electronics to glitch, and nothing dependent on a phone app. For a closet install where I’m seeking dependable access at all times, that’s exactly what I want.

Capacity and organization

The interior is about 50 inches tall, 14.25 inches wide, and roughly 3.6 inches deep. Capacity is best thought of vertically rather than by cubic footage. With slender long guns and low‑profile sights, you can stage three rifles or a mix of a couple of long guns plus magazines and ammo. Longer barrels fit fine; optics are the constraint. Traditional scopes with large turrets or tall mounts will likely have to come off. Low‑profile red dots and irons are generally okay.

The pegboard made it easy to set up:
- A vertical barrel rest and buttstock saddles to stage two long guns quickly accessible.
- Hooks for slings, hearing protection, and a flashlight.
- A small shelf for documents, spare mags, and a cable lock.

If you need more internal flexibility, the optional shelf kit and additional pegboard accessories are worth adding. The shallow depth rewards deliberate organization; everything has to have a place.

Installation: easier than a floor safe, still plan carefully

Installation is a competent DIY project if you’re comfortable opening a wall. I mapped the stud bay with a deep‑scan stud finder, cut a small inspection hole first to check for wiring and plumbing, and only then committed to the full opening. The cabinet slides into the opening and lags to the studs through pre‑drilled holes. I shimmed lightly to ensure the face was square to the wall—this matters for smooth door operation and clean shadow lines.

A few tips:
- Check stud spacing before you order. Older homes and closets with irregular framing may not be a true 16 inches on center. If your bay isn’t standard, you may be reframing.
- Consider door swing. The door opens outward; make sure it won’t hit shelving or closet rods.
- If you want the most “built‑in” look, run a bead of caulk around the perimeter after mounting and touch up the paint.

From unboxing to lock programming and cleanup, I spent about two hours working at a comfortable pace.

Day‑to‑day use

What I appreciated most is how little visual space it occupies. The door closes quietly and sits flush with a consistent gap. The lock sequence is fast, and because it’s mechanical, it’s the same experience in the dark—no tiny screens or beeps. The three‑point rods engage positively; you can feel the system bite into the frame when you lock up.

The shallow interior does make you curate what lives in there. For me, that’s a couple of carbines with low‑profile sights, a light stash of ammo, and a few essentials. Cleaning kits, bulky optics, and range bags live elsewhere. As long as you accept it as a quick‑access cabinet rather than a do‑everything vault, it works beautifully.

Security reality check

This is a robust, in‑wall cabinet with a multi‑point mechanical lock and steel construction. It’s also only as secure as your wall. Sheetrock and wood studs aren’t armored barriers, and the shallow depth means all force is transferred to the framing. In practical terms, it’s an excellent barrier for households needing to keep firearms and valuables out of the hands of kids, visitors, and opportunistic hands. It’s not intended to resist a determined attacker with tools and time.

The unit meets California’s Department of Justice standards for a firearm safety device, which—while not a magic shield—does indicate it’s built to a defined baseline for construction and locking.

If you want to raise the bar: mount it properly with quality fasteners, place it in a low‑visibility location, and consider additional measures like an alarmed closet door or a motion sensor nearby.

Quirks and trade‑offs

• Depth: The 3.6‑inch interior depth is the main limitation. Large scopes and tall mounts are awkward; plan for low‑profile optics or off‑gun storage.
• Fit and framing: Nonstandard stud spacing complicates installation. Measure first.
• Mechanical lock technique: The Simplex mechanism rewards deliberate, full button presses. Sloppy input equals re‑tries.
• Price versus capacity: You’re paying for integration, access speed, and build quality more than raw storage volume.

On the positive side, the no‑battery lock, three‑point engagement, and made‑in‑USA build inspire confidence. The included pegboard is genuinely useful, not an afterthought.

Who it’s best for

• Homeowners and renters (with permission) who want discreet, quick‑access storage in a closet.
• Households prioritizing child safety and controlled access over heavy, freestanding safes.
• Anyone who prefers a mechanical, always‑ready lock with no reliance on electronics.
• Residents in states where a DOJ‑approved container simplifies compliance.

If your priority is maximum tool resistance and fire protection, a large freestanding safe is still the right call. If your priority is accessibility without giving up floor space, this hits the sweet spot.

Maintenance and support notes

Mechanical locks like this appreciate minimal, thoughtful care. Keep the buttons and dial clean, avoid oily lubricants, and operate the handle without forcing it against the rods. If the action ever feels off, re‑set and re‑enter the code—most hiccups are input related. I also check the mounting bolts every few months to make sure nothing has settled in the wall.

Recommendation

I recommend the Closet Vault Plus for anyone who wants secure, quick‑access storage that disappears into a closet and values a battery‑free mechanical lock. The build is solid, the three‑point engagement inspires confidence, and the pegboard interior makes organization practical despite the shallow depth. Understand the trade‑offs—chiefly the limited interior depth and the reality that in‑wall security is tied to your framing—and you’ll likely be pleased with how seamlessly it integrates into daily life. If you need a vault to resist sustained tool attacks or to hold a large, optics‑heavy collection, look elsewhere. For discreet, code‑compliant, everyday security in a tight footprint, this is an excellent choice.