Handgun Safe Research: Viking VS-50SX Reviewed

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Viking Safe

February 23, 2026

On February 17, 2023

Handgun Safe Research reviewed and endorsed the Viking VS-50SX, highlighting its reinforced Simplex lock housing and interior storage capacity. On his website and YouTube channel, Dave Goetzinger examines the Viking VS-50SX large mechanical safe, focusing on lock protection, interior configuration, and practical storage for new handgun owners.

Reinforced Simplex Lock Housing

The VS-50SX features a mechanical Simplex push-button lock. In the review, Dave discusses an important industry concern: some Simplex locks on lower-end safes have historically been vulnerable to being knocked through from the outside.

He demonstrates that Viking addressed this issue by designing a protective housing around the lock, preventing it from being forced inward. This reinforcement is a central point in the evaluation and reflects broader improvements seen across the industry.

The review also explains that changing the combination requires knowledge of the existing code, adding another layer of functional protection.

Interior Layout and LED Lighting

The VS-50SX includes:

Interior LED lighting
Adjustable shelving (up to three shelves included)
Dense interior lining
Battery-accessible light housing

The LED system automatically turns off when the door closes via a pressure switch. Battery replacement requires only a Phillips head screwdriver.

Adjustable shelving allows users to customize interior configuration based on their storage needs.

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VS-50SX Large Simplex Lock Multi Handgun Capacity Safe

Mechanical

Rated 5.00 out of 5

(5)

$443.99

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Designed for New Gun Owners

In the video, Dave frames the safe as a strong option for first-time handgun owners.

He demonstrates storage capacity using:

A Glock 17
Spare magazines
Ammunition
Flashlight
Cleaning supplies
Hearing protection

Rather than being limited to firearm storage alone, the VS-50SX offers enough interior volume to organize accessories and supporting equipment in one secure location.

Weight and Installation

The VS-50SX weighs approximately 42 pounds.

While that provides a stable base, Dave strongly emphasizes the importance of bolting the safe down for proper security. Anchoring remains one of the most critical factors in safe effectiveness, particularly for mechanical models designed for home use.

Permanent installation significantly reduces the risk of removal.

Endorsement and Recommendation

At the conclusion of the review, Dave explicitly states that he endorses the VS-50SX.

His endorsement is based on:

Reinforced lock protection
Mechanical reliability
Practical storage capacity
Suitability for new handgun owners

As with his other reviews, the evaluation remains practical and instructional rather than promotional, focusing on structural design and usability.

Independent reviews such as this provide buyers with clear demonstrations of mechanical features, interior layout, and installation considerations — allowing them to make informed decisions based on real-world testing.