I’ve had the chance to own and test a couple of Steelhead Outdoors lock boxes and they are impressive units. They just announced a larger version of their Drifter model.
Steelhead Outdoors offers high quality lock boxes, safes, and cabinets. The Minnesota-based company was founded in 2016 and they manufacture their products right here in the United States. I first got acquainted with Steelhead a number of years ago and had a chance to review their Large HD Pistol Box here at Bearing Arms and over at my own site, The Square Reviews. More recently, I gave a first look at the Drifter 1 and the other day Steelhead Outdoors announced that they’ve released the Drifter 2 model.
Full disclosure, Steelhead did supply me with both the HD and Drifter 1 boxes for testing and evaluation. Also full disclosure, I’ve been using the Large HD Pistol Box for over two years (almost three) since receiving it — it’s a product I believe in and use regularly. While I like the Drifter 1, the Large HD suits my daily needs better because of its size. That’s where the Drifter 2 comes in — which I have not had a chance to get my hands on yet.
The Drifter 2 is a larger version of the Drifter 1. The Drifter 1 was perfect for one full sized pistol. The Drifter 2 is designed to hold two pistols or a pistol with an optic; there’s a little extra room in there. Naturally you’ll want to check the dimensions to make sure it’ll fit your needs.
What’s the biggest difference between the Drifter and the HD boxes? In short the thickness of the steel. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Drifter series of boxes are less expansive and less heavy.
This is what Steelhead Outdoors has to say about the Drifter 2:
Steelhead continues to expand its line of pistol lock boxes. Both the new, larger Drifter 2 and Drifter 1 lock boxes feature Steelhead quality engineering and construction at an affordable price. Steelhead Drifter lock boxes are suitable for traveling with your firearms to the range, school pickup or flying.
The Steelhead Drifter 2 pistol lock box is a secure, lightweight storage solution measuring 8.5 inches wide, 11 inches long, and 3 inches high, weighing just 6.5 pounds. Designed to store 2 handguns or larger optics, it’s 2″ wider and 1″ longer than the Drifter 1. The TSA-Compliant Drifter lock boxes feature keyed-entry and are built with 16-gauge formed and TIG-welded cold rolled steel, ¼” staked and welded hinges, double shear lock mechanism and a high-security anti-pick lock. The Drifter 2 lockbox is available for $109 USD and includes three keys. Download a printable template at steelheadoutdoors.com to check the sizing to determine what you’ll soon be storing in your Drifter 2 lock box.
There are optional nylon coated steel cables that you can get to secure the box to something stable. Perfect for use in your car. One end of the cable has a thimble and the other a swage that gets put in the cable notch when the box is open. Closing and locking the lid will secure the cable to the box.
“The Drifter 1 lock box was an instant hit delivering great quality at a great price. But some customers want a slightly larger option,” said Steelhead Outdoors Co-Founder Corey Meyer. “The Drifter 2 meets consumers’ request to accommodate more firearms, keep it lightweight, secure and priced right.”
While I haven’t had a chance to test out or put my hands on a Drifter 2, I’m excited that they’ve expanded their line. This larger, yet affordable option, might be exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re into old fashioned keyed lock boxes without the bells and whistles, the Steelhead Outdoors lock boxes fit that description.
If you’re interested in learning more about these boxes, head over to SteelheadOutdoors.com and check them out.
Author’s Note: This is not a paid advertisement. I really do like the products that Steelhead Outdoors manufactures. While I was supplied two test units over the years, that has not swayed my decision to give them positive coverage. There are plenty of companies that I’ve given bad ratings to or I’ve decided to not waste the keystrokes on — Steelhead is not one of those companies. And their stuff is made in America. Enough said, right?
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