Biometric Handgun Safe

[CavalrySoldier3ACR]

This is inteded for those members who have experience with the biometric pistols safes. I do not wish to start a debate about the merits of combination safes over biometrics. I would like some recomendations for specific makes and models of pistol safes. I will be deploying again soon and I need a safe that is reliable and easy to open in a panic situation for my wife, but will keep my kids out of it.

 

[Sandbound]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

I looked at the Gunvault Biometric safe but I ended up buying the GV1000 which just has the keypad. The main reason I decided against the biometric is that it looks like it has the same biometric sensor as my Sony laptop. On the laptop it works but sometimes I have to swipe my finger 3-5 times for it to get a good read, I figured if it takes that long to get into the safe I can punch the combo keys. On the laptop if your finger isn't straight or if your fingers are dried out it has trouble reading. I solved that by setting the laptop to recognize 4 of my fingers, if it doesn't read one I just use the next. Sorry it isn't about a specific safe but I figured my experience with biometrics might help a little.

 

[Joe-n-TX]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

+1 Digital keypad.

 

[M@D-M@X]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

Cav,

I'm in the market for one of these too. I currently own the GV1000 and want to upgrade.

From my personal experience in a panic infused, stressful situation the combination lock might be a bit too much to handle. Repetition is the key for muscle memory and really how is that accomplished on a safe that is rarely used?
I was also concerned regarding the error of margin when reading your print and its performance.
A representative selling these at a local gun show told me that these vaults do have a small issue at times when reading. He explained that it all has to do with the pressure and angle of the print in the memory. He did tell me that it can easily be fixed.
These vaults have a 5 user memory capacity and the way to eliminate reading errors, would be by scaning the same finger print as individual users in slightly different angles and pressure, that way you increase the chances on the safe recognizing the same finger and opening the safe at the first scan.

I hope this helps you.
Be safe and thank you for your service to this country.
Max

 

[AUJohn]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

Simple is best if it's your life you are talking about. I've not heard anything good about reliablity with "fancy" safe unlocking methods and biometric low level (cheap) gear is not safe in my experience.

but, if you must have one then get the very best you can and make sure they have a LONG warranty.

 

[CavalrySoldier3ACR]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

What I am looking for are recommendations for the best available so that I can mitigate unreliability of cheaper models.

 

[cruze5]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

i have one, it was around $350 dollars. i am not home so i can't get the brand or model number.

on mine you can change the sensitivity of the scanner, so it can be very difficult to get it open unless you scan your finger "just" right.

i have had it for about 3 years now. it runs on i think either 3 or 4 D batteries or it has an ac adapter.

no complaints on mine

 

[kory4812]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

Cav,

In my opinion, the "best on the market" is the GunVault GVB1000 and GVB2000. They work well if you put in the time to properly program them with your fingerprints.

There is a nice review in this month's "Shooting Times Personal Defense" magazine that is written from a "father with kids" point of view. It is worth the read if you are interested in a biometric safe.

Article:
http://www.shootingtimes.com/newproducts/ST_keepinglittle_201006/

GunVault GVB1000:
http://thetacticalgearstore.com/g-50393.html

GunVault GVB2000:
http://thetacticalgearstore.com/g-46714.html

 

[cruze5]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

i have the 2 version

http://www.smarttouchstore.com/

 

[Bighouse]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

I have had one of these in my house for a few years now. No complaints here. Swipe your finger and the doors open.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q...0CAcQ8wIwADgA#p

 

[AUJohn]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

Yes, I understood what you wanted but it's important to see them for what they are. Not reliable and not that safe.
We had a long play with biometrics for securing resources and droped the idea.....

The high end ones were ok but not worth the cost. The locks alone would cost more than what you would be happy to pay for the whole safe.

Long warranty and the best you can get + backup keys.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

A safe that you may have to count on for your life....with batteries? That is a non-starter with me. V-Line is what I chose and they are fantastic: http://www.vlineind.com/

 

[heydavemd]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

I got one for my significant other. She cant seem to remember a combo. I found the more often she used it, the easier and faster it seemed to "recognize" her fingerprint. I'm not sure what got trained, her finger or the safe, but its been reliable so far. It's a pain to have to change the batteries, since there isn't a outlet in the closet where I keep it.

 

[Bighouse]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scooter-PIE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A safe that you may have to count on for your life....with batteries? That is a non-starter with me. V-Line is what I chose and they are fantastic: http://www.vlineind.com/ </div></div>

Mine is plugged into the wall.

 

[stan462]

Re: Biometric Handgun Safe

I have one, but don't use it much. I am back to the ole key entry. Works every time and fast too. I was having problem with my bio one.