GUNS/RLTD Question on BioMetric Gun Safe locks

MC2006

MC2006

Veteran Member
there seem to have been an uptick in Home Invasion robberies in my area ... which is supposed to be upper middle class and safe ... but times are a changin'

I'm looking for an opinion on using a BioMetric style lock as on the below small safe.
I was considering putting a few of these in strategic locations just in case... as we do have kids

Do you trust this would open when you need it?

Can you set-up with more than one 'fingerprint' ie: wife ?

:confused:

thanks!
MC

http://www.gandermountain.com/modpe...ric-Gun-Safe&i=691455&aID=510J7F&merchID=4006
 

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D

Dozdoats

Deceased
Just continue to carry while you're at home. This strikes a certain percentage of people as a radical, paranoid idea. Others think about it a while and realize it makes more sense than trying to arrange things so there is a firearm handy around the house somewhere at all times, yet secure from prying fingers. If it's concealed on your person you know where it is and don't have to worry about anyone messing with it without your knowing.

When you get accustomed to carrying from 'pants on' till 'pants off' it's no big deal. And you never have to worry about getting to a safe and getting it open.

Believe me, if you need a gun in an emergency, you need it RFN not a couple of seconds from now. Just carry the damn thing and quit worrying about it.
 
tiger13

tiger13

Veteran Member
Most of the bio metric safes that I looked into when I was looking at safes had the option for at least two sets of finger prints to be set for access, and some of the more expensive ones had setups for five. So this one should have at least two, as most have at least that as a basic setup. Hope this helps you. As an aside, I see it is out of stock at the moment also.
 
Sasquatch

Sasquatch

Veteran Member
This article says it will store up to 30 prints.

The biometric lock is available on different kinds of safes. Gun Vault's line offers the GVB-1000 and GVB-2000 pistol safes and each will store 30 prints. There is a fingerprint reader inside the first position where your index finger would go. Simply place your finger on the sensor, tap a button and the safe pops open.

http://www.deansafe.com/biometric-safes.html
 
MC2006

MC2006

Veteran Member
thanks all.

im taking from NO negative feedback on this type of lock ,,, that most of you 'trust' them?
 
mbabulldog

mbabulldog

Has No Life - Lives on TB
The biometrics fail, and at the worst time.

We get many of them back for warranty issues, especially the model and manufacturer you have pictured.
 
H

Housecarl

On TB every waking moment
FWIW, if you absolutely need to have your go to weapon at home in a gun safe, I'd strongly suggest going with either a combo or hard key lock and get a small barking dog for in the house as well if you don't already have such a canine as part of the household. That way at least you'll have some warning of something amiss. Beats crumpled newspapers (for those who don't know the reference see the beginning of the Maltese Falcon), though a pressure pad alarm at a key point in the house could have some utility as well.
 
M

mostlyharmless

Veteran Member
Gimmick alert! Find this episode of MythBusters online and watch in amazement.

"MythBusters Episode 59: Crimes and Myth-Demeanors 2"

Please don't waste your hard-earned money on this junk technology. Bear in mind that most "safes" aren't safe at all. For example, here's a random low-end keypad "safe"... under $60.

http://www.amazon.com/Stack-On-PS-5...F8&qid=1369162961&sr=8-3&keywords=keypad+safe

Note the first couple of reviews detail MULTIPLE simple and FAST ways to get in, most without leaving any signs of entry whatsoever. These are a complete waste of money and a false sense of security.

I am unaware of any small containers that are relatively secure and have fast code access. When I say relatively secure, I mean that they carry the "RSC" certification from UL. RSC stands for Residential Security Container, which is the absolute minimum bottom-of-the-barrel security certification. This certification requires the "container" (it is technically not a safe at this level of certification) to withstand a 5 minute "attack" using common basic hand tools (ie screwdrivers, prybars and hammers) less than 18" long. Anything without an RSC certification means the manufacturer was too cheap to bother getting it certified, or it didn't pass, or the manufacturer knew it wouldn't pass.

If you end up storing pistols in these small and unapproved containers, please consider taking advantage of internal locks, like the "Hillary Hole" on newer S&W revolvers. Ruger and many other manufacturers have similar disablement technologies.

Wish I had some better news. :(
 
mbabulldog

mbabulldog

Has No Life - Lives on TB
like another poster said, just get used to wearing it from when you put your britches on to when you take 'em off. You get used to it real fast.

Bulldog
 
Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
IIRC, there are little locking gun storage units (I don't call them safes) that use a series of finger presses in a specific sequence to open. That is, there's a hand shaped indentation on the top, with pressure sensitive switches at the "fingertips." You place your hand on the hand, and press certain fingers down in a specific order to open.
 
MC2006

MC2006

Veteran Member
Housecarl said:
FWIW, if you absolutely need to have your go to weapon at home in a gun safe, I'd strongly suggest going with either a combo or hard key lock and get a small barking dog for in the house as well if you don't already have such a canine as part of the household. That way at least you'll have some warning of something amiss. Beats crumpled newspapers (for those who don't know the reference see the beginning of the Maltese Falcon), though a pressure pad alarm at a key point in the house could have some utility as well.
Click to expand...

Housecarl
thanks ... we have an alarm and two big standard poodles that are very protective. just more concerned when we are downstairs, etc watching TV, etc and someone pushes thru front door or back patio door and we ( or my wife if I am not there) are forced to make a hasty retreat. thought about putting a few small safes in hall closet, laundry room and maybe even garage....
 
Satanta

Satanta

Stone Cold Crazy
_______________
But try real hard to imagie a finger-pressing sequence when somone are kicking in your door, kids and wife are screaming and you are under intense pressure.

I would not stake my or my families lives on it.

Belt carry your primary handgun. Teach your kids about your long guns and have them shoot.

Then mount the long guns in secure but hiddens areas-remember, your hand gun is to fight your way to your primary weapon which is a long gun.

A good safe is great for storage and security but a piece of crap lockbox only makes you feel good-until you need it or it is broken into or simply ripped up and taken.
 
Satanta

Satanta

Stone Cold Crazy
_______________
MC2006 said:
nah ... not these two 75 pounds.. looks like bears and love their family

but yes,... they are in need gay as in happy :)
Click to expand...

So BIG gay. Are they pink or baby blue? Bows? Paint their nails to match yours? :D
 
Safecastle

Safecastle

Emergency Essentials Store
I have several different Gunvaults scattered throughout the house. Their principal purpose for most folks is for being kid-safe, as is mine.

I like the keypad combo models -- very reliable and consistent.

The biometric model is very persnicketty and thus is not the best choice for reliable quick access.
 
MC2006

MC2006

Veteran Member
Santana
I appreciate your comments

and yes... I can sort of imagine that scenario and no matter how many times you run thru it in your head or a 'dry-run' ... no guarantee how anyone will react.

I do have a bulk of my stuff in a real safe ... and my wife and girls do know and respect guns. My kids are at the age that they have friends over, etc .... so leaving weapons unlocked in the state i reside in is a really bad thing. while I would love to have a CCW and be able to 'carry' 24/7... again this is CA....


Satanta said:
But try real hard to imagie a finger-pressing sequence when somone are kicking in your door, kids and wife are screaming and you are under intense pressure.

I would not stake my or my families lives on it.

Belt carry your primary handgun. Teach your kids about your long guns and have them shoot.

Then mount the long guns in secure but hiddens areas-remember, your hand gun is to fight your way to your primary weapon which is a long gun.

A good safe is great for storage and security but a piece of crap lockbox only makes you feel good-until you need it or it is broken into or simply ripped up and taken.
Click to expand...
 
Safecastle

Safecastle

Emergency Essentials Store
BTW--a couple years ago I did indeed have to roll out of bed at 3 in the morning during a break-in, alarms going off, kids yelling, and in 2 seconds had my Springfield .45 in hand ... retrieved out of a handy bedroom keypad GunVault. Stressful, chaotic, confusing, frightening ... all of that.

No problem at all however getting to the firearm.

FWIW--all the noise ended up scaring away the bad guys, thankfully. I swept the house and locked back up and went to bed without even calling the cops. What was the point in doing that? I was tired and wanted to go back to sleep. I figured the cops weren't going to do anything other than aggravate me by doing nothing productive to find the burglars.
 
Satanta

Satanta

Stone Cold Crazy
_______________
Will it cause problems for you to carry in-home/on ownn property inn Cal?

Actually I hate small dogs. Standard Poodles are not on my 'love' list but I do not hate them. They were pretty rare to see in the vet biz but plenty of the little pee-yappers from hell dot my memories. IIRC some have been used in war zones. I'm a Boxer man myself.
 
colonel holman

colonel holman

Administrator
_______________
Dennis Olson said:
IIRC, there are little locking gun storage units (I don't call them safes) that use a series of finger presses in a specific sequence to open. That is, there's a hand shaped indentation on the top, with pressure sensitive switches at the "fingertips." You place your hand on the hand, and press certain fingers down in a specific order to open.
Click to expand...

This is what we have for our bedside and for our daytime first floor weapon, when we are not carrying on person. We tried the biometric version and it worked fine for me but wife knits lots so has no fingerprints on index, so it would not read hers. The same unit that uses pressure sensitive combo sequence is very easy to use and has always worked for us, testing it often
 
Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
I remember an old Popeye cartoon where Olive made him walk her little poof dog. Naturally, Bluto had a huge bulldog, and while Bluto beat on Popeye, the bulldog beat on the little poof dog. Then spinach became involved and you know the rest - heh.

Though I would never own poodles of any size (I just can't warm up to the way they look as dogs; feel the me way about most of the Staffordshire Terrier type dogs as well). The one thing you can say about German Shepherds is that they usually make the bad guys soil themselves as they run screaming off into the night. (I never saw cops have poodles for their K-9 units - heh.) And yes, I know that full size poodles are formidable opponents. They just look so damn gay. ;)

There MAY be gun storage units where you have to wear a ring, and when the ring gets close to the locking mechanism, it automatically unlocks. That would be the most reliable type IMO.

Bummer about you living in Kali, but one day you'll get out of there. Poodle-boi...


:groucho:
 
Ravekid

Ravekid

Veteran Member
As with any "safe," the main issues seem to be how thick the metal is, how strong the metal is, how the metal is constructed and how pry-able the door frame is. However, there is a difference between stopping a burglar vs. wanting to keep a child or curious teen under peer pressure from getting to the gun. Anyone who is determined to get the gun will get the gun given enough time and the correct tools, even if you get one of those $1,000 large home safes.

Burglars and those wanting to commit suicide don't care about tearing the box from under the end table and leaving clear damage to the furniture. Teens know they would be clearly busted if they did that. Also, the safe helps keep the peer pressure from friends at bay. Even if they want to try and "guess" the code, some units have programming that sounds an alarm or causes a light to flash indicating tampering. Knowing this, the kids can tell their friends that if they touch the box, they will be banned from the home forever and their parents called.

I would only go electronic if I wanted indication that someone entered a code during a time I wasn't present. However, a key override would be mandatory and keeping the key on your person would be a must. Keeping the key on your person is much easier than carrying a gun all day.

Fort Knox makes some solid boxes that are 10 gauge thickness in the body with a 3/16 solid door. No electronics, just push buttons so no attempt notifications or electronic lock-out after x number of incorrect tries. Gun Vault boxes are mostly 18 or 20 gauge from what I'm reading, but I like the key over-ride feature, the attempt notifications, and the lock-outs after so many bad attempts.

Satanta said:
But try real hard to imagie a finger-pressing sequence when somone are kicking in your door, kids and wife are screaming and you are under intense pressure.

Belt carry your primary handgun. Teach your kids about your long guns and have them shoot.

A good safe is great for storage and security but a piece of crap lockbox only makes you feel good-until you need it or it is broken into or simply ripped up and taken.
Click to expand...


I'm on the other side believing that one shouldn't have to worry about carrying 24/7 while awake, at least while at home. Carrying at home provides some protection, but even then it doesn't mean a slam dunk win if the home and occupants are attacked. I would say home schooled kids, and a handful of public and private schooled kids, would do well with information. However, there are too many that are bombarded day in and day out by media, teachers, etc. about how they should live, what they should do, etc.. There is much more pressure placed on young adults than ever before. Even the "best kids" can make mistakes. Making mistakes is human, and tossing a gun into such a one time mistake could be deadly.

To me, the lock-box isn't for theft prevention. It is to keep today's young people from playing with guns, be it showing off to friends, or a friend who is a thief trying to steal the weapon without anyone knowing.

And really, if anyone who has a door that can be kicked-in is starting off wrong anyway. Before the addition of safes around the home, such a person needs to fortify their dwelling. No one is kicking in my doors until they can over-ride the heavy, thick, dead bolted wrought iron doors. The fastest way they could do this is chain the door and use a car or truck to rip it off the frame. To me, anyone that desperate isn't coming in for just some random home invasion. They clearly have a specific goal, which is to cause me harm. No need for them to go to such lengths when they can just wait till I stop at a stop light and do a quick drive by and riddle my car with bullets.

Good iron security doors over all entry points, good locks, and 3M security film over the windows will do the non-specific targeted people well.
 
MC2006

MC2006

Veteran Member
yep Dennis... if this 'music thing' doesn't work out ... me and my poodles could be your neighbors in the People's Republic of Texas!



Dennis Olson said:
I remember an old Popeye cartoon where Olive made him walk her little poof dog. Naturally, Bluto had a huge bulldog, and while Bluto beat on Popeye, the bulldog beat on the little poof dog. Then spinach became involved and you know the rest - heh.

Though I would never own poodles of any size (I just can't warm up to the way they look as dogs; feel the me way about most of the Staffordshire Terrier type dogs as well). The one thing you can say about German Shepherds is that they usually make the bad guys soil themselves as they run screaming off into the night. (I never saw cops have poodles for their K-9 units - heh.) And yes, I know that full size poodles are formidable opponents. They just look so damn gay. ;)

There MAY be gun storage units where you have to wear a ring, and when the ring gets close to the locking mechanism, it automatically unlocks. That would be the most reliable type IMO.

Bummer about you living in Kali, but one day you'll get out of there. Poodle-boi...


:groucho:
Click to expand...
 
kemosabe

kemosabe

Doooooooooom !
biometric sounds alright untill criminals start chopping off hands or ripping out eyeballs to access your valuables.
 
Secamp32

Secamp32

Veteran Member
I had a GunVault and swapped it out for a Ft Knox pistol safe.
pistol_box-228x228.jpg

The problem with the GunVault is I bought the model without the AC adapter. It eats thru batteries like Pacman. I tried rechargeables but they kept dying. Once the batteries die you need to use the key override. The last thing I wanted was to need a gun in the middle of the night and have dead batteries. Only mechanical locks for me now. I also have a Cannon pistol safe with a mechanical simplex lock but it's no longer available. I highly recommend the Ft Knox lock box. I ordered it directly from Ft Knox and it took like 2 months to be delivered.
https://www.ftknox.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=54

If you want my GunVault I'll let it go cheap.
 
L.A.B.

L.A.B.

CV19 West Coast 1st Battalion “Maverick’s”
In my single days I like cocked & locked 1911's @ 98.6 degrees F and the index finger outside the trigger guard while the owl who-who's. With kids in your home the mechanical hand / finger tip sequence locks might be better.
 
The Mountain

The Mountain

Here since the beginning
_______________
secamp mentions the biggest issue I would have with biometric or any electronic locks: power. They eat batteries, and if it runs on wall power, and the power's out because of a storm or something, you're gonna be fumbling with a key. Additionally, bio is still unreliable at the best of times, to say nothing of when you're in a hurry.

Any bio lock is going to be a fingerprint lock, since retina/iris scanners are pricey. Even high-end fingerprint readers are still not a guaranteed first-time true positive. There's a bio-reader at the door of my office that we use for attendance. It is brand-new, and does a nice job of scanning even my prints which are worn from years of banging keyboards. However, even with the clear scan, it sometimes takes 5 or 6 tries before it can actually get a proper detect on me, to recognize my print. That is not something you want to face if you need your weapon in a hurry.

A mechanical pad of some kind is a better bet. Remember, this is not a "valuables" safe like the ones scubasteve is describing, intended to actually protect against fire/theft. This is more of a secure storage locker, intended to prevent unauthorized access. You put your $14,000 plated and engraved handmade antique shotgun in a valuables safe. You put your duty weapon in a gun "safe".
 
MC2006

MC2006

Veteran Member
Thanks MTN !



The Mountain said:
secamp mentions the biggest issue I would have with biometric or any electronic locks: power. They eat batteries, and if it runs on wall power, and the power's out because of a storm or something, you're gonna be fumbling with a key. Additionally, bio is still unreliable at the best of times, to say nothing of when you're in a hurry.

Any bio lock is going to be a fingerprint lock, since retina/iris scanners are pricey. Even high-end fingerprint readers are still not a guaranteed first-time true positive. There's a bio-reader at the door of my office that we use for attendance. It is brand-new, and does a nice job of scanning even my prints which are worn from years of banging keyboards. However, even with the clear scan, it sometimes takes 5 or 6 tries before it can actually get a proper detect on me, to recognize my print. That is not something you want to face if you need your weapon in a hurry.

A mechanical pad of some kind is a better bet. Remember, this is not a "valuables" safe like the ones scubasteve is describing, intended to actually protect against fire/theft. This is more of a secure storage locker, intended to prevent unauthorized access. You put your $14,000 plated and engraved handmade antique shotgun in a valuables safe. You put your duty weapon in a gun "safe".
Click to expand...
 
D

DrJerry

Inactive
I like my go-to gun access at night. I hear something, I lift up my pillow, and there's my gun! Reliable and fast. Works every time!
In the daytime I just reach back and there it is. I also have rifles behind just about every door in the house.
 
R

Ragnar

Senior Member
I have the GunVault SpeedVault but with out the biometric's... I like it pretty well, however it would not stop someone from getting into it if they wanted to. It will do a good job keeping out little hands which was the reason I purchased.

There is a 4 buttons that you creat a combination code to enter and the door will drop down exposing the gun. You can make the beeps of the buttons silent and there is a light that comes on inside the "drawer" so to say.
 
Dennis Olson

Dennis Olson

Chief Curmudgeon
_______________
I like my go-to gun access at night. I hear something, I lift up my pillow, and there's my gun! Reliable and fast. Works every time.


I don't have to hear anything at night. My massive furry alarms will go off long before there's a threat in the house. And then it would really, really suck to be the bad guy...
 
D

Dozdoats

Deceased
I hear about problems with electronic keypads on gun safes often enough that I wouldn't have one in my house. I'll take a good S&G combo dial any day.
 
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