As a gun owner, you know how important it is to keep your firearm safe and secure from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. A gun safe provides a secure storage space for your firearm and prevents anyone else from opening it without your permission. This gives you peace of mind knowing you have your weapons tucked away under a reliable lock mechanism.
There are different types of gun safes available on the market, such as mechanical, electronic, and biometric.
A biometric gun safe uses your unique biological features, such as fingerprint, iris, or voice, to unlock the safe. Biometric gun safes are becoming more popular among gun owners since they offer convenience, speed, and reliability.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a biometric gun safe, such as size, capacity, security, reliability, battery life, etc.
In this post, we provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best biometric gun safe for your home and budget. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What are biometric gun safes and how do they work?
- What are the pros and cons of biometric gun safes compared to other types of gun safes?
- What are the factors to consider when choosing a biometric gun safe, such as size, capacity, security, reliability, battery life, etc.?
- What are some of the best biometric gun safe models and brands available on the market, and how do they differ in features and performance?
- How to install, maintain, and troubleshoot a biometric gun safe?
What Are Biometric Gun Safes and How Do They Work?
A biometric gun safe uses your unique biological features, such as your fingerprint, iris, or voice, to unlock the safe. Unlike mechanical or electronic gun safes that require a key or a code to gain access, a biometric gun safe only requires your physical presence to access your firearm.
It works by scanning your biological feature and comparing it to a stored template in its memory. If the readers match the template, the safe will open. If not, the safe remains locked.
You can unlock your biometric safes with the following features:
Fingerprint
Image by George Prentzas
This is the most common type of biometric lock feature used in biometric handgun safes. The fingerprint readers scan the ridges and valleys of your finger and convert them into a digital code that is stored in the memory of the safe. To open the safe, you simply place your finger on the scanner and wait for it to recognize your fingerprint.
Iris
An iris scanner uses a camera to capture an image of your eye and analyze the patterns of your iris (the colored part of your eye). To open the safe, you simply look at the scanner and wait for it to recognize your iris.
Voice
This is a less common type of biometric feature used in some biometric gun safes. A voice recognition system uses a microphone to record your voice and analyze its frequency and tone. You simply have to speak a predefined phrase or word into the microphone to open the safe.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Biometric Gun Safes?
Pros
Convenience
Biometric gun safes do not require you to remember or enter any keys or codes to open. You just need to use your biological features to access your firearm quickly and easily.
Speed
Biometric safes are fast because they can scan and recognize your biological features in a matter of seconds or less. This can be very useful in emergencies where you need to access your firearm as soon as possible.
Reliability
These safes do not rely on any external factors such as a power supply to operate. Compared to others, they also do not have many moving parts such as locks that can wear out or break over time. They are designed to last for a long time and function properly. But be aware that the batteries may need to be replaced regularly. Otherwise, you’ll be left with a safe that will not open.
Security
The use of biometric features on safes ensures enhanced security since these are unique biological features and cannot be duplicated or stolen by anyone else. Besides, biometric gun safes have backup methods such as keys or codes in case the biometric feature fails or gets damaged.
Other pros include
- No need to remember combinations or keys.
- Can store multiple fingerprints for authorized access.
- Tamper-resistant and child-proof.
- May have fire and water protection.
Cons
Cost
Biometric gun safes are pricey. Their price tag depends on the technology used, the safe's quality, capacity, and other features.
Accuracy
The safes are not 100% accurate or foolproof. They sometimes fail to recognize your biological features or falsely recognize someone else’s due to dirt, moisture, injury, aging, etc.
Compatibility
There arises a compatibility issue whenever biometrics are concerned. Some people’s features are difficult to scan or recognize. For instance, some may have faint, worn, or scarred fingerprints that the scanner can’t read.
Privacy
In the wrong hands, the data stored in the safe memory can be used irresponsibly including leaking it to the government. Also, biometric safes are vulnerable to hacking or tampering meaning someone else such as the manufacturer, distributor, or the government may access and misuse your biometric data without your knowledge or consent.
Other cons:
- They are battery-operated. .
- There is no standard for performance or rating.
- The cheaper ones may have lower quality and security.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Biometric Gun Safe
There are several factors you need to consider when choosing a biometric gun safe for your home and budget. They include:
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the biometric gun safe determine how much space it takes up and how many firearms it can store. You need to choose a biometric gun safe that fits your available space and meets your storage needs. You also need to consider the weight of the biometric gun safe and whether or not you can move it easily.
Security
This is the foremost factor to consider while shopping for a gun safe. You need to choose a biometric gun safe that has a high level of security and reliability. You also need to consider the type and quality of the biometric feature such as fingerprint, iris, or voice, and how accurate and fast it is to access.
Reliability
A reliable biometric gun safe has a long lifespan and low maintenance requirements. You also need to consider the battery life of the biometric feature and how often you need to replace or recharge it. The warranty and customer service are also crucial.
Budget
You need to choose a biometric gun safe that fits your budget and offers good value for money. Your budget should consider additional costs of the biometric gun safe, such as installation, maintenance, batteries, etc.
Best Biometric Gun Safe Models and Brands Available on The Market
There are many biometric gun safe models and brands to choose from, depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some of the best ones that we recommend:
Vaultek VS20i Biometric Safe
This is a compact and sturdy biometric safe that can store up to two handguns and some firearm accessories. It features a Bluetooth app that allows you to monitor the battery level, adjust the settings, and view the history log of the safe. The safe is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to four months on a single charge.
- It offers 40,000 unique combinations for manual access.
- It can store up to 20 fingerprints for fingerprint access and an RFID fob for alternative access methods.
- It is made of 16-gauge carbon steel with a powder coat finish to prevent corrosion and ensure durability.
- It has anti-pry bars and dual anti-impact latches to keep the safe securely locked.
- It uses smart safe technology with the Vaultek Bluetooth app for remote control and customization.
- It has exterior and interior LED lighting for visibility in low-light situations.
Viking Security Safe VS-50BLX
This is a versatile and elegant biometric safe that can not only store firearms, but also valuables such as jewelry, documents, or cash.
- It provides fingerprint scanning and can store up to 32 fingerprints and 1 PIN code for biometric and digital access.
- It is made of laser-cut steel with a military scratch-resistant finish and has motorized locking deadbolts with anti-pry insertion slots for enhanced security.
- It has an advanced optical sensor, a numeric digital keypad, and an LCD display for easy operation and customization.
- It has a sound on/off option, a warning beep, and a timeout period for safety features.
- It has an LED light, a fully lined interior, and three adjustable shelves for convenience and visibility.
Barska Biometric Rifle Safe
This represents one of the most prominent gun safe brands on the market with a range of safes for all kinds of weapons and valuables. Here are some of the features of the Barska Biometric Rifle Safe:
- It has a quick-access biometric reader that can store up to 120 fingerprints and works flawlessly.
- It is made of solid steel with a three-point deadbolt locking system and anti-pry insertion slots for enhanced security.
- It has an LCD display, a numeric digital keypad, and a sound on/off option for easy operation and customization.
- It has an LED light, a fully lined interior, and three adjustable shelves for convenience and visibility.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty, a set of backup keys, an external battery pack, and mounting hardware.
How to Install a Biometric Gun Safe
Installing a biometric gun safe requires some tools and skills. Here are some general steps that you can follow:
Choose a location
Choose a place convenient for you, but also hidden from potential intruders or unauthorized users. Besides, the size and capacity of the safe will help determine where you’ll install it, amongst other factors such as power supply outlets.
Prepare the mounting hardware
Most biometric gun safes come with mounting hardware such as screws, bolts, washers, anchors, or brackets. You should check the owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to use them. You should also prepare some tools such as a drill, a screwdriver, a hammer, a level, and a tape measure.
Mount the safe
You should follow the owner’s manual of your safe for the exact steps on how to securely mount it. However, depending on the type of safe and the location you choose, you may need to drill holes in the wall or floor, insert anchors or bolts into them, attach brackets or plates to them, or simply place the safe on a flat surface. You should make sure that the safe is level and stable before proceeding.
Connect the power source
Connect your safe to a power supply outlet or a battery pack. You should also check the battery level and replace it if necessary. Avoid extension cords or power strips, as they may cause fire hazards or power surges.
Test the safe
Now test the features on your safe to make sure they are working optimally such as the fingerprint functionality, alarm system, LED light, LCD display, and the Bluetooth app if your safe has them. You should make sure that everything is working properly with no errors or malfunctions.
These are some general steps that you can follow to install a biometric gun safe. However, you should always refer to the owner’s manual of your safe for the specific instructions and precautions.
How to Maintain and Troubleshoot a Biometric Gun Safe
Maintaining and troubleshooting a biometric gun safe requires some care and attention. Here are some tips that you can follow:
- Clean the scanner: Use a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol to regularly clean the fingerprint scanner. This removes dirt, dust, or oil that could affect the scanner’s performance or accuracy.
- Check the hinges: Periodically check the safe hinges to ensure they are aligned properly. Misaligned hinges may cause the door to jam or not properly close.
- Replace the batteries: Replace the batteries when low or dead. Biometric gun safes may malfunction if the battery is not working at full capacity
- Reset the safe: If your biometric gun safe is not working properly or has an error code, you may need to reset its electronic locks. To do this, you will need to have access to the original owner’s manual, the serial number of your safe, and a user-defined code.
You may also need to provide proof of purchase or ownership if required by the manufacturer. Once you have these items ready, you can follow the owner’s manual of your safe for the exact steps on how to reset it. Resetting your safe will erase all user codes and fingerprints and restore it to its factory settings.
Conclusion
Biometric gun safes are a great way to secure your firearms while ensuring quick and easy access. This post has highlighted some of the key factors to consider while shopping for a biometric gun safe, such as the size, capacity, quality, features, and price of the safe.
We have also reviewed some of the best biometric gun safes on the market and provided some tips on how to choose the right one for your home and budget.
We hope that this guide has helped you find the best biometric gun safe for your needs. Remember to always store your guns responsibly and safely.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may receive a commission. This won't affect your purchase price