Kevin125 4,772 Posted July 25, 2015 I've been looking at GunVault brand biometric safes. I want to lag mount a biometric handgun safe in my bedroom. I've taken a look at these on websites, including checking the manual. My concern is that they mat not be strong enough to not be opened with a pry bar. Also, the thickness of the base with holes is a concern based on the images I've seen. Almost as if you could pry it off the lag heads. But buyer reviews are generally good. I get it that if someone is in the house alone and has enough time and tools, they will detach the safe somehow and walk out with it even if its lagged to the subfloor and joists. I just don't want to be leaving a hand gun with a loaded magazine in a safe that can be popped open in 3 minutes. Does anyone who has bought any of these have an opinion on the strength of the safe? http://www.gunvault.com/skin/frontend/gunvault/gunvault/pdf/GVB_1000-2000.pdf Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
High Exposure 5,664 Posted July 25, 2015 Why biometric? Look at simplex lock safes. Cheaper, more reliable, no batteries. They make a few different kinds, most are quite secure - especially the ones that you sink into the wall between the studs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin125 4,772 Posted July 25, 2015 Good question on why bio. Was thinking speed of access and not needing a key when its dark. Wall does sound better than lagged to floor. Probably less conspicuous as well. Plus you can sister up studs to make it very time consuming to get out of the wall. Thnx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,877 Posted July 25, 2015 Biometric "safes" are really just for quick access - not really safe - thin metal... It's for quick access and basic protection from prying hands (especially kids). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handyman 5,682 Posted July 25, 2015 Search around YouTube and you will find video of a guy opening these in 3 seconds. If you smash off the electronic face you can stick a coat hanger through the hole the wires go through. It pops right open. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howard 538 Posted July 25, 2015 These things are great, for what they are designed for. They are locking cabinets designed maining to keep honest people honest. They will not stop a determined individual with time. But, that is not their purpose. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin125 4,772 Posted July 25, 2015 Biometric is out for the reasons you guys described. Looking at an in wall safe with UL rated lock.an AMSec WS1214E5. Electronic lock, but not one of the shitty crackable e locks you see getting opened on you tube. Thing weighs 86 lbs. Pretty quick access. As secure as i think i need it to be. Thanks for info Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuRrEaLNJ 294 Posted July 26, 2015 I'm In here kind of late, but I'll add my opinion anyway I have 2, one is a single in my office screwed to the desk, the other is a double screwed to my dresser in the bed room. There are there to keep things legal and give me access to both of our guns in the br and my backup in my office. Both of them are the plug in models (deluxe?) with the 4 button pads. I wouldn't trust biometric in a panic situation. I also know that they don't stand much of a chance if we are truly burglarized. I have a shotgun shot lock which uses the simplex type lock. There again it's just to avoid people touching things they shouldn't. Everything else is in a real safe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PD2K 115 Posted July 27, 2015 Check out this link on how those safes are not that good: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawnmoore81 623 Posted July 27, 2015 I have a biometric safe and it works 100% flawlessly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howard 538 Posted July 28, 2015 I have a biometric safe and it works 100% flawlessly +1, some of those videos were of early models that had faults, I think they are made much better today. The one I have let's you program 32 fingers (I don't have that many) so I have programmed several in various different positions on the sensor. I have never had it fail to open with one of my registered fingers, and it does not open with unregistered ones. I have a Baraska which beside the biometric has a numeric keypad you can also use and a key backup. As I said before I consider these locking containers designed principally to keep otherwise honest people honest. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diamondd817 827 Posted July 28, 2015 I have a biometric safe and it works 100% flawlessly +2. I have 2 Barska Biometrics that work 100%. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carl_g 568 Posted July 28, 2015 I have a barska biometric also for bedside. Like Howard I have it programed for every finger 2 different ways. It has been flawless so far. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawnmoore81 623 Posted July 28, 2015 http://shop2.gzanders.com/safes-safe-accessories/gunvault-gvb2000-biometric-multivault-10-1-x7-9-x14.html I have this one Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Dog 19 Posted July 28, 2015 I have four GunVault safes around the house for home defense. However, the biometric ones are not as reliable for me as their normal ones where you just tap your fingers in a pattern. The fingerprint reader does not work every time, especially if you are in a hurry or have blood on your finger. There was a magazine article pitting the two types against each other and the manual open one was faster for what it is worth. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldguysrule649 397 Posted July 29, 2015 I strongly recommend the "Fort Knox Pistol Box". Purchasd mine last year from gunsafesamerica.com. Currently $195 with free shipping. Simplex lock, built like a tank. See my 5 star review on their website dated Oct 11, 2014. Am considering getting another. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlDente67 563 Posted July 29, 2015 I'll just cut off your hand with a sharp knife and use that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin125 4,772 Posted July 29, 2015 LOL.... Nice..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites