I’ve been looking at a few biometric nightstand or wall mount safes for single handguns. What are some pros and cons? I have Grandchildren visiting and always place my guns in the regular safe before they get here, but then there’s nothing within reach for me either. Ideas? Pro/Con?
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Welcome to the community!
Following this thread - I’m in the same boat with one grandson
I carry IWB even in my home but looking for options.
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heard they can fail at a critical time… so???
not getting a good read on the source due to fear/hurry/mental kinda thing I guess???
but one with a lock can have issues over the keys…
so???
been seeing on that requires remembering a key press sequence???
can’t remember the brand name just now…
looked very interesting!!!
ahh here it is…
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Compelled use of Biometrics is currently still being tussled with as forcing compliance use of biometrics is considered to be the equivalent to being finger printed. Thus not a 4th Amendment violation. There have been numerous rulings going both ways, so not settled law at this time.
Whereas,
a digital PW protected safe if a pw has to be entered it is protected under the content of your mind provisions of self incriminating and thus it is settled 5th Amendment law at this time.
I’ve gotten rid of all of my biometrics. Just saying.
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Welcome to the Community, @Scott460 .
Pros:
- fast and easy access
Cons:
- battery operated (so it is your responsibility to have it powered all the time)
- biometric reader identification accuracy (in my case 50%)
To minimize “cons” keeping “pros” you can go with biometric safe with code and key backup / option… this is what I’m using these days.
In my case, I actually do not use fingerprint reader, because I don’t want to waste time for mutliple tries, I just go directly to “4 button key code” . I also always carry small key on me.
My recomendation:
- Vaultek Barikade for home
- Vaultek LivePod for travel / range
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I have two SentrySafe units. Have had them for years. Never a problem if you do like your home smoke detectors, change battery’s regularly. One mounted in our home and one mounted in the Motorhome.
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Check out Vaultek Smart Station safes.
Highlights
Bluetooth Smart App
LED Touch Screen
360° Biometric Scanner
4 Digit Backlit Numeric Keypad
Smart Key Entry
Singular Wireless Charging Pad
1 USB charging port
1 USB-C charging port
Comes in 2 sizes, has bluetooth capabilities and an app. Several ways to get into it. You can charge your phone on top or use charging ports on the back. It looks like it is just sitting on the nightstand (clock and all) but one finger touch and it supposedly opens quietly with a dim light inside. You can store up to 20 fingerprints prints and edit them.
Read up on it… It is on my wish list!
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Good day to you, Scott460, we’re glad that you’ve chosen to join us!
Take care & be well
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This is just my opinion, so take it for what that’s worth 
but…
Personally, I’ll never trust an electronic safe of any sort, for any reason. Electronics fail, usually at the worst possible time. Power surge, EMP, hacking, power failure, electronic interference, etc. There are just so many ways electronics can fail, be hacked, jammed and more that I don’t want my life-saving tools dependent on any electronics.
Mechanical locks are ancient, proven technology (kind of like firearms!). A lock housed inside a safe is probably one of the most reliable places to put one- short of physically destroying the entire safe and damaging the lock, it will probably always work.
My thought is, always be carrying, even at home. If it’s on you, it’s secure and the kids are safe. Otherwise, put it in a safe with a very simple mechanical lock, say a push button type.
Again, my opinions only!
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Some things to consider.
- If it requires a battery then you have a single point failure mode.
- If you write the combination down someone will find it.
- If you hide the key someone will find it.
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The biometric safe I have has multiple ways to get in including passcode and key. Also has a UsbC port in case the batteries die. I keep it in the garage and it’s been good so far and relatively inexpensive (Amazon)
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Welcome to the community, FRMD215. Thankful that you’ve joined us and hope that you enjoy your time on the forum.
Take care & be well
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Any brand or other info you can share?
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Hornady and Snap Safe have affordable biometric safes in one and two gun models.
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I have and have used pistol safes with the old 5 button Simplex lock. Set the 3 number sequence YOU want and it’s pretty darn secure (unless you use something goofy like 1,2,3😳