Biometric Safes - your experiences

Bellasogno · August 21, 2011, 08:41 AM

Hello TFL Folks,

I just purchased my first semi-auto pistol, and a MiniVault Biometric Safe. After programming it, it only opens sometimes, not 100% of the time. So, back to the store it goes.

Just curious what others experiences are with these Bio safes?

a1abdj · August 21, 2011, 10:31 AM

Electronic locks tend not to be as reliable as mechanical locks. The fancier the electronics become, the more unreliable they become. Combine this with low cost Chinese designs, and it's not something that I would bet my life on.

For defensive gun storage, I would suggest a box using the Simplex mechanical lock. The lock has been around forever, tends to be very reliable, and doesn't need batteries. There are a few companies that use these locks, including Fort Knox and V-Line. I really like the FAS1, as it is well built and presents the gun for a quick draw as the door opens.

FAS1 · August 22, 2011, 09:46 AM

I'm partial to this one.

http://youtu.be/CcJUGuB35y8

Eghad · August 22, 2011, 10:51 PM

I have been looking for that FAS1 for a while...thanks! Could not remember the name. I have seen that simplex lock used at some of the military facilities I have been to.

**4V50 Gary** · August 25, 2011, 12:57 AM

What a1adbj says. I've heard bad things about electronic locks and how they've failed and had to be replaced with mechanical locks. BTW, a1adbj is the expert on safes here.

August 21, 2011, 08:41 AM	#1
Bellasogno Member Join Date: August 14, 2011 Location: Rural, outside of Milwaukee, WI. Posts: 61	Biometric Safes - your experiences Hello TFL Folks, I just purchased my first semi-auto pistol, and a MiniVault Biometric Safe. After programming it, it only opens sometimes, not 100% of the time. So, back to the store it goes. Just curious what others experiences are with these Bio safes?

August 21, 2011, 10:31 AM	#2
a1abdj Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2005 Location: St. Charles, MO Posts: 482	Electronic locks tend not to be as reliable as mechanical locks. The fancier the electronics become, the more unreliable they become. Combine this with low cost Chinese designs, and it's not something that I would bet my life on. For defensive gun storage, I would suggest a box using the Simplex mechanical lock. The lock has been around forever, tends to be very reliable, and doesn't need batteries. There are a few companies that use these locks, including Fort Knox and V-Line. I really like the FAS1, as it is well built and presents the gun for a quick draw as the door opens. __________________ www.zykansafe.com

August 22, 2011, 09:46 AM	#3
FAS1 Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2010 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 186	I'm partial to this one. http://youtu.be/CcJUGuB35y8 __________________ Glenn FAS1 SAFE, LLC

August 22, 2011, 10:51 PM	#4
Eghad Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 6,226	I have been looking for that FAS1 for a while...thanks! Could not remember the name. I have seen that simplex lock used at some of the military facilities I have been to. __________________ Have a nice day at the range NRA Life Member

August 25, 2011, 12:57 AM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 15,422	What a1adbj says. I've heard bad things about electronic locks and how they've failed and had to be replaced with mechanical locks. BTW, a1adbj is the expert on safes here. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*