Best handgun safes

Another +1 for the gunvault. I have the standard size (not biometric), and it allows easy access.

So with the biometric safes, can you program them to recognize two sets of prints? What if my wife were to need to get the gun and I wasn't there to open the biometric safe for her?

Yeah, they hold anywhere from 10-15 to over 30 fingerprints.

I have been using one of these biometrics for a little over a year. I like it, it holds 15 prints, has a battery back up to the AC, and a mechanical key to override the reader. The only problem I have is during the winter months my dry skin seems to make the reader not work so well. When my hands are real dry, I need a quick swipe on my tongue first before swiping the reader, just to get a little moisture on the pad of my finger (not as gross as it sounds, not a slobbery swipe).

Sounds like you want a gun locker vs a safe. The issue with a locker is that you can get into it relatively easily whereas a properly installed safe is much harder to get into. I have a GunVault SpeedVault SV-500 as I just needed someplace to store my EDC when I got home (with young kids at home). I also wanted something that would get me quick access for HD. I thought about getting the biometric version but I'm not confident of the technology yet... the reader on my laptop is horrible... not a good thing when you need quick access. I like the SpeedVault because it lets me get to my handgun quickly without delay. Another option is the FAS1 safe which uses a Simplex lock and requires no batteries.

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Originally Posted by Dingo

I think that if you're going to be using it for home protection, it shouldn't be in a safe. Just one more mechanical barrier to get through before you're armed, in a situation where you're probably startled, still half asleep, shaky w/ adrenaline etc.

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I have 4 kids and wouldn't feel comfortable having it unsecured when I'm not around, so hoping to find the next best option where I still have somewhat quick access.

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Originally Posted by Blockhead

I've had that model for years and like it. My personal belief is that those of with little kids (and their friends) need something more than just "don't touch that gun in my nightstand." YMMV. I've heard the biometric version can be problematic with fingerprints "sticking" the scanner, allowing others to open the safe, but that could be internet rumors.

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I agree 100%...I've heard the same about biometric...

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Originally Posted by liberty19

I have several of the GunVault safes and I find them very easy to use and convenient. They run on AA batteries and they recommend you change them once a year. I got 2 years out of a set of batteries on the one I use every day to store my EDC gun in. I too find them a good compromise to safety and convenience. My advice is to practice opening it in the dark - just by feel - so if you ever need it in a hurry you can open it without looking. The first one I purchased lasted 9 years with every day use before the opening mechanism quit but I can still use it with the key.

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Great advice about practicing in the dark...thanks

biometric has some issues, mostly they are a swipe motion so your finger print will not be left behind, however, they can fail if your fingers are wet or dirty (or covered with blood heaven forbid) I have a standard gun vault GV2000STD, because my work gun and off duty are different I can keep both in the same box and my 2 yr old is unable to access but my wife can. I screwed it into my night stand.

I have a GunVault. I like it, but I don't keep it in there when I'm not home. I think with two minutes and a large screwdriver I could get in. It does keep it away from my non readers.