As a gun lover and gun owner, it is your responsibility to ensure its safety. By investing in the best biometric gun safe in the market, you can keep unauthorized people away from your firearms awhile keeping it right within your fingertips. The streamlined experience that it offers is truly unmatched.
Biometric Locking Systems have earned a lot of popularity over the years because of their ease of use and real-life functionality. When it comes to the perfect balance of security and ease of access, there is no other locking mechanisms that can match the performance that a biometric lock delivers.
With a biometric safe, you will be able to open it up with one touch of your finger. It comes with a sensor that detects your fingerprint and matches it with its database. If the unit finds a match, then it gives you access to the interior by unlocking itself.
With so many different options available in the market these days, it can get quite hectic to find the right biometric safe for yourself. However, with our help, you will become a pro when it comes to choosing this type of gun safes. So without further ado, let us jump in.
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Vaultek VT20i Biometric Safe | 5 out of 5 | |
 | SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe | 5 out of 5 | |
| Viking Security Safe VS-20BLX Mini | 4.5 out of 5 | |
| Viking Large VS-50BLX Gun Safe | 4 out of 5 | |
 | Mini GunVault GVB1000 Pistol Safe | 4.5 out of 5 |
Top 10 Best Biometric Gun Safe Reviews
When you are out shopping for the best fingerprint gun safe, you will instantly be bombarded with endless listings of products in the market. Each unit will claim to be the best, which can make it harder for you to filter out which one you actually want. If you have no prior knowledge about this type of gun safe, there is a high chance that you will end up with a bad investment.
To save you from the hassle, here are our top ten picks for when you are buying a biometric handgun safe that will deliver the proper performance without burning a hole in your wallet.
1. Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Bluetooth Smart Safe
Right off the bat, we will be showcasing an excellent unit by a leading brand in the industry Vaultek. The VT20i by the brand is one of their smart gun safe that comes loaded with unique features designed to enhance its security and usability. It also looks quite stylish, which is always a nice addition.
For its primary security system, the unit comes with a state of the art biometric scanner that responds instantly to your touch. For people who prefer electronic keypads, the unit comes with a five-digit electronic lock. The sensor and the keypad both feature red LED backlight to ensure you have no trouble seeing it in the dark.
Additionally, the device can be accessed using backup keys that the manufacturers provide with your purchase. This can come in handy if the battery in the gun safe ever runs out on you. Apart from these access modes, you can also pair it up with your smartphone and access it from there.
The build quality of the unit is quite impressive, featuring tough and durable 16-gauge steel construction. In addition, the powder-coated finish of the unit ensures full protection against corrosion. It even features anti-pry bars and dual anti-impact latches, making it a small fortress for your weapons.
This gun safe utilizes rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as its primary power source. With your purchase, you also get the micro USB charging kit that allows you to charge the battery within 2.5 hours. The best part is on a full charge; the unit can give you up to four months of performance without any issue.
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2. SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock
If you have not heard the name of SentrySafe, you are either a complete beginner or living under a rock. This brand has been a constant presence in the gun safe industry because of its highly secure construction and design. When you are buying a product from this brand, you can be sure that you are getting your money’s worth.
This unit features three different modes of access. The primary access method comes in the form of a fast and responsive biometric scanner that can track your fingerprint and give you instant access without having to fiddle around with any buttons.
It also comes with a four-digit electronic keypad where you can use an access code you set up previously to gain access to the interior compartment. Both the scanner and the keypad rely on battery power, and if it ever runs out, you get override keys as a backup mode of access.
There is nothing much to say about the build quality of this unit. You can clearly see its strong and durable construction quality the moment you pick it off the shelf. Despite its solid steel construction, the unit is quite lightweight and portable. It also features gas strut compressor hinges for the quiet opening and closing of the lid.
The interior compartment of the safe, however, does leave a little to be desired. It can feel cramped if you place too many ammun8ition rounds inside it. It runs on four AA batteries, and for best performance, it is better to go with high-quality alkaline ones.
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3. Viking Security Safe VS-20BLX Mini Biometric Safe
If space is an issue, the VS20BLX by Viking Security Safe is a good option to go with. It comes in a slightly larger form factor than traditional portable gun safes. So if you want to keep a couple of valuables with your gun in your gun safe, then this is an excellent choice.
Although this brand focuses on budget buyers, it shows no compromise when it comes to security features. It comes loaded with a state of the art biometric scanner along with a large twelve-digit keypad. In addition, you also get backup keys for access if the battery runs out.
The biometric scanner in the unit is quite smooth and responsive. You can store up to 32 fingerprints if you want and a single pin code that you can use with the electronic keypad. So if you want multiple people to have access to the safe, it is not an issue as you can save their fingerprints easily.
When it comes to the build quality, you get a solid steel construction complete with a pry-resistant door. The door comes with motorized deadbolts that ensure your gun safe is completely protected against any sort of tampering. In case of a break-in, you can relax knowing that no one except you will gain access to your safe.
The interior space of the unit is quite admirable. You get a removable shelf that lets you organize your item or get more space if you need it. In addition, the interior is fully lined with carpeting and comes with a blue LED that allows you to see the interior items even if the lights are out.Pros:
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4. Viking Security Safe VS-50BLX Large Biometric Safe
The last entry by the brand Viking Security Safe caters to the people who have larger space requirements than traditional portable gun safes. The VS-50BLX takes it to the next level and features a full-sized design. Although it makes the unit completely stationary, some people like it that way.
You get the same levels of security as the last unit by the brand, which is not a bad thing. Both the electronic keypad and fingerprint scanner work well in keeping intruders away from the interior while providing you with a fast and easy way to get into the safe.
The scanner can remember up to 32 unique fingerprints, which means you can give access to a couple of other persons if you ever need to. If the battery ever dies on you and replacing it is not an immediate option, you can use the backup keys to access the safe.
With such a large unit, you can never take the build quality lightly. Thankfully, the strong and rugged steel construction of the unit will help put your mind at ease. It features 20mm motorized deadbolts locking mechanism and comes with two pry-resistant insertion slots. The seamless design of the door further prevents any type of tampering.
The best part about the unit is its large and dynamic storage space. You get three removable shelves that you can adjust in multiple positions, suiting your requirements. Along with a couple of handguns, you can keep your sensitive documents and valuables inside the safe without any trouble.Pros:
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5. GunVaultMinivault Biometric Biometric Pistol Safe GVB1000
Coming up next is a unit that features an interesting design. The GVB1000 by the brand GunVault is essentially a tiny little safe that can hold a single handgun along with a few rounds of ammunition. It gives you both horizontal and vertical mounting options, which really comes in handy if you want to hidden your safe.
There really is not much to say about the quality of the biometric scanner by this brand. Afterall the massive number of loyal fans this brand has gathered over 20 years of experience really speaks for itself. However, one thing that it does lack is the addition of an electronic keypad.
When it comes to the battery lifespan, the 9-volt battery that you have to use with the unit will give you a decent lifespan. In case the battery runs out suddenly, which is highly unlikely, you can use the set of override keys to access the safe without any issue.
The heavy-duty 16-gauge housing of the unit is strong and sturdy and can protect against any potential break-in attempts. It features a fully anti-theft construction that ensures the contents of the safe remain protected. You get a high-strength locking mechanism with the unit that will not let you down.
The interior compartment of the unit is nothing special. It does come with a fully carpeted interior, but it is not spacious enough to hold a few weapons. For people who want to store a single handgun along with a spare round of magazine, though, this unit is an excellent investment.Pros:
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6. BARSKA Biometric Safe
If you are looking for a gun safe that gives you excellent performance and is suitable for everyday use, the Biometric Safe by BARSKA is worth a consideration. This compact gun safe is quite spacious on the inside, and its quick access feature is also extremely useful.
The best part about the biometric scanner in the unit is its large database. This unit can store up to 120 fingerprints making it a perfect option if more than one person needs access to it. However, the sensor quality on its own is not as impressive as you would expect for its price.
It also does not feature any electronic keypad option, which might be a sort of a letdown for some people. If the battery dies on you, you can use the backup keys to gain access to the interior compartment. But as long as you use high-quality alkaline batteries, you should be set for a long time of continuous use.
If you are slightly disappointed with the security features, the unit can make up for some of it through its construction quality. It comes with strong and sturdy steel construction that will keep you safe from any sort of tampering attempts. Furthermore, the two steel deadbolts in the unit ensure the utmost protection for your weapons and other valuables.
Inside the gun safe, you can store at least two handguns along with your other sensitive documents or cash without any issues. It comes with pre-drilled mounting holes at different positions that allow you to experiment with where you want to place it. All in all, it is a decent investment for most people.Pros:
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7. BARSKA AX11556 Biometric Fingerprint Top Opening Security Drawer Safe Box
For our next pick, we will be looking at another product by the brand BARSKA. This unit comes with a top opening design making it one of the best choices if you want to install your safe inside a drawer. However, if you want to mount it under a desk, you will not get the best experience with it.
The fingerprint scanner in the unit is quite decent, but the design leaves a little to be desired. If the room is well lit, the scanner is known to cause some issues as the light can mess with the optical performance. However, you can easily circumvent that by placing a hand over the scanner while placing your finger.
Apart from that, the unit features a silent mode operation making it an excellent sleeper gun safe.
Since the unit comes at a compact form factor, you can place it in unexpected places and can access it quite quickly without making anyone aware of your purpose.
The construction quality of the unit is excellent and features high-quality steel housing. Thanks to the tamper-resistant edges and anti-pry deadbolts, you can be safe knowing that anyone trying to break into the gun safe is in for a very hard time.
With your purchase, you get all the mounting accessories you need to properly set it up. Once set up, you can use the included AA batteries to start it up instantly. For the best battery life, you should stick with branded alkaline batteries as those give you the most uptime. You also get a pair of backup keys to open the safe if the power runs out.Pros:
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8. VerifiSmart.Safe. Biometric Gun Safe with FBI Certified Fingerprint Sensor
The next product on our list is one of the best biometric pistol safe that you can find on the market. It comes with some truly wonderful features, and the fingerprint technology in this unit is top of the line. So if you want the best of the best, this is one of the units you should consider.
This biometrical sensor comes equipped with the TouchChip TCSI silicone chip. The quality of this component is excellent, and this unit is certified by the FBI because of this element. So it really should not surprise you that this unit made its way to our list.
One of its trademark design is the slightly larger sensor that you see on the unit. The reason behind this is that the sensor acts like a high-quality camera that captures high-resolution images of your fingerprint. Then it matches the print with its database before giving you access to the interior.
When it comes to durability, the unit takes matters very seriously. The walls of the unit come with a thickness of 2 mm while the door is 4mm thick. Add that with the 14-gauge steel construction, and you should have no reason to doubt the sturdiness and build quality of this fireproof gun safe.
A unique feature of the unit is the tamper alert that allows it to track any break-in attempts along with the time of the attempt. It even features self-diagnosing capabilities and informs you if there is anything wrong with the unit. Although the price of the unit is a bit much, the performance it gives is worth the cost.Pros:
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9. RPNB Gun Safe, Quick-Access Pistol Safe for Multiple Handguns with Biometric Fingerprint Lock
In the world of gun safes, RPNM is a trusted name. Whereas most reputed brands cater to people with big budgets, this brand focuses its attention on budget spenders. If you are on a tight budget but still want a high-quality gun safe, this brand will back you up.
The unit, despite its affordable price, gives you four modes of accessing the interior. Its biometric sensor is fast and responsive, and also allows you to use RFID tags provided with your purchase to access the safe without even touching it with your finger.
In addition, the unit features a four-digit electronic keypad and comes with backup keys as backup access methods if the power fails. The keypad even features backlight so that you can easily see it in the dark. With so many options at your hands, you have complete freedom over how you want to open up the safe.
The build quality of the unit is also excellent with its tough steel construction and pry-resistant door. Its dual-layer steel housing ensures the utmost level of security and will ensure that the interior of the safe remains inaccessible to unauthorized people. The contents of the safe are only accessible by yourself and the people you want.
Thanks to the compact shape of the unit, you have a lot of options as to where you want to install it. It can work well as a nightstand gun safe or even as a portable car safe if you need it to. It relies on battery power, but its efficient utilization ensures that you do not need to replace batteries too often.Pros:
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10. RPNB Mounted Firearm Safety Device with Biometric Fingerprint or Key Lock
We will be wrapping up our recommendations with another excellent little unit by the brand RPNB. If you are looking for a biometric gun safe to store a single handgun that you can access anytime you need, then this unit might be the best option out there for you.
The holster design is excellent as it allows you to pull out the weapon at a natural drawing angle. Thanks to the 500 DPI semiconductor touch sensor, your fingerprints will be recognized the moment you place it on the sensor. It allows for efficient recognition by capturing high-resolution pictures of your finger.
Furthermore, the unit comes with a four-digit keypad that allows you to set up a pin code as a backup method of accessing the unit. As a failsafe option, you can use the included master key to open the safe if the power runs out. As usual, this unit relies on batteries for its power.
The overall construction of the unit is extremely durable on top of looking very stylish. It comes with a black powder-coated finish that protects it against any corrosion damage. In addition, the steel construction of the unit keeps it safe against any sort of tamper attempts.
Because of the design choice, the unit can only be mounted vertically. Although it might be unappealing to some, most people should benefit from this design. It is a really practical option, and the compact shape of the unit allows you to mount it on your bedside table or inside your car easily.
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The Best Biometric Gun Safe Buyer’s Guide
Opting to go for a biometric pistol safe might be one of the best decisions you ever make. The level of security you will get with a decent grade unit is unmatched when you compare it with other types of locking mechanisms. Although both combination lock and electronic keypads are good choices, they cannot match the performance of a fingerprint scanner.
One great thing about biometric gun safe is often it is accompanied by a secondary locking system. With high-quality units, you can expect even two or three different forms of access methods that can enhance the overall security that you get from the gun safe.
In addition, you get a lot of different space options when choosing your unit. If you look at our list of products, we showcased units ranging from compact form factor to full-sized gun vaults. This alone speaks a lot about a large number of options you get with biometric security.
The most important reason for going with a biometric safe, however, is how easy it makes to access the interior. Most scanners even feature LEDs so that you can easily find it in pitch darkness. Ease of access is a critical factor for any gun safe, and if you cannot get to it fast, it fails the entire purpose.
Besides, if you are worried about any tampering with the safe, you can rest easy. Breaking open a safe that features biometric security is one of the most difficult challenges for an average burglar. So you do not have to worry about your weapons getting into the wrong hands.
If you have small children running around the house, it offers an efficient and foolproof way to keep your firearms away from kids. Children can often get curious and might start poking around the safe. But they will never be able to get past the fingerprint scanner and open up the safe.
To summarize, the benefits of buying the best biometric handgun safe are:
- Ease of access even in pitch-black darkness.
- Versatile size options
- Suitable as an office safe, bedside safe, gun vault, etc.
- Impossible to tamper with
- You can set it up for multiple access.
There are, however, a couple of setbacks with even the best fingerprint gun safe. Although they are not nearly good enough reason not to buy one, they are worth knowing if you are thinking about investing in one for yourself.
First off, you need to think about your power requirements. Although some larger models come with an ac adapter for power, most compact or medium units run on batteries. And batteries can run out if you are not careful about replacing them every few months.
However, to bypass this issue, you typically get a secondary analog access method with any biometric pistol safe. In most cases, you get a set of backup keys that helps you open up the safe if you get locked out.
Furthermore, some models even come with a low-power warning that can help you overcome battery issues to some extent. It shows a warning beep or LED t let you know that it is time to replace the battery. As long as you take the time to change batteries every now and then, you should be okay with this issue.
One other thing that you need to worry about, however, is the price. Typically,
a biometric safe is a bit more expensive compared to other types of locking mechanisms. But the safety and security it provides more than makes up for the price that you have to pay to get it.
Things to Look for When Buying the Best Biometric Pistol Safe
Now that you understand the benefits of getting a biometric gun safe let us get to some of the elements that you should consider when buying one. To get the most out of your investment, you should look for a few critical factors that let you know about the quality and performance you will get from the gun safe.
With that said, the most important factor that you need to consider when buying the best biometric gun safe are given below for your convenience.
Size of the Gun Safe
Size is a critical factor regardless of whether it is a biometric gun safe or one loaded with an electronic keypad. The size requirement varies from one person to another, depending on the type or number of weapons you want to store in the gun safe. So it is worth thinking of what you want to put inside it first.
As we said before, biometric safes are quite versatile and can come at a wide range of sizes. If you want a large unit for all of your weapons, you can find one without too much hassle, although it may cost quite a few bucks. For people who require a portable or compact model, you can find some good deals in an affordable range.
You also need to think about the space you have available. Larger units require bigger floor space whereas compact models can fit just about anywhere. In the end, it comes down to your personal needs and your situation.
Ease of Access
With biometric gun safes, you want a smooth and responsive fingerprint scanner that does not interfere with you getting access to the interior storage compartment. Some low-end models come with subpar scanners that take a few tries to read your fingerprint. Even though it might save you a couple of bucks, it is not worth the hassle.
In addition, you should also look for backlight on the scanner as it would help you see it clearly, even in the dark. You also want a decent door that opens smoothly and lets you gain access inside the safe faster without any opposing force. A gun safe that fights you when you try to open it can get quite annoying to deal with.3
Security
Security obviously is an essential factor to consider when you are shopping for a gun safe. By going with a biometric gun safe, you are already on the right track to getting a secure unit. But the build quality and some design choices also contribute to the overall security of the gun safe.
You need to check elements like the density of the steel or anti-prying designs that come with the unit. An Anti-pry bar, for instance, is a Design addition that ensures full protection against any prying attempts. By blocking up any cracks or opening, this design ensures that a thief will not be able to get leverage to break open the safe.
When looking at the security of the gun safe, you should leave nothing to chance. You need to be critical in your choice and think carefully about whether there is any gaping hole in the security of the unit that you are buying.
Total Number of Fingerprints
When buying a gun safe, most people usually think about themselves. Typically, you do not need to think about giving access to anyone else. However, if you and a couple of other friends are pitching in for a biometric gun safe to keep all of your weapons, you need to think about how many fingerprints the unit can remember.
Almost all of the products that you find on the market typically allows you to store multiple fingerprints. But some cheap low-end models tend to overlook this section. If you require multiple people to have access to the safe, make sure you have the option to store multiple fingerprints in the database.
Accuracy and Response Time
Accuracy and response time are two of the most important elements that can contribute to both the security of the gun safe and your overall comfort with it.
By accuracy, we mean the capability of the biometric safe to detect a wrong fingerprint. Some models have a bad reputation when it comes to accuracy and, in extreme cases, can even register a wrong fingerprint as the right one. The security with those units is never something that you can rely on.
Response time is more focused on your comfort and experience with the unit. If the scanner has a slow response time, you have to hold your finger on the scanner for a couple of seconds before it registers it. Ideally, you want your device to register your print the moment you place your finger on the scanner.
Battery life
When it comes to biometric safe, you cannot overlook the battery utilization. Although you can find AC powered units in the market, most models work on AA batteries. Unless the device can utilize battery efficiently, you will eat through batteries, which can add quite a bit of expense.
You want a single set of batteries to last you at least a half a year so that it does not become a major issue. For better results, you should stick with high-quality alkaline batteries as these batteries provide better and more efficient power. Additionally, make sure the gun safe can utilize the batteries efficiently.
Price Limitations
Although biometric security safes are more expensive than units that feature other types of locking mechanisms, this does not mean you need to go overboard on your spending. If you look at our list, you can find a lot of reasonably priced models that give you great value for your price.
Before deciding on a specific model, it is best to set a price limit for yourself that you will not exceed under any conditions. That way, you will be able to filter out a lot of units outside your budget, which can make the shopping go a lot smoother. The last thing you want is to overspend on a model only to get buyer’s remorse later on.
Where to Install the Biometric Pistol Safe
Installing your biometric gun safe is an important part of the security of your unit. If you do not set it up properly, you will leave a massive hole in its security. If you are using one of the smaller compact gun safes, then properly mounting it becomes even more necessary.
With that said, here are a couple of ideal locations where you can mount your gun safely without any security concerns.
- If you are using one of the compact models, you can keep it on your bedside table and use it as a nightstand gun safe. That way, your weapon will be close to you even when you go to sleep, and you can protect your home if your house is under attack by burglars.
- You can also keep your compact gun safes in the home office. Because of the mounting flexibility, you can keep it on your desk, inside a drawer, or even mount it under the desk. It also lets you keep a couple of important documents sealed tightly behind the doors of your biometric gun safe.
- For full-sized gun safes, you can typically place it in the corner of your room or office. Since you get a lot of space with this type of unit, you can keep other valuables inside it safely. In addition, you can store a couple of weapons inside it to access whenever you need it.
- Lastly, with compact models, you can even mount it inside your car. A compact biometric gun safe can act as a very7 capable portable gun safe. If you want to keep your gun close when you are going on a ride, you can easily mount it inside your car.
Always remember to mount it securely using screws or bolts provided with the unit. As long as you take care to properly set everything up, you should have nothing to worry about when it comes to the security of your unit.
Do’s and Don’ts of Owning a Biometric Gun Safe
With all the information that we have given you until now, you should already feel like an expert when it comes to gun safes, biometric or otherwise. As the final nail in the coffin, here are a few basic tips and tricks that you should remember to get the most out of your biometric gun safe.
Get insurance for the gun safe
These days many insurance companies provide insurance for the gun safe. This can come in handy if you ever fall victim to burglary and lose the valuables you have stored inside it. Getting insurance for your biometric gun safe is a really smart thing to do as your investment will be safe and protected.
Use a dehumidifier
The air inside the locked compartment of a gun safe can get quite humid. It can cause severe problems with your firearms. However, investing in a basic dehumidifier can ensure the full integrity of anything that you store inside the gun safe. Since dehumidifiers are quite inexpensive, you should always consider picking one up for the safety of your weapons.
Keep the interior organized
You should always keep the interior of your gun safe, organized, and clean. Even larger gun safes can quickly run out of space if you keep tossing weapons or other items inside it with zero thought about properly placing it. An organized gun safe also allows you to retrieve items easier as you know exactly where you stored it.
Position it strategically
Regardless of the size and form factor of the gun safe, you need to mount it strategically so that it does not draw too much attention. You can get creative with your placement by setting it up in the attic or even your basement. However, make sure you can get to it easily when you need to without too much hassle.
Keep the door locked
Some people tend to wander around other rooms while keeping the door of the safe unlocked. This is a very bad practice that you should avoid if you take the matter of security seriously. The last thing you want is other people stumbling on your unlocked gun safe when you are busy with other things.
Do not forget to replace the batteries
If the gun safe suddenly loses its power, then in most cases, you are the reason. If you do not replace the batteries when it is time, the consequences can be quite severe. Make sure you remember to replace the batteries when it is time if you want your gun safe to be up all the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a couple of questions people often have about biometric gun safes
Can a biometric scanner fail?
Yes, like any other locking mechanism, a biometric scanner can also fail. However, the failure rate of a decent unit is quite low, so it is not something that you need to worry about. To reduce the rate of failure, wipe the sensor with a soft cloth every time you open the safe using the scanner.
Is a biometric scanner reliable?
Yes, a biometric scanner is one of the most reliable forms of the locking mechanism. Since it does not require any code and your fingerprints are the only way to access it, the chances of it opening for someone other than you are nearly impossible. Besides, it is also extremely difficult to break into a biometric gun safe.
Is biometric scanner the quickest locking mechanism in a gun safe?
Yes. Compared to other forms of locking mechanism, a biometric scanning is the quickest way to open up your gun safe. Other locks require you to mess around with buttons or keys that can waste precious seconds in a high-pressure situation.
However, with biometric security, you can gain access to your weapon simply by placing your fingers on the sensor. You do not need to remember any codes or look for your keys to open it.
Final Thoughts
The safety and security of your firearm is nothing to be taken lightly if you are a responsible gun owner. By investing in the best biometric gun safe, you are taking the right step towards protecting yourself and those around you.
We hope our extensive article could help you out when you are buying a biometric safe for yourself. By now, you should be a complete expert when it comes to protecting the safety of your firearm.