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How do you feel about thriller movies where a character tries desperately to retrieve their weapon and fails dreadfully? Now, imagine dealing with that kind of scenario in real life: fumbling around trying to find the right key, rotating to the wrong rotary code, and you’re dead – literally. You definitely don’t want that to happen, so grab a quick access gun safe while you can.
A quick access gun safe is a lock box that allows rapid access whenever you need it. The vault itself keeps guns and rifles at maximum protection with its complex lock system but still provides quick and easy access when you have the right credentials.
Two Types of Quick Access Gun Safes
Quick access gun safes are designed for superior privacy, protection, and convenient access. Most of them are installed discreetly under the floor, desk or used as a wall safe.
Generally, gun safes have different locking technologies, such as biometrics, digital keypads, mechanical locks, and combination locks.
Mechanical locks and combination locks are the traditional types. While they are easily installed, low maintenance, and manually operated, these types are more time-consuming to operate.
For quick access purposes, biometric and digital keypads are the premium options. Here is how they work and why they are beneficial or disadvantageous for use.
Biometric Gun Safe
Biometric gun safes are state-of-the-art safes that use biometric identifications for access. Biometrics are the unique physical patterns in humans, such as the retina, palm print, or fingerprint. Fingerprint identification is the most popularly used type.
With a biometric fingerprint lock type, a gun owner can register his fingerprints and those of other individuals who can access the safe. The fingerprint scanner scans the prints and saves the fingerprint memory. Whenever someone scans a fingerprint, it will match it with the stored prints to allow or deny access.
Pros
- Very convenient
- Gives access in seconds
- Provide maximum security
- Hard to bypass
Cons
- The scanner may fail when its surface is oily or dirty
- Cheap brands are prone to false scan, which grants access to unrecognized fingerprints
Electronic Lock/Digital Lock
Digital safes have keypads where users punch in the correct pre-registered PIN code. They have backlit keypads that enable users to see in low-light conditions.
With the digital keypad, the users punch in the code in the correct sequence. If the code matches, the safe will open. Many electronic keypad safes have the safety feature of disabling the keypad after a certain number of failed attempts.
There are a multitude of code combinations. The safe stays secured as long as the PIN code does not fall into the wrong hands.
Pros
- Convenient access
- Reliable operation
- User-friendly
- Changeable codes to ensure security
Cons
- The battery may run out
- Can still be accessed by other people who know the PIN
- Buttons can become less responsive over time
Is a Quick Access Gun Safe Worth It?
Many users are now shifting from mechanical to quick access gun safes. This applies not only to self-defense guns but also to collector’s arms, competition and hunting rifles.
The most important benefit that a digital keypad and biometric gun safes can offer is they reduce the need for using a key.
Keys are prone to be lost, misplaced or stolen. If anyone finds them, the gun safe is rendered vulnerable. It is also impossible for the owner to open them without hiring a locksmith. Often, changing the safe’s locks is as expensive as buying a new one.
Quick access handguns and long gun safes are ideal for:
- Emergencies
- People with disability
- Reducing the need for carrying a key
- People who need speedy access
- Enhancing the pistol security
What to Look for in a Quick Access Handgun Safe
Pistols, rifles, and other firearms need to be kept protected at all times. Next to owning a gun, you need a reliable handgun safe to hold them.
Whether or not you go with a traditional handgun safe or settle with a quick access pistol safe is up to you. Either way, consider the following useful features when choosing the right safe for your gun storage needs.
DOJ Approved
Safes and vaults with DOJ approval are tested for durability and security. The rating is issued by the Department of Justice, which checks on the quality of the safe box.
DOJ-approved safes mean they have passed the necessary durability requirements. It includes checking the quality of the gun safe box material and passing tests like drop test, pry test and pick test.
Fire Rating
Intrusion and unauthorized access is not your only threat at home. Fire is also an imminent threat you cannot disregard. Some biometric handgun safes, like the Barska Biometric Wall Safe, are fire-rated for resistance.
In case of fire, a safe can protect its contents at a certain period and temperature.
Reliable Deadbolt System
Quick access gun safes have motorized deadbolts which operate through a battery. These are necessary for ensuring a secured latch that prevents the locking system from being tampered with.
Look for gun safes with temporary power and a backup key in case of battery failure.
Most high-end quick access gun safes have backup powers and can be manually accessed with a key fob when needed. Vaultek VS20i-BK, for example, has biometrics, a digital keypad, manual keys and Vaultek Nano keys as backup.
Functionality
If you own multiple firearms or intend to keep more in the future, go for large-capacity firearm safes. Compact and large safes often have removable shelves you can customize to accommodate your handguns and valuables.
If you have a single handgun, keep it low-profile with subcompact safes. And if you want a sleek and stylish gun safe, the Vaultek Smart Station could be the one for you.
Portability
Aside from surface mountable safes, portable quick access gun safes are also available. These are ideal for travelers for keeping handguns and other valuable items locked.
When looking for portable safes, choose the ones that are TSA-compliant. It means that the safe is approved to be boarded on a plane so you can carry your handgun following the legal standards.
Where to Buy
Authentic quick access gun safes are reliable and foolproof. To ensure you get premium quality safes, transact only with reliable dealers.
As mentioned, a poor-quality biometric gun safe can run false scans, which can be troubling. A false scan renders the gun safe as unprotective as any regular cabinet. Digital locks in low-quality devices may also fail and become unresponsive.
Get the best gun safe only from trustworthy dealers like All Security Equipment. Our products are covered with the brand’s lifetime warranty for your guarantee.
Choose from our selection of Barska and Vaultek safes for the biometric safes that suit your needs. We have a range of products, from subcompact portable safes to large biometric rifle safes with unique features.
All Security Equipment also offers safe accessories like dehumidifiers, shelving, battery packs and other items. Contact us today for home safes and lock boxes that will keep all your valuables enclosed and protected.
