Which SentrySafe Pistol Safe (Biometric Or KeyLock) is Right for You?

The marketplace for biometric gun safes is seemingly ever-expanding. There are so many products available that it can be tough to figure out exactly which one is the best buy. As an experienced shooter, I’m going to provide a full review of the SentrySafe biometric pistol safe, model #GAP1BE.

But first I’d like to take a moment to emphasize a couple important questions to ask when searching for the best gun safe for you:

Where will I store the gun safe?
What type of gun do I need it for, and what other material needs to be stored in the safe?
Do I trust the Biometric system?

What you’ll find here is one of the most reliable safes on the market, no matter which option you choose. I have the two pistol version, but have used the Biometric option much also.

I’ll break down these versions and the situations each is better for here in this article.

First, quick check 5 option of this Sentry Pistol Safe

SentrySafe Pistol Safe, Quick Access Biometric Gun Safe QAP1BE

Biometric Version

SentrySafe Pistol Safe, Quick Access Biometric Gun Safe

This is the contemporary masterpiece of the SentrySafe pistol safe line.

I’ve never heard of a standard pistol that wasn’t easily accessible in two shakes of a rabbit’s tail with this version.

I’ve tested this safe in a variety of different situations. Staged emergencies, calm openings, finger pressed at odd angles. The safe performed well in all of these situations, and I’ll break them down here:

Staged Emergency: Palms were sweaty, and following waking from sleep mode I had to press my finger down firmly to offset any grease. But the safe successfully read my finger and opened. I grabbed the gun with ease despite having perspiration on my hand
Odd angle pressing: This one I tried from three different angles. The first was slightly ajar to the left, which the safe opened fine. The second was slightly ajar to the right, and the safe made me try again but opened on the second try. The third situation was a roll of the finger, which surprised me because the Biometric scanner performed well. Overall, I was satisfied with the performance

The override key provides great backup access in the instance that your finger is too sweaty to successfully open the lock.

Scan family member’s fingerprints when you’ll be gone.

What you should do is keep a handkerchief either on or right by the safe and grab it with your scanning finger before trying to open the safe.

If you’re worried about sweat altering the reading, this is a great solution to the problem.

This product is the best biometric gun safe on the market now!

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SentrySafe Pistol Safe, Quick Access Gun Safe, Digital Lock, Single Gun Capacity, QAP1E

Electronic Lock Version

This version is basically the same as the Biometric option except it’s got a coded entry instead.

Set your code and be sure to remember it, because even with the override you’ll lose several seconds getting the thing open if you have to use the backup option.

I suggest keeping the code similar to a bank card or online passcode that you’ve memorized and will never forget.

The only benefit of this safe over the previous option is that there is no chance of the finger being misread, or of someone else opening it with their fingerprint.

You can give the code to your family members so that they can access in an emergency, which my neighbor did successfully while he was out of town recently.

His son got into the safe and retrieved the gun, using it in self-defense as a scare tactic but not firing.

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SentrySafe Pistol Safe, Portable Gun Safe with Key Lock & Tether Cable, Single Gun Capacity, PP1K

Keyed Lock Version

SentrySafe Pistol Safe, Portable Gun Safe with Key Lock & Tether Cable, Single Gun Capacity, PP1K

Some people just don’t trust technology when it comes to their guns. If that is you, but you still want the convenience of this SentrySafe product, get the keyed lock version.

The opening is quiet, and although it’s less quick than the Biometric version because you’ve got to put the key in the hole, it’s still rather fast.

One thing to note here is that in an emergency situation, grabbing your key and identifying the keyhole can be a challenge in a pinch.

This is especially true if your hands are sweaty.

Therefore, I highly recommend the Biometric version (or at the very least, the Electronic Lock version).

Your argument is probably that the technology might fail right when you need it most. But the odds of that happening are far less than the chances of human error – you mess up a lot more than a computer does.

I also always ask, if you’re worried about security, why do you have the key to your safe sitting on a chain attached to the safe? Doesn’t seem to smart, does it? Other than that, the keyed lock safe is just as good as SentrySafe’s other options. Here’s a great video review of the safes.

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SentrySafe Pistol Safe, Quick Access Gun Safe with LED Interior Lights, Two Pistol Capacity, QAP2EL

Two Pistol Capacity Versions + Led light:

SentrySafe Pistol Safe, Quick Access Gun Safe with LED Interior Lights, Two Pistol Capacity, QAP2EL

The TWO pistol capacity option is ideal for if you and your partner both need to store a gun with quick access.

It provides the same single-hand access as the other versions, which doesn’t really do much for the second person but is still convenient.

I call attention to the Sleep Mode – it takes only one quick touch to wake and be ready to open, but it’s important to remember that touch because otherwise you’ll go through the opening sequence at the wrong time.

If you’re an ammo freak like me and prefer to always have extra ammo available at a moment’s notice, than this safe is ideal for you because of the space it offers.

I own this version and only keep one gun in it most of the time, using the rest of the space for storage of ammo.

I have a large shelf in the bedroom where I’ve mounted this safe so that any intruder to my home will never make it into the bedroom. It’s quiet, but if you find a squeak begins to happen on opening, just take some WD-40 to the gears and you’ll be fine.

It's also the best handgun safe for the money in this time.

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Conclusion

SentrySafe’s Quick Access Pistol safe is the best pistol safe available on the market, particularly in its class.

The variety of options proves that SentrySafe really cares about its customers and their concerns.

There is literally something for everybody here. I always encourage the modern tech variety, and push you to consider the Biometric option for most situations.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, please share on your social channels so that others can learn of the different options SentrySafe has provided here. Leave a comment and tell me which one is your favorite!

How to Move a Gun Safe: Best Way You Need to Know

It’s that dreaded moment. The time when you have to move a gun safe from one place to another. Gun safes are notoriously heavy and difficult to move, much like that furniture you inherited from Grandma. Everything about the process basically sucks, but it is doable. Follow this simple series of steps on how to move a gun safe and you’ll have that thing in its new location in no time.

Initial Steps

Get the safe as light as possible by removing anything that doesn’t need to be inside.

Ammo, anything else that can be put in a separate box for now, should be taken out.

If moving to a new house, park the moving truck with the rear-facing either the sidewalk or driveway that you will be approaching from. Lower the ramp and be sure the path to get to the truck is made as easy as possible.

For larger safes, provide the team with worker gloves if they don’t already have some. I also find it helpful to provide pizza and beer to those that help me move – it seems to get everyone in a better mood and creates a team atmosphere. Here is a great video.

Cover walls, door openings, other furniture, and important items with scratch resistant material. Anything that the safe will pass by in the home should be protected.
Clear the path with which the safe will travel to an extra foot on each side, wherever possible. A bit of wobbling and curving will likely occur during transport. You don’t want anything to be struck by the safe should it or your team become frenzied.
Get a plank of wood or other solid object to act as a ramp if there are any steps leading from the front door to the vehicle or other area where the safe will be. If this doesn’t seem doable, you’ll need a couple extra people on the lower side as you move the safe down the step.

Moving Larger Gun Safes (over 3 feet tall, too heavy for one person to lift)

Gun safes are heavy in order to make them near impossible to steal should someone intrude into your home.

Moving them about is intentionally a process. I moved my 800-pound gun safe from our old house in Naples, Florida to our new spot in Lyndon, Washington and learned the hard way that gun safes aren’t the most transportable of items.

We spent an extra grand on gas on the drive because of the added weight. However, I picked up these tips:

Get a furniture dolly, or a forklift if you can. I recommend buying one from a home improvement store instead of renting or borrowing one. That way, you’ll have it whenever you need it.
When you’re ready to move, have a team of people stand on one side of the safe and lean it back. Slide the dolly underneath the safe and stabilize
I’ll note here that it is super important that the safe be balanced well on the dolly. Due to immense weight, it can fall over and crush individuals if not properly set. Here is a video on the process.
Ensure your path is cleared, and begin slowly moving the best gun safe out of the room.

Corners and Immovable Objects in the Way

Going around corners can be tough. The most important thing is to remain calm and proceed slowly. If you can, have a person position themselves on the far side of the safe (the side opposing the direction you are turning into) to provide added support from the back side. This person can forcefully push into the rear as the safe is moved around the corner. Go wide – by this I mean swing the dolly a bit further out than you initially think is necessary. That will allow the safe and dolly to be turned at an easier angle without striking the wall or toppling onto the person guarding the rear.

Loading into moving trucks/vehicles

Ready to exert some strength? Good, because this is the time to show off how those gym sessions have sculpted your muscles.

Assemble the entire team (add a few extra people if you can) at the bottom of the ramp leading into the back of the truck.
Everyone will need to position themselves comfortable behind the safe. If you have any truck straps, this is a great time to tie them around the safe and have one person stand in front of the safe and pull while everyone else pushes. While pulling won’t be super effective, the main benefit here is that this person acts as a sort of guide to ensure the safe doesn’t derail or fall off the dolly.
Once you start pushing the safe up the ramp, DON’T STOP! Momentum is the most important factor here. Get those grunts out and keep pushing. By the time you reach the top of the ladder, you will have enough momentum to easily move the gun safe into the desired position inside the truck.

Moving Smaller Gun Safes

With smaller ones, the process of how to move a gun safe is basically the same buy slightly less intense. Follow the above steps and make adjustments where necessary – you won’t need as many people or as much strength. If the safe can be carried, be sure to have at least two people for added support. Set the safe down gently and be mindful of doorways, walls, and protruding objects when passing through hallways. Do not set the safe on top of anything else – it’s weight may crush other objects.

Conclusion

Now you know how to move a gun safe. The process is tough but can be enjoyable with friends and a good attitude. One thing to keep in mind is that when moving the gun safe to a new house, identify in advance the best location for the safe. In the garage or a room where it will not need to be moved ever again. If you enjoyed this article, please share. Knowledge is power, just like teamwork! If you have any tips or anything, feel free to leave them in the comments and we’ll get a discussion going. Check out my recent post about best ar10 scope

3 Best Biometric Gun Safe – Fingerprint Gun Safe Reviews

What do you look for when searching for the best biometric gun safe? Are you looking to protect your family, home, or possessions? Most likely the answer is yes, as that is the most popular reason to own a handgun.

best biometric gun safe in 2017

Biometric safes offer the benefit of being very quick to open in an emergency and allowing access only to those programmed to open the safe.

When shopping for the best biometric gun safe for your situation, consider things such as storage, size, and how many people need access before making your purchase.

Here in this article, we discuss the three best options for prospective biometric gun safe buyers to consider and the pros and cons of each.

Top Our Pick For Best Biometric Gun Safe In 2017

Product Name	Quality	Our Rating
Sentry Safe Biometric Quick Access Pistol Safe Model # QAP1BE Editor's Choice	A+
Gunvault SpeedVault SVB500 gunsafe	A+
Barska Biometric Safe with Fingerprint Lock	A-

Top 3 Best Biometric Gun Safe For The Money

This is my review about the three best biometric gun safe options for the money, it will help you find the good biometric option for you gun. Check out it:

1. Sentry Safe Biometric Quick Access Pistol Safe Model # QAP1BE

SentrySafe Pistol Safe, Quick Access Biometric Gun Safe, Single Gun Capacity, QAP1BE

Top Rated Gun Safe For Biometric Simplicity

For small pistol safes designed for personal use, Sentry Safe easily has one of the best handgun safe available with this model.

The biometric option can program two sets of fingerprints, allowing these options: the owner and a family member (for home emergencies) or shooting buddy (for heading to the range), or if no one else will be using the safe the owner can program his own finger twice to lower the odds of un-recognition when opening.

Once opened, grabbing hold of the gun with one hand is a quick and easy process. The biometric entry is fast and quiet. The safe can store an ammo clip and can easily fit in most drawers and any closet. This is also one of the best biometric gun safe options for storing underneath a seat or other thin area.

The safe has an override key and keypad for the event of the biometric option struggling.

Like with most safes, a small amount of oil applied to the gas struts that open the safe can cure any squeaking noises that begin occurring over time.

For usage in a dark room, the buttons on top of the safe light up when a one is pressed and the user can then easily see the biometric scanner. As the lid opens upwards, the user’s hands will not fit entirely into the safe so grab the gun by the handle with only one hand.

The safe can be bolted down but the product cannot be mounted to a wall. This is the best way to protect against theft- otherwise, someone could theoretically just walk off with it even if they were unable to get it open. When opening, push a button to turn on the biometric scanner, then scan your finger.

The whole process takes only a couple of seconds. If using a passcode to open, press firmly on the buttons to make sure that they register. Overall, this is a strong safe.

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2. Gunvault SpeedVault SVB500 gun safe

The Most Easily Mounted Top Rated Gun Safe

The Gunvault SV500 is the best biometric safe for mountable self-defense. It can be mounted inside a work desk, garage, closet, etc.

Upon successful scan, the safe will lower down and reveal the weapon. Users can then grab it easily with one hand and be instantly ready to fire.

It makes a bit of noise when opening but the process is very quick.

It fits very well into small areas and the looks of it can be deceiving- it does not look like other safes so a criminal or intruder might not immediately recognize it. It fits in well with home surroundings and is open to a wide variety of mounting options without affecting the biometric scanner.

The False Acceptance Rate (FAR) here is higher than on other top rated safes so beware of that, but the positive attributes of this safe are its compact storage and incredibly easy access to the weapon.

Also, be sure to maintain battery life and change the batteries when needed- the FAR is much higher if the batteries are low, or else the safe may not recognize the correct finger at all.

But when the batteries are fresh this safe is very effective- use it for your primary defense weapon at home or work because the amount of time between scanning and being able to shoot is very low.

That is the best thing about this biometric safe. If you buy this safe, be sure to mount it well because its size makes it susceptible to outright theft.

The best biometric gun safe for versatile locations

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3. BARSKA Biometric Safe

Comforting Familiarity And Ease Make This A Top Rated Gun Safe

This top biometric safe is the hoss of all options here. It is a big option for a best pistol safe- at 16.5 inches wide and 17.5 inches thick. It has room to hold multiple ammo clips and other valuables in addition to a pistol.

Holding up to 30 programmed fingerprints at a time, the biometric system on this safe is top notch. A recommended way to maximize the efficiency of this biometric system is to have each user register their finger two or three times- this will nearly eliminate the chance of the safe not recognizing a programmed finger when scanned. The scanner is displayed right on the front of the unit. While this safe is not going to fool anyone and is not much for being mounted, it is great to keep in a closet or garage.

A successful biometric scan will allow access to the weapon in only a couple of seconds at most. As long as the biometric scanner is not covered in dust or dirt, users should not have any problems scanning their fingers and the False Acceptance Rate is very, very low.

Having a safe like this in your home is highly recommended- many important documents and items in addition to guns can be stored inside of it.

Users will need a strong shelf or storage place for this safe. It is nearly impossible to break into and once you have found the best place to keep it, rest assured that weapons and valuable will be safe and secure. This safe is ply resistant- it would take a considerable amount of time for a robber to break into it if they even could.

Its size and weight also make it harder to steal outright than smaller safes even without being mounted. A crook would look ridiculous running down the street carrying this safe on a wheelbarrow.

This is fingerprint gun safe for general home use

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What is a Biometric Gun Safe, and why buy a biometric gun safe?

A biometric gun safe contains a fingerprint scanner which can be programmed by the owner to allow access only to those whose fingerprints have been scanned. This option appeals to many gun owners for two main reasons:

Security and a minimal False Acceptance Rate. Only those scanned will get in
The quickness of accessibility. No searching for the right key or trying to remember the correct passcode is required. Just scan your finger and bam, you have instant access to your weapon. Many of these safes are specifically designed to open in a way that presents the weapon for easy grabbing by the owner, without having to dig around other items to grab it.

Most handgun owners intend their weapon to be used as a defense mechanism for their home, family, and valuables in the case of an emergency. It is important to have access to the weapon as quickly as possible in an emergency, and biometric scanners are the best way to ensure this.

Lock and key safes and keypad entry safes are certainly not the most secure options- all a child or intruder needs to get in is to find your key or guess your code, which isn’t as hard to do as you might think. Radial dial safes are the slowest at opening, as the user has to turn the knob to the correct combination exactly and the margin of error is high.

A biometric scanner ensures that only the programmed fingerprints will be able to open the safe- and no one can steal your fingerprints from you. Every second counts when you or your family’s lives are on the line and a biometric safe ensures that no time will be wasted between the recognition of need and being ready to shoot.

The only real downsides to biometric safes are that they need battery power and have the possibility of False Acceptance, meaning someone whose fingerprint is not scanned is able to open the safe by scanning their finger. While the odds of this are incredibly low, the threat is never completely eliminated. Thus, it is important to store your safe in a bedroom, desk, or another place where only registered users know exactly where it is. Also, you cannot simply give a key or passcode to a relative or friend to access- a registered fingerprint must be there to open the safe. These days, most safes can store multiple fingerprints so that family can have access to the weapon if need be.

When compared head to head, the benefits of buying a biometric gun safe far outweigh the negatives. Having fast access to your weapon is crucially important, and knowing that no one other than those programmed will be able to get into the safe is a peace of mind worth investing in.

Conclusion

The strongest option for total home security is the BARSKA Biometric Safe. This is because of a number of fingerprints it can store, the fact that it can store other items in addition to the gun and ammo, and extreme difficulty that an outsider would face in attempting to open the safe. However, for those looking to store a handgun outside of their home or need to keep it in a smaller space, the Sentry Safe Biometric option discussed here is the way to go. It can be locked down, and is quick and portable. Access is fast and the False Acceptance Rate is very low. The GunVault SVB500 will do just fine for the workplace (underneath the desk, etc.) but for home use is not the most practical. Users should identify where the weapon will be stored, who will be allowed to have access to it, and why they are purchasing it and make their decision based on those factors. For general home security, the BARSKA Biometric Safe has got you covered. Hope you find for yourself best biometric gun safe

Is The GunVault SV500 SpeedVault Handgun Safe Really Good?

The GunVault SV500 SpeedVault Handgun Safe is a solid safe that provides maximum safety for your gun while providing quick access to your gun whenever you need it.

This safe can be easily mounted anywhere in your home, be it in your office, bedroom or living room, wherever you feel that it will be in easy reach regardless of the situation.
This safe will even fit discreetly in your car without interfering with the interior ambience or design.
This makes the GunVault SV500 the best choice for a home owner or a business person that is looking to protect themselves and their property.

Gunvault SV500

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What Makes Gunvault SV500 So Good?

1.Safe Installation Of Gunvault

The SV500 comes with a variety of mounting options, all the necessary materials included in the box in order to make the installation process as stress free as possible.

With every possible mounting option provided, it will be easy to install it anywhere in your home or office.

This lightweight safe comes in at only 8.2 pounds, meaning that you can safely mount it literally anywhere. Its sleek design means that you can even mount it in a corner in the wall, guaranteeing that both the back and sides are securely mounted.

The mounting plate included helps to ensure an even better fit for the sides, by ensuring that the safe is screwed securely into any surface you choose.

Internal washers are included with the mounting plate to minimize damage.

These design cues have all been included to ensure that your handgun is not only safely and securely stored, but it is also ready for action at the drop of a dime.

2.Its general use

The SV500 gives you quick and easy access to your handgun via a digital keypad, which is very simple to program once you have perused the manual. In fact, the safe is so easy to access via the code that you will be able to gain access to your weapon in even the darkest conditions. This point make SV500 is the best handgun safe for the money.

The SV500 locking mechanism has gone through numerous tests to further ensure that you will be able to access your weapon every time, without glitches.

This safe has been designed with parents in mind, and for that reason, the designers have made it extremely difficult for children to access its contents.

As for hackers or other unwanted individuals, the variety of mounting options make it easy to hide, making it extremely difficult for anyone to find. Its sleek yet inconspicuous design cues mean that it is also easily confused with a jewelry box, making it even harder for unwarranted people to gain access to your weapon.

3.Its safety

Quality is one thing that has definitely not been compromised in the construction of this safe. For instance, it is constructed out of 18-guage steel, making it strong and resistant to any sort of damage that may compromise the safety of your handgun.

The interior of the safe is foam-lined to further ensure that your handgun, and indeed anything else that you choose to keep in the safe, is well protected from any outside interference.

The lining also helps prevent the items rattling inside the safe, making it hard for anyone who tries to shake the safe to discover what the contents may be.

The locking mechanism on the SV 500 is one of the strongest you will get on the market right now. In fact, it is so strong and resistant to tampering that even the experts have a hard time accessing the safe without the proper code.

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The biometric and combination lock options: GunVault SVB500 SpeedVault Handgun Safe

If you would like even more assurance that your weapon and other property is safe, the GunVault SVB500 is the gun safe for you. This version of the SV 500 uses special biometric technology to ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed to access the safe. This means that you will can be sure that your property will not be accessed by anyone, regardless of whether it is in your home, office or automobile. The biometrics used by the locking mechanism are your fingerprints. This makes the safe even faster and easier to access, especially when you are in an emergency, as you will not have to remember any complicated access codes.

Amazing features of the GunVault SV500 SpeedVault Handgun Safe

A backup override key

When you purchase the GunVault SV 500, you get two backup override keys with the safe, just in case you cannot access the safe because you have forgotten your code or forgotten to change the 9V battery.

However, you should not have to worry about using the keys if the battery runs out of juice, as most ordinary 9V batteries tested will keep the digital keypad working for 9 months to a year without needing replacement.

Quick Access Drop Down Drawer

The quick access drop down drawer is one of the best features of the GunVault SV 500. This feature allows very easy access to your weapon thanks to its low mounting.

The drop down drawer opens immediately the lock is deactivated, allowing you to access your gun quickly when you need to protect yourself or your property in an emergency.

Its position makes it especially easy to conceal what you are doing when in a dangerous situation, giving you a better chance to defend yourself in the face of danger.

Installing the GunVault SV500 or SVB500 in your home, office or automobile will benefit you greately, by giving you the peace of mind that you need because you know you will always be able to defend the people and things that you care about.

Nothing works better than GunVault SV 500 SpeedVault Handgun Safe; it is small, very convenient contains all the features that you need to ensure that your family and your weapon are safe.

Its strength guarantees maximum protection from sharp blows and strikes, while its easy-to-mount characteristics allow you to get creative with where you store your valuables. With good service and maintenance, the Gunvault SV500 series of safes guarantee to give you years of service.