Gun Safe Access question

[diamondsj]

I just had a thought -- no smart remarks from anyone now! lol...anyhoo, we have a gun safe that is accessed by electronic combination. When we got it, I preferred it over the dial and wheel ones.

Now that I've run into a few problems accessing the safe when in a "slight" hurry (coon in the yard, coyote nearby, need a rifle before it leaves), I've screwed up and hit the wrong number or double pressed. Is it possible to change out the system to one that uses your fingerprints or something similar? Just curious if it's possible if anyone knows.

[DeanC]

Brand?

[plblark]

for the cost, a better option might be a different "access" safe to secure only one or two guns. If you think on it, it there one gun you find yourself going to for these get the varmint purposes? Could you inexpensively find a safe storage solution for just one gun that would be cheaper than changing out the whole safe?

I'm thinking of something like an access safe or simplex lock style steel cabinet. Keeps the kiddies out but wouldn't stop a robber. Not an issue because if you're going away for awhile you can put it in the big safe.

[Bessy]

This is going to piss some people off, but I'm going to say it anyway. I would never stick an electronic lock on a gun safe. It's not a matter of if it will run out of battery's its a matter of when. Also in the event of an emp you can be hosed (I realize that's very unlikely to occur).

I have two storage areas for my guns.

1. My secure long term storage area (read gun safe with a mechanical lock).
2. Quick access storage area (read less secure than a gun safe but child proof with quick mechanical access).

I wouldn't move from the electronic touch pad to a biometric finger print reader. My experiences with even the expensive ones have been very hit or miss.
I would set up a designated quick access storage area for a HD gun. Either a quick access small lock cabinet, maybe under the bed or in the night stand, and put a mechanical lock on your gun safe. My .02 cents.

[diamondsj]

Brand?

Theftguard by Browning -- if I recall correctly...

[diamondsj]

for the cost, a better option might be a different "access" safe to secure only one or two guns. If you think on it, is there one gun you find yourself going to for these get the varmint purposes?

I think this maybe the viable solution to what we will do. The usual for in the yard is the .22...further out is the .220 or .223. We have the means to fashion a place for the rifle to be secure outside the safe if necessary, so I think that is the best way to go. Thanks.

[diamondsj]

This is going to piss some people off, but I'm going to say it anyway. I would never stick an electronic lock on a gun safe. It's not a matter of if it will run out of battery's its a matter of when. Also in the event of an emp you can be hosed (I realize that's very unlikely to occur). It doesn't upset me, but if you take ordinary precautions, the batteries should not run out of juice. We change the battery when we change the clocks for DST or CST...haven't missed a beat yet. Also, our carry weapons are not kept in that safe...they are with us at all times.

I have two storage areas for my guns.

1. My secure long term storage area (read gun safe with a mechanical lock).
2. Quick access storage area (read less secure than a gun safe but child proof with quick mechanical access).

I wouldn't move from the electronic touch pad to a biometric finger print reader. My experiences with even the expensive ones have been very hit or miss. That's good information. I've only heard sporatic reports, mainly from law enforcement personnel I know in my area.
I would set up a designated quick access storage area for a HD gun. Either a quick access small lock cabinet, maybe under the bed or in the night stand, and put a mechanical lock on your gun safe. My .02 cents.

Thanks for your .02 cents worth. It was actually worth more than that...

[1911fan]

I have talked about this before for ready access guns, I have mounted hooks on the inside header of closets, and hung a weapon there. Particularly in single depth closets, like a front hall closet, the hooks are inside and above the door, where you really can only get there by feel. the closet would have to be empty for someone to be able to easily see the weapon.

I have used the mounting brackets for handrails, which are wrapped with cling tape, screwed in about 5 or 6 inches about the opening. It takes a knowing hand to reach in and grab whats there.

I do not use a safe for any weapon I consider to be "ready". I prefer hiding in plain sight rather than steel security.

[R.E.T.]

I have a small biometric safe. Great in theory, but not in practice. Sometimes takes ten or twelve tries to open.

[Bessy]

It doesn't upset me, but if you take ordinary precautions, the batteries should not run out of juice. We change the battery when we change the clocks for DST or CST...haven't missed a beat yet. Also, our carry weapons are not kept in that safe...they are with us at all times.

If that is the case you probably don't have anything to worry about. I can name a couple of instances were electronic locks crapped out on friends of mine without the battery going dead (or so they claim), but I think they were cheap ones.
Just for ******* and giggles.... Expanding on the emp event.. a little

1. The chances of an emp event happening are very low... There are similar events about every 100 years due to solar activity (can knock out improperly shielded electronic devices)

2. The chances you will want your guns should an emp event happen... I'm going to throw that up there near 95%... provided you are still alive.

[Drizzle]

1911, I just had that idea and found brass coat hooks at Menards for 2.29 that say they hold 35 lbs each. I screwed them both in above and inside the front closet door. Works fine for a loaded Ithaca 37.

[diamondsj]

I like the idea of hanging above a door inside the closet...we happen to have one of those, right next to the front door and very handy to where we would normally spot "critters" that don't need to be in the yard. I'll tell hubby about it and probably get some hooks set up in the next few days! Thank you.

[hammAR]

I have a small biometric safe. Great in theory, but not in practice. Sometimes takes ten or twelve tries to open.

...if your fingers are clean it should work the first time.....where have your fingers been......

[mnglocker]

1911, I just had that idea and found brass coat hooks at Menards for 2.29 that say they hold 35 lbs each. I screwed them both in above and inside the front closet door. Works fine for a loaded Ithaca 37.

Has worked well with my social-work wingmaster for 2 years in my bedroom closset.

[Pat]

I have a small biometric safe. Great in theory, but not in practice. Sometimes takes ten or twelve tries to open.

...if your fingers are clean it should work the first time.....where have your fingers been......

I also have one of these. If my fingers are cold, it won't work.