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Technology is rapidly shaping the world around us, including the firearms industry. Gun safes are an essential item for any responsible firearm owner, and top manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve the safety and security of their safes. One such innovation is the biometric gun safe. In this guide, we’ll break down what biometric safes are, how they operate, and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of owning one.
What Is a Biometric Safe?
A biometric safe, also aptly known as a fingerprint safe, utilizes fingerprint scanning technology to identify and provide access to authorized users. Everyone’s fingerprint is unique. When you set up your biometric gun safe, only you and registered users can access its contents via fingerprint identification.
Many people wonder if biometric safes are, well, safe. The short answer is yes. While fingerprint spoofing and false positives are a possibility, that possibility is incredibly minute, especially with high-quality gun safes like the ones we sell here at OpticsPlanet. Unless you made enemies with a Bond villain, I wouldn’t think twice about someone stealing your fingerprints.
Biometric Gun Safes vs. Digital Keypad Safes
Most traditional gun safes utilize a keypad for entry. Digital gun safes with keypads are very reliable – your PIN or keycode, however, is not. Keypad gun safes are only as secure as your PIN. If you use a birthday or the extremely complex 1-2-3-4 combo, your safe can be easily accessed by others who can find this information. Writing down your keycode puts you at risk. Using a strong password manager app can help, but these are prone to data leaks and are a prime target for tech-savvy hackers.
Memorizing your PIN is the best option, but that’s not always viable for everyone. Also, sharing access to the safe requires sharing the combination, which increases the potential for leaks per person. The key for accessing biometric safes is literally you and authorized users, so there’s no need to worry about security leaks.
Biometric vs. RFID Gun Safes
Some electronic safes, like Hornady RAPiD safes, use RFID tags for entry. Unlike physical keys, RFID tags are encrypted, and RFID locks feature enhanced protocols to ensure only the original tag can unlock the safe.
However, much like physical keys, RFID tags can get stolen or lost, so you always need to ensure you keep a close eye on your tiny RFID key fob or wristband. Biometric gun safes eliminate this worry because you don’t need a physical object to open the vault.
The Benefits of Owning a Biometric Gun Safe
As we just covered, fingerprint gun safes provide enhanced security over safes that require physical keys to track or PIN codes to memorize. However, biometric safes usually include backup entry methods like hidden keyholes and keypads, allowing you to choose how you enter the safe.
While PINs and keys present some security risks, you don’t need to prioritize these methods of entry. They are there as a failsafe. Something happens to the scanner – You have a keypad. Battery dies – You have a physical key. Bio gun safes give you the best of all worlds for gun storage.
So why prioritize biometrics? Speed. The best reason to buy a biometric gun safe is because they offer the quickest access to its contents. Simply place your fingers on the scanner, and it’s open. You won’t have to fumble with physical keys or correctly enter a PIN code in high-stress scenarios.
Many biometric gun safes feature apps that can link to your smartphone or devices, displaying important details like battery life and access (and attempted access) history. This is especially important for families, ensuring you keep a close eye on any unauthorized access attempts.
Many fireproof gun safes also feature fingerprint access, ensuring your valuables are secure no matter what.
Are There Any Drawbacks of Biometric Gun Safes?
Unfortunately, all methods of gun storage have their cons. Biometric gun safes just have fewer of them. For starters, they are generally more expensive than keypad safes, but the investment is well worth it. Fingerprint safes might also have issues with dirty or wet fingers or smears on the scanner, so always ensure your safe and hands are clean. It’s a good idea to keep wipes nearby just in case.
As mentioned earlier, there’s also the possibility of false positives or scanner issues. Make sure to do your research and invest in only trusted brands like the ones we carry. The biometric scanner is also dependent on batteries or another power source, but thankfully, they always have backup methods of entry in case of failure.
Biometrics Are a Safe Bet
Biometric gun safes provide rapid access and enhanced security over traditional gun storage. Browse our selection today to find the best biometric gun safe for your needs and budget. For extra tips on choosing the best gun safe, check out our comprehensive Gun Safe Buyer’s Guide to learn more about gun safe sizes, lock types, fireproof safes, and how to securely store your firearms.
