The company makes its first deviation into a new line of products with AX11224 Biometric Safe. This biometric gun safe can store up to 30 fingerprints and gives you the unique ability to give only temporary access for set periods of time to specific users. A very interesting feature which your really don’t find on other models of this size and price range.  This could come in handy especially in a office environment when you need to allow a temporary worker access to the safe when the primary person is on vacation.

The Baraska safe includes emergency back-up keys and requires 4 AA batteries to run (operate the mechanism-although the fingerprints are stored in permanent memory).  Another interesting feature, which is different than many biometric safes or even electronic safes is that the batteries and electronics are secured inside the safe.  If the batteries die, the only way to replace them is with the backup key.  Because that key allows access to the safe, bypassing the biometric authentication, make sure to place the key in a secure location far from the safe.  You don’t want a thief finding it and using it to simply open your safe.

One small drawback that I noticed on the safe is that there isn’t really a door handle.  The manufacturer expects that you will open and close the door by gripping the round reader casing.  I understand that a handle can be compromised, but even a simple half moon shaped cabinet handle screwed into the front would be better than nothing!  Also, because it lacks a handle, you must push the power button to re-lock the safe.  I suspect that many people forget this step and they leave their safe unsecured.

A much more important drawback is the safe has a several beeps when using the biometric reader.  It beeps once when you turn the power on with the button.  A double beep when you put your finger on the reader and then even worse, a long loud beep when the door opens.  There is no way to disable the sounds.  I consider this a big security risk as you don’t want to alert an intruder when you need to get your gun, plus even worse is that it beeps 3 different times!

The Barska AX11224 weighs 31 pounds, comes with 2 keys and floor mounting hardware. The outer dimensions are 16.5″ X 14.5″ X 7.75″ and has a 1 year limited warranty. It can be purchased here.  The safe is quickly becoming a success among gun owners that already know the quality of the Barska line.