• The back of a full closet is probably the most popular location.  Installing the safe in a location that is quick to access will allow the unit to be used for home defense as handgun safe also.  Make sure to have lots of clothes the the closet so it actually takes some work to find the safe.  If possible, paint the safe the same color as the closet walls.
• Just like the movies, installing the wall safe in a open area and then mounting a picture over it is a very effective way to disguise the safe.  You simply have to cut an opening in the wall to install the wall safe between studs.  Make sure to hang a picture that is easy to remove when necessary.  The safe must also be flush to the wall with  no protruding items to be used in this configuration.  A fingerprint gun safe can not be used in this way as they have a control panel for the locking mechanism that sticks out too far.
• Install the in wall gun safe in the garage behind a piece of pegboard used to store your tools.  Most thieves will not spend much time in the garage looking for a safe.  This location will throw many of them off.  This may be a location where a biometric safe may work because you could vary the depth of how the pegboard is mounted.
• If possible, install the wall gun safe inside a lower cabinet such as a bathroom or laundry room.  Most burglars figure there is nothing of value in the laundry room so will not spend much time looking behind the laundry detergent or bleach!  While it may be more difficult to access easily or quickly, it will be just about impossible for a thief to find or access.
• Here is my guide on installing wall safes between the studs.

Finding an easy hiding place for your wall safe may mean the difference between the burglar find it and missing it.  Do the extra work and protect your safe and the valuables and guns in it.

When it comes to gun safes, we can have a good range of options. We can select from biometric boxes to traditional gun cases. These days, more and more gun owners and enthusiasts are getting interested in the idea of having a biobox as safety contraption for guns. The additional security and convenience it brings makes it an ideal solution to gun safety at home. You might think that this is too high tech for you but in this modern age, everything appears to be quite possible especially when it comes to security and safety.  Additionally, these can often work at drawer safes.

Biometric gun safes have started to become popular mainly because of the added security they offer. The only way to access the contents of a gun safe is for you to be included in the database of those who are allowed to open it. As the name suggests, this kind of gun safe uses biometric technology which means you need to have a certain part of your body scanned before you can open the box. Generally, retina and iris features, finger prints, palm prints, and voice samples are used as unique identification.

If the biometric gun safe is unable to identify your iris, retina, palm print, finger print or voice, there is no way for you to access its contents. Sure you can use brute force but this can take a lot of effort that might even end up useless. These safes are made of heavy duty material and the locks do not easily give in to pressure.

You can try looking for a biobox or biometric gun safe online. There are lots of online shops wherein you can browse for different biometric boxes that you can use in securing your gun collection. Take time to compare your different options so you can be surer that you will find one that would best suit your needs, as well as your budget.

In the workplace a biometric safe may be programmed to accept several users. A boss could be given the capability to reprogram the safe while employees only have ability to access the safe. Having voice recognition in combination with keys or pass-codes could be extremely useful in the event of robbery. Special units that contain a panic feature would allow people indicate if there is someone attempting to force a registered user to open the safe.

At home the multi-user feature could be used to allow both parents to protect children from items that may be dangerous. Hunting rifles and ammunition could be stored in a biometric gun safe to prevent curious children from accidental injury. In other cases an entire family might want access to a safe simply for keeping important documents such as birth certificates and passports.  The ease of use of a biometric reader makes it an ideal place to store your gun for quick access in the case of an emergency.  Simply put your finger on the reader and the safe pops open.

For special circumstances a safe may be chilled or heated in order to store temperature sensitive materials. From electronics to fine wine a safe may be tailored to meet specific needs of individuals and businesses. An investment to protect investments should be available in more than just different sizes, shapes and colors; it should reflect the unique needs of users.  Doing your research can help you get the best price and property protection for your valuables.

Protecting valuables requires more than just a key or combination. A quality biometric safe will include an outer housing case that is water and fireproof. In the event of flood, fire or other natural disaster the biometric technology should still be functioning perfectly. No matter what the reason behind locking away valuables, a biometric safe will keep items protected and minds at ease.

Stack On manufacturers several different lines of safes from their Premier series, to Elite series, to the Total Defense series:

• Their Premier Series safes are both fireproof to 1400 degrees for up to 30 minutes.  The Stackon gun safes are also water resistant in up to 2 feet of standing water for 72 hours (the safe must be installed using sealants per Stackon safes installation instructions to comply with this feature).  The doors feature a 4-way locking mechanism with seven live action bolts and three steel dead bolts which provide 10 locking points for the door.  This level of protection will deter even the most aggressive break-ins.  These safe models are also UL listed.   Full-sized gun safes can hold up to 40 guns with either a UL rated Type 1 electronic locks or Group 2 3-number combination lock.  Newer models are even coming out as biometric gun safes
• Stack On’s Elite Series of safes are fire resistant for 30 minutes at up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.  These safes feature up to seven live action bolts and three solid steel dead bolts on the larger models.  This model does NOT have the re-locking,  feature which keeps the door secure even if the lock mechanism is removed, like the premier models.  The elite series can hold up to 45 guns using either a electronic or combination lock.  They do include gun barrel rests and standoffs for guns with scopes.
• The Total Defense safes from Stack-On are similar to the premier series, but do not have the UL rated locks or the more sophisticated re-locking mechanism.   They have the same water and fire ratings, though.  This model can hold up to 36 guns.
• Stackon safes also makes smaller fire proof safes in both their standard line and Stackon gun safes line.  These include some of the features of the above series, but are much more cost effective.
• Stack-On sells a product they call their Strong Box fire resistant safes.  These smaller home safes can withstand temperatures of up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 90 minutes.  Because they are smaller, they have less locking points, but still employ the live action bolts and deadbolts.

Stack On gun safes have a remarkable assortment of products that they manufacturer.  Everything from a 1000 pound, 46 gun safe that is water and fire proof to a small in-wall home security safe.  You should look at their product line if you are in the market for a safe.

One advantage is the quick access you will have to your gun. Instead of trying to hunt down the keys for your safe then trying to unlock it you just have to scan your fingers over the scanner and the safe immediately opens up. This will allow you to keep your gun at the ready in the event you need it quickly.

Another advantage of a biometric gun safe is the security it provides. Since the safe can only be opened by an individual who has their fingerprints stored in the safe’s memory you can control who has access. With the traditional method of locks and keys it is possible for anyone with the key to open it. Remember it is almost impossible to lose your fingerprints. It is very possible to lose keys.

Considering that you can store multiple sets of fingerprints in the memory of the biometric gun safe you can allow multiple people to have access. A good example of when this would be useful is a household with two parents and kids. The mother and father can have their fingerprints stored in the safe. If one of them is out and a situation arises where the gun is needed the other one can open the safe. There is no worrying about multiple sets of keys floating around.

There are many more advantages to keeping your gun in a fingerprint gun safe. One of the most secure ways to store a pistol or a handgun is a good biometric gun safe. Get yours today!

A biometric safe is a very secure location to keep your gun.  The safe can be bolted to the floor or tethered with a steel cable around an immovable object making it impossible to simply pickup and walk off with the safe and its contents.  Most biometric gun safes are made from 7 to 16 gauge steel.  Some of the portable biometric safes are made from hardened aluminum to decrease weight, which can be helpful if you plan to store the safe in your vehicle.  Nevertheless, they are tough and difficult to open (although any safe can be opened given enough force and time).

A biometric safe is also a safe place to keep your pistol away from children or untrained individuals.  Using a simple gun locking device that is for the children living in your house is not enough. Do not depend on it as a sole safety measure. “I didn’t think he knew how to work the lock” is not a good defense. According to PAX, a nonprofit organization, more than 40 percent of American homes with children in them also have guns. Many of these weapons are kept loaded and within reach of a determined child.  Keep your kids (and mine when they come to your house!) safe.  Get these put into a locked location, preferably somewhere that is difficult to open or move, like a safe.

A handgun is often purchased for self defense.  If you can not access that handgun quickly, it could be the difference between life or death.  Using a combination lock or even a keypad lock to store your emergency firearm can be difficult to open in a panic or stressful situation.  When your adrenaline is flowing in a crisis, it has been proven that you will lose most fine motor skills.  You may remember the combination, but simply be unable physically to work the lock.  You always have your fingerprint with you and if all you had to do is slide it across the biometric safe reader to open, how much easier could that be?  There is no time spent trying to remember the combination, looking for the keys, or spinning the dial while an emergency is happening.  You could even open this safe in the dark by just feeling the fingerprint reader.

Most safes designed to store guns have some padding inside to cushion the gun when putting it in or taking it out of the safe.  This protection is mostly cosmetic to protect the finish of both the gun and the interior of the safe.  Additionally, you should choose a biometric gun safe that is sized properly for the number of guns you are planning to store in it.  Most entry level models will accommodate 1-3 guns.

First question is how large of a biometric safe do you need?  You need to ask yourself some questions:

1. What will you be storing in the safe?  Papers and documents take up much less room than guns and jewelry and computer discs.
2. Are you interested in storing any guns in the safe?  If so, what quantity?  Many biometric gun safes are designed for 1-3 guns.
3. How about any rifles in the safe?  Obviously you can fit a long rifle in a metal box only 18″ long.  Do you have a place for a 4 foot high gun safe?
4. Does the safe need to be portable or easily movable?  Many people keep small portable biometric safes under the seat of their car for securing guns or cash when away from home.  Alternatively, maybe you live in an apartment and move frequently.  Do you need/want a safe that you can pick up and carry yourself?  Larger gun safes can be 4 feet high, 2 foot square and weigh 700 pounds.  Not something you casually decide to move much!

Does it need to be a fireproof biometric safe?  This will add expense to the purchase. The rating of fireproof safes is critical. The rating usually denotes two things: how long it can withstand the high temperatures of a fire, and the maximum temperature that it will still safely protect the contents. The higher the number or rating of the safe, the better as this will provide for the most protection in the event of a fire. Look for protection that will last at least an hour and withstand temperatures of at least 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.  A few manufacturers such as Sisco Honeywell even carry waterproof fireproof biometric safes!

Additional features to consider when buying a biometric safe:

• Many manufactures include a 2nd way to access the contents.  This is typically a round key (like you see on pop machines).  This will allow you to open the safe even in the event that the biometric information is lost or in an emergency.
• All of these safes require power.  All will have batteries, some will allow you to also run them on and AC power supply.  Keep in mind that the security information is saved permanently even if the batteries die.  Just replace the batteries from the front of the unit and it is in business again.  AC power just simplifies life.  All reputable manufactures will have a low battery warning that may be at least blinking light, but audio also.
• Smaller safes should have the ability to be mounted to the floor or a larger piece of furniture or cabled to something immovable to prevent a thief from simply picking up the safe and breaking it open at his leisure back at his property!
• If you are purchasing a biometric gun safe, insure it comes with a foam lining inside to protect the guns.
• Depending upon the manufacturer, some safes will store only 10 fingerprints and others will store 50.  Determine your need.
• How long is the warranty on the safe and what does it cover.  Many of the more expensive models will be a lifetime replacement if any tries (or is successful at) prying their way into your safe.

Lastly, check the thickness of the steel with each manufacturer.  While the thickness is not the absolute critical piece of this as a determined thief will eventually get into the metal box, the thicker the steel, the longer it will take him, possibly deterring him from trying or requiring him to make enough noise or take enough time that he may be caught.

Biometrics are any methods for uniquely identifying a human based upon one or more unique physical or behavioral traits that can not be reproduced easily or at all.  This unique trait forms the basis for identifying that particular person and is store in the computer as the foundation for identity access management and access control.  These are fancy words that say  “the computer stores something that only you posses (like your fingerprint) and then uses that to validate that you are you”.  Most often the biometrics software has a three step process which includes an interface from the computer to the human (possibly a touch screen called a biometric reader), a pre-processing algorithm to normalize the image from the interface, enhance the image, and remove any background noise, and third a process that takes the normalized image and breaks it down into data points and stores it in the computer’s database while discarding any other non-relevant information.

Safes are essentially hardened and strengthen metal boxes with doors.  Those doors are secured by large metal bolts that extend out from the door and into the frame of the door, again hardening the opening.  They are meant to keep people out.  Although many new improvements in the securing of the box have been made over the last 100 years, that part of device remains mostly unchanged.  The bulk of the improvements/enhancements or maybe call it modernization in safes are in how you gain access to it.  Originally it was a key, then it became a dial lock, then more sophisticated dial locks, then electronic locks, and eventually biometric safes, where the owner is the only one that can possess the combo (a fingerprint).  It can’t be stolen and is difficult to reproduce.  Many safes also have multiple access systems for either additional security or alternative entry in case of a failure.

To use a biometric safe, you first must go through a process called enrollment.  During this process, your biometric information (fingerprint) is stored in the memory inside the tiny circuitry in the safe.  This enrollment process is much like choosing your password the first time you sign up for a new website or something and it called registering a user.  It uniquely identifies you as you.  Most biometric safes allow you to store multiple fingerprints to allow multiple people to open the safe.

When you want to open the safe, you simply hold your finger over the biometric reader and the the safe will open.  It is that simple.  If the fingerprint does not match any on file, the safe does not open.  Some models will shut down for 10 minutes if there have been too many failed attempts.  Most biometric gun safes do NOT have this feature as it can a life or death situation if you can’t get the safe open.  Many models have simple AA batteries to change from the exterior of the unit to keep the safe running.  Plus, for added peace of mind, many manufactures offer a secondary way to open the safe such as a keypad or a key (which should be store away when not needed).

Biometrics are considered good systems of security. Keep in mind that the technology, like any, is not perfect. It suffers from what is called False Acceptances or False Rejections. A False Acceptance is when an person is allowed into the safe, although they are not a registered user. This could occur when a person is similar to a user or has copied the user’s biological or behavioral information (which is difficult, but not impossible to do).  Most biometric safes carry have a False Accept Rates that vary from 0.0001% to 0.1%, which makes them very secure.  Alternatively, a False Rejection occurs when a registered user is falsely rejected and not allowed access. This occurs when a user’s criteria does not match their stored information.  The failure rate for this varies from 0.00066% to 1.0%.  This will often occur from human error if a person uses the wrong finger to access the safe.

Manufactures of these safes include:  Honeywell, Barska, Gunvault, Biovault, and LockSAF to name a few.