This biometric fireproof safe features six live-locking bolts that secure the door to the frame of the safes.  It has armored plate steel construction and a metal handle.  This should make it both dependable and tough.  The gunmetal gray exterior finish is baked on to protect both the safe and any wall or floor that it may come in contact with.  It does include the mounting hardware to secure the safe to the floor (you should read the instruction manual and insure you are mounting it to the same floor type-concrete, wood, tile, that is in the instructions).  This SentrySafe has also earned a Underwriters Laboratories certification for their 30-foot drop test (which means that even if dropped 30 feet to a concrete floor, it will not open).

The DA3930 has been tested by UL to meet a two-hour fire protection classification.  This means that it can protect its contents for up to 2 hours at 1,850 degrees Fahrenheit.  Most house fires rarely get about 800 degrees for any length of time, so this should be more than adequate for home use.  Unlike many safes, this fireproof safe can also protect electronic media (which will be damaged at 140 degrees versus 400 degrees for paper).  You can feel confident whether it is papers, CDs, jewelry, or guns, they will be protected in this biometrics fire proof safe.

This fingerprint safe utilizes a scanner that generates images to 500 dpi, which is currently the FBI and CIA security standards.  I was surprised that this safe only stores 7 users.  Most biometric safes store 20-100.  While I am not sure why 50 people would need access to a safe, it nice to have the capacity.  For your needs, it may not matter.  Each users is enrolled using two separate fingerprint scans and then a 4-8 digit pin code.  A user can either use their fingerprint or pin code.  Personally, I disagree with anyone except the manager to have a pin code.  A pin code can be written down and stolen or found or it can be given over the phone to an unauthorized user.

Because Sentry Safe did not skimp on the construction, this safe weighs 132 pounds.  It has a 1.2 cubic foot interior and the dimensions are 17.8 x 16.3 x 19.3 outside.  It has a 1 year limited warranty, but has a lifetime replacement warranty after a fire.  You can purchase this safe for about $375 at Amazon.

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.