The Gunvault GVB1000 is another addition to the quick access gun safe collection by this well known company. As with many modern safes it uses biometrics, specifically fingerprint recognition, to access the safe contents. These types of safes are popular with people who prefer simple and speedy access storage for their handgun.
This gun safe offers the safety features of the standard and deluxe models with the added benefit of the bio fingerprint scanner. Some of its features include, a 15 user capacity, a scanner that updates your finger after every touch and there are no key codes to remember.
As standard this GVB1000 safe provides some of the usual features that come with Gunvault safes such as their patented No-Eyes Keypad and interior foam layers.
Read more to find out what else this biometric gun safe has to offer.
Is This Biometric Gun Safe For You?
Over the years biometric safes have been considered to be the fastest way of getting into a safe compared to a combination safe or a key lock safe. With just a quick scan of your fingerprints the front lid will pop open within a few seconds allowing fast access to your handgun. Store a loaded firearm and have it accessible quickly.
I think with a fingerprint scanner you are either going to like it or hate it. Some people feel more comfortable with the old school combination style safe because these require a more hands on approach to unlocking it. This particular unit measures at 8.1 x 4.9 x 12 inches making it the perfect size for placing on a bedside table or somewhere in a nightstand.
If you have run through the unlikely scenario of needing rapid access to your gun in the middle of the night, you probably would either fumble the combination, forget the numbers or forget where you put the keys. You won’t have this problem with the Gunvault GVB1000 biometric gun safe.
If you have children in the house then you also want to keep them out of the safe. As long as you haven’t programmed their fingerprints into the system then there is absolutely no chance of them or anyone else getting into the safe.
For those of you who just want a plug and play style unit then you will be pleased to know that there is no complicated installation process. All it requires is the initial programming of your fingerprints. This is a simple process and is explained in the manual.
Construction And Design
For its size you will find that this is a pretty sturdy gun safe. Admittedly, at 16-guage steel this won’t be the toughest small gun safe on the market but then its main purpose is to offer speedy access and basic security. A child won’t get into this unit but a determined thief with time and tools probably will. Of course if the safe is hidden that may also solve that issue.
If you are looking for the toughest small gun safe then you may want to read the gun safe review on the LockSAF PBS-001.
For extra security if you plan on keeping the safe in the open it would be advisable to bolt it down with the included hardware or purchase a special security wire cable that can be wrapped around something solid. The Gunvault GVB1000 biometric gun safe has a tamper-proof door due to its precise fittings making it virtually impossible to pry open without the right hand tools.
The door is spring loaded so as soon as the scanner has recognized your print the door will flip open saving you some valuable time in the event of an emergency.
The interior has some nice little touches such as the foam lining that is a soft base for all your contents. There is also a small interior courtesy light that will come in handy to make the contents more visible in case you need to gain access in the dark.
This gun safe does require a 9V battery, (not included). You can use the battery as backup or use it primarily because there is also the option of using the external AC or DC power supply, (adapter included). This is handy to have in case of battery failure. If the battery is close to dying then there is a low battery light that will start to blink giving you fair warning.
Gun Safe Biometric Locking System
The biometric scanner works by placing your index finger over the scanner and hitting a small button with your middle finder to initiate the scan. This will only take a few seconds and once approved the spring loaded door pops open.
With the Gunvault patented No-Eyes Keypad this makes it easier for you to find the correct positioning of your fingers even in total darkness. One thing you have to understand with most biometric safes is that practice is needed to get used to the whole scanning process. This is a good idea because you never know when you will need to get into the safe.
For example, you may be woken up in the middle of the night after hearing noises and want to get to your gun fast. With practice you will be able to speed up the process of getting to your gun without any hiccups.
Some people complain about the efficiency of biometric safes. They say that sometimes it takes a few goes before the scanner actually approves the print. If you don’t have your finger oriented on the pad exactly as it was when you first saved your print the reading may be read as false. The Gunvault GVB1000 offers the opportunity to store many prints. You could save your print in several orientations. This will help increase your chances of a smooth entry.
This is something I would advise you to take advantage of as it will decrease the likelihood of a false reading. The system can handle a maximum of fifteen fingerprint templates.
PROS
Has a power adaptor included which can help you save money on batteries.
Is a very fast access unit. You will have your gun before a burglar even knows it.
Has a modern looking design so it won’t look too bad on the dresser.
CONS
Has 16-guage steel walls which is good enough for basic security but probably won’t hold up to a major battering. Again, if you just want to keep the kids out and the casual thief out then this will do just fine.
Conclusion
For those who need rapid and assured access with security in mind, this would probably be one of the best solutions. Getting into the safe is fast and simple.
It is not a high security safe and probably won’t hold up well in an intense house fire as it is not fireproof but for its main purpose, (basic household security and fast access), it does a pretty good job.
It has some nice little features and the included power adaptor is a big plus. A good buy for a user with a young family.
For the next level Gunvault gun safe take a look at the GunVault Multivault Biometric GVB2000 Series.
