So, you're looking for a small but secure biometric (fingerprint recognition) gun safe. Gunvault is one of the premier manufacturers of biometric safes, and the Gunvault GVB1000 Mini Vault is no exception.
Gunvault GVB1000 Mini Vault Overview
Dimensions: 8.1 x 4.9 x 12"
Weight: 8 lbs
Lock: Biometric fingerprint recognition
Body: 16-gauge steel
Interior: Coated in soft foam
Requires 1 9-volt battery or included AC adapter
Interior lighting
Stores up to 30 different fingerprint profiles
Generally fits one handgun and a clip or two
The overall opinion of the Gunvault GVB1000 across the internet and among enthusiasts is very positive. It works very well as a simple but effective personal handgun safe, especially for storing your firearm close to you at night or just for keeping your valuables safe. The safe is mountable to any flat surface, although we'd obviously recommend installing it on something heavy or well built as the safe itself is not very heavy.
So, How Secure is the Gunvault GVB1000 Mini Vault?
Like the other gun safes by Gunvault, this is a biometric gun safe. It uses high tech fingerprint recognition technology for access, and is very accurate. It can store up to 30 different sets of fingerprints (although we're not sure why you'd need to give that many people access) and it will not at all open for anyone whose fingerprints don't match. Gunvault's biometric technology will continually update and refine the fingerprint profiles over time to make sure it is as accurate as possible.
The great thing about biometric safes is that they're easy to access in the dark. Since there is no fumbling around with physical keys or combinations, and all you have to do is press your finger to the pad for 3 seconds, you can have quick access in the case of, say, someone breaking into your house at night. This is one of the things we really like about the GVB1000. It also has a nice, low-intensity interior light, which is handy in a scenario like this, too. If you can convince the wife to let you drill into the night stand to mount this gun safe, you'll have a perfect place to store your hand gun at night.
Unlike many other gun safes, the Gunvault GVB1000 requires a 9-volt battery. This could be a bit of a hassle, as not many electronics use 9-volt batteries these days. It does come with a backup AC adapter, though, and a single 9-volt battery is rated to last about a year in the unit, so it's not a huge problem.
What's the Final Say On The GunVault GVB1000 Mini Vault?
Like most of Gunvault's other products, this is a quality safe if you're using it for its intended purpose. It's inexpensively priced for the technology and Gunvault has great customer service if you have any issue with the product, but you shouldn't have any problems, anyway. In conclusion, we would definitely recommend this gun safe.
What did we like about the Gunvault GVB1000 Mini Vault Gun Safe?
Biometric technology is convenient and secure
Works well as a bedside gun safe if bolted down
Great value for the money
What didn't we like as much?
Requires a 9-volt battery
Might need to record your fingerprint a few times before it's 100% accurate
This gun safe is for:
People looking for a bedside gun safe
Those looking for something inexpensive but still secure
People with children who want to keep their gun out of their hands
All in all, this is a great buy for the money.
