Comments on: Electronic vs. Dial Locks on Gunsafes

By: dave

dave — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 20:01:50 +0000

Nice to know that my instincts about elec locks are working. Been thinking about another safe. I have a Browning dial version that has served me well for about 25yrs now. Looking at them with the elec locks on them made the sixth sense say noooooooo!!!!!

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 17:07:50 +0000

The problem with electronics is they are so much more of a crap shoot for longevity than mechanical. As the man said it is not a matter of if but when it is going to break. Go with a dial lock and never look back. If you can’t dial a lock open in less than a minute maybe you should practice more. Also I read no mention of EMPs taking out digital safe locks. Something a mech lock will never even know happened.

By: MrBill

MrBill — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 13:27:29 +0000

Knowing how digital electronics work and the care (read “lack of”) with which they are designed and assembled, an electronic lock is the last thing I want on anything I need to secure.

By: Tyler

Tyler — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 19:02:15 +0000

I had a Redhead electronic locking safe (made by Granite/Winchester).

The circuit board of the lock fried, and I was locked out for months. Until I wrote on Basspro’s wall a couple time and thousands of people saw me not recommend them because no one would help, I couldn’t get anyone to care about my issue.

Had to borrow guns for deer season, didn’t have my pistol for protection, etc. Really ruined my view on electronic locks.

By: James

James — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:40:11 +0000

Remember to test the safe multiple times when it’s EMPTY, before you fill it.

By: edlongrange

edlongrange — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:40:36 +0000

Live and learn – I NOW do NOT lock my wallet and car keys in my safe. The electronics have failed twice (module inside the safe). I was fortunate enough to get the safe open without drilling – contacted the company and their records were current enough AND I found the ONLY tech that knew how to use the info.

DEFINITELY test the safe with the door OPEN, AND record your combo, BEFORE closing the door the first time.

NOTE: If you put your combo number in the safe, or somewhere that is only accessible using something inside the safe (like a safe deposit box key or a car key), and then you can’t get inside because there is a problem, you bought your own grief. Finding a good place (or places) to hide the number is not that hard.

While it may seem extreme to not keep your car keys and wallet in the safe, think about getting hold of the safe company on a holiday weekend – and reaching someone that actually has the tech skill and access to get the back up info and tell you how to use that info. Not getting to work, not catching your flight, not having your wallet for cash and credit cards… Do NOT keep them in your safe!

By: Jed

Jed — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 06:50:15 +0000

I wonder if R.F.I.D. safe locks are on the horizon? Just wave your RFID wand at the safe and it opens. I buy my gas this way and have the RFID connected to my credit card (Exxon speed pass). No going inside to pay, just wave the wand on my keyring at the pump and it lights up and charges my credit card. Would it be feasible to just place an RFID wand on the safe lock and have it read your unique code and open?

By: danny

danny — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 03:16:56 +0000

I just brought a sentry safe model:dsw3607 from costco. The reviewer seems very knowledgable in digital lock. I like to know how secure this brand’s digital lock. If it is easy to be “manipulated”, I may return it and get a combination kind. Please reply to my email if it is not proper to comment on other product in public.

Thanks!

By: lynn

lynn — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:54:17 +0000

I was recently left a winchester gun safe it is a pretty big size, anyway I have the code for the electronic key pad, but I can’t get the red light to come on it , i put new batteries 9 volts but noyhing it has been in the basement for years and I know its full of guns and I need the paperworik that is in it.
any help would be appreciated

By: Les

Les — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:15:58 +0000

Looking for help in taking a electronic safe and utilizing the opening through a Access control card reader. Is there anyone who has any suggestions.