guns safes with electronic locks?

[Chaplain Scott]

I asked in another thread about in-the-wall safes. I have decided to buy a real safe--free-standing--and simply secure it to the wall.

However, I was planning on buying one with an electronic lock for quicker access, but my wife asked me: "what happens if we get a huge solar flare, or an EMP burst? How will that affect your ability to get into the safe?" (what a great question)

I was just dumbfound-- I haven't got a clue.

Any of you electronics experts out there know the answer to this??

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Badey]

Well, Fort Knox Safes makes an EMP-proof electronic lock. They are the only ones that I know of that do this... Or, you could just go with a safe that has a standard lock.

[Rock and Glock]

My dealer carries both electronic and digital. He told me digitals fail at a 100 to 1 rate over dial, or some such.

[BugDude]

If a solar flare is strong enough to fry my electronic lock, I've got bigger issues...like finding some 5000 spf sun block.

I wanted a dial, but found a great deal on an older safe that had an electronic lock installed. I like it because it can be re-programmed. It also has a 30 minute lockout after 3 bad inputs. I've had to change the battery a couple times, and it was no problem. It's quick access. After many years, I've never had a failure of any kind.

[GetSmith]

Lots of what if's with a electronic lock. I went with a mechanical and I can access it quicker than an electronic lock. When I get home the safe is opened, I place my keys and wallet in it. Then I lock it and turn the dial almost to the last number. If I need quick access it's just 1 turn then open versus punching a few numbers and waiting for a delay for the lock to open. The keys / wallet go in so I remember to fully reset the lock before I leave the home.

[nontechguy]

Mechanical, but that's just me. Never an issue.

[Geobob]

I have an electronic lock safe bought new through Wayfair (free shipping). It has a key option for opening if the batteries fail, etc. I really like it - very fast access.

Also got a standalone safe - 2.3 ft3 since I only have handguns. It is fireproof and waterproof. I secured it to the floor in a closet by putting steel straps over top and steel angle irons on the open front an side (so it cannot be slid out). All these are secured through the flooring using about 20 carriage bolts (no slots or way to unscrew), with lock washers and nuts underneath in the crawl space. PIA to install, but also for someone to try and remove. I also built shelving all around it. Very satisfied and confident with the security it provides. Here is a picture:

Safe_1.JPG

[retsupt99]

I have two safes, one mechanical and one electronic...both have worked without a hitch for over 7 years.
The nice thing about the electronic lock is that I don't need my glasses or much light to open it.

I have firearms in both.

[Pinlifter]

I have an electronic for vital documents, and a biometric for my pistol (when I get it next week).

Both if them came with keys should the electronics fail.

[Chuck R.]

I just installed a vault door with a mechanical lock after doing quite a bit of research, my other safes all have mechanical. On “The High Road” forum there’s a couple of pretty good safe guys. Bottom line is that:

1. All locks are not created equal; you do get what you pay for.
2. All stated that they see more issues with electronic locks (See #1)

Here’s a decent article on electronic VS manual:

Electronic vs. Dial Locks on Gunsafes « Daily Bulletin

What a Professional Locksmith Says:

For the convenience of quick opening, the electronic locks can’t be beat. However, for endurance and years of trouble-free use, the electronics can’t compare with the dial lock.

Chuck

[dling]

If a solar flare is strong enough to fry my electronic lock, I've got bigger issues...like finding some 5000 spf sun block.

I wanted a dial, but found a great deal on an older safe that had an electronic lock installed. I like it because it can be re-programmed. It also has a 30 minute lockout after 3 bad inputs. I've had to change the battery a couple times, and it was no problem. It's quick access. After many years, I've never had a failure of any kind.

You can also change the combination on a mechanical dial lock.

[TX expat]

After a bunch of looking around and checking out bunches of opinions, I opted for a traditional mechanical lock for mine.

Yes, the e-locks are more convenient but I've read enough opinions of them that basically go something like 'most locks will provide a lifetime of trouble-free service, but if a lock is going to fail, 90% of the time it's a e-lock failing'.

I decided that the convenience wasn't worth the potential hassle and like stated above, you can easily change the combination of a mechanical lock with a change key. I bought one for $8 and changed my combination to something easier to remember and dial and it took about 5 minutes total.

[OldVet]

I have an electronic for vital documents, and a biometric for my pistol (when I get it next week).

Both if them came with keys should the electronics fail.

^^ That.

[TX expat]

^^ That.

Except he's talking about free standing "real" safes. Those won't have key access. There are some that have an entire backup mechanical lock, but those are really pricey options.

[Weeg]

Gee. I wonder if an asteroid hits the earth, and creates a huge flux-capacitor cloud, will my Gun Safe be able to be opened? :)