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Keypad Code Gun Safe vs. Combination Gun Safe
Which is the Better Option to Protect Your Firearms?
By Vern Marker

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- If you are in the market for a gun safe in order to secure the firearms in your home, you may be wondering about keypad code vs. combination safes and which one is the best choice.

Each type of safe has its pros and cons, and you should take the time to consider both of them before making your decision.

Gunvault Pistol Gun Safe

Keypad Code
A keypad code gun safe is a thoroughly modern choice for keeping important papers and items safe. When you receive your safe, you can choose the numbers in the combination yourself, so you don’t forget. They also offer extra built-in security protection, as the unit will go into lockdown mode if an incorrect number sequence is entered five times.

Once lockdown mode has been activated, no further attempts to open the safe may be made for at least five minutes. If the correct combination is not entered in the next two attempts, the keypad goes back into lockdown mode again for another five minutes. This feature is meant to guard against the possibility that someone intent on breaking into the safe will simply continue to enter numbers at random until he or she hits on the right one.

The keypad code firearms safe is a great choice for people who need to access the contents of the safe regularly. If you will be using it for business purposes, such as to deposit money taken in during the day until you can take the funds to your bank, the keypad code version is the more convenient way to go.

This style does have its drawbacks, though. The keypad code is a battery-operated unit, and you will need to plan to change the batteries about once every 12 months. You will not be able to access your safe if you enter the combination incorrectly, and it will go into lockdown mode for five minute intervals after a certain number of attempts with an incorrect one.

Another disadvantage with this option is its higher cost compared to a combination gun safe.

Cannon HR Series Gun Safes

Combination Safe
Combination gun safes have been around for over a century and a half, and for good reason. This type of model is a more economical choice than a keypad code safe. As long as the unit is well maintained, it will provide several years of reliable use.

Another advantage of choosing a combination gun safe is that you can set the combination when you receive it and use it for years without the dial offering any indication of what the numbers are, because there is no visible wear or tear. If your goal is to find a highly-durable unit that is not dependent on a battery, then a combination safe definitely has a lot going for it.

The down side of choosing a combination firearms safe for your needs is that you must call in a locksmith if you ever wanted to change the numbers used to open it, or if you for some reason forget the code and can’t get into it. Also, since you have to manually turn the dial to open the safe it is a more time-consuming choice than if you had decided to go with a keypad code model.

If you or anyone who will be operating the safe has trouble with arthritis or other disorders affecting manual dexterity, it could also be challenging to operate it.

Another disadvantage of choosing the combination safe is that it doesn’t automatically go into lockdown mode after a certain number of attempts to open it. When compared to the ease of use of a keypad code model, a combination safe can look like an old clunker in comparison.

When searching for protection either type of safe, can and will serve the basic function of securing your valuables. Consider what features you are looking for in a safe, and then use the pros and cons of each unit to determine which will be better for your needs.

Vern Marker is a freelance writer who loves to write on a variety of subjects including firearms, the outdoors and gun safes.

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GunVault MicroBioVault Awarded Safety Product of the Year

Gun Vault

San Bernardino, Ca -(Ammoland.com)- GunVault is proud to announce that its MicroBioVault was recently honored as “Safety Product of the Year” by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence. The MicroBioVault’s unique, notebook-style design allows one to securely transport a handgun or valuables. Incredibly compact and lightweight, this safe will fit inside a briefcase or daypack and can be quickly accessed with GunVault’s No-Eyes® keypad and biometric fingerprint recognition technology.

“We are thrilled to receive this award from Shooting Industry,” said Mike Baker, president of GunVault. “It’s a tremendous honor to be chosen as this year’s best when it comes to security products from such an esteemed group of industry leaders.”

The award was presented on July 23, 2010 during the 8th Annual Shooting Industry Masters in Grand Island, Neb. The 500-member academy, comprised of manufacturers, distributors and dealers considered 114 product entries and 41 service award entries this year. This marks the 19th year that these outstanding achievements have been formally recognized by the academy.

The MicroBioVault uses biometrics, specifically fingerprint recognition, to access the safe contents faster and more securely than ever before. A high-performance algorithm is used to achieve speedy identification of enrolled fingerprints and at the same time has a very low False Reject Rate (FRR). The system can handle up to 60 fingerprint templates.

The MicroBioVault is constructed of tamper-proof, heavy-gauge steel and features a soft foam interior to protect contents. The keypad triggers a lid that not only has a high-strength lock mechanism, but also performs reliably, time after time. Precise fittings are virtually impossible to pry open with hand tools. Powered by four AA batteries that last one year under normal conditions, the audio and LED low warning clearly indicate when the batteries need to be replaced. Back-up key is also provided for emergency access.

For additional information about the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence, visit www.shootingindustry.com.

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