Gun safes- Preferred locks

[FNRA Scott]

Is there a preference (pro's and/or cons)- dial or electronic? I'm leaning towards a dial lock- one less thing to go bad.

 

[gklatv]

I like dials, too. However, dials might not allow fast access in a rush

 

[djl02]

+1 for dials SG

 

[FNRA Scott]

Electronic- Changing the code on the keypad would be better. It’s easy and can be done when ever the current code has been compromised. You pick the numbers so the combo should be easier to remember.

Dial- Changing the combination would involve a call to the locksmith. Forgetting your numbers could be costly.

 

[Water63]

Got both no problems either way. I like the electronic for the fact you can have more than one code so I can allow access to my daughter to get her guns but with the poke of a button I can also deny access too.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

I like electronic. Its much faster and easier to access. Plus if you're going to be gone for an extended period of time, pop the face plate off and store it separate. Even if someone knew your combination, unless they bring a face plate from home they're still stuck.

Just keep a spare 9v. They last several years, even with routine access, but you know how Murphy is.

 

[atvdave]

Have both... I like the electronic the best. Just change the battery when you change your smoke detector batteries, and you will be fine.

I can open my electronic lock in pitch black... I could never do that with a dial.

 

[BiscuitNaBasket]

I don't know about everyone else's locks but I have a red/orange light on my face plate that flashes if the battery is getting low. Assuming that didn't malfunction it seems like a fool proof way to not lock yourself out. There's also a key that you can use to gain access just in case you're gone for a week or so and the battery dies.

 

[The Keymaster]

In my expert opinion stay with a dial. Top quality electronic locks (those costing upwards of $1000.00) are fine. They are well protected against transient discharge and stray RF. Most electronic locks that come mounted on gun safes are susceptible to various issues. I have replaced many non functioning electronic locks with standard 3 wheel mechanical locks. Many times the cost just to open the container was more than the container was worth.

 

[FNRA Scott]

So many good points- please keep them coming.
Thanks guys.

 

[z96Cobra]

I had an electronic lock safe that I bought at Sam's Club. Winchester brand safe. About 2 weeks after I bought it, it quit working. I would enter my code and would get the green light, could hear the internals working to unlock, but it remained locked. Luckily, after many tries, it opened. I removed all of my stuff and hauled it back for a refund. Bought a much nicer Fat Boy Jr. with mechanical S&G locks and couldn't be happier. The Winchester was made in China, but I'd bought a USA made Winchester (with S&G locks) a few years before at the same Sam's Club, it still works great.

Whatever you buy, stick with a high quality lock.

 

[Slawburger]

I prefer a mechanical dial.

1) I had a small handgun vault with electronic lock that quit working. I had to use the key that I kept in the big safe to open it. I don't like the idea of having a combination lock and needing a key in case it fails. Needing a key defeats the purpose of having a combination lock. That is why the key to the handgun box was in the other safe.

2) Batteries in the programmable thermostat always died on the coldest day of the year. I replaced it with an old dial type. Requires more effort to turn the temp up and down but I don't wake up cold and wondering if I have any spare batteries of the correct size.

Personal preference, but I like the no batteries approach.

 

[BKExpress]

Electronic no question about it.

 

[Brandon]

I like dials.
I like mechanical things.

I don't like having to replace batteries or worry about a board going bad on the safe.
I also have my carry piece(s) out of the safe so getting in it in a hurry is not a concern of mine.

 

[Pinball81]

I've had good luck with electronic. They have gotten fairly sophisticated.

 

[The Keymaster]

Sophisticated does not equal dependable. Mechanical locks that have proven reliable for more than 150 years equal dependable.

 

[BHOWPE]

Why I like my mechanical dial safe:
1) I can lock the dial with a key when away on vaction to make it tougher to defeat.
2) While at home I can dial the first or second numbers to reduce emergency access time. I have a Fenix LD20 flashlight and a headlamp in my nightstand so seeing well enough to dial the final numbers in the middle of the night are not a problem.
3) My dial will work if an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) fries all electronics. Good luck opening your electronic safe lock if that occurs.

 

[Car Ramrod]

I prefer an electronic lock for the ease of getting into the safe, and changing the code in the event it becomes compromised.

Ft. Knox offers a redundant lock system on their safes. It gives you the ease of an electronic lock, but also the ability to use a dial in case the keypad craps out on you for any reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQSsllK-d5c&

 

[The Keymaster]

That is really cool. Ill bet they get a pretty penny for that option.

 

[Bikerdad61]

I like my Cannon with electronic lock. As others said change the battery every 6 months and it's been good to go. Fast and easy access even in darkness.