Barska Gun Safe Reviews: The Name You Can Count On
Your gun makes you feel safe from external threats to your home, property, or person.
It may also be your favorite weapon because it supports your hobby as a hunter or a target shooter; however, a firearm in the wrong hands is a disaster waiting to happen.
All licensed holders for their own security and those of their families should embrace proper storage of firearms. Keeping your gun out of reach of your unauthorized relatives, nosy kids, and strangers is crucial.
Various legislations should govern the process of firearm licensing to include proper storage as a prerequisite.
Barska offers various products to meet the growing need for reliable and affordable gun safes. They pride themselves in offering value, quality, and new technology products. They have an expansive line of gun safes designed to meet your needs.
This review gives you insights into the world of Barska Safes to help you make an informed decision.
Barska Gun Safe Reviews: Affordable, Reliable and Efficient
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AX12674 FV-500 Fireproof Vault
The FV-500’s body is made of thick steel. It has a fireproof rating of 30 minutes at 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. A carpeted interior ensures a smooth and firm surface. This protects your valuables from scratches.
The internal shelves are detachable and adjustable to meet your storage needs. You can set them far apart to accommodate larger items or bring them closer for smaller items.
Its locking system comprises of an electronic keypad lock and two backup keys in the event that the electronic keypad malfunctions, if the battery dies or if you happen to forget the combination.
The lockout mode provides additional safety by disabling keypad entry whenever the incorrect code is entered too many times, thereby preventing any guesswork. The door is tamper resistant. It has a low battery warning function.
The battery can easily be replaced by removing the keypad module.
This version comes with pre-drilled holes on the bottom and the mounting hardware as a package. It is therefore easy to install and you incur minimal installation expenses.
AX11224 Biometric Safe
AX11224, from Barska, uses the biometric technology. It features an exceptional fingerprint sensor that stores up to 30 fingerprints.
You can easily access your valuables or firearms without the headache of having to remember the code combination in stressful situations.
It has a backup key system in the event that the biometric system malfunctions or if the battery dies.
The door is solid and tamper-proof, which makes it difficult for intruders to access your gun or other valuables.
I am glad that the engineers at Barska remembered to add the option to mute the beeping sound as it would not be ideal in situations demanding a stealthy approach.
It comes with a clear manual that helps you operate it. This safe is heavy and must be supported from underneath. The mounting hardware is part of the package. Four AA batteries power the system.
It would be preferable to have a backup power system though.
It is spacious. We had enough space for a few boxes of ammunition after storing our beloved Desert Eagle Mark XIX (6-inch barrel length) in this.
AX11652 Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe
The AX11652 Quick Access Biometric Safe is perfect for storing rifles or shotguns, which you might need, in an emergency. It has an extra top shelf where you can keep a handgun along with a box of ammo or few accessories.
It utilizes the biometric system that stores up to 120 different fingerprints.
It can accommodate three rifles without scopes (tested with 14-inch AR-15 and .22 LR) or two shotguns with ease. It would be great if there were an option to remove the top shelf.
It is high in quality and is California DOJ approved. The beeping sound is helpful if you want to leave it on so that you can monitor any unwanted activities or kids nosing around the safe. It has a silent access option for those who do not like to make a noise.
The door is secure and consists of three solid-steel locking deadbolts at the top, bottom and on the side. It is tamper proof. It comes with the mounting hardware, backup keys, and batteries.
This is a good safe for the price, although I feel it would be better if it were a little larger.
AX11556 Top Opening Biometric Safe
The model AX11556 is a unique top-opening safe from Barska. It utilizes the biometric finger reading technology, which stores up to 30 different fingerprints.
It is big enough to hold two standard sized handguns (I tested it with Glock 27 and 35), several magazines, and other important items or accessories.
An alarm alerts you in case you forget to lock the safe.
However, you can consider turning it off, as it will alert an intruder of your whereabouts in an emergency.
The hydraulic door system facilitates a smooth opening and closing. It comes with two backup keys for manual entry in case the biometric system malfunctions or the battery’s dead.
This safe can fit in a bedside drawer making it easy to access if there is an emergency. You can hide it in various places within the home or even bolt it down.
I recommend keeping a mini torch or motion activated light underside the lid for accessing the firearm in the dark. Also, if you are having issues with the biometric system, then try moistening your finger.
AX11618 Digital Keypad Safe
This operates through a custom created four-digit combination.
The safe comes with a backup key to use if the digital system battery is low or if you don’t remember the correct combination. It is easy to install and operate.
It has a large storage space that fits several items. It was easily able to accommodate three standard sized handguns, a few boxes of ammunition and some cash.
This model can be bolted to the wall or mounted on a desk. It comes with pre-drilled holes at the back and bottom of the safe. Its protective floor mat protects your valuables from scratches.
Its 15.5 inches deep (taking the keypad into the depth as well), contrary to the exterior measurement of 14.5 inches listed on the manufacturer description (this is something to note if you need to decide to store it in a nightstand drawer or cabinet).
It comes with mounting hardware. However, the mounting bolts provided with the unit are good when installing into concrete walls or floors. You need to buy toggle bolts (3/16″) if you are mounting into drywall.
It utilizes an internal battery powered system but has an external battery backup through USB, which uses an adapter requiring a 9v battery. This is a good backup option besides the manual key entry.
Conclusion
Barska has established themselves as a prominent name in Safe industry. They promise value and quality of all their products. They have something for everyone. From the owners of small firearms to those who possess long rifles.
Some of their variants can fit in bedside or nightstand drawers.
These reviews are written to offer you guidance in making an informed decision for you to protect your family.
If you are already using one of their products, then please let us know about your experience (pleasant or otherwise) in the comments section below. We would love to hear what you have to say.
Besides Barska, we have also reviewed safes from GunVault.