In this article, we’ll be giving you our in-depth and hands-on review of one of those safes: The Barska Biometric Rifle Safe.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about this popular rifle safe through our hands-on experience with it.
Our Video Review
Below, you can see a quick video review (featured on our YouTube channel) that goes over what comes with the Barska biometric rifle safe, how to reprogram it, and how many rifles you can fit inside.
To learn all of the criteria we use to rank gun safes, see: How We Test Gun Safes
Barska Biometric Rifle Safe Review
The Barska Biometric 4-Gun Rifle Safe is a reliable and secure solution for gun owners looking to keep their firearms protected while ensuring quick and convenient access.
In this review, we will explore the little brother in the Barska rifle safe line-up and explore its features, contents, and reasons why this safe stands out as an excellent value for the money.
Quick-Access Biometric Reader
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Note:
- The model we’re reviewing is listed as the “4-position” rifle safe while the middle of the pack is a “12-position” and the big brother is a large “16-position” safe. There is a significant price increase as you jump up in size with the 4-position model being the best value option.
- We can infer that “position” is simply the number of racks it comes with and does not denote the number of rifles it can comfortably store.
- All three safes use identical biometric scanners but the bigger models offer some additional features internally to make the best use of those extra cubic feet of real estate.
Here Are The Key Features Of The Barska Biometric Rifle Safe:
Biometric Fingerprint Scanner:
- The highlight of the Barska Biometric Safe is its advanced biometric fingerprint scanner.
- This cutting-edge technology allows for all three safes to use identical biometric scanners but the bigger models offer some additional features internally to make the best use of those extra cubic feet of real estate.
- Quick and secure access to the safe with the touch of a finger.
- The scanner can store and recognize multiple fingerprints, making it convenient for authorized users.
Solid Steel Construction:
- This rifle safe is constructed with solid steel, providing exceptional durability and strength.
- The thick steel walls, tamper-proof hinges, and a pry-resistant door offer reliable protection against unauthorized access and forced entry attempts.
Ample Storage Capacity:
- With a 4-gun capacity, the Barska safe offers sufficient space to store rifles, shotguns, or other firearms.
- The interior is lined with soft foam to protect firearms from scratches and damage.
- The removable shelf provides flexibility in organizing the stored firearms and additional accessories.
Backup Access Options:
- In addition to the biometric fingerprint scanner, the safe also provides backup access options.
- It includes two traditional keys and a digital keypad for manual entry using a PIN code, ensuring access even if the fingerprint scanner malfunctions or the batteries run out.
Pre-Drilled Mounting Holes:
- The safe is equipped with pre-drilled mounting holes and comes with mounting hardware, allowing for easy installation on the floor, wall, or inside closet.
- This feature adds stability and further enhances the security of the safe.
Unboxing Experience
We can confirm that everything shown in the product picture is included in the box. The box took a beating by the time it arrived at our doorstep but the contents inside were sufficiently protected and all of the accessories were intact and present.
This Barska 4-gun safe comes with the following:
- 1 Barska safe
- 2 spare keys that will grant you access via the hidden keyhole should the electronics fail
- 4 generic AA alkaline batteries (we recommend using a better brand of alkaline or lithium AA cells)
- 1 external battery box to power the locking mechanism externally (should the batteries inside die)
- 4 sturdy zinc-plated steel anchor bolts for mounting firmly to the floor or wall
- 1 Allen key to remove the access plate that covers and conceals the hidden keyhole
- 1 owner’s manual.
First Impressions
This Barska safe looks to be fairly well made sporting a semi-gloss black finish that is slightly textured yet smooth to the touch.
The chrome plating on the safe handle adds a bit of flash and looks classy. The Barska Safe logo at the top is well-placed and securely adhered to the door.
The circular biometric device is made of metal but the faceplate section is just a plastic piece. This safe is a lot smaller in person and we were expecting it to be a bit larger for a safe advertised as a “4-gun” safe.
This baby Barska is closer in size to a gym locker that weighs a modest 62 lbs. It will benefit greatly from using the included anchor bolts as it lacks the necessary weight to stay in place due to its narrow footing (especially on thick carpets or uneven flooring).
All safes should be bolted down anyway- even the large and heavy ones- so that’s not a complaint, just an observation!
Setup & Programming
Fortunately, this Barska safe is really easy to set up and can store up to 120 fingerprints using various fingers at different angles to help the scanner easily recognize your fingerprints and reliably unlock them every time.
We shot a short video showing you exactly how to program the safe to get you up and running fast!
In this video, we demonstrate how reliable the fingerprint scanner is. The results are fairly definitive of what we’ve come to expect from modern Barska biometric readers.
We give the biometric scanner an A for its speed and reliable performance.
Storage Capacity
This baby Barska is marketed as a long gun safe that can store up to 2 rifles with optics installed or 4 rifles without optics but as you will see in our video, it’s best suited for shotguns or small-caliber hunting rifles.
The door width when fully open is on the narrow side while the interior opens up a bit more to make it possible to store 2 to 3 AR or AK-type rifles in an angled orientation.
It’s probably not the best option for the quick removal of said rifles but a single shotgun rig seems to fit the bill much better for defensive retrieval in this size of safe.
As stated in the opener, Barska does have two larger gun safes in their lineup if you need a bit more room.
If storage is all you’re after, this safe will accommodate up to 3 rifles when situated properly so long as you remove the magazines and don’t have large scopes mounted.
There is enough room on the top shelf to keep some magazines, a box of ammo, or a backup pistol as well.
Pros & Cons
The Pros of this Barska Biometric Safe do outweigh the Cons but some of the cons might be a dealbreaker for those needing a bit more space.
A lot of these cons can be mitigated by going with the next size up though.
What We Like:
- Decent Build Quality
- Reasonably-Priced
- Fast Biometric Reader
- Reliable Electronic Entry
- Backup Key Lock
- Easy Setup
- Compact Enough To Fit Into Tight Spaces
- Has Locking Bolts On Top & Bottom
- Survived Shipment In One Piece
What We Don’t Like:
- A Bit Cramped Inside
- No Felt Lining For The Sides, Back, Or Shelf (Only The Floor)
- Won’t Fit Rifles Over 23″ Without Removing The Top Shelf
- Must Be Bolted Down For Stability
- Foam Rack Doesn’t Adhere Very Well
- Only Has One 5/8″ Diameter Locking Bolt Per Side
Who This Safe Is For
Who It’s For:
- This safe is made for those looking for a compact safe that can be placed in a closet without taking up too much space and can be more easily hidden in the right locations.
- It’s also great for being able to store up to 4 average-length rifles, albeit cramped, in a small footprint so long as you’re not needing to pull them out often.
- It’s also a good choice for use as a single shotgun safe for home defense purposes because the biometric reader works reliably and is fast and responsive.
Who It’s Not For:
- This safe is not for those who have AR-15s or AK-47s that are decked out with lots of accessories and optics and don’t want to remove those things and risk losing their zero.
- Plus, it’s a pain to remove a bunch of accessories on any rifle just to make room for your safe’s capacity limits.
Key Takeaways
We like this smaller compact biometric offering by Barska and feel it meets a specific niche of clientele who only need enough space to store a rifle or shotgun while having the advantages of a smaller footprint that’s easier to incorporate into a dedicated space in your home.
Here are the key takeaways of the Barska Biometric 4-Gun Rifle Safe:
- Advanced biometric fingerprint scanner for quick and secure access.
- Solid steel construction and tamper-proof features for enhanced security.
- Ample storage capacity and removable shelf for organizational flexibility.
- Backup access options with keys and digital keypad.
- Easy installation with pre-drilled mounting holes and included hardware.
The Barska Biometric 4-Gun Rifle Safe offers several advantages that make it an exceptional value for the price:
- Biometric Convenience: The biometric fingerprint scanner allows for quick and hassle-free access to the safe. It eliminates the need to remember and enter a PIN code, and the ability to store multiple fingerprints makes it convenient for multiple authorized users.
- Secure and Durable: With its solid steel construction and tamper-proof features, this safe ensures reliable protection against unauthorized access. The pry-resistant door and backup access options further enhance its security.
- Ample Capacity and Flexibility: The 4-gun capacity, removable shelf, and foam lining provide ample space to store firearms and accessories. The customizable interior allows for organizing the safe according to your preferences and needs.
Where To Buy
The best place to buy the Barska biometric rifle safe is on Amazon. Optics Planet is our second choice when Amazon runs out of stock.
Barska Biometric Rifle Safe
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Amazon is usually the lowest price available online and with their hassle-free returns, there’s no chance of getting stuck with the bill should anything go wrong with your order.
Q&A Section
In this section, we tackle the most frequently asked questions we get about the Barska biometric 4-gun rifle safe.
How many fingerprints can the biometric scanner store?
The biometric fingerprint scanner can store 125 fingerprints, making it convenient for several authorized users.
Can I change the PIN code on the digital keypad?
Yes, the safe allows for easy reprogramming of the PIN code, providing flexibility and security.
Is the safe fireproof?
The Barska Biometric 4-Gun Rifle Safe is not fireproof. If fire resistance is a priority, consider exploring dedicated fireproof safes.
Final Thoughts
The Barska Biometric 4-Gun Rifle Safe combines advanced biometric technology, solid steel construction, and ample storage capacity to offer gun owners a secure and convenient solution for firearm storage.
The included features, ease of installation, and overall value make the Barska safe an excellent investment for gun owners seeking reliable security.
