This article will cover all the best biometric shotgun safe options as well as answer some burning questions about these types of safes.
To answer the question straight away, biometric shotgun safes are indeed a safe bet. Serving as the ideal storage solution for quick access to your shotgun, they are your last layer of defense in an effective whole-home security strategy.
Free Guide: If you’re after some expert advice that covers layered defense strategies for the home with lots of easy-to-apply recommendations, check out our security ideas for your home article.
To learn all of the criteria we use to rank gun safes, see: How We Test Gun Safes
So, are Biometric gun safes worth it?…
Biometric safes that stand vertically make great shotgun storage-type safes and, for some, a quick access deployment safe.
Barska is a top maker of biometric safes that can work great with shotguns or long guns with backup key access.
The Barska HQ800 model comes with an easy-to-access key just in case of a low battery condition or a problem with the fingerprint reader (which is unlikely).
Later in this article, I’ll give you some other budget biometric safes and another type of electronic safe that works similarly to a biometric safe.
It’s always good to know every option before you choose a safe for your firearms.
Are there any good tactical Quick-Access safes?…
There most definitely are good tactical quick-access safes currently on the market. If you’re in a stressful situation where you might have problems quickly inputting a code in a dark room, a biometric safe is an ideal option for quick access as well as storage.
What is the most reliable Biometric gun safe?…
If you want the best of the best, then I have the safe for you! There is a zero-compromise tactical safe that will reliably give you access to your firearms and it’s the Vaultek RS500i WiFi Biometric safe.
It features 4 Quick access points: a 20% OVERSIZED smart Align biometric scanner, a Smart Key nano, a rapid-fire 8-digit backlit keyboard, and manual keys.
The automatic opening front door gives you instant access to valuables, documents, and firearms (all will be linked below).
This is a great option but, in my opinion, there is one better for those on a tighter budget that I’ll show you in a bit.
If you are on a budget, Barska makes some suitable biometric shotgun-safe models for consumers.
Another good feature of Barska Safes is that you can store up to 120 fingerprints, allowing only select users access to the contents in seconds without the need for a combination or a key.
Are Biometric safes reliable?…
Modern biometric safes are as reliable as electronics and batteries will allow. Just look at how much better fingerprint scanner technology improved on smartphones before they got replaced with face scanners.
A biometric shotgun safe could function as a tactical deployment safe, especially the Vaultek.
For those with eyesight problems who are worried about stressful conditions (and may have difficulties remembering a code under stress while quickly typing in a code without making a mistake), a biometric safe could be a lifesaver!
So, to extinguish any concerns, a biometric safe makes a reliable, quick-access dispenser for your firearms.
Do I need a safe for a shotgun?…
In some states, it’s the law to have firearms locked up, especially if there are children in the household. A biometric shotgun safe is a perfect tool for these situations.
So absolutely, a biometric shotgun safe is a must-have for properly protecting your weapons!
Our Top 5 Biometric Shotgun Safe Picks
If I were in the market for a new biometric safe for my shotguns today, these would be the models on my shortlist.
I’d also recommend another purpose-built safe that I currently own that makes a great under-bed solution for home defense: The Hornady Rapid Safe (linked below) gun locker with its touch-free RFID entry.
Hornady’s RFID reader gives you all the quick-access benefits of a biometric safe and also has an electronic keypad and backup key access.
So, here are my top picks from budget models to high-end smart safes, and one bonus recommendation.
Here are your best bets for 2024:
FBI-Certified Biometric Shotgun Safe
If you want the best biometric fingerprint reader on the market that’s ideal for storing shotguns, then look no further! You won’t find a better biometric safe than this one by Verifi.
Tested to meet FBI standards for next-generation identification standards.
Best Fingerprint Reader
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High-resolution 508 DPI fingerprint images with anti-spoof 3d surface skin recognition, i.e. living tissue verification. This is the one to get if you are serious about reliability.
Most Feature-Rich Smart Shotgun Safe
Now, if the high price doesn’t make your wallet squeamish, I highly recommend the Vaultek RS500i Biometric safe.
Vaultek is a solid builder of safes and is known for state-of-the-art high-quality safes.
Smartest Wifi Shotgun Safe
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If this safe is over your budget, I’d recommend the Hornady which is a non-biometric safe but functions well in low light or stressful situations the same way a biometric safe would.
Hornady RFID Wifi Rifle Locker
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Then, I’d recommend the Barska if you are on a budget (coming up next). If you need an even larger safe then the RPNB biometric safe gives you more storage options.
Most Affordable Biometric Shotgun Safe
Barska’s biometric shotgun safe is worth checking out. It features a biometric fingerprint scanner that can store up to 120 different fingerprints with an external battery pack for easy battery replacement (you wouldn’t want them inside the safe, trust me).
Barska’s Biometric 3-Shotgun Safe
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For those that won’t put their lives in the hands of a fingerprint reader, it does come with 2 keys for quick access just in case the batties or biometric reader fails.
Read our Barska review covering the model pictured below.
Pro Tip: Remember, with smaller safes, bolting them down is 100% necessary, and with Barska, it comes with all mounting hardware.
Check out our YouTube review of the Barska model shown above.
Best 5-Gun Biometric Shotgun Safe
Now, if you need more shotgun capacity (up to 5 long guns), then the RPNB biometric safe is a great option.
It features a robust design at 112 pounds, and pre-drilled holes with mounting hardware as bolting down a safe is the only option if you want to protect your firearms.
Check out our YouTube unboxing and overview.
The RPNB Can Store 5 Shotguns
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RPNB is the go-to biometric safe if you need something a little larger.
Read our comprehensive hands-on review of the RPBN electronic rifle safe.
Best RFID Shotgun Safe Option
Hornady’s rapid safe with RFID touchless entry is my next non-biometric top pick. Hornady’s Safe has 3 optional pathways to gain access.
Watch us put the Hornady Rapid Safe through its paces.
Hornady RFID Rapid Safe AR Gun Locker
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The quickest is the RFID reader with the patented RFID technology providing unmatched security from unauthorized users.
Check out our hands-on review of the Hornady Rapid AR-Locker.
Simply place the included RFID wristband, key fob, or decal over the safe’s reader to immediately open and retrieve your firearm.
It also features a touch keypad as a backup to the RFID. In case of a no power condition, 2 circular barrel keys are provided making this the best pick for quick access shotgun safe with redundant safety
Final Thoughts
We could all benefit from investing in a quick-access storage solution for our shotguns and other firearms.
When it comes to home invasions, burglaries, keeping children away from danger, and protecting your family from things that go bump in the night, biometric shotgun safes stand ready at a moment’s notice.
