Just got my QAP1BE today. I looked into many other quick access pistol safes, but your comprehensive review sealed the deal for me to buy this product. Thanks!!
Good deal Hemi! I hope it works out well for you. Mine still has not misread my prints once!!! I keep expecting it to when I'm getting into it, but it just won't. It thinks for a split second, says "your cool", and opens right up... I'm totally pleased with it. Take care and good luck, G.
This case is rock solid (like other Pelican cases). ru-vid.comUgkx3jMFPw9QX_Iu4DNcjW-t9AZ4_iNhJzhE I paired it with the Master Lock 140T set of padlocks. The US Airways ticket agent that checked the case was impressed by how completely the latches were secured. The case has layers of removable foam cubes that can be easily adapted to the contents of the case and keep everything secure. After declaring its contents to the ticket agent, I was allowed to put this case in other checked luggage. Due to its size and black color, this helped insure that it wasn't misplaced by a baggage handler. TSA was (apparently) happy with the packaging as well. If you plan on flying with more than one of the main items, I would recommend buying a larger Pelican case and just transport the case as another piece of checked luggage.
That's great! I'm sure you're going to love it. Glad the video was helpful. Feedback with how it works for you. Mine has still not ever missed my fingerprint and still opens lightning fast! Good luck, G.
Thanks for the review man! I was looking for a safe to keep my first gun out of children's hands but still allow quick access for my wife and I. This safe looks perfect.
No problem. I like the biometric version better than my standard one. No need to remember a code- which is great for my wife as well. It works flawlessly for me. I think you would be pleased with one. Good luck, G.
Thanks Troy! I'm glad you found the video useful. Not a bad deal there! Mine still works with the biometrics first time, and I've still not replaced the batteries in almost 3yrs. I don't get in it that often, but the batteries still work like day one. Take care, G.
Well thank you sir! I'm glad you liked the video. It's truly an outstanding product in my opinion. It's still running the original batteries I put in it, and still opens lightning fast using the bio reader- and without a single fail. If by chance you pick one up, feed back with your thoughts for me and others. Good luck and take care, G.
We have one. Open with key, buttons, or fingerprints. We are very pleased and impressed how well the bio sensor works every time. Ours is bolted to our heavy headboard. Great product.
Amazon had it on sale again. I had to wait almost a month while it was back ordered and shipped, but it was worth it. They seem to only go on sale at this price once or twice a year.
Thanks Christopher! I'm glad you found the review useful. It is super fast- and I agree speed is everything. Since posting this video it has never missed a single read. While I don't access it every day, it is still running the original batteries I installed any it opens no problem. If you pick one up, feedback with what you think. Good luck and take care, G.
Christopher, my problem is with the gas strut which no longer opens the unit. I open it about once a month, and after two years strut no longer opens it with print, buttons or with key. It is bolted in so I have to use a huge magnet which is ridiculous. sentry has been of no help
@@RD-dt6dm I have the same problem. The gas strut has failed so the safe does not open when unlocked. Is there a replacement strut that can be had for this particular safe?
I just discovered this video over 8 years after the original post. I happened to buy a new in the box nonbiometric model (the one like this without the print acceptor) at an auction in 2014 for $40. He spent 90% of the video playing with the print key. Mine doesn't have that and I have read comments where some cheaper bios will accept any of your prints plus your wife's, plus your daughter's, plus your dog's, but I must say this one looks pretty foolproof. I only open mine a half dozen times a year and my lid strut malfunctioned after about 4 years. He opened that safe as many times as I have opened mine total so I assume the gas leaks out of the strut over time even if unused. I pulled the lid open by hand a few years, but I recently bought a replacement strut (not from Sentry Safe) and it works perfectly now. Some complain about the battery, but since I open mine sparingly so batteries last me about 3 years. For that kind of money I would recommend it even knowing it would eventually need a strut, but if you don't mind spending twice that much then get a Fort Knox gun box. They are the best.
Thanks Dennis. The strut did fail on this one so I moved one from my non biometric safe since I don't use all that often. If you can, please post a link the the strut you ordered. It might help others as well as myself. While I don't get into this one daily, I can say I've never replaced the battery and it still opens to this day. Take care, G.
thanks G! Got it...gonna leave it on the counter to practice for a couple weeks for confidence. .so use to having glock 19 at the ready without any barriers. .but it seems like this will be a safe way to protect from our new boy. (only 11 months but he's a busy boy already)
No problem! It's super fast to get into using the bio function- Probably about 1sec from the swipe. I don't even use the keypad. Mine has still never misread my prints. Yeah, my daughter is the main reason I started locking mine up. Peace of mine with only a small amount of time lost is a winner in my book. Hope it works out for you, G.
Thanks Liz! It's a great product. While I don't access it very often, can you believe it's still running the same batteries just over 3yrs later? If you do pick one up, please feedback with your thoughts. Good luck, G.
***** I just bought one today. Works perfect although my wife's finger doesn't always "wake up" the safe. My finger always wakes up the safe. Strange. Not sure what's going on with my wife's finger. However, once she wakes up the safe by pressing one of the buttons, it reads her finger 100% of the time.
kentpublic I'm not sure what's been going on with this G+ stuff. I was not notified of your response- 4 months ago! I've not tried to see if my wife's finger will wake it up. I guess it could have something to do with them having smaller hands- not sure. Sorry for the late response... But, since it's been 4mo.- are you still liking the safe? G.
***** Yes, I'm still loving the safe. I had it out the other day, and my wife and I both tested it to make sure all is working. Her finger was able to wake up the safe this time.
kentpublic Good deal! Loving mine as well. It never misses a beat. Also good to know it wakes up for your wife as well. I need to test mine- the wife that is...lol. Take care, G.
video helped me greatly with programing the fingers. I read the instructions several times over but I was missing the all so VERY IMPORTANT "Swipe" of the finger. I just place my finger on it and lifted it all. Never took that way after spending 20 minutes trying. Watched this video then it worked on first go around. Thanks a lot
No problem Evan! No, this model as well as the non-biometric model do not have a port for a cable lock. I did review their travel safe as well. It does have a cable lock, but only keyed access. Good luck, G.
got mine today from Costco.com for 139.00 on sale, killer deal. Anyways, was hoping it came with an ac adapter and/or an idea of how long batteries would last with say duracell or even a 10 yr lithium batteries. Quick access and my wife and I love it, no guess on push button numbers, especially if your heart is pounding 100 mph from hearing your door or window being broken 3am! Thanks for the review. Oh wonder how much for extra keys?
Killer deal for sure I would say!!! I think they should add the capability to use an adapter. I guess the length of time the batteries would last is dependent on how much it's used. I don't use mine daily, but it's still running the original batteries I put in it- about 4mo now. I agree about the quick access and not having to remember codes. You would be hard pressed from a dead sleep. Same for me and my wife- nothing to remember and the code is always with you. I'm not sure on extra keys, but a quick call to them would answer your question. If you find out, please feed back. Glad you like yours and good luck, G.
I bought this exact safe from Costco today for 129.99 sadly the keys did not unlock and open the safe at all. So sadly I needed to return it the same day. I really wanted this to work.
It's secure Andrew. It is pry resistant, but I'm sure with some effort it could be pried open, but most anything could be opened with the proper tools and some time. Yes, I trusted mine with my once toddler- she's 5 now. I started educating her early to stay away from it, and she always has. Even if she were to get curious, she would never get into it unless she found the keys. I keep them locked in another safe for good measure. Hope this helps, G.
Been bout 5 years now and lately when i open the safe with my finger it only opens a 1/4" and thats it.before it use to open at least 3" up but lately i have to pry it open with my finger nail.any thoughts? Thanks
Mine recently started doing the same thing. The gas strut is getting weak, and is the problem. I tried to find one online but didn't locate one. I've been meaning to contact Sentry, but haven't got around to it. Good luck, G.
I bought two. one strut one strut failed in a year and one in three years and sentry was a total b1tch. now they are carrying it and it is $25 which is nasty given it fails so quickly.
I'm going to post a link to some struts that are a better deal- here and in your other reply so others can see them. I don't know what sentry is using in terms of lb force, but can't imagine it being more than 15-20lbs. I have not measured mine to see which one would fit either. This is the only place I looked so digging around might reveal an even better price. www.mcmaster.com/#gas-springs/=1bcs164 You can also get a long life "gas spring style" "mechanical spring" (if you can find one that fits) that are quite costly, but might be worth checking into over changing them out over time. They're basically a mechanical spring in a gas spring form factor. They don't have gas or seals so they should pretty much last forever. Good luck, G.
+BoY860 I'm still using the same batteries in mine. I don't get into it very often, which I'm sure helps them last longer. I guess it would depend on how may times it's accessed as to how long they would last. I don't believe there is any warning. Good luck, G.
+David Mendoza I guess you could mount it to a wall David. Try to run through the setup procedure again if it's not taking your prints or code. I put this up several years ago, so they might have changed the procedure but am not sure. Mine still works flawlessly and has never missed a print. Feedback with your results. Good luck, G.
I have had a old Sentry safe with the keypad like on a phone or laptop and it has worked fine for 27 years only thing I had to do was occasionally change the batteries. It is heavy enough I never bolted it down figured if they wanted it bad enough to carry it and all that was in it then maybe I should just let them try to walk off with it and at least let them get into rifle range before calling 911. lol
Great review and a really good product. Do the codes (digital and finger) remain in the system if the battery goes dead (does it have a non volitle memory?) Thanks- f
I don't believe so. You only need to change the default code to something random- then you can forget it. Providing you can get into the safe with the bio or the key- it could always be changed again. I never use the keypad anyway since the bio works flawlessly. Good luck, G.
***** Yes I'm really happy with it. I actually bought two. Have one for the front of my place, and one for the bedroom. I'm in CA so the front one is near the front door in case there's an intruder in my place when I come home (this actually happened a month or so ago... found strange man in my bathroom). In my county, it's almost impossible to get a CCP from our liberal sheriff's office. So the compromise is keeping this safe right by the front door so I have a weapon to grab as I come in (yes, it's not optimal, but it's all I can really do in this state, and better than being armed only with my EDC knife until I can get into my apt and grab a gun).
James Burwell Strange man in the bathroom seems like a good reason to to have one by the front door as you enter. My guess is he was searching for prescription meds- or was just looking to floss and shower up- who knows! I say do what works for you as the "first responder". It's a great product in my opinion. I'm curious where you picked yours up? Sentry sent me the biometric version for review so I don't know where they're available other than HD- but online only in my area I think. I have the non-biometric version as well but really think this one is way better even though it costs a bit more. It's lightning fast to get into, as you know, and there's no need to enter a code if you don't want to. For me, it makes perfect sense for me as well as my wife so there's little thought, and you have what you need quickly- when you need it! You're the first one that's made a comment on my review that actually has one. I can see you like it just as I do. Thanks James and take care, G.
***** I bought mine from Amazon here: www.amazon.com/Sentry-Biometric-Quick-Access-Pistol/dp/B00EXQW672/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top As for the guy in my house, he claimed he thought he was in a friend's house. Was a Chinese guy that seemed fairly fresh-off-the-boat-ey. He got into my apartment by jumping over a wall from the stairwell to my balcony (easy) and then removing my screen, reaching in, and opening the balcony door from the inside. Before I had saw this I thought I'd left my door unlocked by accident. I basically decided to take the guy's word for it, since absolutely nothing was disturbed in my place. Nothing even touched or stolen. I came home and noticed a light on which I *never* leave on. I wasn't sure if there was anyone in the house, and no one was making any noise. So I decided to go carefully and quietly with my knife drawn and peak into the room where I kept my firearms. I saw that the guns that are normally out in the open were still in their places (unloaded guns), and the hidden ones I could tell were likely still in their hiding places. I stepped into my master bedroom with the knife, saw the guy standing in my bathroom with the lights off looking at himself in the mirror. He started to turn as I grabbed my loaded 1911 from its hiding place. He seemed very surprised, and terrified to see me there with a .45 in low ready. He explained that he thought he was in his friends place, had no bad intentions, etc. I escorted him out of my apartment, called the police, and verified that nothing was missing. Nothing was. Nothing was even moved. Only thing he apparently touched was the light switch. Police didn't find him. Very odd thing to happen in a fairly upscale neighborhood in Silicon Valley. But this is what prompted me to get the safe and have a "door gun" in place in case anything like this happened again. More details on my FB page (facebook.com/jsburwell/posts/10151778864740847?stream_ref=10) , and I think I have a video of him (I'm almost positive from an outside security cam) on my youtube page.
I can change the digital code, but trying to change to fingerprint is giving me a fit. It seems like the scanner is dead. I'm being told by customer service that I can use either digital or biometric, but not both. How can I change to the print scanner? Thanks very much.
Jeff, unless they've changed something, the process should be exactly as I've shown here. On mine, I can use either the scanner or the keypad. I actually use both throughout the video. Does the light light up on the reader if you press a button? If so, follow the video again to see if it will take the prints. If not, there might be something wrong with it- like you said. I downloaded the latest manual from their site, and the setup procedure looks just like what I've shown here. Hope this helps, G.
What does it mean when the safe door will no longer lock? I just got this safe and after getting the hang of setting the fingerprints (biometric version) and now the door will no longer remain shut.
+Matthew Fleischer I'm not too sure Matthew, but mine has never done that. To me, it sounds like something is wrong with it. Perhaps you can exchange it, or maybe call Sentry to see what they have to say. Good luck, G.
I see you had the strut issue. You should update this to put some pressure on Sentry to send replacement struts at reasonable rate. I bought two of the non-fingerprint model in 2013. one strut failed in one year the second in three years. it would no longer open. this is common you can see dozens of people on amazon reviews, literally 75% of people who reviewed after owning it for two or three years, with failed struts. Sentry told me in 2014 there was no known issue (BS). now they have begun selling htem but without a few spares this thing will again be garbage after a few more years. If you replace your strut consider even that means at some point in two to four years it will again fail, and by then sentry will probably no longer provide spare struts for sale.
Yes, I am. I'm going to post a link to some struts that are a better deal- here and in your other reply so others can see them. I don't know what sentry is using in terms of lb force, but can't imagine it being more than 15-20lbs. I have not measured mine to see which one would fit either. This is the only place I looked so digging around might reveal an even better price. www.mcmaster.com/#gas-springs/=1bcs164 You can also get a long life "gas spring style" "mechanical spring" (if you can find one that fits) that are quite costly, but might be worth checking into over changing them out over time. They're basically a mechanical spring in a gas spring form factor. They don't have gas or seals so they should pretty much last forever. Good luck, G.
I have a QAP1BE model, the light is flashing red non stop evrey 10 seconds and the cover doesn't pull up when I use either fingerprint or digital code... Need help please
Great review. I am weighing this pistol safe vs the new GunBox (which is $140 more). Does this one have a cable option to secure it to a bed leg or car seat frame? I didn't hear you cover that (I apologize if you did).
Thanks Michael! No, this unit does not have the capability to use a cable to secure it. You might be able to make something work, but it doesn't out of the box. I took a quick peek at the gunbox and personally do not like the RFID function. It sounds good in theory to just use your wristband, wave it over the safe, and it will then open. In my opinion, this is a key that children, etc. could get their hands on and open the safe. I could be wrong about it's function, but this is a huge red flag for me as I have a small child. Please do your research and make the best decision for you. I do really like this safe and it has worked every time I've used my prints. Thanks and good luck, G.
***** You can get the GunBox with biometric entry AND RFID and leave the wrist bands in the big gun safe (I agree with you completely and my wife noticed that right off the bat). The Sentry is half the price so I may get the GunBox to go under the seat in her car (and use the cable to attach to the search frame) and then a Sentry for the nightstand that has the child proofing on the drawer. What do you think?
michael lappin That's what I would do, just leave the bands in another safe. That would make me feel better for sure. I can't really speak for the gunbox, but can for the biometric Sentry. I would definitely recommend the Sentry for the nightstand. I think you would like it. It is super fast to get into. I wonder how well/fast the gunbox is? I have the non-biometric version as well but like the biometric version much better. If you pick up either safe, or both, let me know what you think. Good luck, G.
Thanks! I start going through the programing at this point. Start from there and find the section you need for your application. Hope this helps, G. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-001syVM1pS8.html
Hello @ghostses thanks for the review. Just bought my first handgun, and came across this video while looking for a safe for my gun. Seems pretty awesome. I know Sentry sent this to you, so I'm assuming at the time you didn't own this. Just wondering if you do own this now, and if you would recommend it? Have you had any issues with it? Thanks!
Dustin, I did respond to you when you posted this but don't see my comments for some reason. They did send me this safe for review, as well as a portable/travel safe I have posted in another video. The let me keep the safe(s) they sent me. I use the biometric safe as my primary go-to and use the non-biometric version I originally purchased and reviewed in another spot in my home. The portable version I use from time to time in my vehicles. To answer your questions, I HIGHLY recommend the biometric version. It has never misread my prints once. It just works every time without problem- and is super fast. I've had no problems with it at all and trust it fully for quick reliable access. If it ever quits working, I will be buying another without question. I hope this helps, G.
One question I gotta ask G, when the battery's fail I assume you can only access it using the key. Do the instructions say what the battery life is for it? Thanks again for another great review, I think I know what to ask Santa for now. :-)
Larry, yes- when the batteries fail you have to use the key to change them. All codes, etc. will remain though. There's no reference on how long the batteries would last. It would primarily depend on how many times you open it up I would guess. I can say for the non-biometric one I've had for about a year- I get about 3-4mo. life with casual use. I think it would really depend on how many times someone would access it. We would all be different in that aspect. Santa should be asked for sure. I truly and honestly like this product thus far. Thanks, G.
My fingerprint reader does not wake up when I tap it neither the light tap, it only wakes up when I press a button, then I can swipe open. Is it a certain model that does not do that or I might have a defective one?
Jesse, I don't know if they've changed anything since my posting this video. As shown, mine does wake up with a tap. I would refer to the manual on yours. If it doesn't work as written, exchange it. Good luck, G.
It is super fast for sure- I was really surprised. I've been using it for about a month now and it's never missed once. I think you would be satisfied if you get one. Good luck, G.
Do you know if you can add a DC adapter on the 9V instead of using AA batteries? I checked on Amazon, which is the item called HQRP 9V Battery Snap Connector and AC Adapter for 9-Volt / Radio / Square / 6LR61 / 7.2H5 / 6KR61 / 6HR61 / PP3 / MN1604 Clip Holder Cable Power Supply Cord + Euro Plug Adapter. Not sure if you can use it in place of using batteries. If you never test that theory, can you please test it? Thanks
Paul, there is no reason you couldn't use an external power supply in place of the batteries, but be aware it's not a 9v system. It runs on 4AA batteries so the voltage going to the unit would be about 6v. I'm not sure if the circuitry could handle 9v without damage- so I would look for a 6v supply. It would be nice if they would add the feature to plug in an external supply. Good luck, G.
***** Thanks for your advice.6v supply. Do you think you can write or contact with the manufacturer Sentry since they sent you the Biometric version to review it. Please ask them about the option to add 6v adapter or some sort. Do demo review on it?
***** I did mention it to them originally. I was told they would pass it on to the development team. I can say I still have the original batteries in mine since posting the video and they are still working fine. Granted I don't use it every day so lifetime would depend on that. G.
what does it mean if it keeps blinking red and it wont let me use the reset button. how can i reset it i have just got this and was trying to set it up
@@ghostses yes that was all that needed to be done thanks, the safe is a get way to store ur firearm in your truck without the worry of anyone stealing and being able to get to it.. love it
Good deal Mike! Glad you got it sorted out. I have the non-bio, bio version, and one more that has a cable and key only for vehicle storage. The bio is my favorite. I have reviews on each so check them out if you need one for different needs. Take care, G.
Yup, the lifting strut will fail at some point. I've been looking for a replacement without going through Sentry, but have not yet found a direct replacement. A mechanical spring would've been a better option. Take care, G.
+Len Pavia It will keep the stored prints and codes if you remove the batteries. If you close it without the batteries installed, or if they die- you will need to use the key to access it. Hope this helps, G.
+Len Pavia Oh, I do see it does look that way in the video Len. The battery tray I had laying there has two wires connected to it that run into the tray compartment. You just can't see them on the video. Hope that clears up any confusion. Good luck, G.
I don't know. If the batteries are removed and it's allowed to fully dry, it might still work. If that were to happen I would use the key to open it and remove the batteries to minimize the risk of shorting something out. Good luck, G.
Yes you can. When the batteries die, the key is the only way in so you can install new ones. The codes will remain even if the batteries die. Pop in some new ones and move on. Good luck, G.
yes. but if you mount on a wall you probably want to put a good size magnet in there to reduce chance of gun tumbling out. same as with thinner in wall safes where gun can fall out as you open it
Hippie Nation That's cool! If you get one, test it out and let me know what you think. It's a great product in my opinion- never misses a beat! Take care, G.
Just received mine. I used flush head bolts and mounted it into a hidden drawer. Can't seem to be satisfied with where to keep the key though. Seems that nowhere is good enough.
+Trey Hair That's cool Trey! What do you think of it so far? Mine still has never missed a read. LOL, I understand about the key. I also have a small home safe that I keep important documents and other firearms in. That's where I keep my keys. Take care, G.
Raphael, I honestly believe I'm using the original batteries with this safe. If not- they've only been changed once since posting this review. Mind you, It's not accessed all that often, so that would factor in on how long they would last. Hope this helps, G.
Joel Alexander Thanks Joel! It is a great product for sure. I also have their non-bio version as well as the portable safe they offer. This is by far my pick of the three. I've still not changed out the batteries since posting this review but keep in mind I don't access it all that often. It has never once not opened on the first try. If you do pick one up, please feedback with your thoughts. Good luck and take care, G.
Bad safe after 1 year safe sensor misreads fingerprints if there’s an intruder gun safe won’t release or open best to have gun with you in your nightstand
I've never had that problem Erik. Mine still works fine with my original prints. I would try entering them again and test it frequently, or go with something else you can depend on. Good luck, G.
BUYER BEWARE! This safe is terrible because the spring and strut fail after a very short time. This means that the lid will not open which will require you to pry it open. Certainly you can replace the strut and spring but you are better off getting a higher quality product.
Still works great for me, but yes- if the cylinder fails, replace it. What higher quality product do you recommend? Please say why, and provide the link. It might help others out. G.
