Gun safe electronic locks?

[GSPHUNTER]

I wa recently having issues with my dial tumbler. it would sometimes take several try to gain access to the safe. After doing research I decided to go with electronic lock. When they first came out there were some issues but the new ones are very dependable. My choice was, stay with what I had and risk being locked out or going with electronic and maybe having issues down the road. The only thing I was warned about when changing was be certain relocker bolt is in proper position when job is complete, if it wasn't and it dropped when I closed the safe, well that would be a Sh*t out of luck situation. If you decide to install one, just be certain to follow all installation steps and make sure relocked bolt is in proper position.

 

[WCB]

All my safes and my fathers safes (6 total) are wheel locks. Zero issues and two are over 30 years old. I am in and out of my safes every couple days. I have had too many problems with electronic key pad type locks at work...on the gargae, etc.

 

[Beendare]

Del

 

[Freelance]

My large one is keyed. I have a couple of small gun lockers with RFID sensors and a keypad, which are both convenient, but they also have a key backup. I wouldn't trust the electronics without the physical backup.

 

[Grumman]

My electronic one locked me out for a week. Finally let me open it and I didn’t shut it back until I installed the mechanical dial in it. Mechanical for me here on out.


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[turbobrick]

I'm a locksmith, and I've drilled many, many safes due to lock failures. Personally, I'd never trust a safe with a S&G, LaGard, or any off brand electronic locks. On the other hand, S&G mechanicals are still the best. My personal safes have AMSEC ESL10XL electronic locks, and this is what I sell and install the most of. In my nearly 20 year career, I've only ever had to drill one failed ESL, and that was after a drunk bartender decided to change the batteries, reversed the polarity, and let it sit until it melted down. With a quality electronic lock, I'd say that reliability is on par with mechanical locks, contrary to popular belief mechanicals fail on a regular basis.

 

[cod007]

My first Cannon safe had a LaGard electronic pad. (As stated above). It failed after I had it for just a couple years. Luckily, I did some research that disclosed the fact that some of the electronic pads ‘crystallize’ internally. Also, sometimes you can get them to work (temporarily again) by applying heat from a hair dryer on them. Fortunately this trick worked for me. I was then able to order a new keypad and replace it myself without too much trouble.
Ive had both electronic pads and dial style and prefer electronic. I’m in and out of my safes often and I find the electronic so much quicker.

 

[BladeRimfire]

I have 3 safes with electronic locks. Never had an issue. I am very fortunate having so for the ability to change the code when I so desire

 

[chutinlead]

If you go electronic, treat the keypad like an open jug of gasoline. I have carpet in the room before my safe and had built up a static charge. Zapped the keypad and the top half no longer worked. Ruined a night at the range, but had a backup mechanical key(that I couldn't find that night).

 

[isocyanate]

I ordered my rhino earlier in the year, paid extra for the mechanical….