I have been looking into getting a handgun for a bit, but my biggest worry was that I have two boys, ages 4 1/2 and 2 in the house. Kids find a way to get into anything, and at this point in time they are still to young to get any real gun training so found a solution that even satisfies my wife. (Note: credit to newbsauce for the recommendation)

It's called a Biobox (bioMETRX Inc. :: BioBox) basically a fingerprint operated safe. Has cable lock that can only be removed when box is open and recognizes two sets of prints. Comes with backup battery unit that plugs right into the box for extra backup in case 1st set wears out. The emergency backup keys will be stored in the safety deposit box in our bank that the kids have no access to. Wife and I tried it today and opens quickly (<1-2 sec) without a hitch, and refused to open with any other of our fingers. So basically, a safe with no "key" for the kids to find and open. Quick access for us, no access for the kids.


Pics of loaded gun in box. FN Herstal FNP-9mm loaded with 147 grain Federal Hydrashok. 16+1 rounds with two spare clips. (Note: for gun fanatics, that lever is NOT a safety, it's a decocking lever b/c gun is DA/SA)

 

that is a great solution...

 

Nice, thanks for the info.
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I absolutely have to get one of these.

I didn't worry at first since my daughter was only a baby, but now that she is turning 2 this month, she has developed a knack for getting into things.

I have also never looked into any safes because it just seems like too much of a hindrance in a panic situation.

This definitely looks like the best solution all around.

 

nice i still have to get my pistol now that i'm no longer in my parent's home where they will not allow it. though i do have my mossberg for around the house gunfights

where are you keeping the box? is it hangable?

 

How much?

found it

http://www.amazon.com/Sequiam-BIOBOX.../dp/B000XFVYKW

 

Thank god I dont have to worry about kids around my guns (for now anyway). I will have to find a solution one day though, cant have this many guns without some kind of safe. Looks like a good solution though, I may look into one for myself. Love the pistol by the way.

 

sweet FN, those are baller. and its a magazine, not a clip.

 

Not to threadjack or be a douche, but Ive heard a few times you shouldnt keep the clips loaded because it ruins the spring memory. Dunno if theres new crap going on with that because I dont check out gun stuff alot so feel free to ignore me.

 

Stored over years or decades maybe, but I dont think months is an issue. My daily carry pistol only has the mag removed and/or emptied every few months (think the last time was probably 6 months ago) when I find time to go to the range. I keep 2 spare mags at bed side that havent been touched in probably a year, and just checking them now... feels like the same old stiff spring. I should give my guns more attention, just dont have the time lately. Used to shoot every wheekend.

 

If your pistol is to be used for home defense, it's best to keep the mag loaded. "Hey intruder, FREEZE!!! And could you just stay frozen for a second while I put these rounds in?" It's really a non-issue with a modern weapon.

Hopefully you're going down to the range 2-3 times per year to keep up some basic proficiency and putting a couple hundred rounds downrange anyways.

 

That fingerprint reader looks like the one on my dell, and it sucks, doesn't work well at all. Did you have any problems with it recognizing your finger Tom? Its the only reason I would be weary of getting one.

 

I have an older safe like this that has an hand outline with pushbuttons for each finger. You punch in the code of your choice and the front door pops down. You can even do it in the dark. Great idea, but unfortunately the electronic parts failed after just over a year and now it only works with a key. I gotta get me one like this. Neat stuff.

 

I use a number safe from WalMart...but I never keep the gun in there...easier to keep it on the night stand (no kids) Good idea...if I had seen it before - would have gotten one.

BTW, nice FN...what is your spread at normal distance? I shoot a .40 with a spread of 2" at 30 yards.

 

The reader itself may or may not be like your dell, but the algorithms they use are not like the ones used in your Dell. A reader is only as good as the algorithms behind it.

 

Using the safety cable, box is attached to bed frame and tucked under the bed. You can get a mount as well to mount it anywhere you'd like.


Retail is 249.99, but got it NIB on ebay for 192 with free shipping.


Probably a bit ----, but since it comes with three magazines, I'll probably rotate out loaded mags to give springs a rest and also gives me a reason to check the operation of the box periodically.


Haven't gotten enough range time yet. Just got the gun before going on vacation last week, but I was much better with it for my first time using it than the glocks that I've fired. Not knocking the glock at all, I just personally don't shoot well with it.


That was my biggest concern as well, but the box works extremely well. No problems.

 

From what I understand springs wear out from working, not from remaining in any static state (loaded up or not). I've heard of AR mags that were loaded for decades and still worked no problem when the time came.

I had a box like that but with the keypad entry- it was great when I had idiot roomates. I don't anymore so I gave it to a friend with kids- he loves it now too..

Nice FN I'd personally recommend any of the 124gr +P loads though. (ducks from flames) I've put Gold Dots and Golden Sabres of that variety into water jugs and they expand big & hold together very well.

 

have you tried the photocopied fingerprint test?

 

Funny you should mention that. I copied my finger at work (highest resolution) and tried. It did not open despite trying like 20+ times. Also below from the manufacturer's website:

Q: Can someone cutoff my finger and try to use it to open the BioBox?
A: No, BioBox uses technology that detects live fingers for scanning, so in the unfortunate event that a detached finger is used to attempt access the unit will not open.

 

If someone is desperate enough for a handgun that they cut off your finger to get it, I say let them have it. Guns arent that hard to come by.