Barska AX11224 Biometric Fingerprint Security Home Safe Box 0.79 Cubic Ft, Black

Nice product. I ordered this via Amazon Warehouse Deals. Stated it was "Used-Like New Condition" in "original packaging". It was about $15-$20 less than ordering a "New" one via Amazon. Arrived in two-days (I have Prime). Packaging was "adequate". It was in the original manufacturer packaging, just appeared to have been "re-sealed" (probably after inspection by Amazon.....maybe a return?). I think Barska could probably include a bit more styro-foam or other protective packaging material. The way mine was packaged, I could envision it potentially getting banged up during "rough" shipping. Mine arrived with no damage that I could see. Programmed it per the directions and it has worked flawlessly so far. I mounted mine to the floor using the 3/8" drop-in anchors I had (I don't like the "sleeve" type of anchor that was included). I have all the needed tools (i.e. rotary hammer) for such an install so it was fairly straight forward.This safe is larger than I expected (I guess I should have looked closer at the dimensions in the ad). It would NOT fit under my bed due to it's height. That's where I'd wanted to originally install, but had to install elsewhere. Check dimensions before you order to make sure it will fit where you want. This safe will hold quite a bit. If you are looking for something to hold a single handgun and some ammo or a bit or jewelry, you probably should look at the Barska mini-biometric safe. This safe is the perfect size if you have a handgun or two, ammo, small jewelry box, important papers (not fire-resistant though....), etc.Other reviewers have complained about the volume of the "beeps". I don't think they are disturbingly loud. I like that the safe beeps if the door is left open for a few minutes. The door is quite heavy-duty but opens easily. The gauge of the steel of the rest of the safe is "adequate". A reasonably determined thief with some basic tools (big pry-bar, angle-grinder, sawzall, etc.) and a bit of time would likely be able to gain entrance to the safe. So if you are looking for ultimate security for your valuables, you should probably look elsewhere. I would guess that those purchasing safes of this size in this price range recognize that they are not buying a bank vault and simply want something to provide some reasonable security for their valuables or to keep firearms away from their children. This safe serves those purposes VERY well.The finger print scanner has worked flawlessly so far. I programmed a couple of my fingers. Long term? Who knows. Barska and their biometric safes have a good reputation and generally positive user reviews. Any technology, even the push-button Simplex type locks, can have problems. To me the convenience of the biometric fingerprint scanner was worth it to not have to remember another combination. I would recommend this product highly if the size fits your needs, you are comfortable with the biometric scanner technology and understand that it likely would not keep out a really determined thief with some common tools and time to spend.

I have, over the weeks I have owned the Barska, opened and closed the safe dozens of times. With freshly washed hands, dirty hands, morning hands, evening hands, etc. Only once did I have to scan my thumb twice. I am entirely happy with the safe. As for "the beep" some reviewers complained about so much - you can now deactivate it if you want to. I set it up to recognize both of my thumbs (I input each thumb twice) and the safe for my wife. Only the one time has it required a second scan to open. It is well built and well thought out and works well. I bought the Barska because it had the most Amazon reviews and the highest rating of comparable biometric safes. I'm glad I did. A great product.Update August 8, 2012 - I have now owned this safe for several months. I randomly test out the biometric reader. I began to get occassional rejections (once or twice before it accepted my thumbprint). I realized that I had begun to push my thumb into the scanner area further than when I initially set it up. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM. I simply added more thumb scans to the memory of the safe with my thumb jammed into the scanner area, the sides of my thumb, any variation that I felt I hadn't done the first time around. Now, first scan, every time. I have decided to ONLY use my thumb. It felt natural, and that way if I do ever have to access the safe in a high stress situation, I will instinctually jam my thumb into the scanning area without having to think. I have also added a tiny battery powered, motion activiated LED light to the inside of the safe (from IKEA, intended for kitchen drawers). How much do I trust this safe? I now have a loaded .38 in the safe. I have a four year old daughter. If I felt that the safe was not trustworthy, there is no way I would ever put a loaded handgun in it. I believe it will open when it is supposed to open, and stay locked when it is supposed to stay locked. I will continually fiddle with it to make sure it remains trustworthy, but I am quite happy. By the way, with some adhesive backed velcro, the small piece of carpet in the bottom of the safe can be easily secured in place, while still being removable.Update 11/19/12 This safe opens every time I stick my thumb on it. It has never opened for anyone that isn't registered to open it. I like the beeps that sound if the door is left open for more than five minutes. Buy it, it works really well.Update 8/20/13 Continued reliable operation for both my wife and myself. We now have a five year old daughter and a two year old daughter. I'll say again, if I did not trust this safe completely, there is no way I would ever keep loaded guns in it. It currently holds my 9mm and my wife's 380. Both are loaded and ready to be grabbed if needed. It may also be helpful to know that the two handguns sit side by side quite easily with plenty of space to reach in and grab what you want quickly. Because I need to sell some guns, I have two other handguns in the rear of the safe, and it holds them all easily.