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MVB500 Features: -Unique No-Eyes keypad for quick access. -Heavy gauge steel housing with tamper proof spring loaded door. -Fingerprint recognition with a high performance algorithm to achieve speedy identification and a very low false reject rate (FRR). -Accepts up to 30 fingerprints and updates slight changes that may occur over time to an enrolled fingerprint. -Foam lining inside to protect the firearm or other valuables. -Improved high strength lock mechanism. -California DOJ approved. -Precise fittings virtually impossible to pry open with hand tools. -Audio feedback instantly confirms correct keypad entries. -Audio disable feature allows 'stealth' mode operation. -Battery power for maximum security and easy portability. -Tamper indicator notes invalid entry attempts. -System can handle a maximum of thirty fingerprint templates between the enrolled fingerprint. -Batteries not included. -One year limited repair or replacement warranty. Specifications: -Power supply: 4AA batteries. -Inside Dimensions: 2'' H x 10.75'' W x 6.5'' D. -Overall Dimensions: 3.3'' H x 11.3'' W x 8.7'' D. ....read more
Product Description is Misleading
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
The product description talks about both the GunVault’s No-Look Buttons and biometric scanning feature, but the MicroVault MVB500 only has biometric scanning and tubular keys. The No-Look Buttons do not work. The fingerprint scanner is easily programmed and worked well for me, but with several beeps. You must disable the speaker (without killing the electronics) if you want silent operation. You must move your finger slowly to scan it when opening the safe, and there’s also a delay between when you press the start button and when you can scan your fingerprint. It would be better if you at least didn’t have to push a button first, as this might cause a problem if time is critical. Maintaining a slow scan rate might be difficult for a person with adrenaline running through their system.
The MicroVault is also taller than advertised. The rubber guard on top of the lid adds 1/4″-1/2″ to the height, so don’t rely on the stated dimensions if it’s going in a tight space.
The manual is very poorly organized and written. (Programming fingerprints is at the beginning, but installing batteries is at the end. You need batteries installed before you can program fingerprints.)
The lid and lock does not seem very secure when closed. I think this is OK to keep a gun or other items away from young children, but it does not seem that it would be difficult to break open. So I wouldn’t consider it protection from burglary.
Lack of Features
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I purchased the biometric version and assumed that it had biometric capabilities IN ADDITION TO push-button. I assumed wrong. The product ads pictured the same finger push-buttons as the non-biometric edition, and it did arrive with them, but they appear to be dead buttons. The poorly translated manual makes no reference to them, so I assume they are non-functional. In my opinion, the unit should come with both functional push-buttons and biometric access.
The second disappointment is that the manufacturer claims the safe is 2-1/4″ tall. My nightstand’s drawer would accommodate this. Unfortunately the safe will not fit. The safe is actually about 2-5/8″ tall (to the top of the plastic button assembly).
A security lockout feature would be nice if someone is repeatedly failing to gain access, say after 5 invalid attempts. The unit may have something like this, however, the instruction manual makes no mention of it.
I have made two calls to GunVault’s tech support, I have only been able to leave messages with the hope the call will be returned.
Great Quick Access Gun Safe!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
So far, I love the Gunvault MVB500 Microvault. I have not had any problems operating the safe using the biometric scan at all. Once I slide my finger completely across the sensor, and it reads my fingerprint, the safe springs open in less than a second allowing you to access the contents. It usually works after the 1st scan, but never takes more than 2. The way you position your finger as you slide it across the sensor, will affect recognition of your fingerprint. I did have trouble using the key at first. The key does not initiate the spring action opening as u get when using the biometric scan. Instead, when u turn the key, you must pull the safe open from along the edges. Once I figured this out I was fine with the product.
I have plenty of room to store my Glock 26 with +3 grip extention, my back-up magazine with same grip extension, & two 50 count boxes(three or four 20ct. boxes) of ur favorite Ammo. You can even pull up the 1st layer of egg crate foam, and hide some cash or important documents underneath on a second layer od flat foam. The cable that is included is quite useful to secure the gunvault inside a vehicle if you take it on the go, or possible to somewhere in your home. There are also 4 holes at the bottom of the safe, once you remove the rubber foot pegs, that allow you to secure the safe to desk or table, etc. I recommend securing the the device in some way so that it cannot be easily removed from your designated spot.
I know a lot of people who like to sleep with there guns on top of, or inside of a drawer at there nightstand so that there weapon is close by in case of a break in. I used to be one of them. If you have kids, this is something that could lead to accidental shootings or death if a child comes into the bedroom in middle of the night or in the morning as you are asleep and takes possession of your gun. Maybe you even have a troubled teen with something to prove to his friends, that decides to take advantage of this habit of yours. The Microvault is strong & secure enough to keep your gun from being able to be removed before you awake. Especially if you have it bolted down, or secured to a wall/floor in some way using the cable that is included. I decided to educate, and make my kids quite aware of my gun(s), what its for, and make sure they know to never touch or play with guns. They are for self defense purposes, and for protection of this family. I also tell them what the black box on daddys nightstand is for. This eliminates some of the curiosity they may have to find out whats inside.
I am quite happy with this quick access safe so far. I do not think it is designed to be a place to store your gun without worry that someone can pry there way into it, and getting your gun. A stronger traditional wall, desktop, drawer, or floor safe would be better suited for storage while you are away from home without your gun. But if your are like me, whenever you leave your home, your gun goes with you in most cases. If I were to ever need to store my gun at home for a long time while on vacation or something, I would secure it in my main safe, not this device. The Microvault is better utilized as a temporary, or bedside safety storage device for your gun when you are at home. The Biometric system works well, and eliminates the need to search for a key. It does come with 2 keys, and a cool Gunvault keychain, just in case you let the batteries(4 double A) run out inside the device. I definitely recommend this safe to anyone.
Fantastic Product
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I just purchased this item from Amazon and I could not be happier. Works just as it was advertised. I have had very little problems with the biometric finger print reader. As the other reviewers have reported, make sure that you swipe your finger horizontally over the fingerprint reader and the Gunvault opens every time. Get sloppy and/or impatient and your fingerprint will not be recognized. Once you learn how to swipe you fingerprint, I believe that this device is the best pistol case out there.
Fits a 357 revolver very nicely. Well constructed. The problem with other devices is that they are too small or too big for what I needed and the price on the larger devices was ridiculous.
For years, I have had my ammunition separate from the revolver since I had children in the home. Not very useful if someone tried breaking into the house. I never purchased a gun case with a lock since again this would make having a case that I needed to get into quickly also useless. With the Gunvault MVB500 Microvault, I can keep my revolver close and not have to worry about someone not authorized (children) getting a hold of a loaded revolver.
Setup was a breeze and both my wife and I registered our fingerprints in literally a minute each. I would highly recommend the Gunvault MVB500 Microvault.
By the way, if you cannot get into the Gunvault when needed, do to an intruder being in your home, pick it up and hit him with it since it is that heavily constructed
BAD!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
This was the worse buying experience in my LIFE. And the worst all around business experience I’ve encountered! To start, when you have a problem you can never get a hold of someone in customer service and they are extremely rude and ill mannered! I returned my package to them and they refused to give me a refund, so then i had to use a A-Z claim! They finally gave me a refund about 5 weeks later! All and all, if you have to return an item good luck!!
It works very well
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve had the biometric version of the MicroVault for couple of months. I’ve open the safe probably at least 50 times. It has opened every time as long as I slide my finger the way I program it to memorized it. I did make it memorize my pointing finger a few time on both hands. This seems to help the reliability of it opening up on the first try. I tried to use other fingers to see if I could fake it open, and I couldn’t. It can easily hold one handgun and a couple of magazines, or 2 smaller handguns. Both sides (upper & lower) has gray foam used to help protect your items from contacting the metal of the MicroVault, hence not scratching via contact. This doesn’t prevent objects in the case can’t move/slide around and contact each other.
This is perfect for keeping children out of it and still allow fast access. This safe is not meant to keep people from breaking in to it since it’s a lighter steel gauge. If someone wants to open it with a pry bar, I’m sure they could.
The MicroVault also comes with a metal cable that can be looped around something (similar to a laptop lock cable). The cable slides into the case when the lid is open. The little slot is on the left side of the case, 1.5 inch from the center, towards the bottom edge. The lid clamps the cable into place when it is closed, so it’s easy to install or remove when open.
Works Amazingly Well
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you swipe your finger totally horizontally, it opens every time. Plenty well made. Much better than pushing buttons I think. Can’t comment on battery life after only 6 weeks or so.
Love it
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Love this vault. works every time I test it first time. EAsy to program and access. this is my first time with a biometric safe and it works fantastically. I highly recommend it.
Not quite ready for primetime
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
My experience with biometric, in general, has been spotty.
==== Short Review ====
In short, if you are looking for something you can use to securely keep a loaded firearm, yet still have quick access to a firearm for personal/home defence – this is NOT the product for you. Go with something that is not biometric. Also, this device is not going to stop a the if for more than a few minutes max.
If you are looking for something that you can use to store a gun that you use for leisure (you life does not depend on it) – there’s simply not enough space, I dont believe that’s what this device was intended for.
If you are looking to inconvenience a thief, stall a child’s access, or use for travel – provided you can fiddle with the print scan for a few minutes, then this is just the product for you. Maybe you forget passwords and combinations easily and dont mind scanning your print several times – could be a good purchase…
==== Long Review ====
I had purchased this item because I wanted something to keep small kids away from my loaded handgun (used for home defense), and I wanted quicker access than the dial safe. I did not need a lot of space, just enough for the gun (springfield with a tactical light).
I received the item late August 2009. You push the “start” button which is the 1st of the 4 buttons. When the mvb500 has not been programed, pushing the button opens the device without scanning – no problem. I programmed the 2 admin prints – 2 second swipe, flat and firm, as the instructions state.
After programming the admin prints I noticed the device is very fussy. This is not unusual though – its something I’ve seen with other biometric devices (laptops). Swipe, deny, swipe deny, swipe deny… after about 45 seconds I am able to get the mvb500 opened.
To counter this “fussy” scanning, I continued to add my index finger print, over and over (stores up to ~128 prints. I would use different pressure, slightly different angle, and speed of swipe (2 second, 1 second, etc). I would also place the device at different elevations, on the floor, on the bed, on the dresser, etc. This technique actually works with laptops pretty well. To you, its the same print, but to the device is many different prints – thus improving your chances of a successful scan.
I also found that the device will get lazy – it will work pretty consistently 1st or second swipe, and then the next day it will forget who you are entirely – taking minutes sometimes to get in. So for about a week, I’d do a drill waking up , swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-click. Once I got into the mvb500 I would add another print. Maybe your fingerprints change after a day.
At the present I probably have 60 – 80 prints of my index finger stored in this device. I am able to get it to open after the 2nd or 3rd try.
Here’s more on the intended service. If you are getting this device to give you quick access to a pistol or revolver – for self/home defence – this device is a very poor choice. You might as well keep the key close by ***** which I dont recommend if you have kids (They will find it, I promise) ****
-this is a different topic but I suggest that you look into safety and firearm awareness for your children if you have guns. They may not have access to your firearms but over 40% of Americans own a gun, one of your neighbors or the parents of a child’s friend will have a gun – and you cannot control those guns, and I am of the opinion that it is better to teach your child than to keep them in the dark on something so serious.
Hope the review on this product, and the other advice included, is of use to you – be safe.
They may not even stock it. Order had to be canceled and bought elsewhere.
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
Good news and bad news:
Good: the vault works OK, but it will not stand up to a brute force attack, and the lid seems like it would pry open due to a small gap. Also, sometimes you have to scan your finger 3-4 times to open it. Due to the imperfections it seems over-priced.
Bad news: dont count on Amazon and this seller to have it:
Ordered it. A few days later, when no sign it had been shipped, I contacted this 3rd party seller.
“Uh sorry, we are all out. We will have to cancel your order.”
Thanks for nothing. Thanks for wasting my time.
Even after, this company or Amazon still have this item here showing available.
Classic left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing.