Sentry QAP1BE Biometric Handgun Safe
Pros
- Electronic Lock with 1-8 Digit Code
- Biometric Fingerprint Swipe
- CA DOJ Approved Firearm Safety Device
- Foam Lined Interior
- Auto-Open Pop Up Door
Cons
- Thin 16 Gauge Steel Construction
- Tubular Key Override Can Be Picked Easily
- Easily Pried with Screwdriver and Hammer
- Gas Strut Prone to Failure
- Short Warranty and Made in China
Sentry Safe has been around for a very long time and specializes in low cost fire safes. You’ll find them in nearly every Home Depot, Lowes, Costco and every other big box store. They have dabbled in both gun safes and handgun safes over the years with mediocre results. Overall, the Sentry QAP1BE Biometric handgun safe is not a very good product and has a fatal weakness that I will share in this review.
Lock – Sentry QAP1BE Biometric Handgun Safe
First and always most important for any safe is its lock. The Sentry QAP1BE Biometric Handgun Safe uses an electronic lock with 4 button keypad that features a 1-8 digit code.
In addition, it features a biometric swipe scanner that uses your fingerprint to unlock.
The mechanism operates with a latch and solenoid that is very typical of handgun safes imported from China.
Unfortunately, they included a tubular key override which is far too easy to pick open. Check for videos on Youtube and you’ll see how easily they are opened with Bic Pens, Tubular lock picks and a variety of other household items. What is the point of using a decent quality electronic lock if the override key is so easily picked? Sentry should know better than this.
Security – Sentry QAP1BE Biometric Handgun Safe
The Sentry QAP1BE Biometric Handgun Safe is built with 16 gauge solid steel construction and a single latch closure. For reference, 16 gauge steel is the same thickness as a penny and not adequate for handgun security. This thickness can be easily pried with just a screwdriver and a hammer.
Lastly, this handgun safe is listed on the CA DOJ roster as a firearm safety device meaning it is adequate for keeping handguns out of the hands of children. Despite the CA DOJ Approval, I would not recommend this safe as secure with the tubular override key.
Style and Function
The Sentry Biometric Handgun Safe comes in a textured powder coat black paint with illuminated keypad. The interior is lined with foam to protect your handgun from scratches. The lid pops open with a piston-assist for quick access. Many customers note that this strut fails conveniently after the warranty expires and no longer pops open the door.
Warranty
According to Sentry, they are committed to helping you for the life of the product. However, when you actually read the product warranty, they only cover it for 1 year. Remember to always read the fine print.
The Bottom Line
Would I buy the Sentry QAP1BE Biometric handgun safe to store my handgun? No, I would not. With the tubular override key, this safe is just too easily broken into for me to recommend. There are far better options that have higher security features and I would go with a reliable long term lock.
My top recommendation for a handgun safe is the Stealth ShadowVault SV1. What makes it better is that it takes all the security features found in a high quality gun safe and shrinks them down to a pistol box. Finally, it comes with a UL Rated high security S&G lock, two hard plates, thick 3/16″ steel door, thick 10 gauge steel body, steel hooks on the hinge side and is overall a significantly more secure safe.
