Gunvault MVB500 Microvault Biometric Gun Safe Review

Gunvault MVB500 Microvault Biometric Gun Safe

The Gunvault MVB500 is a small gun safe or “Microvault” that is specifically designed for handgun storage but can also be used for storing other small items of value. It offers the safety features of the standard and deluxe models with the added benefit of the bio fingerprint scanner.

The scanner allows you fast access into the safe without having to remember any code numbers.  It has a tough exterior construction but also has a soft foam filled interior to protect your valuables. For reliability it has a high strength lock mechanism that will prevent any attempt at lock picking.

Its construction also has precise fittings which will make it very difficult for anyone to try to pry the lid open with tools. As an added bonus there is a four foot high security cable included with the safe allowing you to attach it to any fixed object.

Who will benefit the most from the Gunvault MVB500?

For such a small safe the MVB500 has some pretty valuable features. It is an advanced or updated version of the MV500 and that is obvious especially regarding fast access. This feature is very useful in an emergency situation were maybe a burglar has entered your home and you need to get to your gun fast.

The standard micro vault also offers fast access but with the difference being that you would have to remember your finger code sequence. In an emergency when we are in a panic trying to remember a sequence of codes may not be quite so easy. For some people this may not be a problem but for those of you who want that extra assurance that you can get to your gun without entering codes, then this upgraded MVB500 is the way to go.

If you have young children then you understand the importance of securing your guns. You may keep your pistol on top of or inside a drawer at your bedside nightstand so the weapon is close by in case of a break in. With children in the home this is something that could lead to accidental shootings if your child comes into the bedroom in middle of the night or while you are in another room and takes possession of your gun thinking it is a toy.

This minivault will keep the kids out because it only recognizes the fingerprints that have been programmed into the system. So even if the child places his or her finger on the scanner you can rest assured the lid will not pop open. This has been tested and proven.

The Gunvault MVB500 is compact enough to fit into a drawer offering fast access to your gun and total security from your curious child. Utilize this Micro vault as a temporary or bedside safety storage device for your gun when you are at home.

This is not a fireproof or waterproof safe and neither has it been created for high security. Its main intent is to keep unwanted hands out and to allow fast access for the owner.

If you are after something that will prevent a professional thief from getting in then I would look at a high security gun safe designed for this purpose. These types of safes tend to be much bigger and heavier and are usually fire and water resistant. They also come with a bigger price tag.

If you are away from home for days or weeks on end and want your firearms secured while you are gone then this isn’t the safe for you. However, it is possible to mount the safe into your car or truck to take with you. As a portable mini safe this is ideal, especially for those of you who are on the road a lot. Carjacking is still a problem in the USA.

Gunvault MVB500 Design And Construction

The gauge of sheet metal ranges from 30 gauge to about 8 gauge. The larger the gauge number, the thinner the metal. The outside of this safe is constructed of 20-gauge steel making it lightweight and tough.

This is a sturdy safe but will not prevent a determined thief with the right tools from getting into it or walking away with it for that matter. The construction has been made with a very precise fitting so there are no gaps or spaces anywhere. This is adequate enough to maybe deter a casual thief and will most certainly keep the kids out, but someone with experience, time and the right tools will easily get in.

As mentioned above, this safes true purpose is to keep the kids out and to allow fast access to your gun when it is needed. To add more security remove the rubber foot pegs to reveal four holes that can be used to secure the safe to a table, shelf, floor, etc. I would certainly recommend bolting this unit down as it can be easily picked up with contents and all.

As well as the bolts you can use the included four foot security cable to wrap around a permanent fixture securing the Gunvault MVB500 in its spot. It can also be useful to secure the gun safe inside a vehicle if you take it on your travels.

There is soft foam on the inside in the top and in the bottom that does a great job of preventing any movement within the gun safe when in transit. It also helps prevent any unwanted scratching to your gun. A handy little tip is that if you lifted away the foam you can hide all kinds of small documents and even money underneath.

Its interior dimensions are 10.75 x 6.5 x 2 inches and it can easily hold one handgun and a couple of magazines, or 2 smaller handguns.

Gunvault MVB500 Locking System

The gun safe uses an improved high strength lock mechanism run by GunVault Biometric Technology. This basically means it uses biometrics, specifically fingerprint recognition, for access to the safe contents.

You will need to slide your fingers completely across the sensors, and it will read your fingerprint. Within a second the gun safe springs open allowing you to access the contents. To have this working flawlessly, when first programming the unit it would be a good idea to input many different variations or positions of your fingerprints.

The way you position your finger as you slide it across the sensor, will affect its recognition. Programming fingerprints from both your hands is also a good idea. The Biometric system works well, and eliminates the need to search for a key however; it does come with two keys which can be used as back up in the event of low batteries.

The Gunvault MVB500 has an in-built self-learning algorithm that adds a new image to the fingerprint templates each time a user touches the finger print sensor. This will decreases the likelihood of your scan getting rejected.

Also its built-in computer blocks access after repeated invalid entries so even after many goes your child or any unauthorized person will not get into the safe.

Conclusion

This gun safe will not suit everyone who has a gun so it is important to read through the above sections to make sure its design suits your purpose. If you are looking for high security then I suggest you get a bigger safe but if fast access is your priority then this safe should definitely be considered.

This does a great job as a safe for securing your pistol while you are in the house or sleeping at night. The MVB500 is the right size for fitting into a drawer and even bolted into a car or truck. If you travel a lot in your car or just want to feel that added security when driving to the shops then this safe will be ideal.

Take note, if you plan on going away on vacation you may want to place this safe within a safe designed for high security, possibly with fireproofing. An overall very good gun safe for its price tag.

Features

Specifications

Program Fingerprints Into The MVB500

Before you can add extra fingerprints to the system you must first program the two main prints that you have chosen. These first two entries will be the administrator’s prints. Follow the steps below to get started.

1. Press the Learn button until you hear a beep and see the green light flashing. This means that the system is ready for programming.
2. Place your finger over the fingerprint sensor making sure your finger covers the whole area, (Fig 1, below).
3. Keep your finger pressed down and now begin to slowly swipe in a downwards direction while keeping contact with the sensor, (Fig 2, below). Make sure your full fingerprint has crossed the sensor.
4. When the swipe is completed you will hear a beep meaning that the system is ready for you to repeat the process one more time. Use the same finger and if all goes well you will hear two beeps.
5. If a mistake occurs you will notice a flashing red light. This indicates that you will need to re-swipe.
6. You will now need to get a scan for the second administrator. All you have to do is repeat the process in steps 1 to 4.

Gunvault MVB500 User Manual

If you have lost the original operating instructions that came with the Gunvault MVB500 then feel free to download a copy of the manual: Here