[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

All of these "fast access" safes are good for is keeping honest people honest. Or keeping the kids out of things they shouldn't play with.

The more complex/electronic they are, the more likely they are to fail when you need them most. Originally I had (note the past tense) a GunVault--one of the bigger names in "fast access". One day it just stopped working - turns out the internal cable had stretched and it would no longer actuate, even with fresh batteries. GunVault would not and did not stand behind their product.

I dumped it in favor of a clamshell-style box with a simplex lock (5 button mechanical combination). The simplex lock won't run out of battery power. Mash the buttons, turn the knob, and blam.

I like the FAS1 - played with one at a show several years ago but I was still in the GunVault "camp" at the time. I think I'll be taking another look at them!

That's why I unlock mine before I go to bed. The last thing you need when half asleep and in a panic is to remember a combo, and God forbid your safe decides to quit working.

As for the automatic vs revolver, here's how I look at it. Ever pick up your automatic at the range and squeeze the trigger, only to find that you've forgotten to disengage the safety? I know I have. In the worst possible case situation, the less to remember, the better.