HOMAK HS10036683 Electronic Access Pistol Box, 10 X 3.5 X 7.5 Inch
by Homak Manufacturing
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Our Price: $37.90 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $37.33 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of HOMAK HS10036683 Electronic Access Pistol Box, 10 X 3.5 X 7.5 Inch
Customer Review: PIECE OF JUNK
Summary: 1 Stars
I owned this gun safe for about six months. It worked great up until it suddenly lost my personalized entry code. Up until this point, I had no trouble opening and closing the safe and was basically happy with the unit. Thinking the batteries had died, I tried using the 9V external battery override, but it still wouldn't open. I went online searching for answers and learned it is common for a HOMAK electronic gun safe to inadvertently "forget" its user-programmed code and revert back to the factory default code. Fortunately, I saved the instruction manual, which had the default code printed on the back. Upon entering the default code, I was able to open the safe. I immediately installed four fresh AA batteries and re-programmed the unit with my own code. I wanted to use my own code because it was easier to remember than the factory code, and it was a code I could easily enter by feel without actually looking at the keypad. Well, the unit opened and closed just fine for about two weeks using my new personalized code until one day, out of the blue, I went to open the safe and the darn thing wouldn't accept my code. Thinking it was the same problem as before, I entered the default code printed in the manual, but it still wouldn't open. I tried unsuccessfully for a couple days to open the unit using my personalized code, as well as the default factory code, but to no avail. I also tried using the 9V battery override feature, even though I had just replaced the internal AA batteries. Well, you can imagine my frustration when I finally had to pry the unit open with a crowbar (which wasn't very hard to do, by the way) just so I could retrieve my pistols. There is no manual override or key lock installed in these units, so when the cheap, made-in-China electronics eventually fail, you have no choice but to bust the thing open in order to get out your handguns, etc. Of course, I immediately threw the unit in the garbage where it belongs. I used to own a GunVault brand safe, which never gave me any trouble. The only reason I replaced the GunVault unit with the HOMAK unit is because the GunVault unit was destroyed during a burglary that occurred while I was out of town. I was trying to save a few bucks by replacing my old safe with the HOMAK unit, but I know now that was a mistake. Do not buy one of these safes! What good is a gun safe if the owner can't get it open? Imagine if this problem had come to light during a home invasion. No way will I buy another one of these units.Customer Review: safe reliable mid security option
Summary: 4 Stars
I am an experienced gun owner with the legal right to carry concealed. So I was very concerned with the earlier review that indicated you could "pry it open easily with a screwdriver" and "not TSA or DOJ rated". I contacted HOMAK directly and received an email and a phone call from their vice president, who stated that the safe is a recent purchase for Homak from another maker. The previous maker had the safe DOJ and TSA and UL certified . Homak has submitted the paperwork for the same certifications but have not received their formal certs yet. I went ahead and ordered the safe and tested it myself. It is of a very sturdy construction that COULD be pried open with a VERY HEAVY DUTY screwdriver or a large prybar, but it would take some serious leverage and a great deal of time to do so. Bottom line is this safe is very secure for it's intended purpose, which is to prevent access by children and curious adults, as well as petty thieves with very little time to work on it. Yes it could be broken into by a determined thief with large tools and some time, but that would certainly attract attention. I am confident that you will not find a better safe around for the money, and I've been looking for close to a year. I highly recommend this product, and have done so, and so far, two of my friends have purchased a total of 8 of these to place in their vehicles and homes for their off-duty weapons. If law enforcement professionals feel it's good enough for them with the responsibilities they have surrounding the ownership of their guns, you should too.Customer Review: Great Pistol Box
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this because I needed a budget-minded way to store my home defense pistol. The unit comes with clear instructions and it pretty easy to setup. The outside of the box is a black enamel with a sturdy coating on it. The letter keys are padded with raised markings for touch.
The box performs great for what I need; a simple, safe solution for pistol storage in the home. With the combination entry I feel safe that my little one, were he to even find the box (which is unlikely), could not open it. It operates on AA battery power. There is also a fail-safe method of opening the box if the batteries fail which is outlined in the manual. With the raised letters on the pads I can even open the box in complete darkness (after some practice) so it is suitable for a home defense safe that may need to be opened without the use of lights in the middle of the night.
The interior of this safe is not very large though it easily holds a small frame revolver or automatic. You could probably get most Glock pistols in there but I'm not so sure about a 1911 or full sized H&K (I didn't test fit them) but it may be possible. The limiting factor will be the opening of the box, which is limited by the pads on the left side. You don't want to cram a big gun in there that might be hard to remove in an emergency. A small frame Smith & Wesson revolver fits easily still in its holster and can be removed very quickly.
Bottom Line: A nice budget gun box for the home; peace of mind, easy on the wallet, works as advertised.
Customer Review: solid, effective--if you practice
Summary: 4 Stars
Pros:
Well-packaged, arrived in perfect condition. Built solidly. Nice touch to key pad. Silent key pad (but green light flashes to indicate correct key entry.
Cons:
Dang it if that keypad programming button isn't really hard to find-the first time. Once you locate it once, you'll easily find it subsequent tries. If this helps: The button is directly behid the "A" button, up against the left wall. It feels about 3-4mm square and it is pressed forward (towards the front of the safe). My first attempt to program it was successful, so I brought it home from work to mount it--and it lost it's code! Some how it went back to the default code. I changed it again, and it has worked every time since.
Perhaps the biggest "con" is that if you fat-finger the code, you get locked out for too long. I would imagine that in a panic (i.e. a situation when you really need your firearm fast), a mis-key would be more likely. My unsolicited advice is to practice with your safe just like you practice with your firearm--frequently.
Other notes: The short depth is still roomy enough to accomodate both my Glock 30 and my Ruger LCP (and no extra magazines). But with my Streamlight TLR-1 on the Glock, it does not fit easily. I will likely buy one of the larger size Homak's for the Glock/TLR-1 + magazines, and just use the little Homak for the LCP + magazines.
I use the safe daily and feel that despite the long delay after a mis-key, this basic safe is a very good value.
Customer Review: Well Worth The Money...
Summary: 5 Stars
I recommend it! For the price... nothing comes close. I had no trouble setting the new code and truly like the novel (9 volt) backup feature. The latch works every time. Takes only 1.5 seconds (very fast) to enter the code to open the door.
* NOW - I see other reviewers trying to compare this safe/box with others costing 10x as much.
* If you need quick access (and mid-level) to your single firearm, perscriptions, extra cash or whatever you may want to store in it... buy this now!!! Don't forget to lock up your other firearms securely overall.
* WARNING: IF you have kids (or catburglars) that will need to take 5-10 minutes to break into or pry the box open... then buy a $500.00+ gun case.
* Yes, it is not fireproof & the door dimensions are somewhat smaller that the overall safe (I forgot to get the dimensions for ya). It will handle most 9mm & 45 cal firearems with room for 2 magazines. As a reference, my HiPoint 45 cal is 8.25 x 6.75 x 1.5 inches & I can place it inside and retrieve it with very little hassle.
** don't forget to save your manual, which has the ORIGINAL factory code/combination (which you will need in case you utilize the 9volt backup entry method). That info is listed in the manual. ENJOY.