Handgun storage that is secure yet easy to access is something that all handgun owners should strive for in their homes or vehicles.
There is no excuse for leaving a handgun in a place where unwanted users can access it. A pistol also does not need to be locked in a full-sized gun safe making it hard to access in a time of need. The happy medium is a biometric handgun safe such as the PINEWORLD K5 Biometric Personal Safe.
PINEWORLD K5 Biometric Personal Safe
Specifications
External Dimensions: 13.48 x 10.88 x 3.58”
Internal Dimensions: 12.40 x 7.79 x 3.00”
Construction: Stainless Steel (powdercoated)
Power: 4 (AA) Batteries
Warranty: 1 Year
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Pros
Very fast gas-piston opens the lid in 0.5 seconds
10 Ga steel will withstand small caliber rounds, hammers, and other unsophisticated attempts
Accepts 6-8 password unlock or biometric scan
Can be bolted down
USB-C Port for emergency unlock if batteries die (also a manual key)
Security cable provided to anchor the safe
Silent mode for covert operation if the need arises
Cons
Batteries are not included
Not made in the USA
Some users have had complaints about the mobile app being finicky
In the Box
PINEWORLD recently sent one of their K5 biometric personal safes to Gunmann for review. The safe was well-packaged and in perfect condition upon arrival. The contents in the box were as follows:
- K5 Biometric Personal Safe
- User manual
- Set of (2) keys
- Security cable
Appearance & Specs
The K5 has a sleek and attractive appearance. It is finished in a black powder coating that provides the safe with an easy to grip texture as well as an increased level of durability against corrosion. The finish was cleanly and evenly applied over the entire surface of the safe.
A series of three speaker holes, seven low profile buttons, and a fingerprint scanner are located on the top of the safe on the front end. A backup physical lock and a USB-C input are found on the front side of the safe.
The PINEWORLD K5 safe weighs in at a hefty 16.53 pounds. It feels solidly built which is an important factor for any safe.
Dimensions
The overall dimensions of the K5 biometric safe are 13.48” by 10.88” by 3.58”. This makes it convenient to hide away in a nightstand drawer, under a car seat, or in another out of the way area that is still easy to access.
Ample interior dimensions of 12.40” by 7.79” by 3.00” make it possible to fit up to two handguns depending on the model of pistol as well as other valuable objects such as passports, cash, and jewelry. The interior is padded to prevent scratches and other minor damage.
Setup
The K5 safe was easy to set up. It was up and running with several stored fingerprints in only a few minutes. If you have ever set up a smartphone to detect your fingerprint, then you’ll be familiar with the process here. If not, the user manual does a good job of walking you through the process. The K5 biometric safe is programmed with voice commands that help you to know the status of the setup process. Up to 50 passwords and 50 fingerprints can be stored in the safe’s memory.
The safe does require four AA batteries that are not included. The battery compartment is located on the inside of the safe.
Operation
Once the K5 is set up and ready to go, the operation is quite impressive. The speed of the fingerprint unlock feature is outstanding. In fact, it recognizes a stored fingerprint and opens just as quickly as an iPad.
The last thing you want when you need to gain access to your pistol is to have to wait for an inaccurate fingerprint sensor or a slow opening time. That isn’t a problem with the K5 biometric personal safe from PINEWORLD.
If entering a numerical password is more your style, the K5 offers that feature as well. The buttons are tactile and there is no confusion as to whether one has been pressed or not.
If batteries die in the safe with your guns inside, do not fear! While this won’t be a common occurrence thanks to the audible low battery warning, there are two options to open the safe if it does.
You can either connect a USB-C cord (not included) from a power supply (not included) to the input on the front of the safe. This will provide enough emergency power to open the safe and replace the batteries.
Alternatively, you can resort to using one of the backup keys on the physical lock.
Security Considerations
The K5 safe is shipped with a coated security cable. One end is pushed into the safe via a small entrance on the rear of the safe. It is then secured to the safe via a screw on the inside and then attached to a solid anchor point such as a bed leg, installed bolt, or car seat bracket. This is a great deterrent in preventing the safe from being carried off.
The biggest weak point on the K5 is probably the physical key lock. While there is a small gap between the door and base of the safe that a determined person could work a screwdriver or other prying tool into, that would be a time-consuming process that wouldn’t even guarantee success.
Keep in mind that every handgun safe out there could eventually be broken into with enough determination. That is not a knock on the K5 or any other handgun safe. In fact, the K5 even attacks this problem with an alarm that sounds when the safe takes substantial exterior damage.
However, picking or brute-forcing the physical lock is a potential weakness on the K5 to keep in mind.
Phone App
PINEWORLD does have a smartphone app available that offers more versatility and function to the safe. The app was not reviewed for this review.
Conclusion
Overall, the PINEWORLD K5 Biometric Personal Safe is a great entry-level option for anyone in the market for a handgun safe. It is solidly built and has a sleek design while also featuring quality electronics and technology. The fingerprint scanner works wonderfully and opens the safe nearly instantly.
This safe has the Gunmann seal of approval as a solid option for securing a handgun or other valuables in a bedroom or vehicle.
