Four different companies have issued recalls for certain models of gun safes after it was discovered that the biometric locks on these safes could be easily bypassed, allowing unauthorized users to gain access. A total of about 120,520 products are affected by these recalls, which were announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday.
The companies involved in the recalls are Bulldog Cases, Machir, MouTec, and Awesafe. The affected models include the Magnum Biometric Pistol Vault (BD4030B), Magnum Biometric Pistol Vault with Shelf (BD4040B), and Magnum Biometric Top Load Pistol Vault (BD4055B) from Bulldog Cases. The Biometric Personal Safes from Machir and the BBRKIN Biometric Gun Safe from MouTec are also part of the recalls.
According to Bulldog Cases, four incidents have been reported where the safes were opened by unauthorized users due to faulty biometric locks. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
These safes were sold at various retailers such as Bass Pro Shops, Walmart, and firearm stores across the country, as well as online on Amazon. They were available for purchase from July 2016 to January 2024, with prices ranging from $194 to $216.
Machir’s Biometric Personal Safes were sold exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and online for about $98 from July 2019 to September 2021. The company issued a recall after 15 incidents were reported where the biometric lock failed and the safes were opened by unauthorized users. No injuries have been reported in these incidents. Machir has advised customers to only use the key when storing firearms and to contact them for a free replacement.
MouTec’s BBRKIN Biometric Gun Safes were sold exclusively on Amazon, with prices ranging from $170 to $400. The recall was prompted by a customer who reported that their 6-year-old was able to open the safe due to the faulty biometric lock. No injuries have been reported in this incident. Customers are advised to stop using the biometric feature and to contact the company for a free repair kit or replacement safe.
Awesafe is recalling about 60,000 gun safes that fit two pistols and have a completely black exterior with the brand name “Awesafe” printed on the front. The company issued the recall after 71 incidents were reported where the safes were opened by unauthorized users due to the faulty biometric lock.
These safes were sold at various retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, for about $130 from August 2019 to December 2022. Customers who own this model have been advised to stop using the biometric feature and to contact Awesafe for a free replacement.
All of the affected safes were manufactured in China, according to the CPSC. Customers who have purchased any of the recalled models are urged to stop using the biometric feature immediately and to only use the key when storing firearms. They should also contact the respective company for a free repair kit or replacement safe. Consumers who have purchased these safes as gifts should also pass on this information to the recipient.
The recalls serve as a reminder to all consumers to check the safety of their products, especially those that could potentially pose a risk for injury or harm. It is important for companies to thoroughly test their products before bringing them to market to ensure the safety of their customers. The CPSC also works with companies to initiate recalls when potential hazards are found.
