There’s no room for compromise when it comes to safe firearm storage. If you carry, train, or even just own guns, you already know the weight of responsibility that comes with it. But that weight gets heavier when you have kids in the house. I have two boys who are smart, curious, good kids who’ve been taught the four rules and can safely handle any gun they see. But I don’t trust them as I don’t even trust myself. I trust systems. I trust protocols. And I trust solutions that take the human element out of the equation when possible.
For years, my personal rule was to keep only one firearm loaded in the house. Either on my hip or in a safe next to me while I slept. Everything else? Unloaded, separated, stored, and accounted for. I’ve seen too many tragic mistakes caused by people assuming access was safe. But for a long time, I hadn’t found a storage solution that made me feel secure and fast. It was always a trade-off; access versus control. That is, until I saw what Vara Safety was doing.
Vara Safety Mindset
Vara Safety’s biometric safes, namely the Reach 2S for pistols and the RACT system for rifles and shotguns, aren’t your typical lockbox with a beeping keypad and some wobbly interior foam. These are mounted solutions that bring a high level of engineering to the fight. They are not “better than nothing,” they are better, period.
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The Reach 2S mounts your pistol holster-style in a durable biometric docking system. The holster itself is robust and cradles your firearm securely. What really makes this system shine, though, is the fast biometric access. You program in your fingerprints, up to ten different digits, and when you touch the pad, the system springs into action. It unlocks the pistol with a satisfying pop that delivers the firearm into your hand. That “jump” is more than just cool, it’s functional. Under duress, when you’re groggy or adrenaline-drenched, having your pistol pushed into your palm is exactly the tactile feedback you want.
And yes, you can use your toe’s fingerprint as a key. Ask me how I know.
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Why It Matters
There’s always a risk of complacency when talking about home defense. Too many gun owners imagine scenarios that feel like action movies. But real emergencies don’t give you time to warm up. You don’t have 20 seconds to fumble with a dial. You might have three. Maybe less. And that’s where biometric access really proves its worth. Vara’s system responds in less than a second when programmed properly, giving authorized users immediate control while denying access to anyone else—including the clever hands of a teenager or snoop.
Now I’ve seen some systems over the years that rely on thumbprint access but still mount like glorified shoeboxes. Vara Safety changes the whole conversation by offering wall-mounted systems that lock the gun in place via the trigger guard and screw directly into wall studs or furniture-grade surfaces with robust hardened screws. This isn’t a catch-and-clip. It’s a permanent, secure fixture that integrates with your environment and keeps your gun where it belongs. Out of the wrong hands and exactly where you expect it to be when it counts.
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Vara Safety RACT System
Let’s talk about shotguns and rifles. My home defense long gun is a Mossberg 590R equipped with a Streamlight ProTac, a Meprolight optic, a heatshield and an adjustable stock. It’s not exactly svelte. And I was curious if the RACT could really accommodate a non-standard, accessorized setup. Turns out, it can perfectly.
Using their AR mounting kit, I was able to get the 590R dialed in securely. The RACT system includes several adjustable cuffs, spacers and slots that let you cradle your firearm in a way that supports both traditional ARs and more esoteric configurations like mine. It took a little tinkering. That’s good. You should take the time to properly fit the system. Because once it’s in place, this is the final resting spot for your defensive long gun. It becomes a fixed asset in your home defense plan.
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And like the Reach 2S, it’s built on the same biometric core. Once you’ve programmed your digits into one system, you can carry that system knowledge over to the other. Vara doesn’t make you learn a new interface. One button, three light indicators, and a confidence-inspiring simplicity.
Use & Durability
What impresses me most about Vara Safety is that they didn’t build these systems just to win an innovation award, they built them to live in the real world. The chassis is built tough. I’ve read reports and seen tests where the RACT broke the test firearm before the safe gave out. Sure, it’s not Fort Knox, it’s not meant to be. It’s not for long-term storage. It’s for ready access. But anyone who wants to steal your gun is going to have to take part of the wall with them. That’s not something you can say about a bedside drawer or alarm clock / pistol safe combo.
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Battery life is excellent—up to 10 months on a full charge—and the units alert you when they get low. A keyed backup is included in case of failure. I recommend a discreet power solution, like a battery bank or hidden extension cord. They can be used while charging but you don’t want to unscrew a mounted device just to charge it.
And yes, like any biometric device, you want redundancy. I programmed multiple fingers and scanned each one several times in different angles and conditions. It works. But don’t get lazy—practice like you mean it.
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Note of Caution With Vara Safety
There is one area where users need to pay attention. The Reach 2S pistol inserts are model-specific. A bone stock 1911 or Glock? No problem. But if you’re like me and you’re testing models with extended safeties or competition-style slide stops, you may run into fitment issues. The holster body is very snug, which is great for security, but bad for pistols that exceed the factory profile. My Wilson Combat extended mag release keeps the gun from seating… Boo.
For now, I keep a stock 1911 mounted in the system. I know how it shoots. I know how it feels. And I know how it behaves when I grab it in the dark. That consistency is priceless. But if you’re carrying something heavily modified or running an optic/light combo, you’ll want to reach out to Vara Safety and check fitment. They’re working on solutions, including an optic/light index holster option. It’s not here yet, but it’s coming, and I believe it’s going to open up their user base in a big way.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Look, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all system. It’s not supposed to be. Your lifestyle, your carry habits, your home layout,they all factor in. But if your goal is fast access with firm, secure storage for a specific go-to firearm or two, this system shines. What I appreciate most is that Vara Safety is building with intent. They’re not copying the market, they’re reshaping it. And they’re listening to users in the field. I’ve had multiple conversations with their team and I can tell you: they’re not here to chase trends. They’re here to solve real problems with quality hardware.
Words About Training
If you install one of these systems in your home, do yourself a favor—train with it. Mount it where you intend to use it and build reps into your daily routine. Whether that means grabbing your unloaded long gun once a day, practicing with your pistol dry-fire, or simply reminding yourself where the backup key is. It all matters. A system is only as good as your familiarity with it.
And if you want to talk about responsibility, this is what it looks like. Not just locking things away, but building systems of access that are intentional, repeatable, and safe. Don’t build your system for if something goes wrong, build it for when.
Final Thumbprint
I believe in this system. I believe in good storage. And I believe in setting an example for my sons. Not just through words, but through habits. Vara Safety gives me a tool that fits into that mindset. It’s elegant, practical, and intentional.
If you’re serious about storing your defensive firearms in a way that’s fast, safe, and truly modern, reach out to Vara and try one for yourself.
