I used to home-practice my draw, seeing how fast I could get into a good position during a home invasion, and quick reloading/jam clearing but took a break for a while because Mrs. Barrels thinks it's kind of weird. Went to check my quickdraw safe the other day and found that the battery had died. That and this recent home invasion trend are sobering reminders that there's nothing wrong with a little healthy paranoia.

It sounds like the fundamental lesson here is echoed in a lot of places. We have to make up our minds to use deadly force and contemplate removing all doubt long before the day ever arrives.

That also includes getting over the whole emotional manipulation thing. I caught a skinny dude stealing some stuff from me and and he gave me the biggest puppy dog eyes and told me that it was a mistake with his friend, etc. I let my guard down for a little bit and next thing I know he launches a steel bottle at my head. Still got him and held him for the cops but what shocked me the most was how he played me like a fiddle and then how I saw his eyes change from puppy dog to pure hatred in a split second. Never again.

Wait, so you caught someone stealing from you once, and they even tried to harm you and the Mrs. still thinks you're paranoid?

After that I got her to start locking doors whenever she's home. Will take my victories where I can.

I used to home-practice my draw, seeing how fast I could get into a good position during a home invasion, and quick reloading/jam clearing but took a break for a while because Mrs. Barrels thinks it's kind of weird. Went to check my quickdraw safe the other day and found that the battery had died. That and this recent home invasion trend are sobering reminders that there's nothing wrong with a little healthy paranoia.

It sounds like the fundamental lesson here is echoed in a lot of places. We have to make up our minds to use deadly force and contemplate removing all doubt long before the day ever arrives.

That also includes getting over the whole emotional manipulation thing. I caught a skinny dude stealing some stuff from me and and he gave me the biggest puppy dog eyes and told me that it was a mistake with his friend, etc. I let my guard down for a little bit and next thing I know he launches a steel bottle at my head. Still got him and held him for the cops but what shocked me the most was how he played me like a fiddle and then how I saw his eyes change from puppy dog to pure hatred in a split second. Never again.

Don't trust any battery-operated quick access safe/lock box to work in an emergency.  Murphy is a sick, twisted f**k!

I had one.  Battery was only good for 9-12 months (single 9 volt).  I tested the opening once a month at least.  Then, it started taking more than one combo entry to get it to open, even with a fresh 9V.  Finally, I couldn't get it to open without the key at all.  After 2 years, it was useless.

Now I have 3 of the FAS1 mechanical push-button safes.  They are more like a safe than a lock box.  Thick steel, and very well made.  No batteries, you can get a key lock option to disable the buttons if you want to prevent anyone from getting in by guessing the code (like curious kids).  Pricey, and shipping to HI isn't cheap, but when the owner runs sales, you can offset the shipping and sometimes get the interior carpeting for free. 

Can't recommend this product highly enough.  If you've gone through 2 electronic-lock boxes, you've almost paid for one of these.

I'm waiting on my 3rd safe to arrive (took advantage of the holiday sale -- 20% off + free carpet). 

New one

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Woman held for hours in Kaimuki kidnapping

Police opened a kidnapping investigation after a woman reported she had been kidnapped and assaulted over several hours in Kaimuki.

The woman, 28, told police three men and two women held her in an apartment and assaulted her between 9:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Police opened a kidnapping and assault investigation. No one has been arrested.

I. Went to check my quickdraw safe the other day and found that the battery had died.

...
I talked about this previously but I'll mention it again.
I recently met a locksmith and during our converstation he stated that he got a lot of calls requesting help for electronic safe locks. He said that the safe companies do make mechanical replacements that are direct replacement parts.

New one

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Woman held for hours in Kaimuki kidnapping

Police opened a kidnapping investigation after a woman reported she had been kidnapped and assaulted over several hours in Kaimuki.

The woman, 28, told police three men and two women held her in an apartment and assaulted her between 9:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Police opened a kidnapping and assault investigation. No one has been arrested.

Place is getting crazy... our liberal laws and politicos, ineffective police, restrictive gun policies, and an ineffective castle doctrine all continue embolden these scumbags....

...
I talked about this previously but I'll mention it again.
I recently met a locksmith and during our conversation he stated that he got a lot of calls requesting help for electronic safe locks. He said that the safe companies do make mechanical replacements that are direct replacement parts.

Got pissed off at the electronic ones dying and got the wife a "V-something" pure mechanical. 

Doubt that the POS safes I have are ones with a mechanical alternative.