Blacksmith SF0203 Pro Pistol Safe Review: A Reliable Bedside Gun Storage Solution
If you're like many gun owners, finding a secure, quick-access storage solution for your home defense firearm can be a challenge, especially one that fits conveniently at your bedside. After testing multiple options, I finally found one that checks most of the boxes: the Blacksmith SF0203 Pro Pistol Safe.
Let’s break down what makes this safe stand out and whether it’s worth your money.
Sleek, Space-Saving Design
The SF0203 follows the vertical “bookshelf” style that's becoming more common in bedside safes. While it might blend in better than some models, it’s still obvious to anyone familiar with gun safes. Its compact size—10" x 3.5" x 11.88"—makes it ideal for bedside placement without taking up too much room.
Solid Construction
Built from high-strength alloy steel and weighing about 13 lbs, this safe feels solid. The added weight is a good sign—it’s far less likely to be cheaply made or easily carried off by a thief. Blacksmith claims it’s pry-resistant, and while I didn’t test that to the extreme, the overall build quality inspires confidence.
Capacity and Interior
The interior is tailored for one handgun and one spare magazine, supporting pistols up to 9" long. Even a Glock 34 fits comfortably. If your firearm has a light attached, you may need to trim the included foam insert for a better fit.
Multiple Access Methods
The SF0203 offers four access options:
- Biometric fingerprint scanner
- Six-digit keypad
- Backup keys
- Smartphone app (via Bluetooth)
Out of the box, I had some trouble with fingerprint misreads. But after doing a factory reset and scanning the same finger multiple times (it stores up to 23 prints), it became far more reliable, jumping from about 50% accuracy to over 90%.
The fingerprint reader opens the safe in a flash (claimed 0.1 seconds), and the keypad is responsive and customizable. You can program codes between 4–6 digits. After three incorrect codes or five failed fingerprint attempts, the safe locks down and sounds an alarm for a full minute—great for deterring tampering.
Quiet & Night-Friendly
Perfect for nighttime use, the safe includes a mute mode to disable beeping and a built-in interior light so you can grab your firearm quickly in the dark. These small details really make a difference in emergency situations.
App Features
The Smart Life App provides remote unlocking, access sharing, fingerprint management, code changes, and most importantly, battery monitoring. The safe runs on four AA batteries, and while I personally don’t like connecting security gear to my phone, the app’s battery alert feature could be a lifesaver when you least expect it.
Mounting Options
You can mount the safe horizontally or vertically using the included bracket, but even freestanding, it feels stable and secure.
Final Verdict
The Blacksmith SF0203 Pro is a smart, budget-friendly choice for anyone in need of a quick-access pistol safe at their bedside. It combines strong security, flexible access, and smart features in a compact design.
👉 Shop the SF0203 Pro Pistol Safe now with the best price.
