Does the MV500 need a battery to open?

Yes, the keypad runs on one 9V battery that you supply. A backup key opens the safe if the battery is dead or you forget the code.

Will it fit a full-size pistol?

It is sized for one compact or full-size handgun, but check your gun's length and height against the interior before buying. Large revolvers and guns with lights or optics may not fit.

It comes with a security cable you can loop around a fixed object. The body is light, so the cable or bolting it down matters more than the steel alone.

Can I open it in the dark?

Yes. The No-Eyes keypad uses raised finger grooves so you can enter your code by touch without looking.

Is it good for a car?

It is a common choice for vehicle use because it is small and light, but check your state's rules on how a firearm must be stored in a vehicle.

How does it compare with a biometric safe?

The keypad is faster and cheaper than a fingerprint reader and works with gloves or wet hands. Biometric safes avoid code sharing but can fail to read a print.