Hornady Manufacturing of Nebraska has introduced biometric identification on its newest rapid-access firearm security products. The system centers on the firm’s patent-pending VEXIS technology, which reads vein patterns rather than fingerprints.

VEXIS scanners shine near-infrared light to map the internal veins in a user’s palms. Hornady says those patterns stay more distinctive and consistent over time than fingerprints or facial features.

The company earlier expanded from ammunition into lockable cases, safes, vaults and lockers and used RFID tags in its RAPiD line so a nearby phone could open a spring-powered lid or drawer.