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Storing guns in a reliable safe keeps them from getting into the wrong hands and reduces the risk of theft. In some states and communities, safe storage (including locking guns in a safe), fitted trigger locks, or securing guns by a cable might even be required by law.
Before choosing a gun safe, gun owners will want to contact their local law enforcement authority to determine whether they need to purchase a particular type of safe. Here are several types of gun safes that allow users to secure their firearms while keeping them easily accessible in an emergency.
- BEST OVERALL: SentrySafe XL Quick Access Digital Pistol Safe
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: RPNB Fingerprint Handgun Safe With Drop-Down Lid
- BEST FOR LONG GUNS: SnapSafe Under Bed Safe
- BEST WITH TAMPER ALERT: Verifi Smart.Safe. S6000
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Electronic Safe
- BEST WITH BLUETOOTH: Vaultek MXi Bluetooth and Biometric Safe
- BEST PORTABLE: SnapSafe XXL Lock Box
- ALSO CONSIDER: BBRKIN Biometric Gun Safe for Quick Access
How We Chose the Best Gun Safes
For gun safety and gun owners’ peace of mind, the right gun safe can protect firearms from the reach of children while offering easy access in case of an emergency. Selections for the best gun safe depend upon materials, size, lock type, security features, and other special features. We also wanted to include models that span a wide price range.
The carbon steel and solid steel constructions of these heavy-duty safes can withstand damage and tampering with added pry-prevention capability. For handguns or long guns like rifles and shotguns, multiple size options are available with select models, including small shelves or lockboxes for ammunition or accessories.
Many of the above options are made with biometric or password-protected locks for peace of mind and security, some compliant with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or State of California Department of Justice (CA DOJ). Some of these models integrate locking bolts, interior lights, foam-lined interiors, or shelf liners, and even mounting hardware for added security features.
We also consulted Scott Bonvissuto, owner of gun security experts Console Vault in Powell, Ohio. He says, “Things to look for in a gun safe include secure locking mechanisms, quality heavy-gauge steel construction, and accessibility.” He also points out that there’s no one solution for everyone, and “ultimately, the choice of safes comes down to what will best suit your lifestyle and environment.”
Our Top Picks
The following gun safes will deter curious children and keep others from getting their hands on your weapons. Sizes vary, but most of the best gun safes can mount to the wall, floor, or underside of a counter. Each option listed below allows the owner easy access via a code, fingerprint, or key.
Best Overall
SentrySafe XL Quick Access Digital Pistol Safe
Product Specs
- Material: Steel
- Lock type: Electronic or keyed lock
- Gun capacity: 2 handguns
Pros
- Spacious steel safe is CA DOJ approved for firearm storage and protection
- Electronic lock uses 1- to 8-digit code with rapid, reliable entry via keypad
- Automatic whisper-quiet opening and soft interior light for discreet access
Cons
- While most owners seem satisfied, there are a few reports of door strut failures
With so many good models, selecting our overall best gun safe would never be easy. The SentrySafe takes the top spot for a combination of features that will give it wide appeal at a reasonable price.
The solid steel casing has a pry-resistant door and meets CA DOJ requirements for firearm storage. There is space for two handguns inside, and access is via a digital keypad. Should the batteries run flat, there is a mechanical lock as a fail-safe. Bolt-down hardware is included to further secure the safe. A gas strut provides automatic virtually silent opening with a low-level internal light that allows guns to be accessed quickly and quietly if needed.
Get the SentrySafe gun safe at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Best Bang For The Buck
RPNB Fingerprint Handgun Safe With Drop-Down Lid
Product Specs
- Material: Alloy steel
- Lock type: Biometric, electronic, or keyed lock
- Gun capacity: 1 handgun
Pros
- Sturdy, affordable model that can be left, right, or top-side mounted
- CA DOJ certified and offers keypad, fingerprint, or keyed access
- Interior lighting plus pry-resistant door with silent opening option
Cons
- It can only hold 1 firearm, and the required batteries are not included
Designed to be mounted under a counter, desk, or dashboard, the RPNB handgun safe keeps your handgun out of unauthorized hands but within reach for quick access. Its compact interior holds a single pistol or handgun and can open with a programmed fingerprint, passcode, or backup keys (included).
The exterior measures 14.76 inches high by 3.15 inches wide by 7.48 inches deep—small enough to easily conceal from inquisitive eyes. Made with a solid steel construction and designed to resist prying, the RPNB safe features a foam-lined interior and a low-battery alert to let you know when its four AA batteries (not included) need replacing.
Get the RPNB gun safe at Amazon.
Best For Long Guns
SnapSafe Under Bed Safe
Product Specs
- Material: 14-gauge steel
- Lock type: Key code and back-up key
- Gun capacity: 4 handguns, 2 long guns
Pros
- Low-profile design so firearms can be concealed under most beds and many sofas
- Slide-out drawer provides rapid access with security via 3- to 8-digit code
- Predrilled holes and 5 feet of steel cable for permanent mounting
Cons
- Large, bulky, and weighs over 100 pounds; may be difficult for some to move
Stow your guns safely under a bed or sofa with the SnapSafe Under Bed safe, which holds one or two long guns and many handguns, magazines, and other accessories. Made from heavy-duty steel, the SnapSafe comes with predrilled holes for mounting to a floor, and it features an interior drawer that slides out for easy access.
The heavy-duty safe opens with a programmable key code locking mechanism and backup keys, just in case. In addition to the predrilled mounting holes, the safe can be attached with a 3-foot steel cable (included) to a stationary object so users can secure it in the trunk of a car for safely transporting firearms. Exterior measurements for the medium safe are 5 inches high by 26 inches wide by 20 inches deep, and four AA batteries (not included) are necessary to operate the keypad.
Get the SnapSafe under bed gun safe at Amazon (M) or Lowe’s (XXL).
Best With Tamper Alert
Verifi Smart.Safe. S6000
Product Specs
- Material: Steel
- Lock type: Biometric and back-up key
- Gun capacity: Multiple handguns
Pros
- FBI-approved fingerprint scanner that records and time stamps unauthorized access attempts
- Low power consumption means the batteries (1 set included) can last several years
- Other features include spacious, carpeted interior; open door alarm; and mounting holes
Cons
- It may be too bulky for some and comes with a premium price tag
The accuracy of biometric fingerprint locks on gun safes can vary, sometimes resulting in the inability to access firearms or even allowing unauthorized access. However, owners should not have problems with the Verifi Smart.Safe. It uses a high-resolution chip and is the only FBI-certified fingerprint sensor on the market.
Up to 40 users can be given access. Any unauthorized attempts are recorded and displayed with a date and time stamp on the LED screen. The required batteries are included and, according to the manufacturer, can last several years. Low battery and open door alerts are provided.
This is a relatively large safe capable of holding several handguns, ammunition, and other valuables, although the interior is unfitted. Buyers may want to add a gun holder to maximize space.
Get the Verifi gun safe at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Heavy-duty
Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Electronic Safe
Product Specs
- Material: 8-gauge and 14-gauge steel
- Lock type: Electronic lock and back-up keys
- Gun capacity: 4 to 5 handguns
Pros
- Versatile and affordable safe for handguns, ammo, valuables, and documents
- Pry-resistant door with concealed hinges and 2 heavy-duty locking bolts
- 1.8-cubic-foot capacity to hold 4 to 5 handguns
- Easy-to-use programmable electronic keypad
Cons
- Although very popular, a few users have reported problems with the electronics
With its heavy-duty 8-gauge carbon steel door, the Amazon Basics Safe will secure up to four or five of your best handguns and other valuables, and it comes with predrilled holes for bolting it to a wall or floor for maximum security.
The heavy-duty safe features an electronic keypad for quick entry, and it comes with a set of two backup keys in case the code is ever forgotten. The door features two solid steel bolts and the body of the safe features 14-gauge steel construction. The door is designed to offer a measure of pry resistance as well.
This Amazon Basics safe features exterior measurements of 19.7 inches high by 13.8 inches wide by 13 inches deep. The interior compartment measures 19.53 inches high by 13.6 inches wide by 10.35 inches deep and comes with two internal shelves for holding handguns, cartridges, and other valuables.
Get the Amazon Basics gun safe at Amazon.
Best With Bluetooth
Vaultek MXi Bluetooth and Biometric Safe
Product Specs
- Material: Steel
- Lock type: Biometric, Bluetooth, keypad, and back-up key
- Gun capacity: Up to 8 handguns
Pros
- Multiple entry options, including Bluetooth-activated Nano key and smartphone app
- Customizable interior with adjustable shelf and a range of accessories available
- Numerous advanced monitoring features; powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Cons
- It’s expensive, and while a 2-gun rack is included, other accessories are extra
Bluetooth can extend the security options of a gun safe and provide more detailed monitoring. In the case of the Vaultek MXi, this means that in addition to common biometric and keypad gun safe locks, it can also be accessed using a smartphone or the Vaultek Nano key. The latter is a discrete unit that can be mounted remotely from the safe and used as a panic button. The app can also check tampering, physical impacts, and even internal temperature and humidity. Power comes from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is provided.
The interior is highly customizable with an adjustable shelf and a capacity of up to eight handguns, four handguns, and four magazines. However, only a two-gun holder is included. There are predrilled holes in the bottom and back for secure fixing, and screws are included.
Get the Vaultek gun safe at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Best Portable
SnapSafe XXL Lock Box
Product Specs
- Material: 16-gauge steel
- Lock type: Keyed lock
- Gun capacity: 2 handguns
Pros
- Compact and lightweight model with pry-resistant, heavy-duty steel construction
- TSA and CA DOJ compliant for firearm storage and transportation (when not loaded)
- Sturdy 4-foot steel security cable can resist 1500 pounds of pressure
Cons
- Padding could be thicker, and some users feel the lock could be stronger
The SnapSafe gun safe is small enough to comfortably slip into a backpack, under a car seat, or into a desk drawer. Like most portable handgun safes, it comes with a steel cable capable of withstanding 1,500 pounds that users can attach to a stationary object to deter thieves. The safe features a 16-gauge steel construction that weighs just 5 pounds and provides a tough, secure case.
The SnapSafe meets TSA and CA DOJ guidelines and comes with a keyed lock (2 keys included). Exterior dimensions are 2.5 inches high by 8.5 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep, a size that is capable of holding two handguns. The padded interior is also delicate on other valuables like watches, fine jewelry, or paperwork.
Get the SnapSafe XXL gun safe at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Also Consider
BBRKIN Biometric Gun Safe for Quick Access
Product Specs
- Material: Alloy steel
- Lock type: Biometric, keypad, and back-up key
- Gun capacity: 2 handguns
Pros
- Provides ample space for 2 handguns or 1 handgun and extra clips or ammo
- Durable construction with rust-resistant finish and fingerprint, passcode, or keyed access
- Silent mode allows gun safe to be opened without alerting an intruder
Cons
- Some users have reported latch failures, so the door may not stay closed
Keep your handgun safely away from curious hands but ready to retrieve quickly with the BBRKIN biometric gun safe for pistols. It’s designed with a pry-resistant door to prevent break-ins and features an interior large enough to hold two handguns (11.8 inches by 7.5 inches by 2.4 inches) or a single pistol and a few magazines or ammo boxes.
The exterior dimensions are 3.3 inches high by 13.4 inches long by 11 inches wide, so the safe is small enough to store on a closet shelf or in a large desk drawer. Users can program the safe using the fingerprint scanner for secure and quick access, or they can open it by entering a passcode on its easy-to-see backlit keypad.
The BBRKIN gun safe has backup keys for manually unlocking the safe. The exterior is powder coated to resist corrosion, and the keypad and biometric lock operate on four AA batteries (not included).
Get the BBRKIN gun safe at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Gun Safe
In addition to meeting potential legal requirements, a gun safe should be large enough to hold weapons, additional clips, and cartridges. It should be secure yet quickly accessible in the case of an emergency. Gun safes come with various features, varying quality, and different security levels. With that in mind, here are a few factors to consider while shopping.
Size/Capacity
Gun safes range in size from small, portable handgun safes designed to hold a single compact handgun or derringer to large, heavy floor-style safes built to store multiple long guns, handguns, and a surplus of related items.
When shopping for a gun safe, pay attention to both exterior and interior dimensions. The exterior dimensions identify whether the safe will fit in a predetermined space, such as in a cubby in a closet, while the interior dimensions (which may be a few inches smaller) determine whether the safe is large enough to hold long guns or small firearms.
Lock Type
Gun safe manufacturers usually construct these products with four main types of locks: biometric, electronic, combination, and keyed. The benefits and drawbacks of each are listed below.
- Biometric: A biometric lock allows the owner to program one or more individual fingerprints into the lock’s memory. When the user places his or her finger on the biometric screen, the safe recognizes the print and opens the lock. Biometric locks ensure security, as each person’s fingerprint is unique. However, if the finger (or the biometric pad) is dirty, the lock may not open. Biometric locks rely on batteries; if the batteries die, they’ll need replacing before the lock will function.
- Electronic: An electronic lock requires the user to enter a three- to eight-number combination via a digital keypad to open it. Electronic locks are secure, and users can reprogram the key codes if desired. Similar to biometric locks, electronic locks also run on batteries. If the batteries die, the user must replace them before using the keypad.
- Combination: The simplest lock design is the combination lock—think back to school lockers. A combination lock requires users to enter a three- to five-digit code by rotating a dial back and forth or by aligning the numbers on a vertical-type combination lock to open the safe.
- Keyed: Very few gun safes open only with a key. A key lock is used as a backup if the user forgets the code or combination or if the batteries go flat. If backup keys are unavailable, the owner may need to call a locksmith to open the safe.
Fire Rating
A fireproof gun safe can withstand intense heat for a specific amount of time before the heat enters the safe. This type of safe is often built with thicker steel walls and may come with special seals that expand when the temperature soars to seal the safe’s door and keep fire out. If the safe offers fire protection, it will come with a 1- or 2-hour fire rating, meaning the contents inside are safe from fire damage for 1 or 2 hours, respectively.
Security Level
Generally, the heavier the gauge of steel (8- to 12-gauge is best), the higher the fire rating and the more secure the locking system. The following classifications offer a general guideline for measuring the level of security offered by a gun safe.
This is relevant not only to ensure the desired degree of protection but also to guarantee the guns are covered against loss by the homeowner’s insurance policy. However, individual policies may vary, so contact your insurance agent to determine the security level necessary for the agency to cover your firearm investment.
- UL: This stands for an Underwriters Laboratories rating and is used with one or more of the following ratings.
- TL: Indicating “tool resistance,” this rating is followed by a number, such as TL-15 or TL-30, indicating the safe will withstand attempts to pry it open with a pry bar or other tools for 15 or 30 minutes. It will usually follow the UL designation (i.e., UL TL-15), indicating that the 15-minute tool-resistant rating was determined by Underwriters Laboratories.
- TR: This designation specifies the safe is resistant to unlawful entry using a torch, and it can be combined with the TL designation, such as UL TRTL-30, meaning the safe will resist forced entry by torch or prying tools for up to 30 minutes.
- X6: If X6 appears in the designation, it indicates security testing was performed on all six safe surfaces: all four sides, the top, and the bottom. A rating such as UL TRTL-15-X60 indicates the safe will resist forced entry by torch or prying tools on all six sides for up to 15 minutes.
- RSC: A gun safe with an Residential Security Container rating may deter some thieves, but this is the lowest security rating level. An insurance policy may not cover the financial loss if the safe has an RSC rating but not a TL rating. An RSC rating indicates the safe will deter prying for up to 5 minutes, making RSC gun safes the least secure.
Protection Mechanisms
In addition to heavy-gauge steel, a good lock, and fire protection, some gun safes offer additional protection, such as mounting holes that allow the user to bolt the safe to wall studs with a stud finder, floor joists, or concrete. Some of the newer safes may also offer tamper alerts that sound an alarm if an unauthorized attempt is made to open the safe, and others will track and log every event when someone tries to enter the safe.
Portability
Most gun safes can be wall-mounted or affixed to the floor, but portable gun safes are also available for gun owners who need to transport their firearms. They may come with steel security cables that attach to a nonmovable part of the automobile—usually in the trunk—to reduce the theft risk.
Small, nonattachable handgun safes are also available for stowing handguns under a car seat or in a desk drawer. These safes will keep kids out, but they won’t stop a determined thief from carting off the entire safe and its contents.
FAQs
Many states and communities have strict gun storage laws, and buyers must consider these when choosing a gun safe. Also, for those new to the world of gun safes, some questions are to be expected.
Gun safes with fire ratings are airtight for a specific length of time, usually 1 or 2 hours, but after that, intense heat could cause the seals to fail and put the contents of the safe at risk. If a safe does not come with a fire rating, it’s likely not airtight.
Out of sight is also out of mind. Concealing a safe that is small can be done in a nightstand, desk, or under the best. Larger safes are designed for installation in walls, and under beds will be out of view.
The larger the gun safe, the more challenging it is to hide. If no concealed spots are available, stow it where thieves are unlikely to look, such as in a cluttered area like a garage, where it’s less likely to be noticed.
Expect a safe’s batteries to last 6 months to 1 year, depending on how often the safe is opened.
