Best Gun Safe For The Money

An EMP-proof digital keypad with a drill resistant bypass key provide access. A drill resistant hard plate protects the combination lock, re-locker, gear drive and linkages. It also has an internal spring-loaded re-locking bolt to secure the safe if the lock is punched out. A total of 20 1-1/2 inch diameter steel locking bolts secure the door. In all it exceeds California DOJ regulatory standards for gun safes.

Inside you will find automatic LED lighting, fully upholstered grey interior with a two-section gun rack and 4 adjustable or removable shelves for additional storage, and a door organizer. It has been pre-drilled with anchor holes to bolt down.

It is the most expensive gun safe on our list, but some models can cost you well over $5000. So, if you want the best security and fire protection for long guns, without spending a fortune, then we highly recommend the Steelwater AMHD593924-EMP Extreme Duty Gun Safe.

Security wise it has been awarded UL Residential Security Container burglary classification with a UL listed S&G Group II lock. Overall the Liberty FatBoy Jr. provides protection from fire and burglary with a large capacity all at a reasonable price and we would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

The 1776 has a manual dial lock, 5 4-inch locking bars, and triple hardened steel plates to protect the lock from drill attack. It is UL RSC approved and provides 60 minutes of fire protection against a 1200 degree F fire.

With the help of a Pal sol heat expanding door seal, it provide fire protection for 45 minutes at 1400 degrees F. Access to the safe is through the UL listed mechanical dial lock. It also meets CA DOJ Firearm Safety Device requirements.

Security wise the AMEGS592216-BLK exceeds California DOJ regulatory standards for RSC. It comes with an EMP-proof electronic lock with a bypass key. Door protection includes 10 locking bolts, drill resistant hard plate to protect the lock from being drilled, and an internal spring loaded relocking bolt. Fire wise, it is rated for 60 minutes at 1875 degrees F.

The Steelwater AMEGS592216-BLK is a perfect choice for someone who owns around 8-10 long guns and wants top notch protection.

This Sports Afield safe uses an electric keypad to access it with 2 backup access keys. The door has 8 locking bolts and it is CA DOJ approved. It is backed up by a lifetime warranty and a free locksmith if you are ever locked out.

Overall the Sports Afield SA5526BASIC is popular because it still provides security from burglary and fire for a large amount of long guns at a very decent price.

The FS-8-MB-E has a fire rating of 30 minutes at 1400 degrees F. It is listed as a CA DOJ firearm safety device. The door has 5 locking bolts and has an electronic keypad for entry.

Overall the Stack-On FS-8-MB-E would make a good choice for someone looking for an affordable, narrow long gun safe that has fire and thief protection.

This safe uses a biometric lock or key with the hidden keyhole to access it. The AX11652 is constructed from 2mm thick steel and the door has 3 bolts to secure it. It is by far the lightest gun safe on our list as well at just 62 pounds.

Overall the Barska AX11652 is far from the best long gun safe available and has no fire protection. Therefore, you should only buy it if you primarily just need a way to lock up your guns to prevent theft or unwanted access to your guns, like your children for example.

It offers a simplex lock which provides up to 1081 unique combinations and encases the lock in a punch resistant housing. Measuring 4.25 x 12.5 x 10.25 inches it is heavier than one would think, but the added handle makes transporting it super easy.

Although it is not fire rated, overall we feel the Stealth Original Handgun Safe is the best handgun safe you can buy in this price range.

However, the main difference between the Stealth unit is that it does not have a handle. That may not seem like a big deal, but this thing is heavier than you would expect and that makes the Fort Knox PB1 less portable. If you are going to mount it, and don’t need any portability then go with the Fort Knox PB1.

The truly unique feature of this Vaultek MX Series safe is the 5-way entry access and smart technologies. You can gain access through a Bluetooth app, smart key, upgraded biometric scanner, rapid fire backlit keypad, or manual keys.

Overall the Vaultek MX Series High Capacity Handgun Safe is the most expensive handgun safe on our list and costs a lot for zero fire protection, but it has the most capacity as well. If the smart features interest you, and you have multiple handguns then this is definitely one to consider.

The Slide-Away is versatile enough to mount underneath a desktop or in a small area as long as there is about 4.25 inch of clearance. It comes standard with a mounting bracket for both bottom and top mounting. It is perfect for mounting underneath a nightstand as well.

What really stands out is the 4-way access which includes a biometric fingerprint scanner, backlit keypad, bluetooth app, or manual key.

If you need just a bit more interior space, the Vaultek VT20 is also available which is a slightly larger model for just $25 more.

The QAP1BE also features a gas strut to automatically open the door, however some owners have experienced strut failure after 2 to 3 years of use.

The SV500 uses a keypad for entry with a backup key. When opened the drawer automatically lowers down, leaving your handgun in perfect position to grip fast. The only downside is that it can only hold one handgun, and it won’t hold a revolver or any extra magazines.

We think the GunVault SV500 is perfect for a single, hidden, quick-acess safe. However, it won’t provide a lot of defense against burglars so it is best to keep it in a somewhat hidden location.

It doesn’t have any mounting options, instead it has a 25 inch steel tethering cable and carrying handle. It is TSA approved for U.S. commercial aviation.

You should probably only consider buying the SentrySafe PP1K if you need a handgun safe to travel with.