Best Gun Safe For The Money
The gun safe that is right for you will depend on several criteria including whether you need theft prevention, fire resistance, legal compliance, or just simply keeping guns out of your child’s reach. In addition the size you need will vary depending on how many guns you need to store, the length and scopes on any rifles, and if you want to store other valuables besides just guns. The price of gun safes also vary greatly, from about $100 up to well over $10,000, with the largest and safest obviously costing the most.
For more info check out our Gun Safe Buying Guide.
We looked at numerous models and tried to rank the ones that we felt provided the most value for their price. We could have made a list of the best gun safes regardless of price, but the prices for those units would not be affordable to most people. So instead we focused on units that cost less than $2500, from various sizes and prices below that point.
Below you will find our reviews of the best gun safes for the money. We have broken it up into two sections – one for long guns and one for handguns. At the bottom of each section you will find a spec comparison chart to easily compare each gun safe on our list.
Long Gun Safe Reviews
9.4
Steelwater AMHD593924-EMP Extreme Duty Gun Safe
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.
9.2
Liberty FatBoy Jr. LFJ48
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.
9.2
Liberty 1776-36-GYM-DP 30 Gun Safe
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.
9
Winchester Bandit 19 Dial Gun Safe
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.
9
Steelwater AMEGS592216-BLK Standard Duty 16 Long Gun Safe
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.
8.6
Sports Afield SA5526BASIC 30 Gun Safe
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.
8.2
Stack-On FS-8-MB-E 8 Gun Electronic Lock Safe
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.
7.2
Barska AX11652 Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe
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.
Long Gun Safe Comparison Chart
Gun Safe | Rating | Best Price | Weight (lbs) |
Max Long Gun Capacity |
Internal Space (Cubic Feet) |
External Dimensions (H x W x D) |
Lock Style | Fire Rating | Palusol / Expandable Door Seal |
Floor Bolt Down | Wall Steel Thickness | Bolt Count | Security Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Steelwater AMHD593924-EMP Extreme Duty Gun Safe | 9.4 | $2,195.00 | 925 | 39 | 21.17 | 59″ x 39″ x 24″ | Digital Keypad | 120 minutes @ 1875 F | Yes | Yes | 9 GA | 20 | Exceeds California DOJ regulatory standards for gun safes |
Liberty FatBoy Jr. LFJ48 | 9.2 | $1,499.99 | 760 | 48 | 19 | 60.5″ x 42″ x 25″ | S&G 6741 mechanical dial lock | 60 minutes @ 1200 F | Yes | Yes | 11 GA | 10 | U.L. RSC |
Liberty 1776-36-GYM-DP 30 Gun Safe | 9.2 | $1,399.99 | 685 | 30 | 15.2 | 60.5″ x 36″ x 25″ | Manual Dial Lock | 60 minutes @ 1200 F | Yes | Yes | 11 GA | 5 (4 in bars) | U.L. RSC |
Winchester Bandit 19 Dial Gun Safe | 9 | $957.65 | 372 | 24 | 19.4 | 60″ x 28″ x 20″ | Mechanical Lock | 45 minutes @ 1400 F | Yes | Yes | 14 GA | 10 | Exceeds CA DOJ Firearm Safety Device Requirements |
Steelwater AMEGS592216-BLK Standard Duty 16 Long Gun Safe | 9 | $719.00 | 330 | 16 | 6.6 | 59″ x 22″ x 16″ | Electric Keypad | 60 minutes @ 1875 F | Yes | Yes | 14 GA | 10 | Exceeds California DOJ regulatory standards for RSC |
Sports Afield SA5526BASIC 30 Gun Safe | 8.6 | $599.99 | 315 | 30 | 11.5 | 55″ x 26″ x 18.5″ | Electric Keypad | 30 minutes @ 1200 F | Yes | Yes | 16 GA | 8 | California DOJ Approved |
Stack-On FS-8-MB-E 8 Gun Electronic Lock Safe | 8.2 | $419.00 | 234 | 8 | 4.83 | 55? x 18.5″ x 15.25″ | Electronic Keypad Lock | 30 minutes @ 1400 F | Yes | ? | 5 | California DOJ Approved | |
Barska AX11652 Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe | 7.2 | $236.65 | 62 | 4 | 1.83 | 52.13″ x 9.75″ x 8.63″ | Biometric | None | No | Yes | 2 mm (appx 14 GA) | 3 | DOJ Approved |
Handgun Safe Reviews
8.9
Stealth Original Handgun Safe
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.
8.9
Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe
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.
8.7
Vaultek MX Series High Capacity Bluetooth Smart Handgun Safe
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.
8.7
V-Line Slide-Away Handgun Pistol Safe
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.
8.5
Vaultek VT10i
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.
8.4
SentrySafe QAP1BE One Handgun Capacity Gun Safe with Biometric Lock
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.
8.3
GunVault SV500 - SpeedVault Handgun Safe
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.
8.1
SentrySafe PP1K Portable Handgun Safe
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.
Handgun Safe Comparison Chart
Handgun Safe | Rating | Best Price | Weight (lbs) |
Max Long Gun Capacity |
Internal Space (Cubic Feet) |
External Dimensions (H x W x D) |
Lock Style | Fire Rating | Palusol / Expandable Door Seal |
Floor Bolt Down / Mountable |
Wall Steel Thickness | Security Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stealth Original Handgun Safe | 8.9 | $299.99 | 24 | 0 | 0.3 | 5.25″ x 12.5″ x 10.25″ | Simplex Lock | None | No | Yes | 10 GA | |
Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe | 8.9 | $256.99 | 22 | 0 | 0.3 | 5.25″ x 12.5″ x 10.375″ | Simplex Lock | None | No | Yes | 10 GA | Exceeds CA DOJ Firearm Safety Device Requirements |
Vaultek MX Series High Capacity Handgun Safe | 8.7 | $549.99 | 32 | 0 | 0.712 | 15″ x 11.5″ x 11.6″ | 5-Point Entry (Biometric, Digital Keypad, Bluetooth App, Manual Key, Smart Key) | None | No | Yes | 14 GA | |
V-Line Slide-Away Handgun Pistol Safe | 8.7 | $299.97 | 21 | 0 | 0.146 | 4.37″ x 10″ x 13.75″ | Simplex Lock | None | No | Yes | 12 GA | CA DOJ Approved |
Vaultek VT10i | 8.5 | $239.99 | 5.2 | 0 | 0.046 | 2″ x 10.55″ x 8.46″ | Biometric & Digital Keypad | None | No | Yes (& 4 foot long steel tethering cable) | 18 GA | |
SentrySafe QAP1BE | 8.4 | $179.00 | 11.9 | 0 | 0.08 | 3.2″ x 12.2″ x 9.9″ | Biometric | None | No | 12 GA | CA DOJ certified gun safe | |
GunVault SV500 | 8.3 | $91.67 | 6.61 | 0 | 0.074 | 13″ x 3.5″ x 6.5″ | Electric Keypad | None | No | Yes | 18 GA | California DOJ Approved |
SentrySafe PP1K | 8.1 | $70.37 | 6.5 | 0 | 0.1 | 3.3″ x 11.3″ x 10′ | Key Lock | None | No | No (25 in. steel tethering cable) | 12 GA | CA DOJ approved |
Gun Safe Buying Guide
Here are some of the most important factors to take into consideration when shopping for a gun safe.
Note: Buyers should be aware that no residential safe will prevent theft if criminals have enough time and knowledge. They are designed to buy time or deter thieves without the proper tools or knowledge to reach the contents.
- Construction and Size – The general toughness of a safe is determined by the thickness of steel it is made from – the thicker the better. Just keep in mind that that the thicker the steel, the more the safe will weigh – which is why comparing the weight of safes can also help determine how well it is made.
When considering size, you need to decide if you just need to store handguns or if you will be storing long guns (rifles or shotguns). This will greatly effect the size of the safe you need – also keep in mind that rifles with scopes take up much more space. Most people end up buying a model that is too small, because they don’t consider that in addition to guns they want to store jewelry, documents, ammo, and other valuables that take up a lot of space. Therefore consider getting one that is a size larger than you think you will need.
- Security Rating – Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a third party rating agency, will rate safes as an RSC (Residential Security Container) which basically means it is built to resist breaking into. Then above that there are other ratings that can be achieved, but the price for those models will be in the many thousands. However, many manufacturers will not pay the fees that UL charges them to rate their products, so not all makers will have this rating. There is also varying levels of security features for models with an RSC rating like pry-resistant doors, continuous welded bodies and doors, numerous hardened locking bolts of at least 1-inch, drill resistant lock plate, and many more.
- Fire Protection – You will see fire ratings listed normally as a certain amount of time at a maximum temperature like 60 minutes at 1200 degrees. However, there is not a universal standard that all companies use to measure this. Some test internally and some use independent labs so take any specs listed as a general guideline. What you should look for to help with fire resistance is the thickness of the door and body, some form of fire insulation material, and a heat-expanding door seal.
- Locking Mechanism – The lock itself can also be UL rated as Group 1 or Group 2 combination lock. This is a very important feature for theft deterrent. There are also electronic locks which require the use of a battery that must be replaced periodically and bio-metric locks which can read your fingerprint for access.
- Other Features – Some other features you might want to consider include mounting holes to bolt the safe to the floor, a built in light or electrical outlet for lights or a dehumidifier (some models come with a hole which just needs to be drilled out to allow an electric cord), the location of the hinges – internal hinges only let you open the door 90 degrees, and a long term warranty.