When it comes to the safety of you and your family, a gun safe can be a worthwhile investment that will protect you for years to come. However, purchasing a gun safe requires careful consideration. Many gun safes are designed to be aesthetically pleasing but lack vital security features that may lead to your weapons being stolen or damaged. If you are planning on purchasing a gun safe, use the gun safe buyer’s guide below to help you make an educated decision.
Best Overall Gun Safe
It was extremely difficult to choose just one safe for this category. There were many safes that were listed in this guide that are of excellent quality and have great security features. That being said, the best overall gun safe on the market is the Stack-On TD14-28-SB-E-S Fire Resistant Waterproof Fully Convertible Total Defense Safe with Electronic Lock.
This safe deserves the best overall gun safe position because it is affordable, water-resistant, fire-resistant, has ample space to store your weapons, and is very secure.
The safe has a programmable digital keypad installed which can be programmed to hold a password of a minimum of 3 numbers to a maximum of 8 numbers. Should the batteries fail, there is an override key provided. The safe also protects the lock using an anti-drill plate which is installed in the door of the safe behind the lock. The safe contains 5 1-and-a-half-inch steel bolts and 3 dead bolts.
As stated in the name, the safe is water-resistant and fire-resistant. The safe can withstand temperatures of up to 1,400 degrees for 30 minutes. The safe is also able to withstand up to 2 feet of water for 3 days, but only if you mount the safe to the floor using the pre-drilled holes provided.
The most exciting part of this safe, however, is the amount of storage that the Stack-On TD14-28-SB-E-S has. The safe can store around 14 long guns and also provides room for extra handguns and ammo with 6 removable shelves. Unlike most safes, this one also includes pouches in the door of the safe. There are six total pistol storage pouches, 12 straps for small knives and other such accessories, 4 smaller pouches for miscellaneous accessories, and a large document folder to store papers or anything else you might need to keep in your safe. The safe is upholstered to protect your weapons and accessories from damage.
While this is a great safe, there does seem to be a common problem with it that most people have. Many people have a problem with the digital keypad that is installed on the safe. Some people say that the digital keypad stops working within a year or two and other people say that their keypad will stop working randomly and then will begin to work again.
However, considering the other features that this safe includes, this is an amazing safe for those who are looking for a lower price and great protection. If you are looking for a great overall safe with many of the features mentioned in the buyer’s guide above, purchase The Stack-On TD14-28-SB-E-S Total Defense Safe.
Best Under the Bed Gun Safe
The Monster Vault Under the Bed Safe is one of the best under the bed gun safes that one could purchase.
As stated in the title, the Monster Vault Under the Bed Safe weighs in at a monstrous 140 pounds, which is heavier than most and could deter thieves from trying to carry it away. The safe can handle up to 100 pounds of contents and is 7 inches tall, 4 feet wide, and has more than two feet of depth. Unlike most gun safes, this one lies down flat and features a pull out drawer in which you can store your guns.
The safe is protected by a digital keypad combination lock which allows you to program a code of a minimum of 3 digits to a maximum of 8 digits. In the event of the digital keypad failing or running out of batteries, the safe also contains a traditional lock and an override key. However, you will need to remove a plate from the safe in order to use the override key so it is recommended that you have everything you need close by in the event of an emergency.
The downsides of this safe are similar to most other smaller safes. The Monster Vault Under the Bed Safe is neither waterproof nor fireproof, which poses a problem if you should experience a fire or a small flood that seeps into the body of the safe. Since the safe features an electronic lock, battery failure is another problem that could potentially arise. However, as long as you replace the batteries regularly, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
These disadvantages shouldn’t deter you from purchasing the Monster Vault Under the Bed Safe. The safe itself is larger than most concealable safes and will allow you to store several guns while also being assured that it will be difficult to break into. Additionally, it is portable and should you need to take it anywhere, it is possible to do so. Overall, the Monster Vault Under the Bed Safe is a great safe to purchase if you are in need of both a spacious as well as portable safe.
Best In-Wall Gun Safe
Although gun safes that hide in the wall sound like one of the greatest ideas, many in-wall gun safes on the market have the tendency to be very low quality. However, the Stack-On IWC-55 Full-Length In-Wall Cabinet manages to be concealable and secure.
The IWC-55 Full-Length In-Wall features a traditional lock, which utilizes a three point locking system that secures the bottom of the door, the top of the door, and the side of the door in order to make it harder for potential thieves to pry it open. Although a traditional lock may sound too simple for some gun safe users, keep in mind that the safe will also be hidden behind a mirror or inside a closet.
The interior of the safe is 14 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and 53 inches tall and contains padding on the bottom to protect your guns from being scratched. The safe also comes with a removable shelf, which you can install into the safe to store additional ammo or even handguns. Since the safe is not too wide or deep, it cannot store many guns, but it can fit two long guns or several handguns comfortably.
Besides the depth and the length, which could be seen as an inconvenience, there are not too many downsides to this safe. The only problem that people seem to have with the Stack-On IWC-55 is that they have had it shipped to them and it arrived damaged. However, several people have simply requested another one, which arrived in perfect condition, or have fixed the damaged parts on their own, which doesn’t appear to be too difficult.
If you’re looking for an in-wall gun safe that provides security and quality, you should consider buying the Stack-On IWC-55 Full-Length In-Wall Cabinet.
Best Biometric Gun Safe
You can’t ask for a better biometric gun safe than the GunBox Biometric Hand Gun Safe.
The GunBox Biometric Hand Gun Safe is highly secure and is equipped with two locking mechanisms. The first level of security is a radio-frequency identification scanner that has the ability to scan special bracelets, rings, and stickers that can be purchased from the manufacturer. This RFID scanner will only unlock the safe using those objects and they are each unique to the safe, meaning that someone else’s RFID bracelet or ring will not be able to unlock your safe.If you are concerned about using the RFID feature because someone might acquire your special object, you can deactivate it and switch to the second locking mechanism, the biometric scanner. The biometric scanner is highly sensitive and can hold up to 100 fingerprints, which is ideal because the gun safe is known to reject fingerprints if you do not scan them in the exact position that you programmed them.Another great security feature that the GunBox Biometric Hand Gun Safe has is an alarm that alerts you when someone tampers with the safe. This alarm is activated by an internal sensor that can sense when someone has moved the safe. If this happens, a loud alarm is activated that lets you know that the safe has been moved. If you have no need for an alarm, you can deactivate it and instead use the silent alarm which displays a red light if someone has moved the safe.The exterior of the safe is constructed from a strong aluminum alloy and has external features including holes that you can use to mount the safe to a surface and two USB ports that you can use to charge the safe’s battery and charge other devices. The interior is padded with neoprene to keep your handgun and accessories safe.When it comes to this safe, there seems to be no downsides. This product is well-built and has all the necessary security features and extra features to keep a gun safe user satisfied. The GunBox Biometric Hand Gun Safe should be seriously considered, not only for its biometric security feature but for its ability to protect your gun better than most biometric safes on the market. Check it out by clicking here.
Best Fireproof Gun Safe
The Steelwater Extreme Duty 22 Long Gun Fire Protection safe, although not well-known, provides some of the best fire protection and burglar protection on the market.
The Steelwater Extreme Duty 22 Long Gun Fire Protection safe is built to withstand temperatures of up to 1,875 degrees for two hours and, as mentioned earlier, features a heat-activated door seal that prevents smoke and water from entering the safe and ruining the contents in the event of a fire. As far as protection goes, the safe is constructed from thick 9-gauge metal and comes with an additional steel plate installed on the door and 18 one-and-a-half inch bolts that keep the safe from easily being broken into.
The interior of the safe is 59 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 24 inches deep and is upholstered to protect your guns. Inside the safe is a gun rack that can hold up to 11 long guns and several shelves that can be removed or used to house guns and accessories. There are also pre-drilled holes where you can install a dehumidifier and bolt the safe down to a surface.
Much like the previous safe, there aren’t many downsides. According to the reviews, everyone who has purchased it has been satisfied with how it performs. The only thing that should be mentioned is that you will need to obtain a dehumidifier or purchase silica packs to prevent moisture from building up in the safe. Besides this, the safe is a great fire-resistant option and will meet the needs of anyone who wants to protect their guns.
Best Small Gun Safe
Perhaps not surprise, as this safe has a biometric lock and is extremely popular, the Sentry Safe Biometric Quick Access Pistol Safe qualifies for the best small gun safe category.
As stated in the name of the safe, this product includes a biometric lock as well as two other locks for additional security. Besides the biometric lock, which can detect two sets of fingerprints, there is a digital keypad with four backlit keys and an override key in case of battery failure. The digital keypad and the biometric locks make no noise so they are perfect for those who need quiet access to their gun during an emergency.
The Sentry Safe Biometric Quick Access Pistol Safe has a heavy emphasis on quick, silent access and uses a gas strut on the lid to silently open the lid and keep it open for easy access. The lid is also pry resistant and the rest of the safe is made of 12-gauge steel which, while not the thickest steel, will still protect your belongings.
The interior of the safe is 2.2 inches high, 9.7 inches wide, and 6.6 inches deep, which gives you enough room to fit a handgun and possibly an extra magazine. It is lined with fabric to protect your guns and the safe has holes which you can use to mount to a surface to further prevent theft.
While the Quick Access Pistol Safe is a great small gun safe, it still has the problems that come along with other safes that have electronic locks. Depending on the type you choose, it is said that the safe will drain the batteries rather quickly. It is recommended that you change the batteries regularly to prevent getting locked out and that you keep your override key nearby should the batteries fail when you need to retrieve your gun.
Overall, the Sentry Safe Biometric Quick Access Pistol Safe is a great choice for those who are in need of a small gun safe with great safety features.
Best Gun Safe for the Money
Sometimes, price can play a big role in which gun safe you decide to purchase. However, it seems that the cheaper the safes are, the more the quality begins to dwindle. The GunVault SV500 SpeedVault Handgun Safe is a secure, unique, and affordable option.
The SV500 SpeedVault is unique because it is designed with quick access in mind. The vertical body of the safe is meant to be mounted to a surface such as a desk so it can be accessed easily in the event of an emergency. Once a code is entered, a drawer drops down from the body, revealing the gun.
The locking mechanism installed on the safe is a digital combination keypad consisting of four numbers. This keypad will lock the safe for two minutes if the combination is entered incorrectly more than 24 times. The safe also comes with a tamper detection feature to show the owner if someone has tried to get into the safe. In the event of battery failure, two override keys are included.
The manufacturer states the lock is extremely hard to pry open and, even though the body of the safe is made of 18-gauge metal, it is said that it is hard to break open once installed to a surface. Although that is a much thinner metal, this safe is intended to be concealed and to be installed to a surface to make it hard to steal.
The interior is lined with foam to protect your handgun and also comes with a light that illuminates the drawer so you can access your handgun in the dark. Similar to the last safe, this gun safe focuses on security and silence, so the buttons and the drop down drawer are both quiet.
Unlike most gun safes with electronic locks, this safe doesn’t seem to have a problem with the batteries dying constantly, which is most likely due to the fact that the safe uses 9-volt batteries rather than AA or AAA batteries. Besides some complaints, such as a slight whirring noise when the drawer drops down, the GunVault SV500 SpeedVault Handgun Safe is a great secure and affordable gun safe.
Best Gun Safe Under $500
When it comes to larger gun safes, people tend to associate higher prices with excellent quality. The Stack-On SS-22-MG-C 22 Gun Fully Convertible Security Safe with Combination Lock disproves this stereotype.
The Stack-On SS-22-MG-C Gun Fully Convertible Security Safe with Combination Lock uses a simple combination lock to keep your contents secure. However, don’t let this traditional lock fool you into thinking that the safe is not secure. The safe is constructed from 16-gauge steel, has a pry-resistant door that contains an anti-drill plate, and has two deadbolts near the hinges and three steel 1-inch locking bolts that secure the door.
The interior of the safe is 26 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 55 inches tall. The inside of the safe is fully carpeted and can fit up to 11 long guns along with smaller handguns and accessories using the 4 adjustable shelves provided.
The biggest downside to this safe is that most of its specifications are not well-known. What has been stated in this review are the specifications that are listed on the manufacturer’s website. Other properties that are said to be true about this safe, such as fire-resistance or the true weight, are not entirely certain. This could be due to the fact that the safe was manufactured in China.
However, the safe itself doesn’t seem to cause any problems for those who are using it. The safe, although not produced in the United States or easily found online, is still secure and provides ample space for your weapons. If you only have $500 to spend on a safe, you should consider purchasing the Stack-On SS-22-MG-C Gun Fully Convertible Security Safe with Combination Lock.
Best Gun Safe Under $1,000
If you have a higher budget than the previous category, you should consider purchasing the Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Fire Protection safe.
The Steelwater Heavy Duty Long Gun Fire Protection safe has similar qualities to the Steelwater safe mentioned under the best fireproof gun safe heading, but at a more affordable price. This safe can withstand temperatures of up to 1,550 degrees for 45 minutes and also has a heat-activated door seal that expands to prevent the contents of the safe being ruined by smoke or water in the event of a fire.
The locking mechanism that is installed on this Steelwater safe is a programmable digital keypad for which you can use codes with a minimum of 3 numbers to a maximum of 8 numbers. Unlike previous electronic locks, this digital keypad is EMP proof to keep the lock from being deactivated by a short electromagnetic burst. In case of battery failure, there is an override key included with the safe.
The safe is constructed from 12-gauge steel, which would usually be a downside that might possibly deter someone from buying the safe. However, the Steelwater Heavy Duty safe has bonus security features that are installed on the safe to make it more secure. For example, the safe utilizes 9 1-inch locking bolts to further secure the door and also has an anti-drill/ballistic drill plate installed into the door. Because it uses a gas drive system, it is especially protected against drill attacks, pry attacks, and punch attacks. The safe comes with pre-drilled holes so you can mount the safe to the floor as well.
The interior of the safe is upholstered to protect your guns from any type of damage. It can fit around 10 long guns and also has removable shelves for extra storage space where you can store accessories such as extra handguns and ammo. Since this safe is airtight, there is a pre-drilled hole where you can install a dehumidifier to prevent moisture from building up in your safe. The safe itself is 59 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 18 inches deep. Since the safe weighs 425 pounds, it is recommended that you mount it down to prevent burglars from using a couple of men or a dolly to remove it from your home.
As mentioned with the previous Steelwater safe, The Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Fire Protection Safe does not seem to have any downsides. The people that have purchased it are rather happy with their purchase and have not had any problems with how the safe functions. If you are looking to buy a safe under $1,000, you should buy the Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Fire Protection safe.
Purchasing a Gun Safe
Buying a gun safe is much like buying a gun. You wouldn’t buy a gun at random and you certainly wouldn’t buy one without doing your research first. Here are five considerations to make before buying a new gun safe:
1. Size and Weight
There are many high-quality gun safes on the market that range in size from closet-sized boxes to safes that can fit into your dresser drawers. Although it may seem as though they all serve the same purpose, different safes have different advantages and downsides.Small safes are easily accessible and easily hidden but are almost always built from thin metal, which makes it easier for thieves to break into them and take your weapons. Also, small safes can easily be taken during a burglary if they are not bolted down to a strong surface. Small safes may also have locking mechanisms that require special keys to open. This may not be a problem if a burglar comes into your house, but if one of your children or possibly a friend finds your keys around the house, the security of your gun may be compromised.Large safes are harder to move and have a bigger gun capacity, but they still have the potential to be stolen and are more expensive. If you buy a safe that is large enough to prevent burglary but is too large to move on your own or with the help of a few others, you can expect to pay a large sum of money to have it installed. Large safes are generally riskier to purchase as well. There are plenty of large safes on the market that are made by lesser-known companies who boast about security features that aren’t actually included in the safe. If you buy one that doesn’t function as advertised, your weapons may be at risk.When beginning the search for the safe that you need, take into consideration the amount of guns that you will need to store. Do you only have a few handguns that you keep around the house? If so, then you will most likely require a small gun safe, but you will need to take extra security precautions to make sure that it is well-secured and well-hidden.
If you have a lot of weapons and accessories, you will most likely need a larger safe. However, you should select one that can be moved into your house fairly easily but that will be too difficult to remove without the help of special tools. It is recommended to buy a gun safe that is 750 pounds or heavier. Another thing to consider about large gun safes is the advertised capacity. Advertised capacity is different from actual capacity. If a gun safe you are considering purchasing advertises a capacity of 20 guns, it will most likely fit around 10 guns with all of your accessories and additions. You should also primarily buy from well-known manufacturers who have proven that their safes function as advertised.
2. Type of Locking Mechanism
The type of locking mechanism that is installed on the safe can affect how easily others will be able to get into the safe and, even, how easily you will be able to get into the safe.
Traditional locks, such as those with keys or combination locks, are considered better than electronic locks due to their inability to fail during loss of power. However, traditional locks could pose a security concern if they are not UL rated. Make sure that your lock is of high quality before you purchase your safe.
Electronic locks, such as keypads and biometric scanners, provide a higher level of security than their traditional counterparts, but are also often known to fail or experience problems. If you choose to go with an electronic lock, be prepared to replace the batteries should the safe drain battery power quickly, and aim for an electronic lock that is EMP resistant.
The best choice of gun safe to make is one that has both electronic locks and traditional locks. If the electronic lock fails, you will be able to get into your safe using the traditional lock. These safes should also have additional security measures to keep your lock from being compromised. For example, many great safes have a steel plate installed behind the lock to prevent the lock from being drilled into and broken. Look for these features when you begin searching for a gun safe.
3. Thickness of Steel and Ratings
The thicker the steel of the safe, the more protected it will be. However, the way that the steel thickness on a safe is rated can be confusing to those inexperienced with safes. For example, safes with ratings such as 14-gauge are of lesser quality than safes made from 8-gauge steel.
If you aren’t too concerned about theft and you only have one or two handguns to store, 12-gauge steel will be sufficient for your needs. If you have many weapons to store and you are worried about their safety, you should look for gun safes that are made of 10-gauge metal or lower.
Ratings will also be applied to gun safes. If you’re buying a small gun safe, look for a safe that has an RSC rating. An RSC rating means that the safe will be able to withstand a 5-minute attack. If you’re buying a large safe, search for a safe with a TL-15 rating or greater, which means that the safe will be able to withstand a 15-minute attack.
A higher rating might be necessary for those who live in a secluded area or for those who might not have a security system set up in their home. A lower rating could be all that is necessary for someone who lives in a highly populated area or who has a highly secured home.
Steel thickness is also a priority for the inside of the safe. Many larger safes have locking bolts that provide added protection to the safe. These bolts should be made of steel and should be at least 1-inch in diameter or bigger. The thicker the steel bolts, the harder it will be to drill or cut into the safe. Thick is something you will need both inside and outside the safe.
4. Fire Protection
No safe is completely fireproof, but having a safe with fire-resistant features can help to protect your guns in the event of a disaster. That being said, safes that have fire-resistant features are generally made with a thinner metal, which makes it easier for thieves to break into the safe.
Look for a safe that is U.L. certified, made of a thick type of metal, has a fire seal, and will be able to withstand temperatures of at least 1,200 degrees for a period of 30 minutes or more. If your safe is missing any of these components, it could result in your weapons being either destroyed or stolen.
Water protection is another thing to consider when purchasing a safe. However, water protection is a rare quality and there aren’t too many recommendations that can be made about it. If the safe that you’re considering buying says that it has water-resistant qualities, do your research to keep yourself from figuring out the hard way that the safe isn’t actually water-resistant.
5. Taking Extra Security Precautions
Although a gun safe is a necessity to keep your weapons secure, it shouldn’t be the only safety precaution that you take. In addition to your gun safe, you should install alarms and monitors that keep your home safe and deter thieves from trying to steal from your safe. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Although home alarm systems are a different beast entirely. There are alarms that are currently available on the market that are placed in the interior of your safe to alert you when your safe is being compromised. For example, the Liberty SafElert Gun Safe Alarm does just that. This alarm can send notifications to your phone or emails when there are vibrations, when the door of your safe is open or closed, and even when there is a temperature or humidity inconsistency inside your safe. If you think you could benefit from this type of alarm, you should consider purchasing it.
Now that you know what to look for when shopping for your first safe, here are some extensive reviews on some of the best safes on the market.
Conclusion
A gun safe is a necessary purchase for those who need to secure their guns, whether it be to keep their family from accessing the gun or to prevent burglars from stealing valuable weapons. This gun safe buyer’s guide will hopefully allow you to make an educated decision on which gun safe will be right for you based on certain qualities. If you are in need of a small safe, keep in mind the security measures that you will have to take to keep it from being stolen or broken into. If you are in need of a large safe, keep in mind the security features that the safe should have to keep your guns protected from burglars and damage.
The safes mentioned above are only suggestions based on some of the best gun safes on the market. These are just starting points to help you decide on what you might be looking for. Each gun safe has different qualities that appeal to different people. If you find a great safe online that hasn’t been mentioned on this list, don’t worry about it. As long as it meets your needs and it is high quality, then that gun safe is right for you.
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