Today I’m going to show you the best gun safe.
In fact:
I’ve hand-tested over 10 gun safes alone for this review.
The best part?
I’ve sorted each safe by use. So whether you’re on a budget or need the best quick access gun safe, you’ll find it here.
Let’s dive in!
What is a Gun Safe?
According to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), gun storage is defined as:
“…A safe, gun safe, gun case, lock box, or other device that is designed to be or can be used to store a firearm and that is designed to be unlocked only by means of a key, a combination, or other similar means.”
In other words:
Gun storage tools are things that protect your gun.
But…
Why Should You Store Your Firearms?
Two reasons:
- Protect your investment. After all, you spent hundreds (maybe even thousands) of dollars on your firearm and favorite accessories. It’d be wise to lock them away when not in use.
- Prevent unauthorized users from accessing it. You know how many guns are stolen every year? Over 380,000! Those stolen guns are then used in crimes. Also, suicides outnumber homicides almost two to one.
Convinced? Let’s look at the…
Different Types of Gun Safes
With so many options on the market, you might be thinking:
Which gun storage is best for me?
To answer that, let’s go through some of the most common and most effective options on the market today.
Gun Locks: Essential Storage Safety Tool
One of the most basic methods of keeping a gun safe when stored is a gun lock.
You should possess at least one gun lock, regardless of how your weapons are stored, to ensure you will be able to make your weapon safe in any situation.
A typical cable-style gun lock looks rather like a padlock with a long flexible coated-wire cable.
The best part?
It’s super simple and easy to use:
Cable locks can be fitted through the ejection port on a multitude of gun types, including revolvers, rifles, and shotguns.
A trigger lock is another method to lock a gun that focuses on the trigger being secured instead of the chamber. This allows for a gun to be stored safely while fully loaded.
Gun Safes: Best for Safely Storing Firearms
With many different types of gun safes, choosing the best gun safe can be a bit overwhelming.
Considerations such as price, size, and features are all easy enough to identify once you know what options are available.
Buying a gun safe is the best way to ensure you and your guns are as safe as possible, so it’s smart to invest some time in this choice before you invest your money.
Let’s take a good look at some of the styles and features of gun safes to help you make the best choices for your next purchase.
Locking Styles of Gun Safes
One of the user-specific options for gun safes is the style of locking mechanism on the safe. Things to consider here are how fast do you need access to your gun and how much do you want to spend?
Biometric Safes
Biometric locks are on the cutting edge of technology in safe locking mechanisms. Gun owners access the safe using their fingerprints to unlock the storage area. Common in safes that are intended to be accessed quickly, these locking mechanisms are the ultimate in personal security that cannot be compromised by unwanted users.
Electronic Lock Safe
Electronic locks are a common feature on gun safes. Also a good choice for safes that are intended to be accessed quickly, they are operated with a keypad of buttons or electronic touch screen. Using a PIN number of various lengths, the electronic locks are good for households that may have more than one user needing access to firearms.
Wheel and Pin Combination Safe
Wheel and Pin Combination locks are commonly seen on traditional safes. This tried-and-true locking mechanism is a very secure method for locking gun safes. A wheeled combination lock controls the steel pins on locks large and small. The combination locks tend to be harder to open quickly.
Key Lock Safe
Another traditional option would be a conventional “Lock and Key” method for accessing your gun safe. This option is not commonly seen, but there are some safes out there with this locking system. Valued for being very reliable this system has one glaring vulnerability… don’t lose the keys!
Multiple Lock Safe
Many of the larger or high-tech gun safes use a multiple-lock system. With two types of lock systems in place to access. Usually, this is a combination of biometric and keypad systems however there are other varieties available at different price points.
Fireproof and Waterproof Gun Safes
Every gun safe will protect your guns from fire or water to some extent, but they are certainly not all created equally.
Fireproof safes, made or lined with steel, are all rated to a certain degree of heat for a specific amount of time. When choosing a safe, look for the fire rating label. One and two-hour fire labels are common, with a temperature rating that protects against 1700° to 1850° exterior temperature for those time frames.
A house fire is an expected circumstance for that kind of environment. For certification, the interior temperature does not exceed 350° during the proven time frame. As long as that temperature stays within the rating, your firearms and best accessories will stay safe from significant harm.
Waterproof safes are also available, and you should not assume that a fireproof safe is also waterproof. Check to make sure the safe has both features listed in attributes. Due to added cost, this is not a common feature in low to mid-price points.
You can control moisture within a safe, even if not totally waterproof. Dehumidifying and regular checks on the firearms within are ways to manage moisture content on a fireproof safe that is not waterproof.
Gun Safe Styles for Every User
There are so many options for shapes and styles of gun safes available today. No matter what your needs may be, there is sure to be a good option for you. From compact and portable, to large, in-charge, and ready for anything, here are some of the best:
Car Gun Safe
Good for traveling, a car gun safe is a portable option that can be moved in and out of your vehicle as you need it to. Generally intended for a single handgun, most have a cable lock of some sort to secure the safe in your trunk or to a car seat frame.
Truck Gun Safe
For gun owners with trucks, especially newer trucks, there are more options available for your in-vehicle gun storage needs. Generally, model-specific console vaults for handguns are readily available. Storage for your favorite long gun is also an option within the interior of the truck cab.
Nightstand Gun Safe
A nightstand gun safe is a very popular option that allows you to get to your handgun without getting out of bed. Many of these gun safes rely on electronic or biometric locking systems for fast access.
Under Bed Gun Safe
Similar in concept to the nightstand safe, under-bed gun safes work like a slide-out drawer to keep your long guns close while you are sleeping.
In-Wall Gun Safe
An in-wall gun safe can be as small or large as you’d need. Being installed into walls increases the level of security in making the safe more difficult to run off with. This type of safe is better for gun owners that are in a more permanent home. Relocation of this style not only is difficult, it would require repair to the home after removal.
Hidden Gun Safe
A hidden gun safe is commonly an upgrade to the in-wall safe, but it does not have to be. Disguised by a common decor item, commonly paintings, shelves, or mirrors, the hidden safes ensure you have access to your weapons that others in the home need not know about.
Corner Gun Safe
Designed to accommodate larger guns, by size and number, corner safes have a high level of security with a smaller footprint than traditional square safes. Easier to integrate into living quarters, they are a good option for potentially temporary housing, such as rental property, since they are easier to move than installed or heavy-duty safes.
Heavy Duty Gun Safe
Quite literally heavy, the ultimate traditional gun safe is constructed of very thick fortified steel. Weighing in at a thousand pounds or more is common. Once they are in, which requires a lot of manpower, they aren’t going anywhere. These also tend to require access via multiple lock systems. The top of the line in gun safes, the heavy-duty safe is extremely secure.
How To Safely Store A Firearm
Once you have determined what kind of storage you will be using, proper gun storage practices are key to protecting your firearm from long-term storage damage.
Clean and Oil
Before storing your firearm, take the time to get the weapon ready for being left unattended. Rust can destroy a gun if allowed to develop unnoticed. Perform a full breakdown and cleaning before storage of your firearm.
Don’t get skimpy on the gun oil! The protection from high-quality oil can make a big difference in good preservation.
Dry Air
Water and wet conditions are every stored gun’s nightmare. The insidious threat of rust can be greatly reduced with the addition of a dehumidifier installed within a gun safe.
At the very least, damp-rid and small fans within a safe can make a significant improvement in the removal of lingering humidity.
Smart placement of your storage can also make an impact here. If you have a damp basement, that may not be the best place for your gun safe.
Avoid Using Bare Hands
As good as gun oil is for firearm storage, the oil naturally on our hands is opposingly bad. It’s generally a good idea to clean guns with gloves on anyway to reduce lead-exposure from residues present while cleaning.
So, when prepping for storage leave those gloves on until your firearm is safely stored away. The oil on our hands can eat away at the metal of our firearms. By the time you’d notice that this was occurring, it’s too late and the damage is done.
Don’t Forget To Check Conditions
If your firearm is stored for longer periods, it’s a good idea to check in on the condition of the safe or cabinet from time to time.
If your storage area tends to be humid, checking in to make sure you are properly managing the moisture can help you stay ahead of any issues.
Is your humidifier working correctly? Do you see any sneaky rust developing? Are there any signs of water or environmental damage to the ammo or accessories in your storage?
It’s better to recognize and correct problems earlier than later, so the occasional peek is a safe plan to protect your firearms.
Gun Storage Tips
A few other tips to safely store your firearms can make a difference in keeping your guns safe from theft or damage:
- Store your firearms clean, oiled, and unloaded. This keeps them safe from the environment as well as safe from unwanted users.
- Store your guns in the driest environment possible. Moisture can cause rust and corrosion quickly.
- Ammunition should be stored in a dry place. The safest option is to store it in a separate location from the firearms.
- Accessories that are fabric, such as slings or extra cases, should be stored as flat as possible. Unbuckled and unattached is the best way to preserve these items.
- Optics and scopes should be stored in cases or with lens covers on to protect them from dust and damage.
- Never store any firearm in an unattended vehicle.
Free Gun Storage and Resources
Safety first is a great motto, and there are countless resources available in every city, county, and state in the US as well as other government agencies around the world for gun safety.
We all want to support each other in safe practices with our weapons. Protecting ourselves, our children and each other should always be the first priority for anyone with a firearm.
Please take a moment to check out some great free gun locks and other free resources available to anyone interested in how to safely store a firearm.
Find out more about gun safety and free gun locks here: https://projectchildsafe.org/
The 12 Best Gun Safe
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best gun safe:
- VaulTek VT20i: Best Handgun Safe
- VaulTek Slider Series: Best Nightstand Gun Safe
- Stalwart Digital Safe: Best Small Gun Safe
- Fort Knox FTK-PB: Best Bedside Gun Safe
- Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Fire Protection: Best Long Gun Safe
- SecureIt Agile Model 52: Best Under $1000
- AmazonBasics Security Safe Box: Best for the Budget
- GunVault GV1000: Best Gun Safe for the Money
- SentrySafe QAP2BEL Gun Safe: Best Biometric Gun Safe
- Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe: Best for Quick Access
- SentrySafe SFW205CWB: Most Fireproof
- Verifi Smart Safe Fast Access Biometric Safe: Best Under $500
1. VaulTek VT20i: Best Handgun Safe
When you need to access your handgun in an emergency, speed is the name of the game.
Which is why a good safe can make all the difference.
The VaulTek VT20i is the most modern and reliable handgun safe on the market that guarantees secure storage of your firearm with all the right features to get you the speed you need in a tight situation.
Here’s how…
Convenience
If you’re anything like me and tend to forget passwords, a handgun safe with a keypad code alone isn’t going to do you much good.
That’s why I love this safe.
Not only does it have the keypad code option for those of you who’ve got a great memory, it also comes with three other entry options: manual key, biometric high-resolution fingerprint scanner, and even a Bluetooth app.
This safe looks like it’s straight from the year 3000 with its keypad that detects your finger movement and lights up, 20-print storage for every user’s fingerprint to be filed, and sleek steel exterior.
The free app allows you to check for tampering, history log, battery stats, and all kinds of other safe maintenance all from your phone.
All the electronic components of this safe are powered by a long-lasting lithium iron battery that is easily charged with a micro USB charger.
As far as size goes, this safe fits perfectly under my car’s passenger seat, but is big enough to hold my full-sized Glock and an extra mag.
If you’re in a real pinch and the electronic components aren’t working for whatever reason, the concealed manual key slot and two dual-sided keys give you a last resort access point.
One thing that sealed the deal for me on buying this VaulTek was the fact that it meets all TSA guidelines for traveling with a firearm.
Security
Now let’s talk security.
You don’t want just anyone being able to open your handgun safe, especially if you’ve got small kiddos in the house.
The VaulTek VT20i is built with dual anti-impact latches that won’t open when dropped and has anti-pry bars that prevent break-ins from most tools.
Plus, this safe is made from 16-gauge steel with no weld weakness points.
If you’re on the go and need to tether or mount your safe, this VaulTek comes with a four foot heavy-duty quick-release cable, pre-drilled holes, and all the hardware you need for mounting.
To give your firearm maximum protection, the interior has a thick foam padding and an LED light that comes on when you open your safe in the dark.
All in all, this safe does exactly what I want it to do: it makes it easy for me to access my handgun and makes getting in difficult for pretty much anybody else.
Setup
One thing I always wonder before purchasing a product that requires programming is: Is the setup going to make me want to pull my hair out?
For this safe, the one-page quick start instructions made setup a breeze.
However, there were some things that made me scratch my head which I want to share in the spirit of honesty.
First, the app wasn’t at all intuitive to use at first. It’s fine now that I have some practice, but I’m sure glad I wasn’t counting on that as my only access point for the first month or two.
Second, if my fingers are sweaty at all, the fingerprint scanner takes several tries to work. My spouse hasn’t had any trouble with it, so maybe I’m just a sweatier person.
Lastly, it kind of grinds my gears that the keypad code can only use the digits 1-5. I just wrote the other five digits (6-9 and 0) on sticky notes above the other numbers and went with it.
These were just small issues I found with the VaulTek, but certainly not any that would change my mind about using it.
The good news is, if you do have bigger problems with your safe, VaulTek has incredibly helpful customer service that will get you a quick solution.
Is the VaulTek VT20i Worth It?
If you are looking for the most modern, convenient, and secure handgun safe on the market, the VaulTek VT20i should be your first choice.
Here’s why. It’s got:
- 4 convenient access points
- Heavy-duty construction
- Easy setup
- Compact size
For keeping my handgun secure with quick access options, the VaulTek VT20i does exactly what I need.
2. VaulTek Slider Series: Best Nightstand Gun Safe
The VaulTek Slider Series is the best line of nightstand gun safes.
While a rifle with a bright flashlight is a great line of defense against a home intruder, sometimes you need to access a smaller pistol at a moment’s notice.
That’s where a handgun safe comes into play.
This is a smaller safe, so is it worth the higher price?
Let’s find out!
Construction
The VaulTek Slider Series is made with a rigid, reinforced 16-gauge steel unibody construction for optimal tamper-resistance.
The opening features an adjustable interior light so you can see the contents even in pitch-black conditions, and it holds your firearm in a high-density foam holster.
A monorail design and alloy ball bearings stabilize the door for a smooth, quiet opening and easy access to your firearms.
There is still a bit of noise once the door has been fully opened, but it’s very quiet other than that.
The safe is very easy to mount on the side of a nightstand, thanks to its slim design. It even includes a patented mounting plate that’s easy to remove from the safe!
The safe is powered by a rechargeable li-ion battery, which can be charged with the included charging kit.
VaulTek claims that the safe can last 4-6 months on a single charge, and charges fully in just 2.5 hours.
However, I’ve found that the battery does not last nearly as long as advertised.
It still functions fine otherwise, but you might just want to keep it plugged in at all times to reduce any risk of the safe dying when you need it!
Overall, however, this is a very well-built, reliable safe.
Access
There are four different ways to access the items you’ve stored in your VaulTek Slider Series safe.
The first way is manual access. The safe includes two manual keys that let you easily access its contents, even when the battery is dead.
It also features a keypad. There’s a built-in proximity sensor that detects movement and activates the backlight, so you can still use this feature easily in the dark!
You can also operate the safe with a bluetooth-enabled smartphone app, or opt for the separately sold Smart Key to electronically unlock your safe from up to 10’ away.
All options activate the auto-open door, which slides out smoothly to offer your firearm at a moment’s notice.
Size
The exterior dimensions of the VaulTek Slider Series safes are 9.1”x11.35”x2.6”.
The opening can fit pistols up to 8.875” in length. However, you might have some trouble accommodating those with extended size magazines.
Empty, the safe weighs just about 7.4 lbs, making it the perfect weight for mounting on the side of a nightstand.
Price
I have the non-biometric, bluetooth-enabled model of the VaulTek Slider Series, which retails for about $230.
This price includes:
- 2 manual keys
- A rechargeable battery
- The charging kit
- A mounting plate and mounting hardware
It is kind of pricey for a smaller safe, but it works absolutely flawlessly to offer quick access to its contents.
Is the VaulTek Slider Series Worth it?
The VaulTek Slider Series is a very high-quality, well-made line of gun safes.
It provides easy access to the inside compartment in four different ways, meaning you’ll never have an issue getting your pistol out when you need it!
3. Stalwart Digital Safe: Best Small Gun Safe
The Stalwart Digital Safe is one of the best, most affordable small gun safes available today.
It’s well-constructed, very portable, and provides quick, easy access to its contents.
Can this budget safe adequately protect your pistol and other sensitive belongings?
Let’s find out!
Construction
The Stalwart Digital Safe is made with a single wall, medium-gauge steel construction.
The walls are 1.5mm thick each, while the door to the safe is twice as thick at 3mm.
It can easily be mounted on the floor or the wall, featuring mounting holes on both the back and bottom of the body.
The safe is powered by four included AA batteries, but you might want to use some higher quality batteries than the ones included to prevent any premature battery changes!
For such a small, budget safe, it’s surprisingly very well-built.
Here’s how I know:
While I was moving this safe, I accidentally dropped it onto a concrete floor.
I was worried that this may compromise the structural integrity of the safe, but to my surprise, there wasn’t a single scratch on it!
It looked and felt strong from the start, and this happy accident confirmed it. This is a durable safe made with very high-quality materials.
Access
You can open the safe using the electronic, LED-backlit keypad, or with one of the two included manual override keys.
You can actually program two different codes into this safe, a master code and a guest code, each of which can be between 3-8 digits.
If you ever need to reset the codes, there’s a reset button right inside the door.
At first glance, this might seem like a really bad design choice, because it could be pressed accidentally rather easily.
But, you can put your worries to rest!
Stalwart thought of this, and included a plastic cap that will prevent any accidental code resets.
The electronic keypad provides quick access to the contents, and the safe even includes an alarm as a tamper-deterrent.
After the code has been inputted incorrectly three times, the alarm will sound for 20 seconds. If it’s entered incorrectly another three times, it’ll sound for 5 minutes!
The sound of the alarm alone should be enough to scare off any potential intruders.
The only downside here is that the keypad itself also beeps when you’re entering the code, so it’s not very discreet in situations that require absolute silence.
Size
The exterior dimensions of this safe are 12.2”x7.9”x7.9”.
The interior is not very spacious at 12.08”x5.5”x7.75”, but there’s still plenty of space to store a small, compact handgun.
It’s very easy to fit this safe into small spaces, and at 11.66 lbs, it’s also quite portable!
Price
At only $40, the Stalwart Digital Safe comes at a price you just can’t beat.
For a budget safe, it’s very well-made, durable, and provides all the protection you need for your sensitive belongings.
Is the Stalwart Digital Safe Worth it?
The Stalwart Digital Safe is a high-quality, basic, and affordable safe that serves its intended purpose well.
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If you’re looking for an inexpensive, easy to use safe to store the small handgun you carry in a running holster, you can’t go wrong with this one!
4. Fort Knox FTK-PB: Best Bedside Gun Safe
If you’re looking for the perfect bedside gun safe, know that the Fort Knox FTK-PB is one of the best.
Different weapons are best suited for different purposes. Rifles are great for hunting, and bowfishing requires special bows and arrows.
But, what about handguns?
Handguns are excellent for home and self-defense, which means you need to be able to easily access them at a moment’s notice.
But, you don’t want to leave your pistols out in the open, so you might need a bedside safe!
What makes the Fort Knox FTK-PB the ideal bedside gun safe?
Let’s find out!
Construction
The FTK-RB is constructed with 10-gauge steel in a unibody design.
A concealed and continuous hinge is welded underneath the safe’s door, which helps protect your belongings from theft and tampering.
The 3/16” thick, tamper-resistant wraparound door is incredibly sturdy, and all the moving parts are well-made and durable.
The inside of the safe is lined with thick, egg crate-style foam to protect and hold your firearm in place. The material is thick enough to prevent any movement inside the safe, but soft enough that it won’t scuff your pistols!
There are two different layers for storage, giving you all the space you need.
For extra protection and tamper-resistance, the safe can even be mounted onto a nightstand through four holes drilled into the base!
Access
This safe features a very simple, programmable, mechanical lock that’s easy to operate, even in the dark!
There are five different push-buttons, which gives you 1,081 different lock combination possibilities.
This number is a bit low, so it’s probably more appropriate to use this safe to keep your children away from your firearms. Given enough time and dedication, a thief or intruder may be able to guess your combination.
To prevent this, I’d recommend regularly changing the combination.
Since the lock is 100% mechanical and requires no batteries, it’s completely reliable. There’s no risk of malfunction due to wiring issues, a power outage, or even water damage!
The FTK-PB features a gas strut-assisted door, so opening and closing the safe feels kind of like opening and closing a car’s trunk.
I’d recommend oiling the gas strut every now and then, just to keep everything running smoothly and quietly.
One downside is that this safe doesn’t include a backup key. So, make sure to choose a combination you won’t forget!
Overall, this safe is nearly perfect if you’re looking for something that’ll give you quick and reliable emergency access.
Size
The dimensions of the safe itself are 4.25”x12.5”x10.375”, and the internal dimensions are 3”x10.5”x9”.
It’s very spacious inside, with enough space to accommodate revolvers (including 1911s!) with up to 6” barrels.
You can even fit two compact 9mm pistols inside, as long as you remove the magazines first!
It is pretty heavy, due to the solid steel construction, and weighs in at about 21.5 lbs.
If anything, however, the heavier weight goes to show you just how sturdy and strong the materials truly are!
Price
The FTK-PB retails for around $250.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable handgun safe at an affordable price, this is the one for you.
It’s one of the strongest bedside safes you’ll find and comes at a price that won’t break the bank.
Still not convinced?
Well, you might be reassured to hear that Fort Knox offers a lifetime warranty on this safe!
Is the Fort Knox FTK-PB Worth it?
The Fort Knox FTK-PB is a very good choice for anyone looking for a strong and reliable bedside gun safe.
The simple design makes it very reliable and resistant to malfunctions, and provides quick emergency access to your firearms the minute you need it.
5. Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Fire Protection: Best Long Gun Safe
Steelwater’s Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun safe is one of the best long gun safes you can buy.
It’s extremely durable and tamper-resistant, offers plentiful storage space, and comes at an unbeatable price.
Can this long gun safe live up to the promises made by the manufacturer?
Let’s find out!
Construction
This safe is constructed with 12-gauge steel, and includes double layers of fireboard on each wall, the ceiling, floor, door jams, and the door itself.
The door is designed in a way that makes it essentially 100% burglary-proof.
It’s constructed with 5” thick, 12-gauge steel, and features a gear drive system that provides excellent protection against crowbars, punching, and even drill attacks!
There are ten different 1.5” solid steel locking bolts, longer than most to further improve its pry-resistance.
As an extra mode of protection, the gear drive system even includes an internal, spring-loaded re-locking bolt that will keep your safe secure in the event the lock is tampered with.
There’s no noticeable gap between the door and frame at all, putting to rest any remaining worries you may have about thieves trying to pry it open!
The heavy duty safe boasts an impressive fireproof rating of 60 minutes at 1875 degrees F, and the door is expandable in response to heat. In the event of a fire, it’ll expand up to 8x its thickness to seal out smoke, flames, and water!
Compared to similar safes from other brands, the Steelwater provides excellent protection against fire and other disasters.
You can bolt it down through the .25” steel-reinforced bolt down holes, and install a dehumidifier through a .5” hole, pre-drilled through only the steel, on the back of the safe.
Overall, this is a very high-quality safe built with excellent workmanship.
The door is very solid and heavy, making it all but 100% tamper-resistant.
Interior
The interior of the Steelwater safe is fully upholstered with grey fabric to prevent scuffing and scratching on your firearms, and includes an automatic LED light to better see what you’re doing in the dark.
It features a two-section gun rack, each of which can hold up to 10 long guns, according to Steelwater, and four adjustable or removable shelves to hold smaller firearms.
Realistically, you’ll probably need to remove all the shelves to actually hold 20 guns.
Leaving the shelves intact, you can probably fit a maximum of about 14-16 guns inside. And that’s without any optics attached.
If you do have any hunting lights or other large optics attached, that capacity dwindles to more like 8-10.
Still, the safe gives you great and versatile organizational possibilities. It even includes a hanging organizer that sits on the inside of the door, perfect for any small pistols, magazines, or ammo you want to store along with your guns!
The full-length shelf is 25” wide and 9.75” deep, while the three smaller shelves are 12” wide and 9.75” deep.
The overall usable dimensions of the interior are 55.75”x25.25”x12.625” (HWD), giving you plenty of space to store a large amount of firearms.
Access
Along with an easy-to-program, chrome-plated digital keypad, the safe also features a backup mechanical locking system.
The EMP-proof electronic locking system allows you to program in two different 3-8 digital codes and provides easy, quick access to your guns right when you need them.
It’s powered by a 9-volt battery, and the external battery compartment makes changes a breeze.
The included battery can last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. It all depends on how often you open and close the safe.
The included mechanical key is great for peace of mind, and you can feel secure knowing you’ll never be completely locked out of your safe, even if you forget your codes!
Size
The exterior dimensions of this safe measure 59”x28”x18” (HWD), with the door opening measuring 53.25”x22”.
It weighs around 450 lbs, so make sure you place it somewhere you want to keep it for a while. I
If you do ever want to move it, you’ll definitely need a few people to help!
Price
This safe will run you around $950.
The size, build quality, and tamper-resistant features make it one of the best safes in its price range, and from my experience, Steelwater provides excellent customer service!
Is the Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Safe Worth it?
The Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Safe offers amazing quality at a relatively low price.
- New and Improved-Automatic LED Interior Lighting -60 Minute Fire Rated @ 1875˚F - EMP Proof-Maximum 20 Long Gun Capacity/Average Capacity 12 to 16 Long Guns
- - EMP Proof Electronic lock system with High security Double sided bypass key lock so you practically will never be locked out of your safe (1 key included).1/4 inch steel reinforced bolt down holes...
- Outside Dimensions: Height: 59" Width: 28" Depth: 18" Weight: 453 lbs.--Gear Drive System to maximize against pry attacks, punch attacks, and drill attacks(not cheap cam drive) 8X Hardplate Than...
It’s built to last and lives up to all promises made by the manufacturer.
If you have a lot of firearms in a variety of sizes you need to store securely, this is the perfect safe for you.
6. SecureIt Agile Model 52: Best Under $1000
The SecureIt Agile Model 52 is the best gun safe under $1000.
SecureIt emphasized lightness and portability when they created this cabinet, and definitely delivered while still providing a decent level of security!
Can the Model 52’s protective features still give you the peace of mind you need while being so lightweight?
Let’s find out!
Construction
Upon receiving the Model 52, you’ll have to assemble it yourself.
This might seem like a lot of work, but SecureIt made the task as simple as possible by including the KnockDown quick assembly technology.
All you’ll need to assemble the cabinet is a 5/16 socket wrench, the included directions, and about 45 minutes of your time!
It’s made with durable, heavy-duty 14-gauge steel and has a very solid floor, door, and walls.
The full-frame, recessed, piano hinge swing door features three different 1” steel locking bolts – one on the top, one on the bottom, and one on the side – for improved tamper resistance.
It should be noted that this is not a theft-proof safe, and SecureIt is not shy about this.
It’s more of a gun cabinet with the security features of a safe.
While it won’t resist aggressive burglary attempts or fire, it will prevent unauthorized access to your guns.
To make it more resistant to theft, you can bolt the Model 52 to the ground through four pre-drilled, internal bolt down holes. This might also prevent any accidental movement of the safe, since it is so lightweight.
Although it can’t guarantee 100% protection of your firearms, it’s still a high-quality, sturdy way to keep your kids out of your gun collection!
Interior
The Model 52 can hold up to six long guns, with scopes and other attachments, up to 50” long in its interior.
One of its best features is the SecureIt CradleGrid.
The louvered back panel grip gives you an abundance of customized mounting options, which is great for organizing guns of varying sizes – no tools required.
You can choose to purchase a number of different accessory trays and mounts, like pistol mounts and parts buckets, which fit easily into the back panel slats for easy and adaptable storage.
The long gun cradles themselves provide an excellent way to hold your rifles without any risk of scratching against each other or the cabinet, and let you reach each one without having to move the others.
Once you get the hang of the best organization methods, you can store a good amount of firearms, ammo, and gear inside.
Access
The inside of the cabinet is accessed through either an electronic keypad, powered by a 9-volt battery (not included), or one of two included backup keys.
The programmable keypad allows you to easily input your own six-digit code.
With the factory settings intact, you’ll hear a beeping with every key you press. But, this can be muted for increased discretion.
The keypad provides quick, convenient access while still giving you a decent level of protection, and with the backup key, you never have to worry about a dead battery restricting your access!
Size
SecureIt designed the Model 52 specifically to be lightweight and portable.
At just 105 lbs, it’s ideal for home or office use, and can be moved relatively easily, should you ever need to change its location.
It’s slim and compact, measuring just 52”x20”x15” (HWD) while still being able to comfortably hold six long guns, a few pistols, and all the ammo and specialized hunting gear you’ll need!
Price
The MSRP of the Model 52 is $599, but expect to pay anywhere from $500-$800 online.
For a lightweight gun cabinet that still provides a decent level of security, this is a very good price.
Is the SecureIt Agile Model 52 Worth it?
The SecureIt Agile Model 52 is an easy to use, lightweight, and practical gun cabinet.
- Tough, Flexible & Customizable: Designed with the same professional-grade craftsmanship we use for the U.S. military, this steel gun safe is durable yet lightweight; weighing 105 pounds, two people...
- Organized, Adaptable Storage: CradleGrid Technology delivers reconfigurable storage that allows for multiple combinations of long guns and handguns, including firearms with optics, without the need to...
- Unsurpassed Security: A keypad control prevents unauthorized access and a hidden key override provides back up, ensuring all your weapons, gear and gun accessories stay secured yet accessible
While it won’t resist heavy attacks sustained during burglaries, it will provide you with the peace of mind you need if you have children in your home.
If you need a gun safe for this purpose, I’d fully recommend the Model 52.
7. AmazonBasics Security Safe Box: Best for the Budget
One of the best budget gun safe options on the market today comes from a slightly unexpected source; AmazonBasics!
Practical gun owners who are looking for affordable options to secure their weapons have been turning to this household name in products around the world.
So is this budget-friendly option a great choice? Or too good to be true?
It was time to hit up my prime account to see for myself.
Accessibility
Out of the starting gate, the AmazonBasics Safe Box made a good impression with its accessibility.
The electronic keypad lock was very easy to program and lightning-fast to use. The buttons have good responsiveness with swift access to open this safe.
Being an electronic lock, Amazon has added beeps to the keypad. The audible response is good for being assured you are getting clear key entry.
The beeping is less than ideal for stealthy operation, but I’m not surprised to see this feature on a safe that is being marketed as a general use storage option. Gun-specific storage is more apt to work for tactical operation.
The inclusion of two emergency override keys also arrived with my safe. A nice back-up for power failure or, for that matter, my own failure to remember the key code!
Flexible Storage Capability
The flexible storage capability of this safe makes it a great storage option for anything I want to keep tucked away in a safe location.
Made of steel, this general purpose safe is outfitted with a carpeted interior floor. The nice fabric feature was added to stow items prone to scratches safely. The soft floor is a posh addition for the low price point.
Another improvement to boost flexibility is the inclusion of mounting options.
Designed to be mounted or secured to shelf, floor, or wall, the safe has 4 mounting holes on the rear with hardware to take care of the job included.
I think the AmazonBasics Safe Box would be great to build into my cabinet or drawer storage. Mounting in my truck to be prepared when I’m hunting or travelling is a good possibility as well.
Effective Security
AmazonBasics is a very effective security option for weapons and valuables.
Being a security box, this safe is not fireproof or waterproof. However, the steel material does provide more protection from elements than plastic, aluminum, or wood boxes.
2 liver-door bolts combined with pry-resistant concealed hinges prevent unwanted users from accessing the safe with force. When mounted properly, the risk of the safe being carried off by burglars is virtually eliminated.
Capacity
The capacity of Amazon’s safe box is quite generous. For the smallest .5 cubic foot box, the dimensions allow for easy storage of your self defense weapon.
The 13.8 x 8.75 x 9.8 inch exterior is easy to fit into a cabinet, and the interior is a scant .3 inches shorter in height. A 2 inch thick door takes a solid piece from the depth with it’s stout construction.
Safe sizes available range from .5 cubic feet to 1.2 cubic feet. Dimensions that will allow for storage to keep a firearm at hand up to storage for a more extensive armory.
My Verdict
With its ease of use and affordability, the AmazonBasics Security Safe Box is one of the best budget gun safe options available.
- 0.5-cubic-feet security safe with electronic lock and 3 operation indicator lights; powered by (4) AA batteries (not included)
- Includes 2 emergency override keys to protect against forgotten passcodes or dead batteries; keep keys in a well-hidden, secure location
- Strong steel construction with carpeted floor to protect against scratches and damage; pry-resistant concealed hinges; adjustable/removable interior shelf.
The flexibility of how to use this safe box is a big bonus, and the ease and speed of access takes it over the top.
If you are looking for a way to safely secure your firearm, and don’t want to invest big money to do so, AmazonBasics is the way to go.
8. GunVault GV1000: Best Gun Safe for the Money
The GunVault GV1000 is the best gun safe for the money you’ll pay.
This safe was designed with user-friendly portability in mind.
While it won’t hold the long rifles and shotguns needed for drone hunting, it’s an excellent choice for someone who just needs to secure one or two smaller handguns or revolvers.
The only question is:
Can a safe this small and inexpensive provide the optimum security needed?
Let’s find out!
Construction
The GV1000 is constructed with solid 16-gauge steel housing and includes a shiny, scratch-proof outer casing.
The tamper-resistant, spring-loaded door offers incredible security, with the precise fit between the walls and door making the safe virtually impossible to pry open.
It’s primarily powered by a single 9-volt battery, but also includes a connection jack for a backup AC power adapter.
The battery power and small size of this safe make it very portable, and it features an audible and visible low battery warning sign to ensure easy access when you need it.
The mounting options for this safe are very versatile, with knockout holes in the bottom and a drilling template included.
There are also cable attachments, on each side and in the rear, that you can use alone or in addition to the drilled holes.
Personally, I’d recommend using both for increased security.
Overall, this is a secure, well-constructed safe that will keep your firearms safe from theft or other unauthorized access.
Interior
A protective foam lines the interior of the GV1000, preventing any damage, scratches, or rattling inside the safe.
There’s also an interior light that automatically turns on as soon as the safe’s door is opened.
The interior dimensions of the GV1000 measure 3”x7”x11” (HWD), giving you enough space to hold two small handguns or one full-sized handgun, ammo, and an extra magazine.
Access
At first glance, the GV1000 looks like a biometric safe, because the keypad is hand-shaped.
However, it’s actually unlocked through a simple digital keypad. The hand shape is a user-friendly feature, included to make unlocking the safe easier in the dark!
The patented No-Eyes Keypad allows you to place your hand in the divots, and press the corresponding buttons without having to look.
This technology allows for over 12 million different combinations, because your code can include multiple buttons pressed at once! This option provides some of the best security available today.
The one downside of this keypad is that the rubber buttons require a very firm press to activate.
A keypad beep verifies that each button you press has been activated, but this beeping might be a downside if you’re trying to be discrete.
You can turn off these beeps, but you’ll have to press extra hard to be 100% sure each button in the sequence has been activated.
Turning off this sound will also prevent the system from warning you after you input the code incorrectly.
After three incorrect attempts, a built-in computer will lock the keypad for a short amount of time as a preventative measure against unauthorized access.
If you turn off these beeps, you may not realize a button hasn’t been activated. If this happens three times in a row, you’ll be barred from entering your safe as quickly as possible.
However, as long as you correctly input your code and press the buttons hard enough to register them, you should have no issues accessing the contents quickly.
The keypad is very reliable and simple to program, and the hand-shaped mold allows you to press the correct buttons without thinking too much about the placement.
If your safe ever loses power, or if you get locked out due to incorrect code attempts, you can still get inside using one of the two included emergency back-up keys.
Size
The GV1000 measures 8.1”x4.9”x12” (HWD), and it weighs about 9 lbs.
The compact design allows the safe to easily fit in drawers, on shelves, or in cupboards. It’s also small enough to act as a portable safe.
If you have larger hands, however, you might want to go with a different safe.
The interior part is a pretty tight fit, and you’ll almost definitely have issues removing the contents in a timely manner if your hand won’t fit inside!
Price
Retailing around $170, this is a high-quality safe that comes at a very reasonable price.
GunVault also offers an extensive five-year warranty that includes fire and burglary protection, so you can rest assured your purchase is fully protected.
Is the GunVault GV1000 Worth it?
The GunVault GV1000 is a secure, portable, and user-friendly safe that comes at a great price.
If you need an affordable, smaller safe just to hold and protect 1-2 smaller handguns, you can’t go wrong with this one!
9. SentrySafe QAP2BEL Gun Safe: Best Biometric Gun Safe
A gun safe is an essential part of every gun-owners life. A quality safe can protect your firearms from theft when you’re not home and make sure your kids can’t get into them.
The SentrySafe QAP2BEL offers a sleek look and claims superior firearm security.
Is it all just flashing lights, or is there a truly great product on the inside?
Find out in my review of the SentrySafe QAP2BEL.
Design and Construction
The QAP2BEL offers a futuristic and sleek design. The steel box structure is a slightly glossy black finish that encases the firearm compartment.
Inside is an empty and standard 14×6.5-inch compartment with a 2.2-inch depth. This size accommodated two Glock 19’s comfortably.
Also included is an led light built into the door, illuminating all the contents of your safe.
With it just being an empty box, you won’t have the ability to store magazines and firearms that stay seated in place.
If you’re looking to mount this on a wall, you’ll have to separately purchase some gun magnets, which is pretty disappointing if you were wanting an “all in one” gun safe package like I was.
On the front, you’ll find a fingerprint scanner and four blue led buttons to the right.
These two sections are going to be the two primary ways you open your safe. The safe includes an override key as well if you forget your code or can’t use the biometric scanner for some reason.
All of these methods are powered by four AA batteries, which should last a while provided you’re not opening the safe multiple times a day.
Additionally, there is a gas strut so the safe top opens completely for easy firearm access. Some people have reported a failing strut out of the box and as over time, but I haven’t experienced that in the months I’ve had it.
As you look at the safe and try to open it bare-handed without any of the included methods, the safe will handily defeat you, which is great!
However, most burglars will not be using their own hands to break into your safe and this is where we run into some major design flaws.
It is criminally easy to break into this safe with just a small strip of sheet metal, something you can probably find in your garage or workshop.
It took me less than five seconds to slide the metal strip in and disengage the locking mechanism, which is such a glaringly severe problem that I should just shut the review down here.
There is no solid defense against people looking to steal your firearms(and safe), not mentioning gaps on the sides of the door that are easily pried open if a burglar isn’t smart enough to slip a piece of metal into the locking mechanism.
On the bright side, this safe will indeed stop your kids from gaining access to your firearms.
Functionality
Despite the easy break-in potential, all avenues of opening this safe are functional and haven’t failed during my time with it.
The biometric scanner holds four prints in its memory and has opened on the first try every time.
The code pad works similarly well but takes a little bit more time to do than the print scanner and subsequently fell to the wayside.
The last and most cumbersome method, a physical key, works fine but ended up being used less than the code pad.
All these features are great, but the pros get kind of drowned out if these methods are made obsolete by a 6-inch strip of metal that takes less time to open the safe.
Price
This safe has three purchasing options, single-pistol storage space, single-pistol storage with a safe light, and the one I bought, double-pistol storage with a safe light.
These will run you $169.99, $189.99, and $243.99 respectively.
That’s a bit pricey for a security device that doesn’t actually provide security for the consumer.
Is the SentrySafe QAP2BEL Worth It?
It’s a flat out no. I don’t mess around when it comes to firearm security and a $244 safe with intense security issues will not get a pass from me.
Here’s why:
- One reason, failure to maintain effective security against thieves because of easily slipped or pried open mechanisms. The most important aspect of a gun safe is not up to spec.
The SentrySafe QAP2BEL has a lot of misdirection with a modern design and flashy features but just doesn’t have an effective system to prevent theft.
- Biometric gun safe provides secure storage for 2 standard handguns, or 1 large pistol and ammunition; Gun safe, safe features a fingerprint scanner for advanced protection
- Gun safe is equipped with a gas strut to instantly and quietly open the safe door for single-handed access to your handguns; Ideal for use as a bedside gun safe
- Gun safe is constructed with solid steel and a pry resistant door for strength and handgun security; Digital keypad and override key for back up entry; California DOJ certified gun safe
10. Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe: Best for Quick Access
The Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe is the best quick access gun safe available today.
The fingerprint scanner allows for multiple print storage, the safe is constructed with high-quality steel, and it’s big enough to store multiple rifles but narrow enough to fit essentially anywhere!
Can this safe promise both security and user-friendliness?
Let’s find out!
Construction
This biometric safe is constructed with 100% 14-gauge steel walls and tamper-resistant inner edges.
The 5-point steel, deadbolt locking system provides very adequate security, protecting your firearms from theft and any tampering from children in your home.
Since it is relatively light for the size, I’d recommend taking advantage of the pre-drilled mounting holes and included concrete mounting hardware.
This will help prevent any tipping, and provide further resistance to burglary attacks.
The biometric locking mechanism runs on 4 included AA batteries.
The safe also comes with an external plug-in backup battery pack to prevent any issues with access due to dead batteries.
Interior
The interior of this safe is carpeted all around, and the inner dimensions measure 56.5”x13.5”x12.5” (HWD).
It comes with three different removable shelves and a removable, 12-position rifle rack with rubberized slots.
You’ll probably need to remove and reorganize certain parts to customize the interior to your specific needs, especially if you’re trying to store rifles with optics attached!
One downside is that it is rather shallow, and could be too narrow for firearms with bigger lights and high-powered sights attached.
It’s still possible to store these kinds of long guns, but some creativity and finesse are required.
Although Barska says this safe can hold up to 10-12 long guns, this estimate doesn’t account for any attachments.
If you do have optics attached, you can probably hold 6 guns and some ammo inside the safe.
Another downside is the pistol tray inside the door.
It’s pretty small, and you’ll need to angle a full-sized pistol just right to get the door to actually close all the way.
To make it more user friendly, I’d recommend installing an interior motion-sensor light
- Directional Lighting: IllumiSafe LED light easily attaches to your safe door and the adjustable LED lights illuminate inward towards your gun locker for a much better range of illumination. Can be...
- Motion Sensor Activation: No need to turn it on of off. This Immediately turns on when the door safe is opened, and will turn off on its own when the safe is closed. Light stays on for 60 seconds...
- Magnetic Back Base: Back base magnetically attaches to the mount base for easy battery replacement. Due to its magnetic back base, you can replace batteries easily. 3 AAA batteries are required to but...
and a dehumidifier.
- ✔ EASY TO USE: This mini dehumidifier is spill and mess free. Just hang and go! Non-toxic, child and pet safe! Your small rooms will be dry and odor free. Works for areas up to 333 cubic feet.
- ✔ MINI DEHUMIDIFIER GOES A LONG WAY: Super dry dehumidifier unit lasts 20-30 days before recharging the silica gel beads. Absorbing capacity up to 6oz.
- ✔ SMALL, SLEEK DESIGN: This portable small design lets you hang or conveniently place the dehumidifier anywhere to fight pesky humidity! Cars, closets, boats, cabinets, gun safes, and even gym bags!...
Access
The Barska Quick Access’s primary locking mechanism is, of course, a fingerprint scanner.
The biometric scanner is significantly more secure than a traditional lock or even a keypad, where the lock could be picked or the code could be guessed.
Unless a person’s fingerprint is registered, they’re not getting inside the safe.
The scanner is easy to set up, following the instructions that are included. It does make a sound upon unlocking with the factory settings, but you can put it into silent mode for increased discretion.
You can store up to 120 different fingerprints at once.
However, you’ll need to register your own fingerprint at multiple different angles to ensure consistent quick access.
As long as you do so, you should have no problems getting in and accessing your firearms at a moment’s notice!
The scanner is incredibly responsive, with an average access time of just 2.5 seconds.
The safe also comes with an emergency backup key, should the batteries die when you need to get inside.
With the foolproof biometric scanner and backup emergency access keys, the Barska safe offers a very efficient yet secure mode of access.
Size
The exterior dimensions of this safe measure 57”x13.75”x13.38” (HWD).
It’s narrow enough to fit practically anywhere, and at just 114 lbs, it’s light enough to relocate as needed!
Price
The price of this safe varies greatly online, but the average price range is between $500-$600.
For a decently-sized, high-quality safe, it’s a pretty fair price.
Plus, Barska offers a one-year limited warranty, giving you peace of mind that your purchase is guaranteed, should anything happen.
Is the Barska Quick Access Biometric Safe Worth it?
The Barska Quick Access Biometric Safe is very secure yet user-friendly, provides resistance to theft, and prevents any unauthorized access to your firearms by young children.
Once you’ve packed your hunting bag and laced up your hunting boots, all you need to do is scan your fingerprint, grab your rifle, and you’re ready to go!
Overall, this reasonably-priced and sized biometric safe is worth the money you’ll spend.
11. SentrySafe SFW205CWB: Most Fireproof
If you’ve ever seen the damage a fire can do to even the most secure structures, you know that a quality fireproof safe is absolutely necessary to protect your most precious documents and valuables.
The SentrySafe SFW205CWB is my top choice for fireproof safes.
It’s got killer construction, independent quality testing, and top-notch features that guarantee my most important items don’t get destroyed.
Let’s check it out…
Construction
Built out of industrial-grade steel, this SentrySafe is a 125lb tank.
The extra weight makes it nearly impossible for an intruder to carry away your safe without an accomplice, and, the more difficult you make access to your valuables, the better.
Combine the rock-solid exterior with six live-locking bolts, a pry-resistant hinge bar, and all the hardware to bolt your safe into the concrete, and you’re looking at breathe-easy security.
Plus, unlike digital entry safes whose electronic locks can run out of battery or short circuit, this SentrySafe model has a fire-safe manual dial combination lock.
When I first unboxed this safe, I was a little disappointed at the cheap-feeling plastic handle.
But after further investigation, you can find that the handle mechanism itself is sturdy metal that holds up to intense heat even if its plastic cover doesn’t.
I found the dimensions of this model to be just right for the space I put my safe in.
The exterior comes in at 18.6 inches wide, 19.3 inches deep, and 23.8 inches high while the interior measures 14.8 inches wide, 11.9 inches deep, and 19.6 inches high.
For the door to swing all the way open, make sure you leave at least 17.5 inches of clearance.
When I set out to find a safe for my home that would secure my valuables from fire, water, and home invasions, the SentrySafe SFW205CWB exceeded every area of my “construction wishlist.”
Fireproof
Some manufacturers say their safes are fireproof but come with tons of caveats.
This SentrySafe model is not one of those products.
It’s been independently tested for every major fireproofing component and either met or exceeded standards.
UL classified to one hour at 1700℉, this safe will keep documents including electronics like DVD’s and USB’s safe from getting too hot.
It’s also been ETL verified to withstand a 15-foot fall during a fire without breaking open.
The SFW205CWB has even been known to survive a California wildfire while keeping the birth certificates, passports, and other invaluable documents safe inside.
During a fire, the likelihood of water damage is high as firefighters attempt to control the blaze.
Luckily, SentrySafe thought of everything for this model and had it verified to withstand 24 hours of submersion in up to 8 inches of water.
One thing to note, though, is that if you choose to bolt down your safe (creating holes in the bottom that could allow water inside), the waterproofing warranty will be automatically voided.
This safe is my top choice for fireproof safes because it covers all the bases of potential fire damage.
Other Features
On top of its sturdy construction and flawless fireproofing, this SentrySafe also has some pretty cool extra features.
First, if you are the victim of a fire or flood and your SentrySafe gets damaged, the company will send you a brand new safe.
To keep your valuables organized, this safe also comes with a tray and drawer that can be adjusted to whatever height is most convenient for you.
Plus, the door pocket and key rack provide extra organization so you don’t have to go rifling through all your items while you’re in a hurry.
I liked that my safe came with all the hardware to bolt it down and found it pretty simple to drill right through the feet.
One thing I had to learn the hard way is that, like with any fire/waterproof container, it needs to be aired out occasionally.
By using a desiccant and opening the door every month or so, you can keep your documents in perfect condition.
Is the SentrySafe SFW205CWB Worth It?
If you are looking for the most fireproof safe out there that can protect all kinds of important documents and valuables, then the SentrySafe SFW205CWB is one you won’t want to miss.
- Fireproof safe is UL Classified to endure 1 hour at 1700°F and keep interior temperatures safe for irreplaceable documents, valuables, DVDs, and USBs; ETL Verified to withstand a 15 foot fall during...
- Waterproof safe is ETL Verified for 24 hours of protection in water up to 8 inches deep offering peace of mind in the event of a flood
- Preset dial combination fire safe for strong security; Combination safe features six live-locking bolts, steel construction, pry-resistant hinge bar, tray, drawer, and bolt down hardware
Here’s why. It’s:
- Built like a tank
- Fireproof/Waterproof
- Easy to organize
For keeping my valuables secure in the event of a fire, flood, or home invasion, this safe will more than do the job.
12. Verifi Smart Safe Fast Access Biometric Safe: Best Under $500
When looking for a home-defense solution to safe storage, Verifi’s Biometric Smart Safe options rank at the top of the list.
With several models available, I’ve gotten my hands on the S4000 to evaluate this popular line of biometric gun safes.
Is this the best gun safe under $500?
Let’s take a good look so you can see for yourself!
Accessibility
Perfect for home-defense use, the Smart Safe provides lightning-fast, reliable accessibility.
Verifi has given it a large TouchChip fingerprint sensor that captures the whole fingerprint with a 3D image. That’s a great inclusion that will make a big difference.
Not only will a photo of a fingerprint not work, typical small sensors on lesser gun storage only capture a portion of your fingerprint. Thanks to the big 3D sensor, you don’t need to make sure the same piece of your finger makes contact to open the safe.
It also eliminates the worry of the most nefarious who would try to use pictures of your fingerprint to access your weapons. Not a likely scenario in my house, but there are plenty out there with more serious family member concerns within the home.
Verifi touts that the fingerprint sensor has been FBI tested and certified. Certifying the fingerprint sensor meets the Next Generation Identification standard for image and quality.
The California DOJ has strict product standards when it comes to weapon storage. Making the roster of Approved Firearms Safety Devices from them is a big endorsement of the highest product standard.
Part of that endorsement is the high-resolution fingerprint image capture capability. The enhanced recognition means that the accessibility is ensured to be a reliable image capture for permitted users only.
With the ability to store up to 40 fingerprints, I can add pretty much as many people that I’d ever need to give access to my weapons.
Easy to follow instructions that were included make the set up for users extremely simple. I saved myself and some other adults by name. I was even able to set different permissions for them if I’d wanted to.
Power
One of the “smart” features of the Verifi Smart Safe is the incredibly efficient power usage.
4 AA batteries, that are included, are sufficient to be able to operate the locking system for years without replacement. The display shows what percentage of battery life is remaining, so there’s no doubt that I have plenty of juice left in the tank.
The Smart Safe runs self-diagnostics at least once each day, and after each access, to check the electronic system and battery level.
The key is the efficient CPU that draws very low levels of power to maintain efficient battery use.
The technology ensures that the bright LED and motor speed of the locking mechanism won’t dim or slow down as the batteries finally do get low on power.
My instructions told me the low battery alert can be snoozed, so I put some mostly dead batteries in it for testing.
As promised, I can very easily snooze the low-battery alarm, (for up to a few days!), so the beep alert won’t pester me. A great feature for when the batteries inevitably run low at 2 a.m. in a few years.
Effective Security
Verifi has put a lot of attention into making sure that no unwanted users have, try, or gain access to your weapons.
Continually tracked event logs record who has accessed the safe. Up to the last 1,000 accesses are logged and viable by the admin user.
Audible tamper alerts will sound and track attempts to access, use of the backup key to access, or any reset attempts.
Other security alarms built-in are for a door bolt jam or self-diagnostic failure.
There is an auto-lock at the ready for you. If the door is closed, the Smart Safe is locked. You can turn that feature off, but I’ve no idea why you would.
One last alarm to help for forgetful moments, an open door alert will sound if the safe is left open. Excellent fail-safe protection for homes with curious small children.
Made to be mounted, security can be increased for the Smart Safe if you install it into a cabinet, closet, or drawer. Concealed hinges will make attempts at entry quite difficult if built into a smart location.
Verifi has even made back-up key access a step more secure by hiding the keyhole behind the logo plate on the face of the Smart Safe.
Capacity
Three options for Smart Safe capacity provided by Verifi ensure you can select the size that works best for you.
A solid safe door made of 8 gauge steel, supported by 14 gauge walls, protects my firearms without taking up unnecessary room within. ¾” locking bolts protect a generous carpeted interior storage area.
The Verifi Smart safe models provide capacity options from .28 cubic feet to .85 cubic feet.
To give you an idea of how much you can fit in each, the smallest can hold two mid-sized pistols with extra mags. The largest can secure a half dozen, with room for valuables or important papers.
Price
When it comes to price, Verifi has given me a whole lot of features on this storage for a great price.
Ranging from $250 – $350, depending on size, there are so many features that aren’t typical at this price point.
Made to be wall or floor mountable, it’s great to have the added security by eliminating portability.
The inclusion of a user-friendly interior LED light, with adjustable brightness, makes day to day use better with the ability to see the contents.
Thinking a step ahead for self-defense use, Verifi has a Nite-Lite option to avoid causing night blindness.
Tactical advantages on a budget product? Heck yeah!
Even the display screen was made a good size. Seriously, being easy to read makes my life easier.
Engineered in Florida, there was clear attention to boosting this safe’s features where it counts. Giving me a quality product that doesn’t break the bank.
My Verdict
There’s no doubt, the Verifi Smart Safe Biometric Gun Safe is the best gun safe under $500 that I’ve seen.
With user-friendly technology, biometric security, and a price tag well below many other biometric safes, this gun safe is fantastic.
For home-defense and excellent gun safety, this gun safe may be the perfect choice for you too.
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my best gun safe guide.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which safe will you pick for your gun?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.
Excellent article. I would like to see additional emphasis given to modular gun safes and manufacturers such as Snapsafe, Zanotti Armor, Steelhead Outdoors, and Dakota in addition to SecureIt. These designs have real-world practical applications where location and weight constraints influence good safe locations. Zanotti also has a unique V1 Vault Door that can secure a walk-in room for a number of safety functions including gun storage.
Great article! Whether it’s a handgun or rifle, you need to keep it secure. The safest option is a gun safe as they contain a safe and secure place to store all your weapons. Not only are they fireproof, but they are also tamper-resistant and internal locking mechanisms will keep you and your family members safe.
You’ve put a lot of work into this compendium and it shows. However, you gave out potentially dangerous advice without explanation. A shotgun or rifle poses special risks, whether you have a trigger lock or not. Pumps and auto-loaders are notorious for firing accidently if dropped. I know someone who’s nephew was killed this way, and another who’s wife’s brother died from a .22 to the stomach after it slid over and banged a chair on its way down. It depends on the design of the hammer and firing pin, sear, the force of the blow, etc. In short, a trigger lock on a loaded long gun propped up in the corner is NOT safe ever. Nor hanging from a weakly mounted wall rack, or leaning against the fender of your truck. Its often just a small notch or ledge in a steel sprung mechanism that keeps the hammer from falling. A hard jarring action can fire the gun.
I am lookingfo this Safe. Do you have it and how much does it cost plus shipping and handling??