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Best Gun Safes

Updated February 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
BBRKIN Large Rifle Safe
BBRKIN
Large Rifle Safe
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

A spacious and secure safe for guns of all sizes with multiple unlocking methods.

Pros

Measures 57 inches tall and 14 inches wide. Has space for up to six rifles or shotguns and a shelf on top. Offers a silent keypad and keyhole for entry. Automatically shuts off PIN access after three incorrect attempts.

Cons

On the high end of the price range.

Best Bang for the Buck
Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe
Amazon Basics
Steel Home Security Safe
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Multipurpose Use
Bottom Line

A safe that can be hung on the wall and has plenty of space for handguns and other belongings.

Pros

Measures 19 inches high and 14 inches wide with 1.8 cubic feet of storage space. Made of carbon steel with an interior shelf and exterior keypad. Uses AA batteries and includes two manual keys. Weighs 37.5 pounds.

Cons

May not be fully tamper-resistant.

Vaultek Essential Series Safe
Vaultek
Essential Series Safe
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

A single handgun safe with a cushioned interior and 18-gauge steel construction.

Pros

Offers keypad and keyhole unlocking methods. Uses a rechargeable battery with one charge lasting up to 6 months. Includes tools for mounting on the wall or to furniture. Weighs about 5.3 pounds. Has interior LED lighting.

Cons

Some parts may be prone to breaking.

SentrySafe Biometric Quick Access Pistol Safe
SentrySafe
Biometric Quick Access Pistol Safe
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Compact Design
Bottom Line

Comes at a great price, but the size is limiting for most gun owners.

Pros

Features a compact size, and it's easy to program. The safe opens quickly and in dead silence, unlike some of the other safes on our shortlist. The key lock ensures that the safe itself won't be stolen.

Cons

The small size will not allow you to store more than one gun.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
148
Consumers
Consulted
30
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Researched
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Buying guide for best gun safes

A gun safe is a must-have purchase for anyone who owns handguns or other firearms. Being a responsible gun owner means ensuring that your firearms are securely stowed away so accidents don’t occur. But with the wide array of gun safes on today’s market, choosing one that will work best for your needs can be tricky.

At BestReviews, our goal is to simplify the shopping process. We always buy our own products, which allows us to provide completely unbiased reviews. When possible, we consult with experts to gain deeper insight into the top products on the market, and we conduct our own field research so we know exactly how well the items perform. That means we can confidently pass along all the information you need to make the most educated purchase for your home.

Are you looking to buy a gun safe? Check out the product list above to find our top recommendations. For general tips on shopping for a gun safe, keep reading.

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Because gun safes can be extremely large and heavy, it’s a good idea to purchase yours from a store that will deliver it and set it up in your home.

What is a gun safe?

A gun safe is a protective storage container for firearms that can be locked so unauthorized or untrained people can’t gain access to the contents. Depending on the model you choose, a gun safe may also be able to protect your gun from damage due to floods, fires, and other natural disasters.

Why do you need a gun safe?

Safety is the main reason to purchase a gun safe. Many states actually have laws on the books that require guns to be locked up, even if there aren’t any children in the home. Additionally, some home insurance policies require you to have a gun safe if you own firearms. Even if your insurance company doesn’t require you to use a safe, it may offer a discount if you keep your firearms in one.  

Most gun safes can accommodate other valuables as well, so you don’t need to purchase a separate safe to secure your most prized possessions. There’s typically room for jewelry, important documents, and anything else that needs to be both protected and easily located.  ​​

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Did you know?
In addition to firearms themselves, you can also store gun accessories – scopes, sights, grips, holsters, belts, and ammunition – in a gun safe.
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What should you look for in a gun safe?

  • Size: Some gun safes are simply small, lockable boxes that can be easily placed almost anywhere in your home. Others are incredibly large, so it’s trickier to find a spot for them. Measure the area where you plan to place the safe. That way, you’ll know exactly how large a model your space can accommodate.

  • Capacity: Most gun safe manufacturers measure capacity in terms of how many guns will fit inside, but it’s important to pay attention to the type of guns that they are referring to. Other brands list the actual dimensions of the safe, so you should measure all of the items you plan to store inside to see which model would fit your needs. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a safe with twice the capacity as you currently need. That way, you’ll have room to accommodate many additional items in the future.
  • Thickness: A key feature to ensure that a gun safe is as secure as possible is the thickness of the steel used in its construction. For a quick measure of steel thickness, check out its gauge. Remember, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the steel actually is. For example, 10-gauge steel is actually thinner than eight-gauge steel. Choose a gun safe with steel that’s at least 10-gauge in thickness so common hand tools can’t be used to cut through it.

  • Locking mechanism: Gun safes have a variety of locking mechanisms to secure the items inside. Some have traditional mechanical locks that require spinning a dial with the correct combination to open the safe. These safes are extremely reliable and are usually less expensive than those with other types of mechanisms. However, it can take some time to open them.

    Electronic locks have a keypad instead of a dial, so you punch in the proper combination or code. These offer a wider option of possible combinations, and they open much more quickly and easily than mechanical locks. Some gun safes with electronic locks are also equipped with thumbprint recognition or voice activation to ensure that the safe can’t be opened by anyone but you. These locks tend to be more expensive, however.

  • Fire protection: In addition to protecting your firearms and other items from unauthorized access, a gun safe can protect them in the event of a fire. Not all gun safes offer the same fire protection, so it’s important to pay attention to fire rating. Safes are typically rated by how hot the interior can get when subjected to high temperatures over a certain period of time. For most homes, a gun safe that can survive for at least an hour at 1,200°F should be sufficient.

  • Warranty: Because a gun safe can be a costly investment, you should pay careful attention to the warranty that the manufacturer offers. Most warranties are good for at least a year, though they may only cover certain parts of the the safe. For the most protection, look for a model with a lifetime warranty that covers all key components of the safe. Notably, you’ll pay more for a safe with this type of protection.
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How much should you pay for a gun safe?

 

Gun safes vary in price based on size, capacity, gauge, and security features.

  • For a small gun safe that holds only one or two guns, you’ll usually pay between $75 and $200.

  • For a mid-sized gun safe that holds three to 10 guns, expect to pay between $200 and $600.

  • For a large gun safe that holds more than 10 guns, you’ll usually pay between $600 and $1,200.

  • An extra-large gun safe that can hold up to 40 guns can cost as much as $3,000.

Tips

  • Consider the humidity of your gun safe’s location. If you plan to store your gun safe in a potentially moist environment like a basement or garage, you should add some type of moisture-controlling tool – such as a dehumidifier or silica gel cans – to the space for rust prevention.

  • Large safes can sometimes tip over. Anchor an oversized model to the floor to ensure that it’s secure.  

  • Clean your gun safe approximately once a month. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the exterior edges, handles, and locks to remove dirt and dust. Also, oil the lock bolts on your gun safe yearly to keep them from getting jammed or stuck.

  • Give your gun safe lock some extra attention. To ensure that your firearms are always secure, have the lock on your gun safe inspected by a licensed locksmith once a year.
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External hinges allow gun safe doors to swing open 180 degrees for convenient access to all safe contents.

FAQ

Q. What’s the most important feature to consider when purchasing a gun safe?
A.
For most people, the capacity of the gun safe is the most important feature to consider. If you don’t have enough room for all of your firearms, you may need to buy another safe to accommodate your entire collection. It’s also a good idea to buy a safe that’s larger than you need at the moment if you anticipate your collection growing.

Q. How much fireproofing should a gun safe have?
A.
To ensure that your firearms are protected, make sure that any gun safe you choose is fireproof up to at least 1,200°F. However, for added peace of mind, it’s a good idea to choose a safe that’s fireproof up to 2,300°F. Look for a model with ceramic or cement insulation for even more protection.

Q. What does “bolt coverage” mean when it comes to gun safes?
A.
“Bolt coverage” describes how many sides of the safe door have locking bolts. Some less-costly safes only have locking bolts on one side of the door, while others have bolts on all sides. A safe with better bolt coverage is harder to break into and provides a tighter seal in the event of a fire.

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