Best Gun Safe: Stack On, Biometric, Cannon, Fireproof, Small, Fingerprint, And More

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Gun Safe under desk (Caption: Best Gun Safe)Want to secure your handgun or rifle from your kids’ curiosity, a home intruder, or fire and water damage? We recommend the most reliable gun safes on the market for your family’s safety and security.

Why Buying A Home Gun Safe Is A Smart Move

If you own a gun, chances are your main priority is safety. So it makes sense to ensure the safety of your gun at home or your business.

The statistics speak for themselves: for just one justifiable gun homicide in the U.S., there are 2 accidental gun deaths and a whopping 78 gun suicide deaths. A secure gun safe can go a long way to protect you and your family from unnecessary harm.

We’ve broken down our gun safe reviews into three separate categories of best gun safes to help you make your decision based on your individual needs. Click on a link below to jump to a category you’re interested in.

Handgun Safes | Long Gun Safes | Biometric Gun Safes

Best Handgun Safes

Our top three picks for the best handgun safes include quick access, multiple-handgun, and hidden gun safe options. We’ve based our rankings on quality, reputation, security features, ease of access, cost, and more.

Winner: GunVault SV500 SpeedVault ReviewGunVault SV500 SpeedVault

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The GunVault SV500 SpeedVault Handgun Safe is one of the most popular pistol safes for your home or business. Its compact size makes it a perfect choice if you’re looking for a hidden gun safe. You can mount it just about anywhere, even under a desk.

The SpeedVault is built for quick access — all you have to do is enter your digital code, and the safe’s drawer automatically drops down. And the gun’s position is where you need it in an emergency.

Pros

Cons

  • Affordable price
  • Built for quick access
  • Sturdy 18-gauge steel construction
  • The digital keypad has a silent mode
  • Two override keys included
  • Internal light and low battery warning
  • 5-year warranty against fire and burglary
  • California DOJ approved
  • Only holds one handgun
  • The keypad isn’t backlit
  • Requires battery or AC power (battery not included)
  • Made in China

Pricing & Tech Specs

  • Price: $119.98  for Combination Lock
  • 5-year warranty
  • Two override backup keys included
  • External Dimensions: 6.5″H x 3.5″W x 13″D
  • Weight: 7 lbs

Runner-Up: Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe ReviewFort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe

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Fort Knox has a superb reputation for making high-quality gun safes, and the Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe is no exception. One of the best features of this safe is that it doesn’t require batteries, so it’s always accessible.

The Fort Knox PB1 consists of heavy gauge steel with a thick 3/16″ tamper-resistant wraparound door and a quick access push-button mechanical lock with up to 1,081 different combination options. And you can’t beat Fort Knox’s lifetime warranty.

Pros

Cons

  • Quick access mechanical lock doesn’t require batteries
  • Sturdy 10-gauge steel construction
  • Large enough to hold two pistols and extra magazines
  • Lifetime warranty
  • California DOJ approved
  • Made in the USA
  • On the pricey side
  • No exterior or interior lighting on safe
  • Doesn’t come with an override key, so you have to reset your combination if you forget it

Pricing & Tech Specs

  • Price: $299.00
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Exterior Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.37 x 4.5 inches
  • Weight: 22 lbs
  • Pre-drilled holes on the bottom for mounting

3rd Place: Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe ReviewStealth Handgun Hanger Safe

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The Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe Quick Access Electronic Pistol Security Box gets our nod for the third best handgun safe. This safe’s tactical design is unlike other safes with a quick drop-down, spring-loaded door, and space for three hanging handguns.

You can also fit two additional pistols and magazines in the bottom. The six-digit illuminated blue electronic keypad gives you audible feedback or a silent mode. The Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe even comes with a high strength security cable, or you can mount it to the floor.  

Pros

Cons

  • Competitive pricing
  • Quick access design with drop-down door
  • Sturdy all-steel construction with pry-resistant door
  • Illuminated digital keypad has silent mode
  • Large enough to hold five pistols and extra magazines
  • Override key included
  • Internal red light and low battery warning
  • California DOJ approved
  • Made in the USA
  • Requires a battery and no AC power option
  • No details about gauge of steel construction
  • Warranty is only one year

Pricing

  • Price:  $169.99
  • 1-year warranty
  • External Dimensions: 9″ H x 9″ W x 12″ D
  • Weight: 14.65 lbs
  • High Strength Security Cable included and 4 pre-drilled holes for mounting

Best Long Gun Safes

We’ve chosen our best long gun safes based on security features, reputation, ease of access, cost, and other factors.

Winner: Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Safe ReviewSteelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Safe

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The Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Safe comes highly-rated as arguably the best long gun safe under $1,000 on the market and overall the best gun safe for the money to store multiple long guns. You can comfortably fit 12 (with racks) to 16 rifles in this burglar and fireproof safe.

The body and door consist of 12 gauge steel, and the door has 10 one-inch steel locking bolts. The Steelwater 20 also has a drill-resistant electronic lock and a relocking device that activates if someone removes or tampers with the lock.  And it’s also certified fireproof for 45 minutes at 1,550 F°.

Pros

Cons

  • Best value long gun safe under $1,000
  • Gear drive system protects against punch attacks, pry attacks, and drill attacks
  • Expandable door seal is heat activated to seal out any water, smoke or fire
  • Includes bypass key and free dehumidifier
  • Lifetime warranty against burglary and fire
  • Amazon reviewers report excellent customer service
  • Free curbside scheduled delivery
  • Difficult to fit 20 long guns (average is 12-16)
  • Requires a 9 V battery and no AC power option (but the battery has a 6+ month life)
  • Made in China

Pricing

  • Price:  $1,399.00
  • Lifetime warranty against fire and burglary
  • 1-year in-home repair warranty against manufacturer defects
  • External Dimensions: 59″H x 28″W x 18″D
  • Weight: 425 lbs
  • Includes a 200-gram rechargeable silica gel dehumidifying box, 4 removable shelves within each of its 2 racks, 1 full-length shelf, 3 small shelves, and 4 pre-drilled anchor holes.

Runner-Up: Mesa 14 Rifle Gun Safe ReviewMesa 14 Rifle Gun Safe

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Mesa Safe Company is well-known for its high-quality burglarproof and being one of the best fireproof gun safes. Although it’s a bit more expensive than the Steelwater, the Mesa MBF5922E is another good choice for the best gun safe for the money to hold up to 14 rifles.

This Mesa safe shares a lot of the same quality features as our number one pick, including a digital keypad, 12-gauge steel body and door, a drill-resistant lock with a re-locking device, a heat-activated door seal, and more. What are the major differences in features that bump up the price?

The Mesa is 1-hour certified fire-rated up to 1,750°F, has a 2-story drop impact rating, and has 12 1-1/2″ inch solid steel locking deadbolts.

Pros

Cons

  • High-quality steel security features with heavy-duty steel hinges
  • Expandable door seal is heat activated to seal out any water, smoke, or fire
  • Includes bypass key
  • Lifetime warranty against burglary and fire
  • Interior outlet strip includes 3 electrical sockets & 2 USB Ports
  • Free curbside scheduled delivery
  • Made in the USA
  • More expensive than our top pick
  • Requires a 9 V battery and no AC power option
  • Doesn’t include free dehumidifier

Pricing

  • Price: 
  • Lifetime warranty against fire and burglary
  • Exterior Dimensions: 59″H x 22″W x 20″D
  • Weight: 551 lbs
  • Includes bypass key, 4 shelves, and 4 pre-drilled anchor holes

3rd Place: V-Line Quick Access Keyless Long Gun Safe ReviewV-Line Quick Access Keyless Long Gun Safe

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Rounding out our top three long gun safes is the V-Line Quick Access Keyless Long Gun Safe. This safe is a budget-friendly option for people who only need a one rifle safe.

The benefits of this safe include a quick-access/no battery required lock, a compact design that can fit upright in a closet or be mounted on the back of a bedroom or other interior door. 

At the lowest price point of the three we review, it’s the best long gun safe for the money.

Pros

Cons

  • Budget-friendly
  • Quality 16-steel gauge construction
  • Doesn’t require batteries, so your access is always within reach
  • Two tubular locks with keys are located in each corner of the case if quick access isn’t a priority
  • Includes 2 years worth of Cortec corrosion inhibitor
  • Made in the USA
  • Only holds one rifle
  • Lacking pry-resistant, anti-theft features
  • Not fireproof
  • Warranty is only one year
  • Dehumidifier not included

Pricing

  • Price:  $346.64
  • External dimensions: 42”H x 12”W x 3½”D
  • Weight: 38 lbs
  • Comes with 4 pre-drilled anchor holes

Best Biometric Gun Safes

The fingerprint gun safe (with fingerprint scanning technology) is a hot product these days, so we wanted to give you our top three picks for the best biometric gun safes. We chose our top three picks based on similar features as our other categories.

Winner: Verifi Smart Biometric Safe ReviewVerifi Smart Biometric Safe

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The best selling point of the Zvetco Biometrics Verifi S6000 Smart Safe is its industry-leading 3D fingerprint scanner, which is U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) certified to meet law enforcement agency standards. Several federal agencies use Verifi’s fingerprint devices.

This safe is the best fingerprint gun safe on the market, hands down. Other features include auto-lock, tamper alerts and an access log, self-check, and long battery life (4 AA batteries will last several years). The Verifi S6000, however, may be too expensive for budget-conscious consumers.

Pros

Cons

  • F.B.I. certified fingerprint sensor with 3D imaging for 100% accuracy
  • Sturdy 14-gauge steel construction
  • Provides tamper alerts and event logs
  • Holds several small firearms
  • High-security cross-cut key for backup access
  • Internal light and LCD display
  • California DOJ approved
  • Expensive
  • Requires batteries (but battery life is excellent)
  • Warranty is only one year
  • Safe assembled in China (fingerprint technology USA)

Pricing

Runner-Up: Vaultek VT20i Biometric Bluetooth Smart Pistol Safe ReviewVaultek VT20i Biometric Bluetooth Smart Pistol Safe

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The Vaultek VT20i Biometric Bluetooth Smart Pistol Safe is an excellent value for all of the robust features you get, some of which you won’t find with similarly priced safes. In addition to impressive safety measures, the Vaultek VT20i gives you lots of control. 

You have four ways to open this safe — via the biometric fingerprint scanner, the backlit keypad, your smartphone app (with fingerprint security) or the included override keys. You can also adjust the interior lighting and keypad volume down to silent mode from your app (and check the battery status). 

Pros

Cons

  • Excellent value
  • Built for quick access with spring-loaded door
  • Rugged 16-gauge steel construction
  • Fingerprint scanner and digital keypad have silent mode
  • Alerts your smartphone every time the safe is opened or tampered with
  • Two override keys included
  • Adjustable internal light and low battery warning
  • California DOJ approved
  • Only holds one handgun and an additional clip
  • Requires a battery (but it’s rechargeable with a 6-month life)
  • Warranty is only one year
  • Assembled in China

Pricing

  • Price: Check Amazon for availability  for Biometric Lock
  • Price: Check Amazon for availability  for Lightweight Biometric Lock
  • 1-year warranty
  • External Dimensions:  2.75″H x 11.5″ Wide x 9.0″ Deep
  • Weight: 7.2 lbs
  • Lithium ion battery, battery charger, 2 override keys, and 4 ft. security cable included (also has 4 pre-drilled holes for mounting
  • Stores up to 20 fingerprints

3rd Place: GunVault SV500 SpeedVault Biometric Safe ReviewGunVault SV500 SpeedVault Biometric Safe

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We return to the GunVault SV500 SpeedVault Handgun Safe, our number one pick for the best handgun safe. The biometric version of this safe is another popular choice on Amazon.

All of the features are the same as the combination lock model — compact size, quick access, steel construction and more. Amazon reviewers report high accuracy with the fingerprint scanner, and many say it only takes 1/2 second to open the safe.

Pros

Cons

  • Competitive price
  • Built for quick access
  • Sturdy 18-gauge steel construction
  • Digital keypad has a silent mode
  • Two override keys included
  • Internal light and low battery warning
  • 5-year warranty against fire and burglary
  • California DOJ approved
  • Only holds one handgun
  • Requires battery or AC power (battery not included)
  • Made in China

Pricing

  • Price: Check Amazon for availability for Biometric Lock
  • 5-year warranty
  • Two override backup keys included
  • External Dimensions: 6.5″H x 3.5″W x 13″D
  • Weight: 7 lbs
  • Stores up to 120 fingerprints

How Does A Biometric Safe Work?

Check out the video below to learn more about our number two pick for best biometric gun safe, the Vaultek Biometric Smart Gun Safe, works.

Other Ways To Stay Safe

If you have children and a gun in your home, we highly encourage you to read our article about teaching kids gun safety.

In addition to protecting your gun, you might consider a home safe for other valuables and prized possessions. And adding a indoor security camera to your home is another layer of protection to keep an eye on things.

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The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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