- 1-year battery life
- Multi-user access
- DOJ-approved design
- Pry resistant
- Quick and quiet to open
- California DOJ certified
Steelwater Heavy Duty
- LED interior lighting
- 1.5-inch steel locking bolts
- Up to 16-gun capacity
- LED interior lighting
- 1.5-inch steel locking bolts
- Up to 16-gun capacity
A firearm safe limits access, safeguards your family from tragic accidents, and prevents your weapons from falling into the wrong hands. We’ve done the research to ensure your antiques, valuables, and personal weapons are kept secure under lock, key, or biometric fingerprint.
Best Gun Safes of 2020
- Barska Biometric Safe | Read Review
- SentrySafe QAP1BE | Read Review
- Steelwater Heavy Duty | Read Review
- awesafe Biometric Pistol Safe | Read Review
- Paragon 7750 Electronic Wall Safe | Read Review
Best Gun Safes Comparison
| List Price * |
| Gun Capacity |
| Locking Mechanism |
| Fire Rating |
| Tamper Resistant |
| Batteries Required |
|
Best Overall
|
Best Biometric Safe
|
Best for Rifles
|
Best for Travel
|
Best Wall Safe
|
| Barska Biometric | SentrySafe QAP1BE | Steelwater Heavy Duty | awesafe Biometric Pistol Safe | Paragon 7750 Electronic Wall Safe |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| $199.00 | $164.20 | $849.00 | $159.00 | $95.65 |
| 1 | 2 | 16 | 1 | 2 |
| Biometric lock | Biometric lock, keypad, or override key | Keypad | Biometric lock, keypad, or manual key | Keypad or keys |
| No X |
No X |
Yes ✓ |
No X |
No X |
| Yes ✓ |
Yes ✓ |
Yes ✓ |
Yes ✓ |
Yes ✓ |
| Yes ✓ |
Yes ✓ |
Yes ✓ |
Yes ✓ |
Yes ✓ |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Amazon.com prices as of 03/23/20 04:15 pm MST See full disclaimer.
Best Gun Safes: Reviews
Barska Biometric Safe
This Barska safe is our top pick for best gun safes because its advanced security features keep unwanted visitors out without making authorized access tough. It can store up to 30 fingerprints, making it a good choice for storage in a commercial setting, and its batteries last a full year.
Its design is approved by the Department of Justice, so you can trust that it’s tamper resistant. And at only 13 pounds, it’s easy to mount to the wall, to your floor, or to leave on a shelf for storing your firearms safely.
Pros
- Stores up to 30 unique fingerprints
- Holds a battery charge for a year
- Can be mounted to the wall
Cons
- Is not fire-resistant
SentrySafe QAP1BE
An ideal bedside safe, the SentrySafe QAP1BE has a biometric lock that allows for single-handed entry so you can respond quickly to any situation. Anti-tampering features keep thieves from prying open the safe. And a gun-strut door gives you access to your gun, though reviewers stated that the door isn’t as whisper quiet as the company touts.
This pistol safe can be mounted to a wall or to the side of a bed, and the durable construction ensures years of use.
Pros
- Opens quickly and quietly
- Is available in one or two-gun capacity
- Can be bolted down
Cons
- Only stores two fingerprints
Steelwater Heavy Duty
For hunters and rifle lovers, it can be hard to find a gun safe that doesn’t cost a fortune. The Steelwater Heavy Duty safe can fit up to 16 long guns, can withstand up to 1875 degrees F, and contains your guns with 12-gauge steel.
The biggest downside is its size. Because this safe is so large, it needs a tractor-trailer for delivery. This means it might not be available everywhere. Be sure to check the product description to make sure you can get this safe delivered before you buy it.
Pros
- Holds up to 16 guns
- Withstands up to 1875 degrees F
- Made of 12-gauge steel
Cons
- Not available for delivery everywhere
More Gun Safes Worth a Look
awesafe Biometric Pistol Safe: Best for Travel
This portable biometric pistol safe makes traveling with firearms safer. It’s pry-resistant and can hold up to 30 fingerprints. This safe also comes with a backup electronic keypad and override key.
It uses a compression gas strut that automatically opens the lid for single-handed access.
Because this safe is so light and portable, we don’t recommend using it as your primary gun safe. But it can be useful for storing handhelds on hunting trips or days at the gun range.
Paragon 7750 Electronic Wall Safe: Best Wall Safe
Wall safes aren’t just for spy movies—they’re durable and practical for hiding all types of valuables. The Paragon 7750 fits between studs in the wall, making it easy to install and hide once it’s up. It has built-in shelves so you can organize your guns, ammo, and cleaning supplies.
Its door is tamper resistant and made out of 11-gauge steel, so anyone who doesn’t belong inside will have a hard time getting in (if they can even find the safe in the first place).
Things to Consider in a Gun Safe
Factors like the size of the safe, type of lock, and type of steel gauge can impact a safe’s security level. You’ll also want to consider what kind of firearms you’re storing and how quickly you’ll need access to them. As you weigh which security safe is best suited for you, consider your current gun collection and what you may purchase in the future.
Type of Safe
There are different types of safes for different kinds of guns—long gun safes, pistol safes, and gun safes for long guns and handguns—so take stock of what guns you currently own and then assess for size.
Size
If you’re at all considering getting more guns in the future, you should buy a gun safe that’s larger than your current collection. If you’re looking for a safe to travel with, you’ll want something that’s relatively small and nondescript. You can purchase stack-on safes, but security experts recommend having a single large safe with a dependable locking mechanism.
Steel Gauge
The thicker the steel, the better protected your firearms will be. Per expert opinion, 10-gauge steel is best suited for home security safes, but anywhere between 9 and 14 gauges will be dependably durable too. Oftentimes the vault door of a safe will have a thicker steel gauge than the sides or back.
Lock, Access, and Power Source
There are three different kinds of locking mechanisms: biometric, electronic, and dial. A biometric fingerprint scanner will provide quick access to a firearm—whereas electronic and dial locks offer slower access. Both biometric and electronic locks will require batteries or an electronic power source, but a dial lock does not.
Fire Protection Rating
Most gun safes are made from steel, which has a melting point of 2,500°F. And while most house fires have an average temperature of 1,200°F, that doesn’t mean you should skimp on fire protection. If you’re looking into buying a safe for your home, make sure it has a fire rating that lasts between 30 and 120 minutes.
Storage Options
If you purchase a large safe, check to see what storage capabilities it has. Most multi-gun safes are equipped with door storage and shelving to keep your small and large weapons organized.
Do’s and Don’ts of Owning a Gun Safe
Gun ownership can be complicated—but gun safe ownership doesn’t have to be. We asked experienced gun owners and safety experts about the do’s and don’ts of owning a gun safe.
Get Homeowners Insurance for Your Gun Safe
Get protection for your protection measures—whether you own a small gun safe or a large one, a safe is an investment in and of itself, so make sure you notify your insurance providers that you’ve purchased a gun safe.
Look into Getting a Dehumidifier for Your Gun Safe
Humidity can wreck a firearm, so look into purchasing a dehumidifier to ensure your guns stay in mint condition.
Keep Your Gun Safe Organized
Disorganized firearm safes are ultimately unsafe and can be a security hazard. Use the storage space provided—keep your safe well organized to prevent any confusion or accidents.
Don’t Leave Your Safe in Plain Sight
Rather than storing a firearm safe in the living or dining room, install it in an office, spare bedroom, or basement. This ensures that your safe isn’t on display and limits other people’s access to it.
Don’t Leave the Safe’s Door Wide Open
Leaving the safe unattended and the door open can cause a serious accident. For the sake of security, be sure to close and lock the door.
Don’t Leave Tools Near the Safe
Leaving tools nearby can give someone the means to gain access to your guns. Take the extra safety precaution and keep tools far away.
Don’t Store Powder or Ammunition in the Same Safe as Your Guns
Never store powder in a safe—doing so can create a ticking time bomb. Other gun owners and rifle experts recommend buying a smaller safe specifically for storing ammunition.
Related Buyers Guides and Resources
Disclaimer:
Amazon.com list price as of 03/23/20 04:15 pm MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
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