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Good pistol safes provide ample storage for your firearms in the most secure way possible. Your main priority is placing your pistols in a place where only authorized persons can get to them. Storage and security need to be planned prior to your gun purchase.
In order to prevent delay, we’ve analyzed all the best gun safes on the market and became experts. We’ve evaluated features including locking mechanisms, durability, ease of access, and safe dimensions. It’s important to have one of the best handgun safes on the market because it will provide you with reliable security.
A mediocre safe might fail to open during an emergency or be easily opened and place your firearm in the wrong hands. This resource has provided an evaluation of the best safes in the market and will help you make a decision based on what works best for you.
Best Handgun Safes:
RPNB Gun Safe, California DOJ Certified, Quick-Access Pistol Safe for Multiple Handguns with Biometric Fingerprint Lock
- If you have young children who don’t understand the potential danger of firearms, it’s essential that you keep them safely stored. Placing them in this pistol safe is a responsible way to properly secure your small firearms at home or on the go. California DOJ certified
- With the upgraded smart biometric scanner with immediate access mode, rapid-fire backlit keypad, and manual keys. Instant access to your valuables, documents, and firearms from the automatic opening door. Get in quick when it matters most using the fingerprint
- Expertly crafted using sturdy steel construction, the RPNB handgun safe will provide long-lasting strength and use for years to come. It also features a prevents corrosion, black finish for a durable, professional appearance, making it easy to incorporate into any interior space
- Deluxe quickly access firearm safe for multiple handguns. Featured on safes includes a pry-resistant door, durable double-layer steel housing, and a seamlessly welded pry-proof steel body for the ultimate prevention against break-in. Pre-drilled holes and hardware included for floor mounting
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The RPNB Gun Security Safe is a biometric handgun safe that can offer you instant access to your valuables. It has a 3-point entry system so you can unlock it in multiple ways as needed. Also, the interior of the safe is large enough to house more than one handgun.
Concerning the construction, the safe is built to last with its 18-gauge steel, corrosion-resistant construction. The latch is designed anti-impact, and the interior features anti-collision padding.
According to consumer handgun vault reviews about this security safe, many users appreciate how plentiful the storage space is. They claim to be able to stash around two full-sized handguns easily. There’s also an appreciation for how you can set multiple fingerprints into the biometric system.
However, many consumers also say that the fingerprint scanner can be a touch finicky, so you may have to scan your finger or thumb a few times for it to register.
Pros
- Constructed from sturdy material
- Easy setup process
- Various ways to unlock the safe
Cons
- The fingerprint scanner isn’t always accurate
SnapSafe Treklite Combination Lock Box – Polycarbonate Portable and Lightweight Gun Lock Box – with Keyed Lock and Foam Lining – Ideal for Travel, TSA Approved – XL, Black, 10 x 7 x 2 Inches
- Experience heavy-duty protection at a third of the weight of steel. This lightweight and portable gun safe easily fits in your suitcase, drawer, or under a car seat to provide secure storage for handguns and other valuables at home, or when traveling
- This Snap Safe Combination Lock Box has an impact-resistant polycarbonate construction for exceptional toughness. It includes a 1500 lb. rated security cable for securing stationary objects at home or in your vehicle. Open using a personalized 4-digit combination
- The handgun lockbox provides firearm storage that meets TSA airline firearm guidelines. Place the lightweight safe in your luggage when you travel. Perfect for the modern shooter on the go
- Our XL lockbox measures 10 x 7 x 2 inches (exterior) and will accommodate a full-size 1911 handgun. The space-saving design ensures maximum storage capacity
- It easily fits in a suitcase or under a car seat. The foam interior protects your valuable contents. Makes a perfect camping lockbox. Features a durable, non-slip over-mold and an easy to operate combination lock
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The SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe is an affordable security box that can hold a handgun as well as it holds other valuables from jewelry to cash. It’s built using impact-resistant polycarbonate for protection without the weight. There is even a non-slip, rubber over-mold to further protect against impact.
This can be secured to other stationary objects with the included 4ft., 1500lb rated security cable. For advanced security, this features a 4-digit TSA lock that has 10,000 user-programmable codes.
Consumers praise this as a good handgun safe for travel purposes whether in the car or on a plane. They feel it has a nice lightweight feel so that it won’t feel overwhelming to carry around in your luggage. Also, they enjoy how the combination features a 4-digit code and that there are dozens of ways you can program it.
Some did find the lock to be a touch too small though, and also that the numbers can feel stiff, which can slow down how fast you may get into the safe.
Pros
- Lightweight with good portability
- Numerous codes available to program the combination
- Features a good, non-slip design
Cons
- Small lock and numbers can feel stiff to turn
SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock, 1 Capacity
- Biometric gun safe provides secure storage for one standard handgun; Pistol safe with fingerprint scanner for advanced protection
- Pistol safe features a gas strut to instantly and quietly open safe door for single-handed access to your handgun; ideal for use as a bedside gun safe. Capacity - 0.08 cubic feet
- Handgun safe is constructed with solid steel and a pry resistant door for strength and handgun security; manual keypad and override key for back up entry; California DOJ certified gun safe
- Exterior: 12.1 inch W x 9.9 inch D. x 3.2 inch H; Interior 9.7 inch W x 6.7 inch D x 2.2 inch H; Weighs 12 pounds; 4 AA batteries required (not included)
- For optimal performance, SentrySafe recommends the use of four high-quality, name branded and alkaline AA batteries with an expiration date of 8-10 years from the current year. Generic and rechargeable batteries often do not have the lifespan needed to support long term usage
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This advanced safe comes with a biometric lock. It can be ordered in 2 different styles. The first style holds a single gun, while the second style holds 2 guns and has an interior light.
This safe opens quickly and quietly which means it works great as a bedside product. This door provides great security. The exterior dimensions are 12.1″Wx9.9″Dx3.2″H. The interior dimensions are 9.7″Wx6.7″Dx2.2″H
The vast majority of the customers who purchased this safe are happy with it. They appreciate how the safe can be easily awakened with a single press.
It has high-quality fingerprint recognition and the safe opens up really quick just as advertised. Some of them feel this is a great safe to mount on the wall. It just might be the best single handgun you can buy.
According to customers, this is the best biometric handgun safe on the market. The fingerprint scanner works well at any angle, and even with cold fingers. Place this safe by your bedside for ultimate security in your home. It is made from quality material and it is a durable safe.
Pros
- Fingerprint scanner is fast
- Safe opens fast and quietly
- Durable
Cons
- Instructions can be a little difficult to follow
- Master burglars can break into it
GunVault SV500 – SpeedVault Handgun Safe
- For handguns
- Exterior dimensions: 6.5 inch high x 3.5 inch wide x 13 inch depth
- Interior dimensions: 2.75 inch high x 5.75 inch wide x 8.5 inch depth
- Mountable, protective foam liner, audio/LED low battery warning, interior courtesy light, tamper indicator, computer black access after repeated invalid entries and backup override key included
- California DOJ approved/requires 1 9V battery
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This handgun safe provides quick access to your firearm with a fast digital keypad and drop-down drawer. It uses a single 9V battery. The exterior dimensions are 6.5″Hx3.5″Wx13″D. The interior dimensions are 2.25″Hx5.75″Wx8.5″D.
The majority of customers who have purchased this product are happy with it. It keeps the gun away from kids while providing quick access, and it also keeps it secure from theft.
Customers appreciate that the interior padding keeps the gun secure. A lot of customers have decided to take advantage of the fact that it is a mountable pistol safe. It has been mounted to various places including walls and bedposts.
This highest-rated handgun safe is a very discreet option if you’d like to mount it by your bed or in another secure location throughout the house.
The quick access is very convenient for customers who are concerned about home security. The few seconds of interior light is a nice gesture and give you plenty of time to get your grip. It is a good device to use if you want to keep your kids away from your firearm.
Pros
- Directions are easy to understand
- Easy to install
- Gives a few seconds of interior lighting
Cons
- Can be opened by holding down a single key
- Minor mechanical noise upon opening
SentrySafe QAP2EL Gun Safe with Digital Keypad and Interior Lights Two Handgun Capacity
- Gun safe provides secure storage for two standard handguns or one larger pistol and extra ammunition; pistol safe with digital keypad and interior light for visbility in any situation
- Gun safe features a gas strut to instantly and quietly open 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
- Exterior: 16.4 in. W x 9.8 in. D. x 3.2 in. H; Interior 14 in. W x 6.5 in. D x 2.2 in. H; weighs 16 pounds; four AA batteries required (not included)
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This handgun safe comes with a digital keypad and 3 style options: 1 gun capacity, 2 gun capacity, and 2 gun capacity with an interior light.
The 2 gun capacity safe’s exterior dimensions are: 16.4″ W x 9.8″ D x 3.2″ H, and the interior dimensions are: 14″ W x 6.5″ D x 2.2″ H. The 2 gun safe weighs 16 lbs and the single gun safe weighs 13 lbs.
Customers who purchased this safe are happy with how spacious it is. It can fit several guns as well as keys and other items. They also appreciate that it is easy to use. It is the right size to hide and the security is the right level to keep small hands away from your firearm.
This is a great compact handgun safe to purchase if you’re looking for something that will keep kids away from your firearm. It can hold various pistols as well as some magazines.
It is simple to install and set up. A great product to mount under the bed. Customers should purchase good alkaline batteries that will last a long time. rechargeable batteries are not recommended.
Pros
- Easy to set up and install
- Made of solid and heavy material
- Spacious
Cons
- Won’t fit in a small drawer
- Not that quiet when it opens
- You have to wake safely up first and then enter a code
GunVault GV2000C-DLX Multi Vault Deluxe Gun Safe
- Unique no eyes; Keypad for quick access
- Heavy gauge steel housing with tamper proof spring loaded door; Exterior dimensions (hxwxd) 8.125 x 10.3 x 14 inches; Interior dimensions (hxwxd) 6 x 9 x 12.75 inches
- Built in computer blocks access after repeated invalid keypad entries
- Learn buttons make it easy to program over 12 million user selectable access codes
- Foam lining inside to protect the firearm or other valuables
- Patented no eyes keypad allows for quick access
- Protective foam lined interior, with tamper resistant, spring loaded door
- Precise fittings are virtually impossible to pry open with hand tools
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This multi vault gun safe provides protection for your firearm and other belongings. It is made from heavy-duty steel and it has a foam liner in the interior to keep your important items safe.
Customers who have purchased this safe like that it is spacious. It’s also very easy to mount because of the predrilled holes. Overall it keeps their firearms easy to access and provides enough security to keep unauthorized people from getting in.
This safe is heavy-duty and secure. If you need a fingerprint handgun safe that will keep intruders and kids out while providing fast access for you, then this is a good buy for you.
Pros
- Comes with pre-drilled holes for mounting
- Buttons are easy to find in the dark
Cons
- The interior light only lights a small space for a few seconds
- Might need to remove a shelf for quick access to the firearm
RPNB Gun Safe, Smart Pistol Safe w/5-Digit PIN Keypad Handgun Security Safe with LED & RFID Quick Access, Measures 14.5″ x 9.1″ x 3.5″, Anchoring on Floor, Wall or Closet
- RFID activated by Key Fob/RFID Card that instantly opens the lid. Up to five RFID tags can be programmed. It is also accessible by 5 digits Keypad or conventional Key Lock
- Heavy duty 16gauge carbon steel construction with a durable powder coat finish prevents corrosion and ensures long lasting protection. The deluxe bottom egg crate foam will protect your valuables or pistols
- Included cable allows the safe to be secured in virtually any location. Meets TSA requirements for handgun safety in checked luggage
- Featured on safes includes anti-impact latches and seamlessly welded pry proof steel body for the ultimate prevention against break-ins and the unique hinge design holds the top lid open
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This safe has several ways for you to access your firearm. It also has anti-theft and tamper protection with anti-impact latches and pry-proof steel construction.
The bottom interior of the safe has egg-crate foam to protect your belongings and firearm. The dimensions are 14.5″ x 9.1″ x 3.5″. This safe can be anchored on a wall, closet, or floor.
Customers who have purchased this gun safe love the various ways it can be opened. It is easy to set up and install and it holds a variety of small items. Some customers have found a nice place for it at their bedside.
This is a great handgun safe to keep your firearm away from the kids. If you’re planning to travel with your firearm and you’re in a place with tough gun laws, this might be the best vehicle handgun safe you can take along with you.
No one is getting into this safe by accident. It has a lockout feature that goes into effect after several failed attempts to access your contents. It has various methods of entry, and it can be mounted just about anywhere.
Pros
- Has an interior light
- Quick and easy setup
- Multiple ways to access
Cons
- You get locked out for 5 mins if you make a mistake
- Mechanism is loud
- Cover springs open with force
Amsec PS1208EZ Easy Carry Handgun Safe
- Body and door constructed of 14-gauge solid steel plate
- Heavy-duty chrome handle.
- Strong, pry-resistant chrome locking bolt and dead bars on the door.
- Welded and concealed continuous hinge.
- Reliable fast access Simplex push button mechanical locking device.
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This handgun safe is steel plated and also has a heavy-duty handle. It has a mechanical locking device to give you quick access. It is pry-resistant and should help you keep your firearms out of the hands of unauthorized persons.
Customers feel this is a great safe to keep your gun away from children. They like the full-foam interior which keeps your guns protected while you carry your safe to the next destination.
The code is easy to use and reset and you don’t have to worry about any batteries or electronic failure. They also seem to like the small size.
So far there haven’t been any problems with this safe. It has proven to be quite convenient for the vast majority of people that have purchased it. They like the convenience of the small size. It’s an American security handgun safe that gets the job done.
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Easy access
- Secure
- Easy setup
Cons
- N/A
Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe with 13.5 Inch Dean Safe Pistol Sock
- Made from 10-gauge steel
- 3/16″ tamper-resistant wraparound door
- Gas-strut assisted heavy door
- Quick opening pushbutton – Simplex mechanical lock
- Lifetime warranty
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This steel handgun safe provides a foam interior to add protection to your gun case. It is very heavy duty and provides high security, keeping your small children away from your firearms. The dimensions of this safe are 4 1/4″H x 12 1/2″W x 10 3/8″D.
Almost all customers who have purchased this safe are happy with their purchase. They appreciate that the safe is heavy-duty and large enough to hold more than one gun and magazines. They also appreciate that they don’t have to rely on batteries or biometrics.
This safe is strong and sturdy and if you’re not into batteries and biometrics then this is the best pistol safe for home defense.
It has several layers of foam on the interior so that your firearms are not sliding around. It is easy to set up the code in the locking system. It can be mounted to the ground or to the bed of your truck if you please.
Pros
- Very strong and sturdy
- Easy access
- Easily stores multiple firearms with magazines
Cons
- No fast access
- Very heavy
- Smooth surface – slides around easily
VAULTEK VS20i Biometric Handgun Bluetooth Smart Safe Pistol Safe with Auto-Open Lid and Rechargeable Battery
- Anti-theft protection
- Rugged and touch 16-gauge heavy-duty carbon steel
- Corrosion-resistant and should last for several years
- Fast access to your belongings
- Interactive technology allows you to connect to the safe from your smartphone
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
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This pistol safe comes in 2 color options including black and urban camo. It uses biometrics as well as Bluetooth. It has a rechargeable battery and an auto-open lid.
It comes with upgraded anti-theft measures with 2 anti-impact latches, mounted hinges on the inside, as well as interior security brackets. This safe can hold firearms, documents, and valuables. It has a backlit keypad as well as a biometric fingerprint scanner.
If you choose to take advantage of the interactive feature you can control the interior brightness and sound by using your smartphone. You can also check for attempted entries.
More than half of the customers who have purchased this safe are pleased with the product. They mainly like the interior light, the long-lasting battery, and the added security features.
This safe will keep your pistol away from your kids and it will be hard for a thief to get into. Programming your code seems pretty simple as well. Overall customers feel this is the best handgun safe with a fingerprint lock. It works great as a bedside firearm.
This safe is the best handgun safe for the bedside. It will keep your firearm away from the children. The interior light makes it easy to locate and grab your pistol in a hurry. Place this safe in your most convenient spot for maximized security.
Pros
- Interior light
- Very secure
- Durable
- Has an app that allows you to communicate with the safe
- Good size safe
Cons
- The fingerprint scanner isn’t great
- Paint scratches easily
- Keypad buttons may crack and ware away over time
Factors to Consider When Buying a Handgun Safe
As you search for a pistol safe, there are a few factors you’ll want to keep in mind. A safe that may be best for one person may not be best for your needs, so the following guide should help make your decision easier.
- Size
The size of your gun safe will determine exactly how you can use it. First of all, the interior should be big enough to house at least one handgun with ease. From there, you can determine just how much space you need.
If you want to hold more than one gun or multiple items along with the gun, then you may want to look for a large-sized safe. Although you have more than enough room for your valuables with a case this size, this is the type of safe that’s meant for home use only. Also, you may be able to mount larger safes based on how they’re made.
For those of you who need something in the car or to pack up with your luggage for plane travel, then a small safe is most ideal. These are intended to be travel-friendly, so you might only be able to fit just a single handgun inside. The best compact safe is one that is also lightweight in build. This is especially helpful if you need to pack it in your luggage and don’t want the weight of the safe to be overwhelming.
- Locking Mechanism
The second thing you might want to focus on when choosing a handgun safe is the locking mechanism. Some safes feature one or two ways to open it up, while others have multiple methods of entry.
There are four primary locking systems that gun safes may have: combination, keypad, biometric, and manual keys.
- Combination – a combination lock is a common mechanism. Some combos have 3-digit or 4-digit codes, and they can offer numerous code combinations so you can come up with something more unique that a would-be thief may struggle to figure out. Users tend to appreciate 4-digit combos more as it gives a greater range of codes.
- Keypad – Similar to a combination lock, keypad entry can have a 3-digit or 4-digit setup. Sometimes, these safes feature a beep mode or a quiet mode. Other safes may even have both options so you can set it up as needed. It can help if the keypad is backlit so that you can access it under low light or no light conditions.
- Biometric – A more technology-based gun safe may feature a biometric lock. This typically allows you to input fingerprint scanning so you can get to your valuables fast. The more fingerprints a safe like this can hold, the better as you’ll have to scan the same finger multiple times so it can unlock no matter how you put your finger on the scanner.
- Manual Keys – Of course, there is always the classic manual key lock mechanism. Usually, most gun safes don’t just feature this type of setup. This is usually in place as a backup method while the safe boast one of the other mechanisms as the primary method. Having backup keys can always be helpful in the event you forget a code or the biometric system fails.
- Durability
You’ll want your gun safe to withstand impacts as this can keep your valuables safe and also fight off intruders who try to smash it open.
Gun safes are usually made from some type of steel material to withstand abuse. Also, it helps if the interior of the safe features some sort of padding to protect the guns from scratches.
Other safes, typically smaller ones, might feature reliable plastic casing instead. This can hold up to regular use, but it’s questionable how well they can survive if a persistent thief attempted to break in.
- Entry Speed
If you need to get into a safe fast, it helps if you can input the code, use the keys, or use the biometric scanner fast. Biometrics can be a fast option if the scanner is reliable. However, keypad entry tends to be quick as well.
There are some safes made with auto-open lids as well, and this can speed up the entry quite a bit.
Pistol Safes – FAQ
Mounting a handgun safe is done at your discretion, but when it comes to some larger safes, it might be a more convenient option to secure it in place. Depending on how the safe is made, you can mount it on various flat surfaces such as the floor, inside a drawer, or on a wall. Mounting it ensures it remains in place even if a thief were to find it.
The best lock for a gun safe is largely based on personal opinion. Some of the top home gun safes utilize multiple types of locks from biometrics to keypad entry. Others focus on a single one with a backup manual key option just in case.
If you don’t want to deal with technology and changing batteries, then you may want to go for the basic safes that use a combination or key lock design. Otherwise, biometrics and keypad can work well if you want to get into it fast and also wish to slow down would-be thieves from figuring out how to crack into the safe.
There are plenty of handgun safes that are intended for car use. These are compact and lightweight so that they’re travel-friendly. Some that feature a TSA-approved lock can even go on the plane with you if you need to transport the gun that way.
Making the Decision
From our list, we feel the RPNB Gun Security Safe is the best gun safe thanks to the varied locking mechanism options you can use. It features a 3-point entry setup, and the safe itself is made durable and impact-resistant.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, check out the SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe. It’s travel-friendly and just big enough to secure a single handgun while on the go in a car or for a plane trip. There’s little weight to it as well so you can carry it easily. Feel free to look at all our choices to decide which is best for you.