The best safes for rifles and shotguns are both reliable and affordable. I’ve tested and ranked the most popular options for the money. Here are hands-on reviews.
FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. VAULTEK RS800i - Most Advanced Heavy-Duty Biometric Safe
Highlight: Includes a bunch of extra accessories.
Helpful review: What really stands out to me about this safe, and why it tops my list–perhaps the tippy top of all things I’ve bought on Amazon–is that it’s a real safe, not some flimsy lockbox. It doesn’t hog up much space, fitting snugly just about anywhere. As for capacity, it holds my AR-10, my shotgun, and Mini-14, plus it has extra space for several handguns. You could likely fit six, maybe seven rifles in there—five to six inside and one on the door. Just remember, adding a shelf limits the height of the firearms you can store inside.
INSTALLATION:
Installing it was a breeze. I bolted it to an interior wall in the front room of my workshop, which doubles as a spot where clients and visitors hang out. This setup lets me store some of my recent tactical projects without leading people into my back room or main gun storage area. I used three of the provided holes and 1.5-inch screws to secure the safe into a stud. I appreciate how the holes inside are concealed with a little plate, keeping the interior looking neat without visible screw heads.
SETUP:
The initial pleasant surprise was being able to set up both a custom code and a fingerprint. I’ve got another gun safe that supposedly offers both, but it turns out setting up a fingerprint voids the code function. Not the case here. You can always access the safe with either method. You can even add up to twenty fingerprints, so multiple users can access it without messing up the master code. If you need to, you can hop online to delete specific fingerprints without affecting others. The instructions are pretty easy to follow and super straightforward, covering everything from battery installation to setting up the code and fingerprints. Honestly, it was the simplest electronic device setup I’ve ever done—no joke! There’s one feature I love. It’s the door mechanism, it’s so cool. Enter your code or scan your fingerprint, and the door pops open, turning on an interior light at the same time. Push the door shut, and it locks automatically. The LCD display is another cool touch; it lights up when it senses motion, making it easy to input your code or use the biometric reader.
BATTERY:
The safe runs on a lithium-ion battery that’s rechargeable. There’s a display showing off the battery life, which doesn’t usually come with similar products, mainly gun safes that are operated by battery. To recharge, there’s a port at the bottom right side of the safe, so you just plug it in, and you’re good to go.
WI-FI CONNECTIVITY APP:
Pairing this thing with the app on your phone or the website makes monitoring its features super simple. The Nano key works via Wi-Fi, but that’s just the start. The app lets you get updates on when the safe is opened, if the keypad or fingerprint reader has been tampered with, battery levels, and more. Living in Georgia, I appreciate being able to monitor the temperature and humidity inside the safe from my phone. Plus, you can remove specific users’ fingerprints without deleting everyone’s access. The app even alerts you if the safe is left open.
CUSTOMIZATION:
Customization is where the Vaultek really let’s its awesomeness shine! The back wall and inside door have these perforated, like, mounting boards, allowing you to adjust and personalize the setup however you like. Accessories include full or half-width shelves, twin handgun racks, an 8-slot handgun magazine rack, a 4-slot magazine rack for ARs, single magazine racks, barrel mounts, and adapters. You can also get spring-loaded AR mounts that secure around the rear stock, 2 and 3 handgun holsters, and various other configurations of handgun and magazine racks and holsters.
NANO KEY:
The safe comes with something called a “Nano Key,” which, once it’s paired with the safe, allows for remote opening via Bluetooth. The range is basically the reach of your Wi-Fi. This could be crucial if you need to access an item quickly. I set mine up in the opposite corner of the room from where I installed the safe, not for any tactical reason but just for the wow factor when I show off a firearm.
ALL IN ALL:
To wrap it up, this is hands down, by far, the most heavy duty rifle safe I’ve ever owned. It’s extremely durable and tough. Vaultek’s top-notch anti-theft protection is impressive, and their customer service is just on another level, truly unmatched. This safe is a winner in my book. Ten out ten, truly. I recommend it to all my friends and neighbors. — David P. McGillivray
Get it from Amazon now: $2,149.99 & FREE Returns
2. Barska - Upgraded DOJ-Approved 8-Rifle Safe
Highlight: Features a newer fingerprint reader.
Helpful review: Contrary to the dimensions listed, the actual size of the 9-11 rifle cabinet is 14.71"D x 17.71"W x 57.08"H, with the door on the side that’s 17.71", the front part. The steel is thick enough to keep kids out, but a hatchet or ax could easily breach the sides or back. There are pre-drilled holes for wall mounting, but you can drill new ones if needed. The lock requires four double AA batteries and works with a key. There’s a default combo of 1-2-3-4- hashtag, though you can change it. Instructions are minimal, but the lock supports biometric fingerprints, which I haven't tested yet.
There are two keys for the main door and two for the small interior compartment, each numbered. The company doesn’t provide replacement keys, so plan ahead. Inside, there's only a felt liner, so no fire protection. The lack of insulation means more space, but the advertised 11-12 rifle capacity is exaggerated—it's more like 4-5. The provided rifle rack is nearly useless but can be removed easily. The light in the door is tiny, so plan to add more lighting. The main benefit of this cabinet is its lightweight just about a hundred and fifteen pounds, making it manageable for one person to move, though a second person is safer.
Now, I have to include some negatives here. The package was a mess when it arrived, but fortunately the safe itself was undamaged. The paint and lock were scratch-free, though there was a small crack in the paint from the internal lock box installation. Because the interior is lined, the dimensions are smaller than the exterior. A 50 inch air rifle with a scope just barely fits under the top cabinet, so I can't use the removable shelf.
The flanges for the shelf can be cut or bent down if scratches are a concern. My wife insisted that the instructions for setting up fingerprints were brief and confusing, but I managed to get it working. The pre-cut holes for wall attachment are a few inches from the edge, making it hard to bolt to two wall studs spaced 18" apart. I was worried about the metal thickness but was pleased with the strength and weight.
This safe would be difficult for an unarmed person to break into. The recessed door is pry-resistant, and there are no visible seams. For the price, it exceeded my expectations. I call it a safe/cabinet because it feels more substantial than a mere cabinet but lacks the thickness of a true safe. — Bryan Pearson
Get it from Amazon now: $499.99 & FREE Returns
3. KAER - Long Gun Safe with 180-Degree Full Access Door
Highlight: Stores longer guns up to 51ish inches.
Helpful review: I’m honestly so thrilled with this purchase. I wanted a safe for about four guns, nothing too large. This one is just the right size, with adjustable shelves to fit my needs. The interior is carpeted to prevent scratches. You can set up a combination and have a key as a backup. It’s sturdy and heavy-duty, perfect for keeping kids away and preventing accidents. Highly, truly, recommended.
This safe arrived a day early via TBA Transport Service, not USPS, FedEx, or UPS. They were quick and courteous, and managed to find address without even calling me, which is no easy feat, trust me haha, my address is hard to find. Unpacking was super easy—just cut away the bottom part of the box and peel it off. The electronic lock and the keys work amazingly. I bolted it to the wall and floor, and it’s solid. If you’re having trouble finding the mounting holes, shine a flashlight on the wall behind the safe.
The light will shine through the interior felt, making the holes light up like beacons. Inside, I store a 40" over-and-under shotgun/rifle combo, plus a Smith & Wesson M&P 12 home defense shotgun. Perfect fit. Three handguns in protective pouches lie on the shelf. The two smallest guns barely fit in the door holster. The ammo shelves on the door hold one box each, but you can fit two if you stand them up. Other ammo boxes stack at the bottom, to the side of the over-and-under. Delighted with this safe. It’s awesome. It fits well in my closet, and I’m very happy with it. If you need more space, get a bigger safe. But this one is perfect for my needs. A great bargain, especially with free Prime shipping!
My girlfriend wanted me to add that this safe is great for someone with one long gun with an optic and a couple of handguns, but I found that my longer gun needed to be placed at an angle due to an optic and a lighting attachment. My Glock 19 doesn’t fit in the door holster, so I typically put it on the shelf above. There’s plenty of space for ammo on the shelves and at the bottom near the buttstock. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with a large optic attachment or multiple long guns
Overall, I’d say that the safe’s quality is what you’d expect for the price—acceptable but not premium. It keeps firearms safe and secure. For our home, it’s perfect. Fits well in the closet, and I’m very happy with it. — Phil Burke
Get it from Amazon now: $199.99 & FREE Returns
4. Steelwater - Heavy-Duty Fireproof Safe for 18 Guns
Highlight: Twelve-gauge solid steel body and a twelve-gauge composite style door.
Helpful review: My wife was worried about the guns in the house because of our child, so I got this safe, and I’m thrilled with it. It looks good and holds my rifles, ammo, and photos. However, it doesn’t hold eighteen guns—more like ten or eleven if they don’t have scopes. I bolted it to the floor and built it into the wall. It holds my two shotguns, two AR-15s with scopes,, one .22 rifle, one .308 rifle with a scope, and several pistols. Guns with scopes take up a lot of room. For long guns without scopes, maybe 10 would fit.
Everyone who sees it really likes it. They often comment on how tough and serious it looks. My brother-in-law laughed when he saw me open it for the first time because he’d never seen a safe like this. I keep mine out of sight to avoid curiosity about what’s inside. I bolted it to the floor and wall, so it’s not going anywhere. The concrete anchor kit was missing, but Steelwater sent one quickly after I emailed them. The first one came dented, so we refused delivery. Steelwater sent a new one immediately—great customer service. If you have 10 long guns, you’ll love this safe.
TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS:
-The safe’s labels are pretty well-marked. Move it inside quickly if you don’t want to show it off to neighbors.
-An appliance dolly is handy for moving this beast.
-Calm down, and don’t panic about missing handles. They’re stored inside the safe!
-Rotate the spoke when opening the safe. If it’s blocked, try turning it slightly backward (counter-clockwise).
OVERALL:
This really was just a fantastic purchase. The customer service is amazing, which made the whole experience that much better. A friend of mine went to Lowes to look for a different type of concrete anchors. He forgot the size and called the manufacturer from the store. They pointed him in the right direction, like how cool is that? Really top-notch handling there. — David Vaughan
Get it from Amazon now: $1,995.00 & FREE Returns
5. Barska Smart - Compact Biometric Safe for Rifles and Shotguns
Highlight: Biometric fingerprint feature.
Helpful review: I read all the mixed reviews on this safe and was a bit nervous about ordering it. Weighing sixty six pounds, I wasn’t eager to ship it back if I didn’t like it, so that was a little bit of a concern. Yet then I arrived and wow! I’m so happy to say I couldn’t be more pleased with the purchase. The unit arrived in perfect condition—no dents, no rust, and literally nothing wrong with it, like I had worried about. No other damage, like the ones mentioned in some older reviews. And the keys were outside the cabinet, so setup was easy.
Other reviewers are right about some things, though—this unit is tipsy before you mount it, so this is your warning to be careful! Testing the location was tricky. But that’s expected with a compact unit like this. I spent time and money ‘dressing it up,’ inspired by another reviewer. I lined the inside with adhesive-backed carpet squares to protect the firearms from metal contact. Some loosened up, so in hindsight, I’d use spray adhesive.
HELPFUL TIPS:
-I recommended that you hang a magnetic, battery-powered LED light with a motion sensor under the shelf. It turns on automatically when the door is opened.
-Use an Eva Dry E-500 Wireless Dehumidifier on the top shelf. It absorbs humidity and can be recharged when saturated. I should have bought a smaller one, as this one barely fits and takes up space.
-So you can hang larger handguns, I recommend installing a Rack’Em 3 Pistol Holster that operates as an in safe rack for hand guns
It’s a pretty small safe, but with creativity and accessories, I stored three rifles and three handguns inside without issues. One shotgun was as tall as the safe, so it had to be placed sideways in front of the shelf. No harm done. Pistol grips, scopes, and other add-ons challenge the space.
Some reviewers are saying it’s more of a locker than a safe, and I’d have to agree that they’re probably correct for most part. It’s great for keeping guns safe from kids and will slow down a thief but won’t help much in a fire. The biometric feature works well; I took several scans of several fingers and had no problems with access.
OVERALL:
In summary, this safe is perfect for the average person wanting to organize and protect their firearms from accidents. If you’re a collector or have a large collection, you might need something more elaborate. — John Taylor
Get it from Amazon now: $466.99 & FREE Returns
6. RPNB - Rifle Security Cabinet with Separate Pistol Section
Highlight: With five live-door bolts, this seamlessly welded pry-proof steel body offers ultimate break-in prevention.
Helpful review: This is my first rifle safe but only my second from this brand. It arrived well-packed and undamaged. It should keep things pretty safe and secure except against those determined thieves trying to break in. I drilled holes in each bottom corner to secure it to the floor. The wall mount holes didn’t provide enough strength.
The manufacturer should consider making the top compartment an open shelf or adding a locking metal door. Some plastic parts, like the battery compartment, are a bit on the cheaper side. For a one hundred pound gun safe under four hundred bucks, it’s a pretty good value.
Mainly because we wanted a basic gun locker to store weapons when we’re out of the house, all because we have the kiddos. This thin-walled safe won’t keep a determined thief out, I don’t think so, but keeps things away from curious preteens. We store a 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and an AR with a scope and mag side by side, slightly angled. Ammo boxes stack nicely on the back wall. The small upper safe holds two or three semi-auto pistols and mags. Programming instructions were a bit hit and miss, but we figured it out.
Overall, a good buy. The shipping box was dinged up, and it took four weeks to arrive, so be warned. If you’re not in a hurry, you’re good.
So, yeah, great quality for the price. But don’t use rechargeable batteries! NIMH doesn’t hold enough voltage, and the lock won’t release. RPNB customer service was great, quick to respond, and solved the issue. Use ALKALINE batteries as directed, and you’ll be fine. Other security cabinets in this price range were flimsy with bolted-together sheet metal and weak locks and hinges. This one looks really nice, is strong, and will keep curious kids and smash-and-grab burglars out. Bolt it to the wall or floor, or both!
There are pre-drilled holes in the back and bottom. I had to buy my concrete anchors, as the provided ones weren’t long enough. I used wood spacers behind the drywall to prevent crushing while tightening the anchors. I also removed most of my baseboards to make sure that this fit super smoothly against my closet wall, but I don’t think that’s really necessary, more personal preference. — Brad R. Millings
Get it from Amazon now: $299.00 & FREE Returns
7. Langger V - Upgraded Electronic Rifle Safe
Highlight: Comes included with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware.
Helpful review: Before you consider anything else about this, you should know this fact–If you’re looking for a bank vault for your guns, this isn’t the safe for you. Save your money and add a couple of grand and get yourself something bigger. But! If you’re looking for a three hundred dollar option for about five or so firearms, then look no further.
The door is sturdy, and it comes with concrete bolts for the back and bottom, lockable storage, and a removable shelf. I fit two boxes of shotgun ammos, three boxes of 9mm, ten boxes of .22, three boxes of .38, two boxes of 7.62, and seven boxes of 5.56, plus two loaded thirty-round magazines, all in the lockbox.
It’s like playing a game of Tetris, but it fits, so I really don’t mind!. The shelf came with a pistol foam rack for up to five pistols. Below it, you can place about six rifles. My longest is a 16g crack barrel and it wouldn’t fit below the shelf, however, it stands in front of it, which is good enough.
I had to remove the optics from one rifle. Overall, for the price point, this is the best safe on the market. No assembly other than placing the removable shelf. The external power pack is a nice touch, plus the emergency keys give you two ways to access if the batteries die. Setting the combo was easy.
I mainly needed this gun safe because my sister was staying with me for a few months to get back on her feet and she brought my nephew, a toddler who just learned to walk and open things, into the house with her. After searching and debating, I ultimately chose this one because I decided it would be good to keep things secure, which is the main reason I needed it. The size was perfect for my bedroom closet and because I don’t have a ton guns, it worked, and ended up being enough space, despite how tightly they fit, it got the job done.
Just remember what I said earlier, if you have a lot of guns, this might be tight, too tight, in fact.
Keep in mind that there’s also not much room to move the guns around. The extra lockbox inside is a nice addition, and while I put weapons inside it, you can also store other valuables or ammo. It uses a different key than the main door, too, so that’s a nice place.
Oh, and the safe comes with felt pieces, a shelf, and gun supports. Everything looks neat and organized. I ended up buying an extra support for the shotgun to stand in front of the shelf. I used a magnetic one, and it works perfectly. My husband plans to make a few upgrades, like adding more light. I placed a motion sensor light bar inside for now, providing decent illumination. We plan to buy more to place beneath the lockbox and handgun shelf. Overall, this is a great safe! If you need something small to protect kids, this is perfect. I wouldn’t rely on it to keep out thieves. It’s easy to get into or carry away if not bolted to the wall.
ALL IN ALL:
It’s very sturdy and easy to open and lock, and I really appreciate how quickly customer service responds. I like that it doesn’t take up much room in my small closet, and that you don’t even know it’s really there. I anchored mine easily with the provided bolts, just in the back, not on the ground, to avoid holes in my hardwood floors. That worked pretty well.
Oh, and when I called customer service again, I also asked about a door organizer, and they sent it for free, which was so nice. That allowed me to store even more accessories. Unless you have a huge arsenal, this safe is perfect for up to, I’d say, six or so rifles, and probably eight or so handguns.
It has an extra storage box inside that you can lock and a sturdy shelf. I couldn’t be happier with this gun safe. This is only the second time I’ve written a review on Amazon. This seller doesn’t make false claims about their product. It’s not fireproof, but it offers some protection. It’s a sturdy gun locker to organize firearms and keep them safe from burglars and kids. And that’s why I wanted it. So if you’re looking for a similar reason, then this is the option for you. — Willie Duggan
Get it from Amazon now: $239.99 & FREE Returns
8. Paragon - Lock & Safe Electronic Rifle Safe
Highlight: Comes with an LED lock that’s programmable with a combination of three to eight digits. Runs on four double A batteries, and also included two manual keys.
Helpful review: I ordered this safe from Lowe’s and opted for the free shipping and fortunately it was delivered to my porch without any issues. My wife and I had a tough time lifting it to the second floor, unpacking, and installing it in its designated spot.
After all that, I discovered the locking mechanism was defective. It’s supposed to lock automatically after you turn the handle and latch counter-clockwise. It didn’t. I couldn’t lock it back with the passcode. Instead, I had to press random buttons, turn and shake the latch and handle, kick the door, and perform all sorts of magic each time I needed to lock it.
The manual listed the safe under the ‘Fleming Supply’ brand, but it’s actually a ‘Paragon’ safe. I contacted support through the link in the manual. They responded quickly, offering troubleshooting steps, including taking apart the door and pulling out wires to ‘reset the solenoid.’ I followed the instructions but got no results.
After sending a copy of my invoice, they suggested returning the safe to Lowe’s, which I refused, considering the ordeal of dragging it back downstairs and to the car. Then they requested a video of the malfunction, promising to assist further. But then they refused further assistance, claiming they weren’t the makers of the safe and advising me to contact ‘Fleming Supply,’ a non-existent company.
Eventually, they apologized for the ‘error,’ sent a new safe without charge, and let me keep the old one. I haven’t installed the new one yet, but I’m impressed with the service. This is a company to trust. — Chuck Wheeler
Get it from Amazon now: $429.99 & FREE Returns
9. Quicktec - Rifle Safe with a Compact Pistol Lockbox
Highlight: Includes double A batteries, anchor bolts, and emergency keys.
Helpful review: I’m reviewing this piece of equipment as a gun cabinet, not as a gun safe. The door looks like a heavy safe door in the pictures, but it’s not. The cabinet is sheet metal, including the door.
But the bolts go through sheet metal, which can be defeated with moderate force. The programmable lock works fine. The locking bolts on the door also work fine but use the sheet metal edge of the door opening to lock against. A crowbar could defeat the door in minutes. The sheet metal clangs when disturbed, so I plan to line it with carpet tiles to reduce noise. This cabinet is good for child safety, keeping young hands away from firearms. Even an amateur burglar could gain access with some time and tools. No fire protection. As gun cabinets go, this is a good one for the price but not a true safe.
Still, for that purpose, it really exceeded my expectations. It shipped from California to Rhode Island without a scratch. It pretty much arrived in pretty good shape after quick shipping. It was tightly packed with foam and plastic corners. Everything works as it should.
The instructions are clear, and four lag bolts are included for securing the cabinet to the floor or wall. Despite not being bolted down yet, the door isn’t too heavy to cause tipping. I set my lock code and switched to silent mode on the first try. I added lights and thicker foam to the bottom. It might not be a bonafide safe but it keeps guns away from the little human goofballs that run through my house.
It also fits an AR-15 with a scope without turning sideways and a 50 inch Remington Wingmaster. Still has clearance with added foam.
I love when I buy something on Amazon, and it’s better than I expected. The safe feels heavy and solid. The door closes with authority, and the locking bolts extend about an inch into the frame when engaged. Plenty of room for five long guns and ammo. The small locking interior safe is large enough for several handguns or valuables. Programming the lock can be a little tricky, but Quicktec’s customer service was amazing. I’m really very happy with my purchase, and would definitely purchase again from this manufacturer. — Scott Schultz
Get it from Amazon now: $269.99 & FREE Returns
10. Atripark - Fireproof Fingerprint Gun Safe for 10 Rifles
Highlight: Comes with three removable shelves.
Helpful review: I was so excited after making this purchase and even happier when it arrived early and honestly just stoked with how very well packaged it came. It had thick cardboard, heavy-duty plastic straps, corner guards, and foam spacers.
The cardboard had minimal damage, and the item itself had none. Opening it was relatively easy. It’s not quite a thick ‘safe’ nor a thin metal ‘cabinet,’ but somewhere in between—a solid heavy-duty locker with a safe-like door. It’s heavy but not too heavy. The walls are solid with little flex, and the hinge is smooth. The handle and lock mechanism operate smoothly, with five bolts engaging smoothly—three on the side, one on top, and one on the bottom of the door. There’s a little play in the handle, but it’s normal and consistent.
The door opens about a hundred and twenty degrees, with the door’s thickness limiting the opening to maybe eight inches. It looks good and is well-proportioned. The dimensions are accurate. The pictures on the page vary, but the third one is the most accurate.
The electronic keypad is good, though it doesn’t come with batteries. The buttons are easy to press and responsive. Setting the code is simple, with lights indicating when the batteries need changing. There’s an external battery pack to access the safe if the batteries die. An alarm sounds if the code is failed three times or if the handle is jiggled, and can be disarmed with the code.
The auxiliary keys open the lock easily, and there’s a velcro orange pouch for holding the keys, bolts, washers, nuts, and a hex key for removing the plate that hides the keyhole. The safe doesn’t tip when the door opens but bolts are a good idea. It doesn’t wobble. The shelf hooks onto metal cleats and stays put without screws, though there are holes for them. The shelf has room for ammo and small accessories. If you have only eight guns, you can store items on the side in the main compartment.
The bottom has kind of thin carpet, so I used a foam block from the packaging to rest stocks on temporarily. This leans the guns back into the foam barrel and it honestly rests better there and provides balanced support for the stocks. The depth is needed for that balance. The barrel rest foam is well-adhered to the wall and metal cleat, perfectly suitable for the job. I might pad other parts, like the door frame edge, to prevent knocking over my guns when I access it and store them.
BOTTOM LINE:
This safe is exactly what I wanted. It’s excellent quality for the money, will last for years, protect guns, and deter humans not carrying sledgehammers or power tools. The price is seriously unbeatable for what you’re going to get. I’m glad this came through. — Brian Zaccardi
Get it from Amazon now: $219.99 & FREE Returns
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