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Gun ownership is continuing to increase in the United States. In 2020, Americans saw a new record for gun sales, with 22.8 million firearms purchased. To put that in perspective, the previous record was 16.7 million sales in 2016. Although sales dipped in 2021, numbers are still high, with 19.9 million guns sold in the United States last year. The increase in sales is due to several factors, but one of the most important things that all gun owners must do is ensure their firearms are always secure and inaccessible to anyone but those intended to have access. That means investing in the best gun safe.
The best gun safe serves several essential purposes. Not only does it protect some very important personal property, but it prevents that property from getting into the hands of individuals who may underestimate its very real dangers, such as children. In 2018, gun violence surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S., killing more youth than “cancer, pneumonia, influenza, asthma, HIV/AIDs, and opioids combined.” Keeping guns away from kids and teens is critical. Even in homes where children aren’t present, ensuring guns are secured in safes in the case of a break-in is a must for all gun owners.
What To Look For in a Gun Safe
All the safes included in our list can be wall-mounted or bolted to a wall. This is an important safety feature as it reduces the chance of someone stealing the entire safe and prying the unit open at another location. The best gun safes with several safety steps, including keypads, biometrics and keys are preferred, as are safes with alarms that will sound if too many incorrect codes are entered. We’ve also included safes with shelves and enough room to store ammunition to ensure all items are secured together and away from children and teens.
How We Chose the Best Safes
The gun safes included in our list are highly rated and come from reputable companies. When considering what brand of gun safe is the best, we looked at safes with several security measures in place and useful features, including interior LED lights and alarms.
Whether you own a rifle or a handgun, live alone or in a home with young children, keeping guns secure and locked at all times is crucial to the safety of yourself and others. Wondering what is the best gun safe? Check out our top picks below.
The Best Gun Safes
This article is mostly concerned with large gun safes that can secure rifles and shotguns. We’ve included safes that can secure several weapons at a time, and many also include smaller storage spaces for handguns. If you are only looking for handgun safes, then we’ve also included a small collection of top-rated options below.
1. Sports Afield Preserve 40-Gun Fire and Waterproof Gun Safe with Electronic Lock
BEST OVERALL
If you live in an area where flooding is an issue, the Sports Afield Preserve 40-Gun Fire and Waterproof Gun Safe with Electronic Lock is a must-have for gun owners and those who want to protect their valuables. Store up to 40 long guns and eight handguns in this waterproof safe that is water-resistant for up to seven days in standing water. Also boasting 45 minutes of fire protection, the Sports Afield Preserve has a fully programmable electronic lock and override key and an anti-theft alarm that will sound to alert users of intruders. The fully carpeted interior has a UL-safe outlet and there are five 1.5” active steel bolts and three 1.5” deadbolts for added protection.
2. BBRKIN Large Rifle Safe
BEST RIFLE SAFE
The BBRKIN Large Rifle Safe packs in all of the essential elements. Its steel construction offers a no-pry door surface with an electronic keypad and traditional key locks. If anyone tries to get access without the right code, an alarm sounds to warn the owner. The BBRKIN will hold up to five rifles or shotguns and includes a separate lockbox inside the safe to hold pistols, ammo, cash, and other valuables — all for less than $500.
3. Langger Large Gun Safe
ALSO CONSIDER
Wide and deep enough to hold five long guns with plenty of extra space for ammunition and handguns, the Langger Large Gun Safe puts its beef to use with a steel frame and pry-resistance door edge. Depending on the length of the rifles or shotguns the owner uses, the Langger includes a removable storage shelf that can adapt the safe’s interior to hold more valuables. Guns remain securely locked away using the digital keypad; an alarm will sound if the incorrect code is entered more than five times. The Langger also features pre-drilled holes and mounting equipment to make it easy for customers to secure the safe to a wall.
4. RPNB Rifle Safe
FOR SMALL SPACES
With a width of fewer than 14 inches, the RPNB Rifle Safe is one of the slimmest gun safes on the market — while remaining tall enough and deep enough to hold five long guns. That thin profile also allows for a separate storage box to hold a handgun and other valuables. Made of steel and locked with a side bolt mechanism accessed by a three to eight-digit code, the safe allows for a double lock with included keys.
5. Tracker Safe 34-Gun Fire-Resistant Combination/Dial Lock
BEST GUN VAULT
The Tracker Safe 34-Gun Fire-Resistant Combination/Dial Lock has no problem keeping valuables secure thanks to its 5” thick composite 11-gauge steel door and attack-resistant external hinges. Tampering isn’t an issue either, with the Tracker boasting a re-locker pin and drill-resistant hard plate. Inside the safe, there is enough room to store up to 34 guns, including long guns, handguns, and extra shelves for valuables. The Tracker also stands out thanks to its internal USB and electrical outlet, which can help keep items charged.
6. BARSKA 1.83 cu. ft. 4-Gun Tall Biometric Safe
BEST FOR MULTIPLE USERS
If you’re looking for a biometric safe that can be accessed by several users, check out the BARSKA 1.83 cu. ft. 4-Gun Tall Biometric Safe. The battery-operated safe, which includes a physical key for backup, can store up to 120 users in its biometric fingerprint scanner. The three-point deadbolt locking system keeps firearms and ammo secure. Mounting hardware is also included for added security.
7. VAULTEK RS Series WiFi Biometric Rifle Safe
BEST SMART SAFE
Bring your firearm storage into the 21st century with the new VAULTEK RS Series WiFi Biometric Rifle Safe. Users can receive notifications on their phones that will alert them to possible tampering, temperature changes and more. Access the Vaultek safe using a pin code for the keypad, a Nano key, a biometric fingerprint scanner, or a manual key. The Vaultek includes several useful features, including pistol and mag racks, two rifle barrel mounts and room for everyday carry items.
8. Cabela’s Signature E-Lock 50-Gun Safe by Liberty Safe
BEST OVERSIZED SAFE
For gun owners who need ample storage, it doesn’t get much larger than the Cabela’s Signature E-Lock 50-Gun Safe by Liberty Safe. Up to 50 long guns can be stored behind the 12-gauge steel construction and military-style locking doors. There’s also room for multiple handguns, ammo, and several shelves for valuables. The patented Tough Doors improve pry resistance by 300% compared to other safes and the Cabela offers fire protection for up to 75 minutes.
9. JINS & VICO Metal Digital Password Fireproof Gun Safe
INCLUDES INTERIOR VALUABLES LOCKBOX
Store up to five rifles (without scopes) safely and securely with the JINS & VICO Metal Digital Password Fireproof Gun Safe. The safe, which can be secured either to the wall or floor, also has room to hold ammo, clips and two handguns. An interior lockbox can be used to store valuables, such as jewelry or passports. Users can set multiple pin codes to access the safe and an alarm will sound when the battery on the safe is low (keys are also included). The safe’s interior is lined with anti-static fabric to protect firearms and prevent fires.
10. Triple Tree Large Rifle Gun Safe
BEST BARGAIN
Built with 100% solid steel walls and tamper-resistant edges, the Triple Tree Large Rifle Gun Safe is designed to store firearms safely. The safe’s interior has a scratch-resistant rifle rack for four rifles and is lined with anti-static carpet that helps prevent sparks caused by static electricity, which could cause fires. Customers can access their firearms using either a key or a keypad. The 2mm thick walls are difficult to pry open and the slim safe can easily fit inside a closet.
The Best Handgun Safes
If you primarily need to secure smaller weapons, then you’ll want smaller biometric safes to keep your firearm secure. Below, you’ll find some of the best handgun safes for sale in 2022.
1. WYZE Gun Safe with Instant Fingerprint
BEST SMART HANDGUN SAFE
Read More: The Best Handgun Safes
Make your entire home a smart home with the WYZE Gun Safe with Instant Fingerprint. Users can unlock the safe four ways, including the biometric fingerprint pad, traditional keypad combo, physical key, or using their Wyze app. Large enough to fit one standard handgun and some ammo, the Wyze safe is made with 12-gauge steel and impressive internal metal plating that protects against motor or latch manipulation. In addition to securing firearms, this safe is also a great option for storing jewelry, documents, and other personal items.
2. Vaultek VT20i Biometric Pistol Safe
CONTENDER
Like all of the best handgun safes, the Vaultek VT20i has a biometric keypad. Once unlocked, the door opens automatically, and the backlit keypad lets you gain access in the dark. Likewise, a built-in light in the safe’s interior lets you find your handgun even at night. If you’re looking for a smart gun safe, this device also features an app that lets you check battery levels and the status remotely. We should note that this safe must be charged.
3. BBRKIN Biometric Gun Safe for Pistols
ALSO CONSIDER
The BBRKIN Biometric handgun safe is constructed with reinforced steel and offers multiple ways to secure your weapons. You can choose from biometrics via thumbprint, use a key code or rely on a physical key. And if you want maximum security, you can require all three methods in order to unlock the safe. Thick padding inside the safe provides protection against scratches and there is also an interior LED light and backlit keypad. The BBRKIN is finished with a corrosion-resistant powder coating and has built-in hinges and an internal safety bracket for added security.
4. awesafe Gun Safe
HONORABLE MENTION
The awesafe gun safe has a solid steel construction to keep your weapons safe and secure. Once opened, the interior has a soft LED light to allow clear sight even in the dark. In terms of security, you can lock and unlock this handgun safe via key code or thumbprint. It’s lightweight, which means guns can be secured even when traveling. Finally, a gas strut provides for a silent opening in case you need to access the gun without alerting anyone else in the vicinity.
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