16 Best Gun Safes for Any Budget [2021] Home / Pistol 101 / Safes

16 Best Gun Safes for Any Budget [2021]

Image of Bryan Hill, Founder of Pistol Wizard Bryan Hill / October 30 2021

Gun Safe

You can't always carry your pistol, especially if you own more than one. How will you store it? How often do you have children in the home?

Did you know most "gun safes" are cheaply made, and easy to bypass in seconds?


We'll cover the truth about most "gun safes" on the market, your options, and how to choose the best safe for your security needs and budget.

On this Page:

  1. The Hard Truth about Gun Safes
    2.
  2. What about High-Security Safes?
    3.
  3. The Middle Ground
    4.
  4. What's Right for Me?
    5.

The Hard Truth about Gun Safes

Most gun safes are trivial to force open, especially the cheap ones. Such safes have videos on YouTube showing how.


There are many more videos like that, with instructions and the make and model of the safe. Gun safes are no exception.

The cheaper the safe, the more likely anyone could be a Google search and a few seconds away from opening your safe.

The safes we recommend have been tested by security professionals like handgunsaferesearch.com and have no known bypasses. Someone could still get in with enough time and tools, but they won't break in with a few seconds and a magnet, paper clip, etc.


What about High-Security Safes?

How do we tell which safes are high-security, and what does it really mean?

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a global independent safety science company that tests safes. Their ratings are the industry standard. They come in two main types:
  • UL Residential Security Container (RSC)
    UL RSC Listed, or RSC-I.
  • UL Tool-resistant Safe (TL)
    UL TL-15, the entry level in real safes.
If a safe doesn't have a label like the above, it's designed more to slow down children and opportunistic thieves than career criminals.

UL Residential Security Container (RSC) Certs

These come in three levels:
  • UL RSC Listed, or RSC-I: It takes a net working time (NWT) of at least 5 minutes for one person to break in through the safe door with common tools:
    Test criteria for RSC-I.
    It doesn't test many real-world attacks.
  • UL RSC-II: A NWT of at least 10 min. for 2 people to break in through the safe door with more powerful, real-world tools:
    Test criteria for RSC-II.
  • UL RSC-III: A NWT of at least 10 min. for 2 people to break in with any power tool.
There's a huge gap in the security of UL RSC and RSC-2. The prices reflect that.
Cert NWT Door test Full test Safe Price Value of Contents
RSC-1 5 min. $1,100+ < $4,000
RSC-2 10 min. $4,200+ < $30,000
RSC-3 10 min. TBD TBD


UL Tool Resistant Safe (TL) Certs

Law enforcement, jewelry stores, and other professionals use UL TL safes. They come in many levels. Some general patterns:
  • UL TL-X: Rates the NWT for career criminals armed with modern power tools to break in through the door. TL-15 is 15 minutes, TL-30 is 30, etc.
    UL TL-30x6, a high security rating.
  • TL-Xx6: Like TL-X, but tests every side of the safe, not just the front door. TL-15x6 is 15 minutes, TL-30x6 is 30, etc.
    UL TL-30x6, a high security rating.
  • TLTR-X: As TL-X, but resists plasma torches as well. TLTR-30 is 30 minutes, etc.
Some examples:
Cert NWT Door test Full test Safe Price Value of Contents
TL-15 15 min. $3,700+ < $200,000
TL-15x6 15 min. $4,500+ < $200,000
TL-30 30 min. $5,000+ < $375,000
TL-30X6 30 min. $8,300+ < $500,000
Sources: https://www.ul.com/news/residential-security-container-standard-revised
http://www.acmelocksmith.com/documents/LevelII-RSC-1-Sheet.pdf
http://www.graffundersafes.com/ratings/
https://gunsafereviewsguy.com/articles/myths-about-gun-safe-theft-protection/2/#myth-gun-safes-are-safes
https://www.safeandvaultstore.com/pages/burglary-ratings/
https://www.libertysafe.com/images/downloads/channel/liberty-safe-what-do-safe-ratings-mean.pdf

"UL-listed" is not "UL Certified". If a safe lacks a UL TL-15 Cert or better, burglars can probably get in with cheap power tools or long pry bars in under 5 minutes:

A reasonable security budget is 10-30% of the valuables. What if you own less than $1,000 worth of guns? That's just $100-300. Any safe under $3,700 doesn't come close to real security. What do you do?

The Middle Ground

Here are some options for someone with just a few guns.

Quick-Access Safes

Fort Knox PB-1
These will keep kids out, and offer speed of access.

Pros
  • Small, like a purse.
  • Not too heavy (10-25 lb.).
  • Takes 3 seconds or less to open.
  • Ideal for a nightstand or desk.
Cons
  • Cost ($205+).
  • Can only hold one gun.
  • Can be too small for larger pistols.
  • Won't slow down criminals.

Industrial Tool Box

Knaack 36 JobMaster
These don't have a security rating, but offer some protection if bolted down.

Pros
  • Looks like a toolbox, not a safe full of valuables.
  • Moderate weight (100-130 lb.) takes 1-2 people to move out of the home.
  • Ideal for renters or homeowners on a budget.
Cons
  • Cost ($420+).
  • No fire protection.
  • Moderate weight (100-130 lb.) takes 1-2 people to install.
  • Needs a padlock to lock it.

Storage Safes

Liberty Safe USA 23
These aren't quick to get into, or easy to transport, but they're more secure.

Pros
  • Much tougher for burlgars to open or take if bolted down.
  • Can protect against fire (somewhat).
  • Ideal for homeowners.
Cons
  • Cost ($1,100+).
  • Heavy (500+ lb). Can take several people to move.
  • Bulky, like a person. Won't fit everywhere in a home.

Modular Safes

Liberty Safe Centurion 24
Like storage safes, but can be disassembled and reassembled.

Pros
  • Tougher for burlgars to take if bolted down.
  • Disassembled, each piece can be moved by 1-2 people.
  • Can be assembled inside a room impossible to get a normal safe in.
  • Ideal for renters and homeowners.
Cons
  • Cost ($700+).
  • No real protection against modern burglar tools.
  • Little or no fire protection.
  • Bulky, like a person. Won't fit everywhere in a home.
No matter what you choose, bolt it down. Why?

A burglar's first move is to push the safe flat on the ground. From there, it's much easier to cut or pry open. Watch two guys get into an RSC-I safe in under 2 minutes.
Had it been bolted down, it would have stopped them for 2-3x as long.

If burglars can't open it right away, they'll take it away. They don't care about destroying your home to get what they want. They'll throw your safe down the stairs and through a wall if that's what it takes. Once they get away with your safe, it doesn't matter if it's a TL-60: They have all the time they need to get it open.

For heavier safes, bolting down is also a safety feature: Up to half of a safe's weight is in its door. When you open it, it may tip forward and crush you unless it's bolted down.

How do you bolt it down? See our guide: How to Bolt down Gun Safes

Versatile Quick-access Safes

These can be mounted in the most places.
TITAN Pistol Vault
TITAN Pistol Vault
TITAN Pistol Vault
TITAN Pistol Vault
TITAN Pistol Vault
TITAN Pistol Vault
TITAN Pistol Vault

TITAN Mountable Pistol Vault
Check price @ Amazon
3.00 sec.
10 lb
12"D x 10.5"W x 2.3"H"
  • Easiest to mount to your bed frame, car seat, etc.
  • Holds one pistol and nothing else. May be hard to fit a pistol with a red dot and/or light.


Large Quick-access Safes

These are the largest among quick-access safes. They can fit a full-size pistol and accesssories, or a few smaller pistols.
Stealth Swiftvault 2.0
Stealth Swiftvault 2.0
Stealth Swiftvault 2.0

Stealth SwiftVault 2.0
Check price @ Amazon
2.00 sec.
10 lb
12.75"D x 8.5"W x 3.75"H"
  • Fingeprint scanner works great for balancing speed with security.
  • The electronic lock and key lock are each resistant to attack.
  • The safe goes into lockout mode for 15 minutes if you enter the wrong combination or fingerprint 3 times. It should really be 5 times before lockout.


Desk-Mounted Quick-access Safes

These are made to be mounted out of sight under an office desk, counter, or work bench.

The right choice here depends on the size of your desk: The safe needs to not get in the way of your everyday tasks. Take measurements if needed. It also depends on the size of the gun you're storing.

V-Line Deskmate
V-Line Deskmate
V-Line Deskmate

V-Line Desk Mate
Check price @ Amazon
V-Line Hideaway
V-Line Hideaway

V-Line Hide Away
Check price @ Amazon
2.00 sec. 2.00 sec.
8.4 lb 15 lb
7.5"D x 11.75"W x 4"H" 12.5"D x 11.75"W x 4.75"H"
  • Under-desk safe. Ideal for the office.
  • Small size fits most desks.
  • Holds one pocket or compact pistol. May not fit a full size pistol with an optic, light, etc.
  • Under-desk safe. Ideal for the office.
  • Holds a full-size pistol and some room to spare.
  • Its larger size may not fit as many desks.


Quick-access Safes for Travel

These are lightweight and easy to carry, for some security while traveling with family.

The V-Line Compact is easier to travel with, as it's smaller and lighter, but its internal lock needs to be Plasti-Dipped to prevent marring the gun stored inside. Its storage is limited, too.

The AMSEC PS1210EZ is easier to use, but heavier.

Amsec PS1210EZ Easy Carry Handgun Safe
Amsec PS1210EZ Easy Carry Handgun Safe

AMSEC PS1210EZ
Check price @ Amazon
V-Line Compact
V-Line Compact
V-Line Compact

V-Line Compact
Check price @ Amazon
3.00 sec. 3.00 sec.
14 lb 5 lb
12.5"D x 10.25"W x 4.25"H" 9.5"D x 7.25"W x 2"H"
  • Sturdy carry handle and light weight for travel.
  • Ideal for family vacations.
  • Not for regular home use. Easier to pry or cut open than other quick-access safes.
  • Very light weight for travel.
  • Good size for checked baggage when traveling.
  • Ideal for family vacations.
  • Lock on the inside needs to be wrapped in rubber or similar to prevent marring the gun inside.
  • May be too small to fit some full-size pistols.
  • Not for regular home use. Easier to pry or cut open than other quick-access safes.

Storage Safes

Storage safes can hold much more, but take too long to access in response to a home invasion, offer little to no fire protection, and cost a huge amount to get a UL safety rating. No matter the security rating, bolting down the safe will make it far more secure.

They come in various types types:

  1. No Security Rating
  2. Modular
  3. UL RSC-I
  4. UL TL-15
  5. UL TL-30x6

Unrated Storage Containers

Unrated storage containers will keep out children and honest people. They must be bolted down to have any security value whatsoever.

Knaack Jobmaster 36
Knaack Jobmaster 36
Knaack Jobmaster 36

Knaack Jobmaster 36
Check price
@ Amazon
Knaack Jobmaster 4824
Knaack Jobmaster 4824
Knaack Jobmaster 4824

Knaack Jobmaster 4824
Check price
@ Amazon
97 lb 158 lb
19"D x 36"W x 21.5"H" 24"D x 48"W x 28.3"H"
  • Smaller size fits more places in your home.
  • Too small to fit a precision rifle.
  • Needs a padlock (recommended: American A700D ) to lock it.


Modular Storage Containers

Can be broken down into several pieces for easier transport, and for assembling them in a room that normal safes couldn't fit in. They must be bolted down to have any security value whatsoever.

SecureIt Agile 52
SecureIt Agile 52
SecureIt Agile 52
SecureIt Agile 52
SecureIt Agile 52
SecureIt Agile 52

SecureIt Agile 52
$700
@ GunSafes
Compare Prices
Check price
@ Amazon
Zanotti Z1
Zanotti Z1
$1500
@ Zanotti Armor
105 lb 350 lb
15.3"D x 20.3"W x 52"H" 20"D x 25"W x 60"H"
  • Large enough to fit several pistols or 6 long guns.
  • Electronic keypad is faster to use (5-10 seconds).
  • Hidden key override in case the keypad fails.
  • Keypad is not UL 768 Group 1 Rated. It may fail after a few years.
  • Non-standard keypad layout makes it slower to use.
  • Large enough to fit several pistols or 8 long guns.
  • Mechanical lock is rated UL 768 Group 2 (Group 1 is highest).
  • Mechanical combo lock is more reliable, but slower to use (15-30 seconds).


UL RSC-I Containers

These will stop one person with common hand tools for 5 minutes. They must be bolted down to have any security value whatsoever.

Which one is right for you? It depends on how much space you have. If you're not worried about a house fire or tight on space, get the Liberty Safe USA 23. Otherwise, get the Liberty Safe USA 30 and line the interior and exterior with any combination of type X drywall, aircrete, rockwool, or fiberglass to add some fire resistance.

Liberty Safe USA 23
Liberty Safe USA 23
$1,000
@ GunSafes 		Liberty Safe USA 30
Liberty Safe USA 30
$1,300
@ GunSafes
490 lb 545 lb
Outer: 25"D x 30"W x 60.5"H
Inner: 16"D x 27.5"W x 57.5"H"		 Outer: 25"D x 36"W x 60.5"H
Inner: 15.5"D x 28"W x 57.5"H"
  • Large enough to fit several pistols or 25 long guns.
  • Large enough to fit several pistols or 30 long guns.
  • Larger size may not fit as many places in your home.


UL TL-15

These will stop two people with power tools from getting through the door for 15 minutes. Not rated for the other sides. Bolting it down adds major security value.

The right choice here boils down to whether you want to store long guns. If you're only storing pistols, the AMSEC CE1814 is the better value. Otherwise, the AMSEC CE5524 is the right choice.

AMSEC-CE1814
AMSEC CE1814
$2,600
@ GunSafes 		AMSEC-CE5524
AMSEC CE5524
$4,900
@ GunSafes
710 lb 2343 lb
Outer: 21.5"D x 21"W x 25"H
Inner: 12"D x 14"H x 18"H"		 Outer: 29.5"D x 31"W x 62"H
Inner: 20"D x 24"W x 55"H"
  • If you choose an electronic lock option, it will be UL 768 Group 1 Rated (reliable, not junk).
  • Can't fit long guns inside.
  • If you choose an electronic lock option, it will be UL 768 Group 1 Rated (reliable, not junk).


UL TL-30x6

These will stop two people with power tools from getting through any side of the safe for 30 minutes. Bolting it down adds major security value.

Which is right for you? That's just a matter of budget and space.

AMSEC-RF582820X6
AMSEC RF582820X6
$9,200
@ GunSafes 		AMSEC-AMSEC-RF703620X6
AMSEC RF703620X6
$12,100
@ GunSafes
3418 lb 4578 lb
Outer: 29.3"D x 34"W x 64"H
Inner: 20"D x 28"W x 58"H"		 Outer: 29.25"D x 42"W x 76"H
Inner: 20"D x 36"W x 70"H"
  • If you choose an electronic lock option, it will be UL 768 Group 1 Rated (reliable, not junk).
  • If you choose an electronic lock option, it will be UL 768 Group 1 Rated (reliable, not junk).

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.


Related Articles

Learn gun safety with clear examples and the why behind each rule.

4 Rules of Gun Safety: All You Need to Know [2021]

Image of Bryan Hill, Founder of Pistol Wizard
Bryan Hill
Founder of Pistol Wizard
Bryan is the founder of Pistol Wizard, having studied shooting under Karl Rehn, Massad Ayoob, Ben Stoeger, and other top instructors...[Full bio]


Feedback

Are you happy with this page?




TOP

About

Contact

Pistol 101

Pistol Anatomy

Resources


Privacy Policy
Disclaimers
Cookie Policy