10 Best Small Gun Safes for the Money in 2021

Hunters Wiki may receive some form of compensation from the links on this page, at no extra charge to you. Learn more.

Be it your firearms, ammunition or even valuable documents, gun safes are a great way to protect your property. A gun safe can range from a briefcase (for small handguns) to a walk-in vaulted armoury: they come in different shapes and sizes. They can be used to prevent burglaries as well to keep your firearms out of reach of youngsters.  Modern gun safes are equipped with advanced security technology. They are feature-rich and budget-friendly options are available as well. In this article, we are going to discuss the top 10 best small gun safes for the money.

Best Small Gun Safes on the Market

1. BILLCONCH Biometric Gun Safe

No products found.

Smart Handgun Safe with APP Two Small Guns Capacity Pistol Safe with Auto-Open Lid, Silent Mode, Rechargeable Battery

Billconch is a fairly new name in the security market but is a good starting point for all. The company makes less but well-equipped products. The product under review is the BILLCONCH Biometric Gun Safe.

Technical Specs

16-gauge carbon steel construction. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (fingerprint, pin code, smartphone app assisted, backup keys). Pre-installed mounting options. Space for 2 handguns.

Design

Overall size: 12 inches x 9.9 inches x 3.2 inches. Internal size: 10.3 inches x 6.9 inches x 1.9 inches. Weight is 4 kg. It comes in black.

Features

4 unlocking modes make it very easy to use; can be accessed with a fingerprint, pin code by the keypad on the safe, Billconch smartphone app (Android and iOS), manually by the backup keys provided. Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that can be recharged with USB that gives about 5000-6000 uses on a single charge (charges in only 2.5 hours). Adjustable LED lighting to see contents in low lighting. Dual anti-impact latches that won’t open when dropped. Interior mounted hinges that are unreachable from the outside. Anti-pry bars. Portable.

Performance

The safe performs well for the price. Opens quickly. Interior design is attractive. Unlocking options work well. Adjustable LED lighting and silent mode (mode to turn off unlocking sounds) are small, yet nice customization options for people. An inexpensive alternative to Vaultek safes.

What’s in the box

It comes with a 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, charging cable, safety cable kit, 2 backup keys, screwdriver and user manual.

Pros/Cons

Verdict

A safe that is an excellent starting point for more expensive safes. It holds its own when compared to other expensive options. As with all products, some units may be problematic, but one of the most famous names in budget gun safes.

2. Vaultek Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe

Vaultek is one of the most famous companies that make safes. It started almost half a decade ago but very quickly rose to fame because of its high-quality products. It has a variety of products, one of which is Vaultek MXE (Essential Series).

Technical Specs

Hybrid 12 gauge and 14-gauge steel construction. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (pin code, backup keys). Space for 8 handguns (6 using pistol racks, 2 in top shelf). LCD screen for showing all information.

Design

Overall size: 15 inches x 11.5 inches x 11.6 inches. Internal size: 13 inches x 11 inches x 8.6 inches. Weight is 14.5 kg. It comes in black.

Features

Unlocking through an 8-button keypad (with proximity sensor) and manually with the backup keys. Belongs to the MX Series which are for high capacity and has space for 8 handguns. Easy front access door. LCD to show status and battery of the safe. Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that can be recharged with USB that gives about 4 months of normal use on a single charge (charges in only 2.5 hours). LED lighting to see contents in low lighting. Dual anti-impact latches that won’t open when dropped. Interior mounted hinges that are unreachable from the outside. Anti-pry bars. Portable. Comes with a polymer pistol rack for 2 handguns.

Performance

The safe is known for its excellent performance. Unlocking options work exceptionally well. Capacity is great for the size. Very secure. Interior design is not only pleasing to look at it but fulfils its function of providing maximum space too.

What’s in the box

It comes with a 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, charging kit, 2 backup keys, mounting hardware, twin pistol rack, user manual.

Pros/Cons

Verdict

The MXE is a safe that works amazingly well. The company makes up for lack of technology in its exceptional performance. Highly recommended for the price and for people who don’t care much about gimmicks.

3. Fort Knox PB1 – Handgun Safe with 13.5 Inch Dean Safe Pistol Sock

Fort Knox Vaults. Well, the name says it all, doesn’t it? It’s a company that is known to have one of the widest ranges of safes globally. They provide services from banks to personal safes. The product up for review is the Fort Knox Original Pistol Box.

Technical Specs

10-gauge steel construction with a 3/16″ plate door. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (pin code). Pre-drilled mounting options. Space for 1 handgun with accessories or 2 handguns only.

Design

Overall size: 12.5 inches x 10.5 inches x 4.5 inches. Internal size: 10.2 inches x 8.2 inches x 3.6 inches. Weight is 9.9 kg. Antique silver textured finish.

Features

Simple in features, but the most secure safe on the list. Has a 5-button punch lock for unlocking. It uses a Simplex® mechanical lock. Foam-lined for protecting contents. Comes with a limited lifetime warranty. 4 pre-drilled holes for mounting to cars, walls, furniture, etc.

Performance

As guessed by the beautiful vintage look of the safe, Fort Knox aims to go back to the basics, by giving customers a raw experience. The safe is known to be the most secure option not only on our list but generally too. The absence of any kind of gimmicks has helped the company focus on the performance, where it exceeds with flying colours.

What’s in the box

It comes with a warranty card, user manual.

Pros/Cons

Verdict

The Original Pistol Box is a safe that has its specific users. However, if the looks and lack of technology aren’t an issue for someone, this might as well be the most secure and most functional pistol safe or gun safe in the market.

4. RPNB Gun Safe – Pistol Safe for Bedside

California DOJ Certified Gun Safe, Smart Pistol Safe Handgun Security Safe with LED & RFID Quick Access,11″ x 7″ x 1.8″

RPNBSafe is another new company that makes affordable vaults and safes for different applications. The gun safe on our list is the RP1136/Digital Portable Vault.

Technical Specs

16-gauge carbon steel construction. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (RFID tags, pin code, backup keys). Space for 1 handgun and extra magazine.

Design

Overall size: 11 inches x 7 inches x 1.8 inches. Internal size: 8.8 inches x 6.8 inches x 1.8 inches. Weight is 2 kg. It comes in black.

Features

3 unlocking modes; the most special being RFID tags (up to 4 programmable), 3-button keypad, manually by the backup keys provided. Uses 4 AAA alkaline batteries. Anti-impact latches that won’t open when dropped. Interior mounted hinges that are unreachable from the outside. Anti-pry bars. Portable. Meets TSA requirements when carrying a handgun in checked luggage.

Performance

The RP1136 is a decent performer for the price that it’s offered in. The RFID tags are something new to gun safes, however they need a lot of improvement. Size is its biggest selling point as it is extremely portable.

What’s in the box

It comes with 2 RFID key fobs, 2 manual keys, security cable, button tool, user manual.

Pros/Cons

Verdict

A safe that is only recommend for people who travel a lot or would want a handy, portable safe for taking their gun around. Other than that, quality is a big issue in this model.

5. RP311F – Desk Mounted Gun Safe with Biometric Fingerprint

The second RPNBSafe product on our list. The product is RP311F/Desk Mounted Firearm Safety Device with Biometric Fingerprint. Its not a gun safe per se, but more of a “holster safe” that is supposed to be mounted.

Technical Specs

Carbon steel construction. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (fingerprint, pin code, backup keys). Mountable from left, right and top. Space for 1 handgun.

Design

Overall size: 7.4 inches x 3 inches x 13.4 inches. Weight is 4 kg. It comes in black.

Features

3 unlocking modes; a 500 dpi fingerprint sensor, 4-button keypad, manually by the backup keys provided. Designed for easy incorporation and fitting on many different surfaces. Tough and rugged for long-lasting performance. Low battery warning. Anti-pry fittings. Foam-lined interior. Portable.

Performance

The RP311F is a holster-design safe that is different from usual gun safes. It performs really well as compared to the other RPNBSafe product. The fingerprint is fast and works as advertised. Quick drop access is fast enough to use in emergencies.

What’s in the box

It comes with 2 backup keys, mounting accessories, user manual.

Pros/Cons

Verdict

A top handgun safe that is more like a fixed holster, but if this is what you’re looking for, the RP311F is the best option available for the performance and the money.

6. V-Line Top Draw Locking Tactical Gun Storage Box

V-Line is a company that offers security cases and cabinets for almost 20 years. Their product, V-Line Tactical Top Draw-Quick Access Handgun Safe with Simplex Lock is reviewed by us. It is our second safe that lacks any kind of digital technology.

Technical Specs

16-gauge steel construction. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (pin code). Pre-drilled mounting options. Space for 1 handgun with accessories or 2 handguns only.

Design

Overall size: 12 inches x 9 inches x 2.7 inches. Internal size: 11.7 inches x 8.7 inches x 2.5 inches. Weight is 4.5 kg. It comes in black.

Features

Simple in features and lack of digital technology, like the Fort Knox safe. Has only a 5-button punch lock for unlocking. It uses a Simplex® mechanical lock. Foam-lined for protecting contents. 3/8″ thick steel lock block welded to cover guides and adds strength to the lock bolt. Pre-drilled holes for mounting to cars, walls, furniture, etc. Continuous hinge welded on one end to prevent pin removal.

Performance

Just like Fort Knox, there isn’t any technology present. The safe does what it’s supposed to do. Great performer. Size is very good; 2 full-size handguns or 1 handgun with all accessories. Highly rated for being secure and sturdy.

What’s in the box

It comes with a warranty card, Cortec corrosion inhibitor (square foam piece) that is enough for about 2 years, user manual.

Pros/Cons

Verdict

The Tactical Top Draw is great in its performance and lives up to the reputation of V-Line. If the looks and lack of technology aren’t an issue for someone, this is a highly secure and functional gun safe for a very good price.

7. RPNB Gun Security Safe

Quick-Access Firearm Safety Device with Biometric Fingerprint or RFID Lock, Home & Personal Safe Series

The third RPNBSafe product on our list. The RP19001F/Multifunction Pistol Safe is a somewhat better version of the RP1136.

Technical Specs

18-gauge carbon steel construction. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (fingerprint, pin code, backup keys). Pre-drilled mounting options. Space for 2 handguns or 1 handgun and extra magazine.

Design

Overall size: 14.3 inches x 10.8 inches x 3.3 inches. Internal size: 12 inches x 7.7 inches x 2.9 inches. Weight is 5.8 kg. It comes in black.

Features

3 unlocking modes; a 500 dpi fingerprint sensor, 4-button keypad, manually by the backup keys provided. Tough and rugged for long-lasting performance. Low battery warning. Uses 4 AA alkaline batteries. Anti-impact latches that won’t open when dropped. Interior mounted hinges that are unreachable from the outside. Anti-pry body. Dual-layer steel housing. Foam-lined interior. Portable.

Performance

The RP19001F is a huge improvement over other low-priced options by RPNBSafe. It works really well. The fingerprint sensor is quick in response and easy to set up. The 90-degree door is silent and great for quick access to contents.

What’s in the box

It comes with 2 manual keys, hardware mounting kit, user manual.

Pros/Cons

Verdict

A great safe for the price that works well than its cheaper counterpart.

8. Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Bluetooth Smart Safe

Pistol Safe with Auto-Open Lid and Rechargeable Battery

The Vaultek VT20i (Biometric) of the compact 20 Series is our second Vaultek product. It’s a loaded safe with all of Vaultek’s features.

Technical Specs

16-gauge steel construction. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (fingerprint, pin code, smartphone app assisted, backup keys). Space for 1 handgun with a magazine.

Design

Overall size: 11.5 inches x 9 inches x 2.6 inches. Internal size: 11 inches x 5.7 inches x 2 inches. Weight is 3.2 kg. It comes in black and an optional urban camo.

Features

4 unlocking modes; with a fingerprint, 5-button keypad, Vaultek smartphone app (Android and iOS), manually by the backup keys provided. Bluetooth® 4.2 enabled. Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that can be recharged with USB that gives about 3 months of normal use on a single charge (charges in only 2.5 hours). The LED lighting to see contents in low lighting. Dual anti-impact latches that won’t open when dropped. Interior mounted hinges that are unreachable from the outside. Anti-pry bars. Portable. TSA compliant.

Performance

The safe is known for its excellent performance. Unlocking options work exceptionally well. Capacity is great for the size, as it belongs to the compact series. Very secure. The quick access opening is great.

What’s in the box

It comes with a 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, charging kit, 2 backup keys, mounting hardware, security cable, user manual.

Pros/Cons

Verdict

The VT20i biometric gun safe works well in almost everything but needs improvement in the fingerprint department; a solution to which could be to buy the non-biometric version of this otherwise well-performing product.

9. CACAGOO Small Gun Safe

No products found.

Biometric Gun Safe Smart Pistol Safe for Home, Handgun Safe Firearm Safety Device Quick Access with Auto-Open Lid

Cacagoo is famous for its versatile home solutions such as webcams, temperature systems, entertainment systems and so on. The Cacagoo Gun Safe is their entry in the gun safe market.

Technical Specs

18-gauge carbon steel construction. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (fingerprint, backup keys). Pre-drilled mounting options. Space for 2 handguns, 4 clips, and 2 handgun bullets.

Design

Overall size: 11.4 inches x 8.8 inches x 2.9 inches. Internal size: 10.2 inches x 8.6 inches x 2.7 inches. Weight is 2.7 kg. It comes in black.

Features

2 unlocking modes; fingerprint and manually by the backup keys provided. Uses 4 AA batteries of No. 5. Dual anti-impact latches that won’t open when dropped. Interior mounted hinges that are unreachable from the outside. Anti-pry bars. Portable.

Performance

The safe doesn’t perform as it should. Many people have issues with security although for the people that it works for, it works well.

What’s in the box

It comes with a wire rope, battery housing, user manual.

Pros/Cons

The Cacagoo Gun Safe is a Chinese made product that is questionable in its performance. Almost half of the reviews say that the product is faulty and doesn’t work as it should be which is a concern for something as serious as guns.

Verdict

The gun safe is a fluke; it may work or it may not. Can be used only for storage with security, but is useless in any other case.

10. Fort Knox PB4 – Personal Handgun Safe

Our second Fort Knox Vaults product is the Fort Knox Personal Pistol Box. Almost the same as the Original Pistol Box but with a different design.

Technical Specs

10-gauge steel construction with a 3/16″ plate door. Powdercoat finish to prevent corrosion. Unlocking modes (pin code). Pre-drilled mounting options. Space for 1 handgun with accessories or 2 handguns only.

Design

Overall size: 12 inches x 9.5 inches x 5 inches. Internal size: 10.5 inches x 8.2 inches x 4.7 inches. Weight is 9 kg. Antique silver textured finish.

Features

Simple in features, but the most secure safe on the list like the Original Pistol Box. Has only a 5-button punch lock for unlocking. It uses a Simplex® mechanical lock. Foam-lined for protecting contents. Comes with limited lifetime warranty. 4 pre-drilled holes for mounting to cars, walls, furniture, etc. Fire proof construction, a trademark feature of Fort Knox Vaults.

Performance

As guessed by the beautiful vintage look of the safe, Fort Knox aims to go back to the basics, by giving customers a raw experience. The safe is known to be the most secure option not only on our list, but generally too. The absence of any kind of gimmicks has helped the company focus on the performance, where it exceeds with flying colours.

What’s in the box

It comes with a warranty card, user manual.

Pros/Cons

Verdict

The Personal Pistol Box is just the Original Pistol Box with a different design. They even have the same price. Customers should think of it as a variant in design with the same amazing performance.

Features to Consider While Buying the Best Handgun Safe

Size & Capacity

The size of the gun safe depends on your preference. While dealing with small handguns, we recommend going for compact safes, with a standard look.  Nothing that is too big and nothing that would make it ostentatious. Keep in mind that even a small handgun safe can be roomy. The capacity of the safe depends on interior. If the interior is roomy, it can store extra items such as ammunition as well.

Steel Gauging

The lesser the gauge, the thicker the steel is. Thicker steel helps prevent burglaries, as a thicker mechanism is difficult to drill into. It also protects against fire hazard; because the steel gauging is thick, it takes fire time to penetrate it. Standard gun safes range from a 14 gauge (which is thin) to a 6 gauge (which is thick).

Door Thickness

You would think that door thickness wouldn’t matter; that a normal steel or hard carbon door would do just as well as anything. But with the advent of new robbing techniques, it has become very easy to cut into a vault using specialized equipment. To prepare against such an event, we recommend that you get a thick, hard-carbon vault that will provide you with maximum protection. ¼” of solid plate steel in most cases and ¾ or ½ of a solid plate steel in some cases is highly recommended.

Bolts

Bolts help anchor your gun safe to the ground or onto a wall. It is up +to you to decide whether you need to anchor down your handgun safe or not. If you do not get much use out of your safe outside the house and are more concerned with robberies, anchor your safe. In this way, any potential robbers will not be able to take the gun safe to a secure place where they can work on it. Most gun safes have anchor holes in them that can be used to pass through rods or bolts into the ground.

Locking Mechanism

Some gun safes come with a mechanic locking system, such as a ‘lock and key’ mechanism. Others are electronic and use things like keypads or fingerprint recognition to unlock the safe. Some come with both options. An electronic lock may be quick but will wear down through time. A mechanic lock is durable and can handle rough treatment but it will take longer to operate.

Alarms

Alarms are a great addition to a gun safe. Say, a couple of burglars break into your house and stumble upon your gun safe. While the gun safe is built to withstand mistreatment, there is still a small chance that it will be broken into. In that case, alarms help you act quickly. Some handgun safes are such that they sound the alarm if more than 2 wrong combinations are entered into an electronic lock.

Ease of Use

One of the biggest drawbacks in a gun safe is if it’s slow in retrieving the firearm. If you are under attack, you will need to be quick and precise. If your technology fails you, it could mean the difference between life or death. A gun safe should always have a swift unlocking mechanism and very basic structure so as to increase ease of use.

Top Gun Safe Brands

So far, Vaultek has proved to be the brand housing the best small gun safes. It offers standard designs, sturdy builds and durable performances. Our list houses two Vaultek products, both of which are exceptional performers but are worlds apart in pricing. This makes Vaultek a brand that can be approached keeping in hand a range of budgets.

Another top brand is Fort Knox.  This brand aims to provide performance with simplicity. Most of its products lack digital technology but are still considered some of the best small gun safes on the market. Our list discusses two Fort Knox products, both of which have similar features but different designs.

5 Benefits of Gun Safe You Must know About

One of the questions that often pop up among customers when deliberating about investing in gun safes is “Are gun safes safe?”. It’s only natural to think about whether your money will be put to good use in buying a gun safe. Or whether they will be little more than an accessory with no real use. To answer that question, not only is a gun safe, safe, it also has a number of benefits. Here are 5 benefits of gun safes in the market.

1. It keeps your family protected.

In today’s day and age, when home robberies at their peak, it’s always a good idea to keep you and those around you safe. In rushed and panicky situations, a small handgun can prove to be a lifesaver. Gun safes provide easy and quick access to your firearms, if the need arises. Meanwhile, they also prevent any outsider from breaking into your gun safe and disarming you of your weapon. Only you will know how to access your handgun safe.

2. It keeps them safe from children.

Children are fascinated with firearms. They might not understand the dangers that come with handling a firearm but their curiosity can take over any time. No matter how much you try to keep your children away from your handguns, accidents might happen. If the gun is not in a gun safe, children have free access to it. A large percentage of children’s death in which the misuse of a firearm is involved is at home. Teenagers are even more prone to get attracted to firearms. This is why it is always best to keep your handguns locked away in a strong gun safe.

3. They protect your firearm from the elements.

Some advanced high-tech handgun safes provide a build that protects your guns from natural catastrophes. These can be floods or the caving in of a roof. It can even be a hurricane. If your firearms are out on display in a room or a cupboard in the hall, chances are, they will suffer damage in such circumstances. In a strong gun safe, however, they will be shielded from such disasters.

4. Small gun safes are handy.

You might need a small handgun for protection, not only inside your house but outside as well. The best thing about small handgun safes is that they can fit into small areas, for example, underneath your car seat. You can take these “brief-case like gun safes”, such as the BILLCONCH Biometric Gun Safe, anywhere with you. Some gun safes can even be travelled with on airlines.

5. Good for storing valuables

A gun safe is not limited to the protection of guns. You can keep things like important documents, cash, jewellery and small equipment in there as well. Many people use gun safes to keep money and others store valuable documents that they cannot afford to be compromised. It is also possible to store your small handgun along with other valuables, depending on the size you choose.

FAQs

How big of a gun safe do I need?

You should always get a gun safe that is bigger than what you think is appropriate. You might think you have a good idea of the contents that will go into that safe but think further. What if you need to store something else in your safe, in the future? Or what if your calculations are wrong and you actually need a bigger safe? It’s better to be cautious in this situation. After all you will be investing quite some money into your gun safe. To give you an idea, an average size for small handgun safes is 263.6*177*50mm.

Should you store ammo in a gun safe?

You can easily store firearm ammunition in your gun safe, along with the small handgun. Gun safes are versatile vaults; they can be utilized for a number of different reasons. If you think your ammunition is at risk from the natural elements or that they might become a choking hazard for children, feel free to store your ammo in a gun safe.

In situations where you need to use your gun outside the house, back up ammo in your safe will become a lifesaver. This is because small handgun safes can be tucked under front or back car seats. You will have easy access to ammo.

Can a gun safe be kept in garage?

This depends on your preference. However, garages are easier to break into as they are outside the main house. Similarly, if your house is attack by robbers, you will need to retrieve your gun safe from your garage, defeating the purpose of quick action. In floods, garages and basements are always damaged the most. If you gun safe is not water resistant, important equipment might be damaged. We recommend that you keep the gun safe somewhere concealed, inside the house, that you can reach easily if need be.

Do gun safes need dehumidifiers?

This depends on the frequency of usage. If you open your gun safe often to retrieve your handgun or put it back in, chances are you don’t need a humidifier. Your safe is getting plenty of fresh air, as it is. If, however, you do not use your gun safe frequently—say, for months on end—then you should invest in a quality dehumidifier. When safes are locked for a long time, the limited air inside can make the environment humid, which might cause damage to equipment. This can happen in case you have kept important documents in your gun safe that you don’t need to retrieve for a long time.

Can a gun safe be broken into?

The short answer is yes, it can. But a lot of factors are involved in that. The quality of your gun safe, the locking mechanism, the vault construction and more. When preparing against a breaking-into, you should rule out the possible techniques such as drilling, prying and hacking. A ½ inch steel plate door cannot be drilled into; a bolted vault cannot be pried open and; a 3-way unlocking mechanism can prevent hacking. With the right precautions, you can protect your gun safe from being broken into.

Mechanical or Electronic Lock?

A mechanical lock is one that requires you to manually operate the safe, such as a dial lock. While mechanical locks are durable and can withstand rough treatment, they can be a bit slow. They also need to be serviced regularly. An electronic lock, on the other hand, uses keypads and other components to make up the lock. An EMP event, however, might make your electronic lock inoperable. A third option is available in the market, known as a redundant lock. It has both an electronic lock and mechanical lock. If one fails, the other can be used.

Top Pick from Hunter’s Wiki – Small Gun Safes

Gun safes are a great way to make sure your firearms, ammunition and any other important property stay safe. Our list includes some of the best small gun safes. They range from the most practical safes to the most high-tech handgun safes, along with other options such as biometric gun safes. There are a great number of benefits of keeping a small gun safe. If you live in a remote area or regularly deal with dangerous situations, they become all the more important. Our top picks from the list above are the Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe with 13.5 Inch Dean Safe Pistol Sock and the Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Bluetooth Smart Safe Pistol Safe with Auto-Open Lid and Rechargeable Battery.