Each individual firearm is of distinct value to its owner. While many times, this value is of the monetary sort, other gun collections can hold a certain level of sentimental value.
No matter the source of a firearm’s value, it should be protected against all possible threats, in the most efficient and proactive manner possible.
For most all intents and purposes, there are few better ways to protect a firearm and its ammo, than through the use of a quality gunvault. Today’s gun safes come in many varieties and gun capacity.
The vast majority of these safes are engineered to protect against theft, as well as fire.
If you are currently in the market for a high-quality gun safe, then the following guide should prove to be of value. Read on to learn more about a number of today’s top gun safes, as well as what to look for in security features when selecting a gun safe for purchase.
Table Of Contents
Best Gun Safe For The Money
- Hornady Rapid Safe Ready Vault (Our Top Pick)
- Sentry Safe QAP1E (Best Budget)
- Steelwater Heavy Duty (Best High End)
- BARSKA Large Access Biometric Safe
- VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe
What Are The Different Types Of Gun Safe For The Money?
Safe manufacturers produce gun safes in a wide range of types, sizes, and configurations. Each individual gun safe is designed to serve a specific purpose.
By understanding the characteristics associated with each type of gun safe, a consumer will be better equipped to make the most out of their upcoming purchase.
The following are several of the most popular types of gun safes currently available.
Combination Safes
Of the different types of locking mechanisms associated with the modern gun safe, few are as widely used as the combination lock. This style of lock features a rotating dial, which is spun back and forth to enter a multi-digit combination.
Alternatively, a select number of combination gun safes feature a series of smaller numerical dials, which are each spun into place in order to gain entry.
Though somewhat dated by today’s standards, combination-style locking system gun safes are still quite effective at providing a high level of security. However, many consumers have strayed from the use of this type of safe, as newer technology has since been developed, which tends to offer a higher level of convenience.
Electronic Gun Safes
Perhaps the most popular style of gun safe on the market today is that of the electronic variety. Electronic gun safes rely upon the use of an electronic keypad, onto which a specific passcode is entered.
When this passcode is correctly entered, the safe’s lock mechanism releases, thereby allowing access to the unit’s contents. Locks of this style then automatically reset upon closure of the vault’s door.
Electronic gun safes remain quite popular, due in large part to the simplicity of their use. Safes of this style can be opened in mere seconds, without any need to fidget with cumbersome combination dials.
Electronic gun safes are also inherently secure, as long as an individual does not share their predetermined passcode.
Biometric Gun Safes
Over the past several years, a new style of gun safe has taken the industry by storm. Biometric gun safes are quickly rising to prominence, due to the extremely high level of security that they afford.
This style of gun safe reads an individual’s biometric fingerprint, thereby allowing access only to authorized users. Alternatively, some biometric lock safes of this nature allow a passcode to be entered as an alternative form of identification.
Biometric gun safes are quite popular for multiple reasons. One of the most significant of these reasons lies in the fact that a biometric gun safe can be opened in a matter of seconds, without remembering a lengthy numerical passcode.
Additionally, biometric gun safes are among the most secure vaults currently available, due to the fact that no two individuals have identical fingerprints.
What Do You Look For In The Best Gun Safe For The Money?
When attempting to locate the best gun safe for the money, there are several key factors worthy of your consideration. By weighing each of these key factors into your search, you will be better equipped to locate the perfect gun safe to meet your every need.
The following are several characteristics to look for when purchasing the best gun safe for the money.
Purpose
Prior to purchasing any gun safe, it is vital to determine the number, and type of firearms that are to be stored. This will assist you in determining the exact type of safe that is best suited to your specific needs.
For example, those who own 1-2 handguns, might find the purchase of a large, upright gun cabinet to be excessive. However, a purchase of this type might be ideal for those who own multiple rifles or shotguns.
Size
It is also vital to consider the exact size of the safe that you intend to purchase. Many safes are rated to hold a specified number of firearms, or are otherwise marked to denote size.
Those gun owners who own a significant number of firearms, or intend to expand their collection in the future, should opt for a gun storage safe of sizable dimensions. On the other hand, relatively small, upright gun lockbox will typically meet the needs of those who own a smaller number of firearms.
Lock Configuration
One should also consider the style of locking mechanism that they favor, prior to purchasing a gun safe. Gun safe locks come in three primary forms, which include combination, electronic, and biometric.
Each of these types of locks carries its own distinct advantages, with some being more difficult to breach than others. As of late, biometric gun safes have gained a substantial amount of popularity, though electronic gun safes still remain a best-seller.
Construction
Not all gun safes are created equally. In fact, some safes are built of much heavier construction than others.
This is of importance when considering how well a particular safe will hold up to the efforts of thieves, in the event of a robbery. A gun safe that is constructed of heavier gauge metal, is naturally more difficult to breach than a similar safe, of lighter construction.
However, one must also consider the additional weight that accompanies safes of heavier construction, when determining how it will be situated within their home.
Fire Rating
One constant worry of the average homeowner is that of a fire. While some might go a lifetime without experiencing a house fire, a select few will fall victim to such misfortune.
Luckily, many of today’s gun safes are designed to withstand extreme heat, for a predetermined amount of time. Therefore, it is important to check into the fire protection of any safe that you are considering.
This fire-resistant rating will specify how hot of fire a particular safe can withstand, and for what duration of time, it can be withstood.
Best Gun Safe For The Money Reviewed
1. Hornady Rapid Safe Ready Vault (Best Overall)
The Hornady Rapid Safe Ready Vault should be ideal for any individual who needs to quick access their firearms on a frequent and ongoing basis. This safe uses a cutting-edge RFID lock mechanism, which facilitates easy access, by simply wanding a key chip over the integrated receiver.
The Hornady Rapid Safe Ready Vault also includes a digital keypad, as well as a standard backup key lock, for alternative entry, should the need arise.
Pros
- Handy touch-free RFID lock mechanism
- Pre-drilled for simplified bolting
- Heavy-duty construction with five hardened locking lugs
Cons
- Must keep track of RFID key tags
Buy The Hornady Rapid Safe Ready Vault On Amazon
2. SentrySafe QAP1E Gun Safe (Best Budget Safe)
The SentrySafe QAP1E Gun Safe offers the perfect option for those who wish to store a handgun inside of their house, without it falling into the hands of a child. This safe features an electronic lock assembly, complete with an integrated keypad.
In the unlikely event of keypad failure, one can still access their firearm with the use of an override mechanical lock, which is included with every purchase. The SentrySafe Gun Safe is also constructed of solid steel, for enhanced durability.
Pros
- Durable stainless-steel construction
- Secure electronic interface for heightened security
- Pry bar resistant lid and hinge
Cons
- Requires AA batteries for keypad use
Buy The SentrySafe QAP1E Gun Safe On Amazon
3. Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Safe (Best High End)
If you are the current owner of a rather sizable firearm collection and are in search of a heavy-duty gun safe that can ward off both fire and theft, then the Steelwater Heavy Duty Gun Safe is worthy of your consideration.
This emp proof electronic gun safe is constructed of ¼” thick steel body, solid steel locking bolts, and features drill-resistant plating, making it quite the formidable opponent for even the most determined of burglars.
It comes pre-drilled with a ½” diameter hole for the installation of a dehumidifier. The Steelwater Heavy Duty Gun Safe is also rated to withstand temperatures up to 1,875 degrees (Fahrenheit), for a duration of 60-minutes.
Pros
- Storage space for up to 20 rifles or shotguns
- Improved interior LED light
- Fireproof to temperatures of 1,875 degrees for 60 minutes
Cons
- Cannot be shipped to some remote locations
Buy The Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Safe On Amazon
4. BARSKA Large Access Biometric Safe
If you are in search of an ultra-secure gun safe, at a more than reasonable price point, then there are likely few better available options than the BARSKA Large Access Biometric Safe. This gun safe is constructed of moderately heavy 14 gauge steel and features six pre-drilled holes for additional anchoring.
The BARSKA Large Access Biometric Rifle Safe is capable of holding up to 10 rifles or shotguns, as well as multiple handguns, at any one given time and includes three adjustable shelves. The biometric fingerprint scanner allows access to your valuables in just 2.5 seconds.
Pros
- Ultra-secure biometric scanner lock mechanism
- Moderately-heavy 14-gauge construction
- Ample storage for long guns and handguns of various sizes
Cons
- Might be excessive for those with a rather limited number of firearms
Buy The BARSKA Large Access Biometric Safe On Amazon
5. VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe
The VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe is perhaps one of the most high-tech, yet compact pistol safes available on today’s market. This single gun safe is small in size, yet robust enough to deter theft at any level, and can be easily stowed in a vehicle, should the need arise.
The VAULTEK Biometric Handgun Safe is capable of storing up to 20 individual fingerprints, and can also be opened through the use of a proprietary smartphone app. The Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe comes with a two year warranty.
Pros
- Compact enough to facilitate mobile use
- Anti-pry design for increased theft deterrent
- Can be managed through a user’s smartphone via bluetooth
Cons
- Only suitable for use with a single handgun
Buy The VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe On Amazon
Final Thoughts On Gun Safe For The Money
The purchase of a gun safe is an investment and should be seen as such. Like any investment, one should conduct an adequate amount of research, prior to making any purchase.
Doing so will prevent one from ultimately facing a severe case of buyer’s remorse, that will linger for years to come.
With a firm understanding of your specific needs and expectations, you will be better equipped to locate the perfect gun safe, to meet your every need.
As such, you can rest assured that your firearms will be protected from virtually any threat imaginable, and will be ready for use whenever necessary.