Securing your firearms is a fundamental responsibility for every gun owner. Finding a safe that balances robust protection, quick access, and affordability can be a challenge. This roundup is designed to help you navigate the market and find a professional-grade solution that fits your budget without compromising on essential security features.
Whether you need rapid bedside access to a handgun or spacious, organized storage for a rifle collection, there is an option for you. We have compiled a list of the best gun safes under $500, focusing on key factors like lock type, construction quality, capacity, and special features to meet a variety of needs and preferences.
Our Top Picks for Secure Gun Storage
- Verifi Smart Safe S6000 Biometric Safe
- Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe
- Paragon Lock & Safe Electronic 5 Gun Rifle Safe
- VAULTEK Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe
- SentrySafe Biometric Gun Safe for Handgun
- Smart Biometric Safe with Wireless Charging
- SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns
- STEELWATER Heavy Duty 16 Long Gun Safe
- Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe with Electronic Lock
Verifi Smart Safe S6000 Biometric Safe
When every second counts, the Verifi Smart Safe S6000 offers a significant advantage with its advanced biometric technology. It features a commercial-grade TouchChip fingerprint sensor that is FBI certified, providing a level of performance and reliability that stands out in its class. The high-definition imaging uses 3D Touch Capacitance to see through minor dirt and scratches, ensuring consistent access.
This safe is built for long-term use and peace of mind. It boasts an impressive battery life of up to eight years and allows for up to 40 individual fingerprint enrollments, making it suitable for multi-user households. Backed by a 3-year Platinum Series warranty, this safe is a serious investment in rapid and secure access.
Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe
For those needing to secure long guns, the Barska Biometric Rifle Safe offers a spacious 1.83 cubic foot interior with a removable shelf for flexible organization. It is California DOJ approved, providing a compliant and secure storage solution for your rifles, ammunition, and accessories. The design ensures your firearms are stored responsibly while remaining readily accessible.
A key feature of this safe is its optional silent mode, which allows for discreet and quiet access when necessary. The biometric lock provides quick entry, and the ample storage space is designed to keep your equipment organized and protected from unauthorized users.
Paragon Lock & Safe Electronic 5 Gun Rifle Safe
This Paragon gun cabinet provides a straightforward and reliable storage solution for up to five rifles. It is operated by a user-programmable digital keypad that accepts a 3 to 8-digit code, eliminating the need for physical keys as a primary method. For backup access, two manual override keys are included in case the code is forgotten.
Constructed from durable 18-gauge solid steel, this safe features hidden door hinges for added security against prying attempts. The interior includes a built-in gun rack and carpet padding on the bottom to protect your firearms from scratches, making it a solid and practical choice for basic security needs.
VAULTEK Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe
The VAULTEK Essential Series safe is a full-size model designed to hold two handguns plus extra magazines. Its heavy-duty construction uses 14-gauge carbon steel with a powder-coat finish to resist corrosion. This safe is built with security in mind, featuring anti-pry bars, bolstered interior hinges, and dual anti-impact latches.
Access is fast and intuitive with the auto-illuminating 8-digit keypad, which includes a built-in proximity sensor for added convenience. The lid opens automatically upon successful code entry, providing immediate access. It includes mounting hardware and a security cable for versatile installation in a nightstand or vehicle.
SentrySafe Biometric Gun Safe for Handgun
SentrySafe offers a compact and efficient biometric safe ideal for a single handgun. It features a new fingerprint scanner for advanced protection and includes a convenient interior light for visibility in low-light conditions. An improved gas strut ensures the door opens instantly and smoothly for single-handed access, making it perfect for bedside use.
The safe is constructed with solid steel and a pry-resistant door for reliable security. It is California DOJ certified and provides multiple backup entry methods, including a digital keypad and an override key. This combination of features makes it a trustworthy option for quick-access handgun storage.
Smart Biometric Safe with Wireless Charging
This smart safe integrates firearm security with modern technology. Its standout feature is the built-in wireless charging pad, allowing you to charge a compatible phone and smartwatch simultaneously while they are stored securely inside. The safe also functions as a smart clock with an LED display that shows time, humidity, temperature, and battery status.
With three access methods, including biometric scanning, this safe offers flexibility and convenience. The upgraded functions include an alarm clock, screen luminance adjustment, and power-saving modes, making it a versatile choice for those who want a multi-functional security solution for their bedside table.
SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns
The SnapSafe Lock Box is the ultimate solution for securing your handgun on the go. Its heavy-duty 16-gauge steel housing and included 1500 lb. rated security cable allow you to tether it to a stationary object in your home, hotel room, or vehicle. This portability makes it an ideal car gun safe for concealed carry permit holders.
This lock box is approved by the California Department of Justice and meets TSA guidelines for airline travel, providing a certified and versatile security device. It is a simple, effective, and highly portable way to ensure your firearm is secured wherever your day takes you.
STEELWATER Heavy Duty 16 Long Gun Safe
For the serious collector needing ample storage and robust protection, the STEELWATER safe offers a heavy-duty solution. It has a maximum capacity of 16 long guns and includes a critical 60-minute fire protection rating to shield your valuable firearms from damage. The construction is designed to withstand significant force and heat.
Security is reinforced with a total of ten 1.5-inch diameter solid steel locking bolts. This includes seven chrome-plated active bolts and three inactive bolts on the hinge side, providing four-sided bolt coverage to firmly secure the door against prying and impact attempts.
Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe with Electronic Lock
The Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe provides a specialized storage solution designed for quick and organized access. Its internal hanger system allows you to store your handgun upright and securely, making it easy to draw without fumbling. This design helps protect your firearm from scratches and keeps it in a consistent, ready position.
Access is controlled by a reliable electronic lock, which is typically programmable with a personal code for keyless entry. This type of safe is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a dedicated, efficient, and accessible storage method for their primary handgun, often suitable for mounting in a closet or beside a bed.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Gun Safe Under $500
When I started looking for my first gun safe, the options under $500 felt overwhelming. It’s a fantastic budget that opens the door to some seriously capable and professional-grade security, but you need to know what to prioritize. The goal isn’t just to find a metal box; it’s to find the right balance of security, accessibility, and features for your specific needs.
First, let’s talk about security ratings. This is the most critical factor. Look for a safe with a solid, independent rating. Many quality safes in this price range will have a Tool-Resistant rating or a Residential Security Container (RSC) certification from UL (Underwriters Laboratories). An RSC rating means the safe has been tested to withstand five minutes of attack from common tools like pry bars, hammers, and screwdrivers. This is a solid baseline for home defense against smash-and-grab thefts. Don’t just rely on the manufacturer’s marketing; check for these independent certifications.
Next, consider the locking mechanism. You’ll typically find electronic keypads, mechanical dials, and biometric (fingerprint) scanners. Electronic locks are popular for their speed—you can punch in a code in seconds, which is a huge advantage in a high-stress situation. However, they require batteries. Mechanical dials are incredibly reliable and don’t need power, but they are slower to operate. Biometric safes offer the fastest access, opening with the touch of a finger, but the sensor quality varies. For a primary safe, I often recommend a model with both an electronic keypad and a backup key for the best of both worlds.
Then, think about size and capacity. A manufacturer might say a safe holds 8 guns, but that number is usually for slim rifles without scopes. In reality, you should cut that number in half, or even by two-thirds, to account for your actual firearms with scopes and accessories. Always buy more capacity than you think you need. Also, pay attention to the interior. Look for padded walls, adjustable shelves, and door organizers. A good interior layout lets you customize the space for handguns, ammunition, and important documents, making the safe more versatile.
Finally, don’t forget about physical security. A $500 safe is useless if a thief can simply walk off with it. Look for pre-drilled holes in the bottom or back for bolting it down to your floor or wall studs. The weight of the safe itself is also a deterrent; heavier is generally better. By focusing on these key areas—verified security ratings, a reliable lock, realistic capacity, and bolting-down capability—you can confidently select one of the best gun safes under 500 that offers professional security for your home and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gun safe under $500 actually secure?
Yes, absolutely. While a $500 safe won’t have the same level of protection as a multi-thousand-dollar vault, it provides a massive security upgrade over keeping firearms in a closet or drawer. The key is to look for models with independent ratings like UL RSC (Residential Security Container), which certifies they can withstand a few minutes of forced entry with hand tools. This is sufficient to deter the vast majority of opportunistic burglars. The goal is to make it incredibly difficult and time-consuming for someone to get to your guns, and the professional options in this price bracket do exactly that.
What is the most reliable type of lock for a gun safe?
This often comes down to a trade-off between speed and absolute reliability. For pure, never-fail reliability, a mechanical dial lock is the gold standard. It has no batteries to die and no electronics to fail, but it is the slowest to open. Electronic keypad locks are very reliable nowadays and offer much quicker access, which is crucial for a home defense firearm. Just remember to change the batteries once a year. Biometric (fingerprint) locks are the fastest, but their sensors can sometimes have recognition issues, especially with dirty or wet fingers. Many people, including myself, prefer a safe with an electronic keypad that also has backup override keys.
Can a gun safe be fireproof at this price?
You can find models with fire protection ratings under $500, but it’s important to manage expectations. A true, high-end fireproof safe can withstand extreme temperatures for an hour or more, but those are far more expensive. In the sub-$500 category, you’ll typically find safes with a fire rating of 30-45 minutes at temperatures around 1200°F. This is enough to potentially protect your contents during a typical house fire until firefighters arrive. If fire protection is a priority, carefully check the manufacturer’s stated rating and the materials used (like fireboard lining) before purchasing.
How do I properly bolt down my gun safe?
Bolting down your safe is a non-negotiable step for security. Most quality safes come with pre-drilled holes in the bottom and sometimes in the back. You’ll need a drill, a masonry bit (if drilling into concrete), lag bolts or concrete anchors, and a wrench. For a wood floor, find the floor joists and drill pilot holes before screwing in large lag bolts. For a concrete slab, use a hammer drill to create holes for concrete anchor bolts. Bolting into concrete provides the highest level of security. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hiring a handyman for this one task is a worthwhile investment.
Are there good gun safes under $500 for just handguns?
Definitely. A significant portion of the best gun safes under 500 are actually designed specifically for handguns. These are often called pistol safes or handgun safes. They are compact, lightweight, and can be secured in a nightstand, closet, or even bolted inside a vehicle. They come with all the same lock types—biometric, electronic, and mechanical—and provide quick access while keeping your handgun secure from unauthorized users. For a primary home defense handgun, I highly recommend a quick-access model that you can open in seconds.