Top Safes & Cabinets of 2021 (Pricing & Features)
To make it easier to identify great gun safes for a particular budget or lifestyle, check out this comparison chart. Take a look at the key metrics of each product, such as price, size, weight, and capacity.
Provider | FortKnox | Sentry Safe | VaulTek | Gun Vault | Barska Bio | Fatboy | Stack On | Barska Quick | Paragon | Steelwater | Paragon Quarter | Viking | Protex |
Price | $240 | $150 | $269 | $94 | $237 | $2,450 | $217 | $550 | $330 | $969 | $88 | $180 | $173 |
Best For | Durability | Safety | Tech | Handguns | Offices | Storage | Versatility | Rifles | Ease of use | Security | Budgets | Sharing | In-wall |
Biometric Lock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Burglary Rating | CA-DOJ | CA-DOJ | CA-DOJ | CA-DOJ | CA-DOJ | N/A | N/A | CA-DOJ | N/A | CA-DOJ | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Dimensions | 10.3″ x 12.5″ x 21.5″ | 9.9″ x 12.1″ x 3.2″ | 11.5″ x 9″ x 2.6″ | 6.5″ x 3.5″ x 13″ | 16.5″ x 14.5″ x 7.8″ | 60.5″ x 25″ x 42″ | 21″ x 18″ x 55″ | 13.8″ x 13.4″ x 57″ | 19.8″ x 12.5″ x 55″ | 59″ x 28″ x 18″ | 16.3″ x 4″ x 22″ | 10″ x 14″ x 10″ | 3.9″ x 14″ x 18.1″ |
Extra Storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Fire Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Lining | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | Lifetime | Limited | Limited | 5 yrs | Limited | Lifetime | Limited | Limited | 10 yrs | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited |
Weight | 22lbs | 12lbs | 7.2lbs | 6.6lbs | 26.5lbs | 760lbs | 96lbs | 114lbs | 114lbs | 453lbs | 37lbs | 27lbs | 28lbs |
Differences Between Electronic vs. Mechanical Locks
When shopping around for gun safes, people must think about the type of lock they want. Most of the time, customers must choose between electronic locks or mechanical ones.
This section will make it easier to distinguish the two.
Electronic
Going electronic is a good option if you have a large or small gun safe. An electrical lock allows people to program different pin codes or combinations. This way, it’s possible to switch up the access code from time to time. It’s a sneaky way to keep youngsters away, too.
Some of these locks work with Bluetooth or fingerprint scanners, too. However, there tends to be a higher hacking potential.
Pros:
- Quick access
- Very easy to use
Cons:
- A bit easier to hack
Mechanical
It’s not uncommon for a small gun safe to work with a simple mechanical lock. Some people may see this as an old-fashioned or outdated way of doing things, but it’s a tried-and-true classic.
There aren’t any Wi-Fi networks or batteries to worry about, so there is less potential for hackers to get through. On the downside, it takes longer to access firearms
Pros:
- Affordable solution
- Very secure
Cons:
- It takes longer to access guns
What to Consider Before Buying a Gun Safe
With more people investing in firearms, more gun safes are making it to the marketplace. Here are some tips for navigating all the products and gimmicks out there.
Physical Size
Obviously, the cabinet or case must be large enough to support the gun. For instance, a pistol safe wouldn’t be suitable for someone who needs to store their rifles. Also, consider any accessories that will go in the case.
Weight
Whether it’s a large gun safe or not, it helps if it has some heftiness to it. In other words, it will be much harder for a burglar to run away with it if it’s a heavy case.
Bolting Down Requirements
Think of bolts as the driving force behind a safe’s lock. Without sturdy and reliable bolts, the case won’t close or lock properly. Invest in a cabinet with a solid and secure system and long bolts.
In terms of locks, some people prefer a traditional mechanical combination lock while others want something electronic and modern. Both have their pros and cons, so view the section above for more details.
Storage Capacity
This is another important metric to pay attention to. A large gun safe will, of course, have more storage capacity. However, consider any ammo or accessories that will also go in the cabinet.
Geography
The person’s physical location may determine what kind of lock or safe they need. For instance, humid environments can affect firearms, so individuals in this kind of climate might need a temperature-controlled cabinet.
Alarm
If individuals go for something like a fireproof gun safe, it might also include an alarm. Of course, many other gun cabinets have alarm systems. It’s a good idea to have one so that it can deter intruders.
Failsafe Locking Feature
Many cases and cabinets also have a system in place that locks people out after several failed attempts. This is crucial if gun owners are going to keep hackers and burglars out of their storage case.
Fire Ratings
Try to look for a fireproof gun safe. These products can withstand fires up to 1,200°F. This can help buy time until the fire department arrives to put out the blaze.
Reviews
Finally, it’s best to check out several gun safe reviews before deciding on a final product. See what real customers have to say about the case or cabinet.
Look for things like affordability, ease of use, and storage capacity.
Find Your Safe’s Safety Rating
Just because it’s called a safe, that doesn’t mean that it is the most secure product. Here are some tips for determining just how to secure a gun cabinet or storage case is.
1. Fire Rating
One of the best ways to protect firearms and valuables is with a certified fireproof gun safe. Look for a fire rating of at least an hour, and check for the CA-DOJ certification.
2. RSC (Residential Security Container) Certification
RSC certification refers to cases and safes that have been tested against all kinds of tampering.
This includes drilling, hammering, prying, and brute force. Keep this in mind when trying to protect guns from intruders and armed burglars.
3. Floor Bolting Ability
This refers to a gun cabinet that is bolted down into the floor. It is also possible for it to be bolted or mounted to the wall. This prevents intruders from breaking in and prying the case off its support.
4. DOJ Certification
While there are firearms regulations in every state, the most common one that consumers look for is CA-DOJ certification. This stands for the California Department of Justice regulation. It is a prestigious safety rating that ensures strong bolts and sturdy construction.
FAQs
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What Are the Best Rated Gun Safes?
The top-rated gun safes are those that feature the most security characteristics. Again, take a look at the sections in this guide to get a better idea. Pay attention to fire and safety ratings, extra protection, storage capacity, and pricing. Fortunately, there are options for just about any budget and firearm.
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Are Gun Safes Easy to Break Into?
Typically, a gun safe isn’t the easiest thing to break into, especially if it has a reliable locking system. Think of things like mechanical combination locks or fingerprint scanners. A digital keypad is another popular choice, but be sure that it’s a completely unique pin code.
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Should I Bolt My Safe to the Floor?
While a bolted system isn’t an absolute necessity, it will definitely add an extra layer of protection to a gun cabinet or safe. If families want to ensure that a burglar won’t pick up the safe and run off with it, they should invest in a decent bolted cabinet.
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Do Thieves Steal Safes?
Thieves will try to steal anything of value, so that includes safes and gun cabinets. This is why it’s a good idea to invest in something with added weight and protection, as well as something that is bolted to the floor or mounted to the wall.
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Where is the Best Place to Put a Safe?
A basement or attic could be two good places for a safe. However, this poses the threat of humidity or other climatic risks. Alternatively, individuals can place them under a floorboard or behind a painting on the wall.
A closet or hidden entryway could also conceal the cabinet.
Keep Firearms Protected Against Potential Threats
Hopefully, this complete guide has made it easier to find the best gun safe for the money. Remember that there are several key factors that go into a great gun cabinet. Consider which are most important before deciding on just any random case.
Also, if you have experience with a firearms storage case, tell us about it in the comments below.