The 10 Best Gun Safes Under $1000 – [Reviews & Rankings]

Responsible gun ownership is of paramount importance. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a lot to get the best gun safes for the money that will keep your arms safe and secure.

Owning a gun is only half the job, keeping it secure and easily accessible in case of emergency is the other one. Gun security is almost as necessary as owning a gun itself (Source).

This is exactly why one of the best gun safes is highly recommended for every gun owner. You will not only be able to keep your hunting guns safe but also have quick access to your defense guns in case there is a break-in.

Looking for the best gun safe for yourself? You need to know what type will suit your needs best. If you own several large guns, then a small gun cabinet just won’t do. If you only have handguns, an easily accessible safe is the best way to go.

What Is the Best Gun Safe?

The best gun safe is the Winchester Ranger Deluxe. Winchester is no newcomer to the firearm scene, and they have definitely outdone themselves with this gun safe.

Security should always come as a top priority for gun safes, and that is no exception with this product.

The Winchester Ranger Deluxe is made of thick steel and 1.25” locking bolts. Standing at just over 5 feet tall and weighing an impressive 520 pounds, this gun vault is incredibly solid.

With a storage capacity of up to 24 full-size rifles, this is surely the only safe you will ever need. For those who only need to store a few guns, Winchester has included storage inserts that can be easily removed. The door flap also has many pockets that are perfect for storing ammunition and other accessories.

There is a reason that Winchester is a household name, and that is because they continue to create excellent products like the Ranger Deluxe.

How Much Do Gun Safes Cost?

The cost of a gun safe can range anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to upwards of thousands. There are a variety of factors that determine this price including brand, size, and features.

Since the contents that these safes aim to protect can be dangerous in the wrong hands, you should consider choosing a well-known and established brand.

Just as guns come in all different sizes, their safe counterparts do as well. Owning a larger rifle means that you will need to find a large standing gun safe. These will often be more costly, simply due to their increased size.

On the other hand, pistol owners have a variety of different options to choose from since it is much easier to fit a handgun into a safe. Small cube options are a great stationary home defense safe, while slimmer options are available for those who may need a somewhat portable safe.

This guide will explore the 5 best gun safes for secure and easy access.

Comparing The Best Gun Safes Under $1,000

1. Blue Dot Safes Second Amendment – Best Long Gun Safe

This first gun safe under $2000 is one of the best ones around. It is big, it is strong and it comes with a high capacity. And it is perfect for those who have a gun for every occasion.

Whether you are an avid hunter or believe deeply in the right to bear arms, the Blue Dot Safes Second Amendment is a great safe for you. The gun safe comes with a two-way locking system and drill resistant plates on the outside.

There are 5 fixed and 9 live bolts that keep the safe secure. The 12 gauge steel is sturdy and fire-resistant. But these are not the reasons you would purchase a 650lbs gun safe, it’s the superior capacity that makes it attractive.

Other Features Worth Mentioning

The plush carpeting is included in the interior of the safe. This grey carpeting adds to the looks of your safe and makes it more sophisticated. There are also two anchoring holes that allow you to bolt the safe securely to the floor.

On the front, there is an electronic keypad that keeps everything locked tight. You can store up to 30 rifles and 8 handguns in this amazing gun safe.

This means your whole collection can fit perfectly inside. Most collectors don’t even own 30 guns these days but if you do, the Blue Dot Safes Second Amendment is a perfect purchase for you.

2. Steelwater Standard Duty – Best Gun Safe to Keep Long Guns

If you have a large collection of guns that you want to safekeep, then the Steelwater Standard Duty is the best gun safe for your needs. It’s a tall and spacious gun safe that can easily fit around 8 to 10 long guns and rifles inside.

There is a door organizer available as well, it is made out of sturdy material but it is kept soft enough to avoid damaging your gear.

The Steelwater Standard Duty gun safe comes with a lot of features that make it a compelling purchase for gun collectors. The 14 gauge steel construction, fireproof up to 60 minutes, and EMP-proof locking mechanism makes it one of the best overall gun safes around.

There are 10 solid steel locking bolts that keep everything secure inside the Steelwater Standard Duty gun safe. One of the best features it its ability to relock itself in case of forced entry.

On the outside, the safe is ballistic and drilling resistant. The seal on the door expands on heat and can keep water and smoke out of the safe.

On the inside you’ll find a gun rack that is divided into two separate sections. There is also automatic interior LED lighting available so you can store guns safely without having to shine an external light source inside.

3. GunVault SV500 – Best Gun Safe for Fast Access

The GunVault SV500 Speedvault values fast access over everything and it works wonderfully. If you require easy and almost instant access to your firearm, this is one of the best gun safes around for exactly that.

The first thing you’ll notice about the GunVault SV500 Speed Vault is its design, it is unique in a way that makes it fast in releasing the handgun.

The GunVault SV500 Speedvault almost looks like a metallic gun holster when unlocked thanks to its innovative design. The almost instant activation drops the handgun holster/drawer down. There are two models available for the GunVault SV500 Speedvault.

One comes with a traditional keypad lock and is priced lower than the biometric version that comes with a fingerprint scanner.

If you absolutely value fast access to your handgun, we recommend the biometric version. The fingerprint scanner works fast and only takes a second to release the gun.

The gun safe is constructed with 18 gauge steel and has foam lined inside to keep the firearm snuggly fitted. You can easily mound the safe anywhere, especially under your desk without any problems.

The biometric fingerprint scanner can store up to 20 different finger prints, so and another trusted individual can easily unlock it. It also comes with two backup override keys that ensure you always have access to the gun in case of emergencies.

4. Stealth Handgun Hanger – Best Gun Safe for Multiple Handguns

The Stealth Handgun Hanger is a medium sized gun safe that can easily hold 5 handguns. You can only keep three of them in the ready position. The other two can be stored flat but that’s more than enough for an emergency.

There is a drop-down door that opens almost instantly giving you full access to three handguns. The Stealth Handgun Hanger safe uses three scratch-resistant rods to keep your favorite guns always ready to be pulled out and used.

The rods are coated with a heat shrink tubing which will make sure your firearms are not damaged, marred or scratched during placement and removal.

Further Review of Stealth Handgun Hanger

There is also a 2 piece steel door which is 3/8” thick. It is also spring-loaded so it opens just as you finish entering the code. The design also makes sure the door doesn’t slam down on something or make a noise when opening.

The electronic keypad comes with a 6 digit combination and an illumination system that kicks in when you press the first button. Speaking of illumination, there is a red LED inside the Stealth Handgun Hanger Gun safe as well.

The insides are also lined with a high density foam to protect your firearms completely. Two additional firearms can be placed horizontally on the safe floor and there is still room left for 2 clips.

5. VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Safe – Best Smart Gun Safe

If you are in the market for a smart gun safe, the VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Safe is the perfect choice for you. The smart pistol safe comes with a companion app that lets you check almost every aspect of the safe without actually being near it.

The VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Safe is designed to be perfectly safe for keeping guns and easily accessing them. It comes with two point anti-impact latches, anti-pry bars as well as hinges that are completely inside the safe.

The sturdy 16 gauge carbon steel material makes it one of the strongest gun safes around. The VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Safe also provides quick access to the guns in case of an emergency. You can use the keypad to punch in code but the biometric fingerprint system is quicker.

What’s Else Makes This Safe Special?

The smart safe technology is why you should consider the VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Safe. The app allows you to check the battery status, check if the safe was tempered with, look at the history log and even manage fingerprints.

You can also name the safe to something cool. The VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Safe is available in three different colors, but we liked the camouflage one the best. It can store one handgun, a clip and some small items that you deem safe-worthy.

6. AmazonBasics Deluxe Quick-Access Dual Firearm Safety Device – The Best Space-Friendly Gun Vault

AmazonBasics Deluxe Dual gun safe is one of the most popular pistol cases on the market. Featuring a slim yet durable profile, this product can store up to two full size handguns while tucked neatly under your bed.

Thanks to its biometric fingerprint scanner, this gun safe is perfect for anyone who owns a handgun for self-defense purposes. This scanner can store up to 50 individual fingerprints which are great for anyone who wants close family or friends to have access to their guns in the case of an emergency.

Not only is its steel housing dual-layered for extra protection, but it is even pry-resistant. For those worried about the entire safe itself getting stolen, there are predrilled holes and hardware included that allows you to mount the safe directly to the floor.

7. Steelwater Standard Duty EGS5922 – The Best Steelwater Gun Safe

Steelwater has produced an excellent standing gun safe with their Standard Duty EGS5922. With features such as advanced fire protection, automatic interior lighting, and a sturdy electronic locking mechanism, this safe is perfect for anyone with multiple long rifles.

Standing at almost five feet tall, this safe was designed with long rifles in mind. Not only is it able to safely store these firearms, but there is enough space inside to fit 12 to 16 full-size rifles.

There are very few ways to sabotage the integrity of this safe. It is rated for fire protection of up to one hour, and its electronic locking system is completely EMP proof. Despite being nearly impenetrable, thanks to its bypass key you are sure to never be locked out of your own safety as if that wasn’t enough they include a free door organizer, and automatic LED lights conveniently light everything up for you.

8. GOJOOASIS Under Desk Pistol Safe – The Most Efficient Pistol Safe

A common theme among home defense weapons (especially handguns) is the need for a safe that can be quickly accessed. The GOJOOASIS Under Desk Gun Safe is just that, an incredibly discreet handgun safe that fits perfectly under your desk.

This case features a digital keyboard that allows for quick access and comes with two backup keys included. Simply set a custom 4-6-digit code and you are all ready to go.

Perhaps one of the most notable qualities of this gun safe is just how small it is. Coming in at just over a foot long, this case is slim enough to not be noticed, while still having enough storage space to hold a full-size handgun.

Once opened the gun will be presented in an upright position that makes drawing the weapon incredibly easy.

Overall, this gun safe is perfect for anyone who likes having the security that a handgun provides right at your side even while you are doing work.

9. SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe – The Most Sturdy Gun Cabinet

At first glance, you might not even recognize the SnapSafe Treklite as a gun safe at all. It is incredibly compact and made of stainless steel, almost resembling a thin briefcase. While its design was clearly designed with portability in mind, this safe is among the cheapest out there.

Made up of impact-resistant polycarbonate, this case is incredibly tough. It can take a knock or two while you travel, and you will never have to worry about damaging your handgun thanks to its lined interior.

A combination lock is used to open this safe, making it easy for you and difficult for others to access your gun. While this locking mechanism may not seem like the most secure, for a value safe it definitely is worth trying out.

While this portable case is on the smaller size, it has the capacity to fit full-size handguns.

10. FCH 5 Rifle Gun Safe – The Best Tall Gun Safe

The FCH 5 Rifle gun safe is about as simple as they come, and that is not a bad thing at all!

This large safe is just under 5 feet tall and is made up of extremely tough steel. With dedicated housing for up to five long rifles, this gun safe is perfect for anyone who only needs to lock up a handful of firearms.

Above the main storage area, there is even a small lockbox that is perfect for keeping handguns, ammunition, and any other shooting accessories.

The locking mechanism on the device features keyless entry thanks to its digital keypad, but they still include backup keys in the event of an emergency.

Another feature that is always nice to see is the option to mount the safe to both the floor and wall. Although this case is likely too large to steal, it is always a good idea to secure any safe down to the floorboards.

Overall, this gun safe does exactly what it needs to without any complicated bonus features.

How Does a Gun Safe Work?

Gun safes are actually pretty straightforward most of the time. Like other types of safes, these are designed to be heavy, durable, and tightly locked in order to keep your valuables out of harm’s way.

However, since potentially dangerous firearms will be stored, it is even more important that security comes as a top priority.

Depending on the size, a gun safe may be able to hold multiple firearms of varying lengths. Those which are meant for handguns will typically have a limited capacity, around one or two. Rifle cases in the other case are much larger and often have space for 10+ rifles.

Various locking mechanisms will need to be set up in different ways, but once they are using your gun safe is as simple as storing your weapons inside and shutting the door. As long as you buy a quality product you can rest assured knowing exactly where your guns are.

Types of Gun Safes

When it comes to a gun safe to hold all of your firearms, you might have some difficulty choosing which one to purchase. There are many different types of gun safes, each coming with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most popular types out there are biometric, wheel and pin, key, and electronic locking cases.

For the most part, the main difference between all of these is simply the locking mechanism. All safes should be made of heavy and durable steel in order to prevent theft or damage to your weapons.

Make sure that the build quality is up to par first, then start considering which type of lock and extra features will work best for you.

Key Locks

Perhaps the simplest of all gun safes are those that feature key locks. Much like unlocking the front door to your house, these cases are opened with the turn of a key.

Although it may not be as flashy as some other models out there, a key lock will always be dependable, and as long as you can keep track of the key it is almost impossible to break into. 

Electronic Locks

Electronic locks are probably the most common type found on modern gun safes. These feature a mechanism that locks electronically while including backup keys just in case.

Often digital keypads will be used to store a code that opens the safe, making these some of the easiest to open. However, electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) may interfere with this type of lock, rendering it useless.

Biometric Scanners

Finally, gun safes that feature biometric scanners look like something that you would see straight out of a spy movie. These locking mechanisms are opened by simply scanning your fingerprint and can often store multiple fingerprints in its memory.

This makes it ideal for a home defense safe since you will have access to your firearms without having to find a key or put in a password.

What Is A Stack On Gun Safe?

A Stack On gun safe is simply a brand of gun safes.

The name itself may be a bit confusing, but as far as gun safes go Stack On does a great job of providing simple yet secure devices. This is exactly what has made them one of the most popular gun safe brands, as their products can be found worldwide.

Not only does this company offer some of the highest quality gun safes possible, they do so at a reasonable price. It is not uncommon for some of the high-end safes to sell for thousands of dollars, yet somehow Stack On have always been able to provide a comparable product at a fraction of the cost.

If you are in the market for a new safe and have not checked out any Stack On gun safes yet you are missing out!

What Is A Biometric Gun Safe?

A biometric gun safe is a safe that can simply be opened by scanning your fingerprint.

The main advantage that comes with owning a biometric gun safe is how quickly you can access your firearms. Where standard safes may take anywhere from 10-20 seconds to unlock, scanning your fingerprint takes only a second. Because of this biometric gun safes are popularly used to hold pistols for home self-defense.

While the main method of unlocking biometric handgun safes is with your fingerprint, manual options are also set into place just in case you need to access your firearms and the scanner is not working. Luckily, these safes are typically on the higher end so there is likely no need to worry about a scanner malfunction.

Overall, biometric gun safes allow you to keep your guns no more than a few seconds away while ensuring that they are completely secure.

Things You Must Know Before Buying a Gun Safe Under $2000

Getting a gun safe may seem like a simple thing to do, but if you want the most bang for your buck, you need to keep in mind a few factors.

1. What Types of Guns You Own

You simply cannot stuff a long bolt action rifle inside a compact gun safe. And keeping a single handgun in a full-sized rifle safe seems counterproductive.

So you need to do an inventory check and determine what kinds of guns you own. If you simply have one handgun to safe keep, then a compact and small gun safe will do just fine.

However, if you have long guns and rifles to store, a larger and stronger safe is recommended.

Are you looking for a totally different type of gun? Check our reviews on the best blowguns.

2. Size and Features

Now that you know exactly how big and how many guns you own, you can make a clear decision about the size of the gun safe.

However, simply knowing the size is just the tip of the iceberg. You also need to know about the features of the safe. If you think there can be a fire on the premises, then you need to get a fireproof safe that can easily withstand the high temperatures and keep the payload safe from harm.

Similarly, if there is a chance of flooding, you’ll need to invest in a waterproof safe as well, however, that is not that big of a deal.

3. Locking Mechanism

There are several ways a gun safe can be locked. Here are a few common ones:

Key: The most basic and orthodox method of locking is with a physical key. Gun safes that use keys are generally priced lower, especially if they can only unlock with this method alone. If you don’t want to rely on technology or batteries, this locking mechanism is the best one for you.

Keypad: There is an electronic keypad on the safe. You set a combination and then access the contents by entering it on the keypad. It is a simple and secure way of keeping your guns locked.

Biometric Fingerprint: The third one is a fairly recent one, you can scan your fingerprints and then unlock the safe by scanning them again. It is one of the fastest ways of unlocking a gun safe.

4. Fire Protection

The best gun safes are designed with fire protection in mind. This feature lets you have peace of mind knowing that your valuable items and firearms will be secure in the event of a house fire. With a fire-resistant safe, you will be covered against fire risk.

Keep in mind that not every gun safe is capable of withstanding extreme heat for a prolonged period of time. While many gun safe manufacturers claim that their products are completely fireproof, it has emerged that the advertised claims are often not true.

The best way to determine if it is fireproof safe or not is to check its UL 72 score. Nonetheless, gun safes that feature excellent duration of exposure and strength also offer fire-proofing in most cases.

Gun Safe FAQs

Should I Bolt My Gun Safe Down?

It is recommended to bolt down the safe no matter how much it weighs. Yet, it’s not always possible to do it. So, you should look for a heavier gun safe that is more substantial.

Post tension blocks are used in the construction of many houses today. For that reason, you may have a hard time drilling into the basis of your home. In order to avoid the hassle of bolting your safe down, choose a heavier model.

Should I Go for Fingerprint Scanner?

Fingerprint units are popular because they are compact and it is also a safe way to store small firearms. On the other hand, it is quite easy to get access to the interior of such a safe in case of unexpected emergencies.

Gun safes with a fingerprint scanner are actually perfect for those people looking to store only one smaller firearm at a time.

How to Know If a Gun Safe Is Safe Enough?

The general rule of thumb is to choose a security safe that is designed specifically for guns over a standard document safe. However, there are lots of gun safes with a poor design that are even worse than regular safes.

Bigger and heavier gun safes offer protection from both fire and break-in. Smaller gun safes allow you to easily and quickly access your firearms. You should choose a high-quality unit that features strong construction and that perfectly suits your needs.

What Does a Gun Safe Rating Mean?

Just because a gun safe comes with a lock mechanism and steel walls doesn’t mean it is 100% thief-proof. In fact, highly experienced thieves can eventually break into most security safes.

With that in mind, it is advisable to choose a gun safe that makes it difficult for expert criminals to break into. That’s why you should always check the UL ratings. For instance, the TRTL-30 UL rating indicates that it takes about 30 minutes to force a gun safe open with the use of cutting torch and electrical tools.

Ready To Buy The Best Gun Safes For The Money?

With a variety of different gun vaults available for you to purchase, there is no shortage of amazing ones. These were a few that will reliably keep your firearms safe and easily accessible. A gun safe along with the quality dehumidifier makes the firearm last longer.

If you are a gun owner, you are already well aware of how important gun safety is. A gun cabinet is just another natural step in keeping your guns safe from others, especially children.

In short, all the best gun safes here are a “safe” bet when it comes to providing great features and respectable prices.

Hopefully, this guide will make selecting the best gun safe for you a lot easier.