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By properly and safely storing your gun, you can help ensure that your gun is never used improperly or by anyone that shouldn’t have it.
Read our guide on Choosing the Right Handgun Safe to help make sure you know exactly what option is best for you. We encourage you to consider one of our top 5 picks for the best handgun safe below as well!
Best Handgun Safes
| Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe | BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Handgun Safe | SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Handgun Safe | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Interior dimensions: | 11” x 5.75” x 2” | 14.5” x 11” x 3” | 9.7” x 6.7” x 2.2” |
| Lock type: | Biometric fingerprint scanner with backlit number pad | Biometric fingerprint scanner | Biometric fingerprint scanner with lit manual keypad |
| Features: | Stores 20 unique fingerprints, can be unlocked from your phone, comes with backup keys, interior padding for protection | Holds up to 30 individual fingerprints, backup keys with hidden keyhole, mounting hardware included | Holds up to 4 fingerprints, override keys included, auto-open feature with gas strut |
Also see: Handgun Safe Comparison Table
Quick Answer: The Best-Rated Handgun Safe
- Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe
- BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Handgun Safe
- entrySafe QAP1BE Gun Handgun Safe
- AmazonBasics Deluxe Quick-Access Firearm Safe
- AmazonBasics Security Safe
Handgun Safe Reviews
#1 – Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe
- Interior dimensions: 11” x 5.75” x 2”
- Lock type: Biometric fingerprint scanner with backlit number pad
- Features: Stores 20 unique fingerprints, can be unlocked from your phone, comes with backup keys, interior padding for protection
It’s actually a smart safe and is the only option on our list that features Bluetooth connectivity and a free app for your smartphone. The app is highly interactive and really adds a lot of benefit and value to your pistol safe.
From the app, you can adjust your settings easily. It allows you to toggle off the sound, control the brightness of the interior light, see the current battery level, and view a full history log.
The history log tells you when and what was done to the safe at any given time. You can see everything from when the safe has been opened to when the light was adjusted, or a fingerprint was added. You can also open the safe from the app, but keep in mind that this feature is optional.
If you prefer to not have that as an active option for opening your safe, you can disable it. Some people feel more secure if the safe can’t be opened from their phone.
The most secure way to open the safe is undoubtedly the biometric fingerprint scanner. It allows you to store up to 20 unique fingerprint IDs.
This can be beneficial because you can scan the same finger multiple times from all different angles. That helps to guarantee that the safe will pick up your fingerprint properly the first time and open quick right when you need it.
You can also choose to have multiple people’s fingerprints programmed into it. This is great if there will be multiple people that may need access to the gun such as you and your partner.
You could also use the backlit keypad or actual physical keys to unlock your Vaultec safe.
Multiple methods allow you to choose your preferred method and give you a back-up choice in case one option ever fails for any reason.
This safe also has tons of features that make it pretty much impossible to break into and even if someone tries, you would get a tamper alert on your phone! It is definitely one of the best choices out there and well worth the cost.
#2 – BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Handgun Safe
- Interior dimensions: 14.5” x 11” x 3”
- Lock type: Biometric fingerprint scanner
- Features: Holds up to 30 individual fingerprints, backup keys with hidden keyhole, mounting hardware included
This can be a good way to protect children from your gun or to keep potential intruders out of your valuables.
The safe is designed to easily fit and operate inside of a drawer. It should fit most large drawers including many nightstands and dressers. The bottom of the safe features 4 pre-drilled mounting holes.
From here, you can go ahead and secure the safe into the drawer (or any flat surface) of your choosing. The biometric fingerprint scanner is the main method of opening the safe.
This safe actually holds even more fingerprints than the Vaultec at 30 unique fingerprints. If for any reason, you are unable to access your safe via the fingerprint scanner, there is a set of backup keys included.
To access the keyhole, you have to use a screwdriver to remove the nameplate from the top of the safe. This is to give you additional security.
This safe also has room for multiple guns or for your gun in addition to other valuables you would like to lock away.
While the Vaultec safe is actually rechargeable, you must change the batteries out in this safe occasionally. Fortunately, it takes very little power to operate and the batteries will only need to be changed, on average, once a year or so.
The two ¾-inch deadbolts of this safe will keep it very secure and won’t allow anyone that shouldn’t be in it to get in.
#3 – SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Handgun Safe
- Interior dimensions: 9.7” x 6.7” x 2.2”
- Lock type: Biometric fingerprint scanner with lit manual keypad
- Features: Holds up to 4 fingerprints, override keys included, auto-open feature with gas strut
The solid steel construction and pry-resistant design help to guarantee that it can’t be broken into by anyone that shouldn’t have access. This is also a biometric fingerprint scanner safe.
So, it does allow you to input your fingerprint(s) and then open the case quickly by just placing your finger on the scanner.
While our first couple of picks allowed you to scan a large number of fingers for increased accuracy and easier access for multiple users, this safe only allows up to 4 fingerprints. This is still enough for you and one other person to input two fingers each.
You want to do at least two fingers per user just in case the primary finger is unreadable at any given point due to a scratch, burn, or anything else that could have damaged the finger.
A gas strut on the inside of the door causes it to automatically open once the case is unlocked. It does this quickly and quietly to help save you time and avoid any possible unwanted attention.
In addition to the fingerprint scanner, there are two other methods to allow you to gain access to your firearm within the case. It has a lit manual keypad to allow you to input a code of your choice to open the case.
Although, you can skip this option altogether if you prefer. Finally, there is also a set of override keys included in case other methods fail or the batteries die.
Speaking of batteries, this gun safe takes 4 AA batteries. They shouldn’t need to be changed often as long as you use high-quality and new batteries when you do change them.
It will also alert you to low battery, so you know when they do need to be changed. Soft lining inside keeps your gun free of damage and a mounting kit is even included for your convenience.
#4 – AmazonBasics Deluxe Quick-Access Firearm Safe
- Interior dimensions: 9.3” x 6.2” x 2.7”
- Lock type: Biometric fingerprint scanner with number pad
- Features: Holds up to 50 fingerprints, backup override keys included, gas strut for automatic opening
This Deluxe Quick-Access Firearm Safe has a lot of nice features that you usually only get with higher-end brands, but it is unbeatably affordable. It is fairly similar to the SentrySafe gun safe but just costs less.
It has dimensions that vary only slightly from the SentrySafe pick. This means that it is a nice and compact size that adds convenience and versatility to the safe in terms of where it can be stored and/or mounted.
It does come with pre-drilled holes and hardware for easy mounting as well. The biometric fingerprint scanner on this safe also takes it a step further than our other choices when it comes to memory.
This scanner can hold up to 50 different fingerprints. This may seem a bit excessive for some, but it can be helpful in allowing you to scan multiple fingers at multiple different angles and positions each.
This helps reduce any minimal chance that the scanner wouldn’t be able to recognize your finger.
The large number of fingerprints that can be remembered would allow you to do this with several fingers of several different users easily.
A pry-resistant door and dual-layer steel construction work together to prevent tampering that could lead to anyone gaining unauthorized access to your firearm.
The case is highly durable. The keypad on this safe isn’t lit up like our other picks, but it still allows you an additional option on how to access your safe.
There is also a set of backup override keys provided with the safe for emergency access. Altogether, it is a very nice gun safe choice with spectacular value.
#5 – AmazonBasics Security Safe
- Interior dimensions: 13.5” x 8.75” x 9.5”
- Lock type: Electronic lock that opens with numerical keypad
- Features: Override keys included, mounting hardware included, adjustable/removable shelf
This safe is more versatile and made to be used for anything you want to lock up. It is pretty roomy and even includes an interior shelf that can allow you to get more use out of the space inside the safe.
The shelf can be adjusted or removed as desired to best fit your needs. The bottom of the safe features a carpeted floor to help prevent scratches or other potential damage to your gun or other belongings.
It is easy to secure this safe to wherever you want thanks to the 4 pre-drilled holes and included mounting hardware.
Unlike the other picks on our list, this gun safe does not have a biometric fingerprint scanner. Instead, it only uses an electronic lock that opens with a numerical keypad.
Of course, this number pad has more numbers included than our previous picks. This helps amp up the security a bit since there isn’t a fingerprint option with this safe.
It does also include a set of override keys in case they are ever needed. While it can take just slightly longer to open this safe compared to biometric options, it is also considerably more affordable.
This safe is just a fraction of the cost of most of our favorite handgun safes. That makes it ideal for someone that needs a good safe for their gun but is on a tighter budget!
Handgun Safe Comparison Table
| Handgun Safe | Interior dimensions | Lock type | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe | 11” x 5.75” x 2” | Biometric fingerprint scanner with backlit number pad | Stores 20 unique fingerprints, can be unlocked from your phone, comes with backup keys, interior padding for protection | |
| BARSKA Top Opening Drawer Handgun Safe | 14.5” x 11” x 3” | Biometric fingerprint scanner | Holds up to 30 individual fingerprints, backup keys with hidden keyhole, mounting hardware included | |
| SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Handgun Safe | 9.7” x 6.7” x 2.2” | Biometric fingerprint scanner with lit manual keypad | Holds up to 4 fingerprints, override keys included, auto-open feature with gas strut | |
| AmazonBasics Deluxe Quick-Access Firearm Safe | 9.3” x 6.2” x 2.7” | Biometric fingerprint scanner with number pad | Holds up to 50 fingerprints, backup override keys included, gas strut for automatic opening | |
| AmazonBasics Security Safe | 13.5” x 8.75” x 9.5” | Electronic lock that opens with numerical keypad | Override keys included, mounting hardware included, adjustable/removable shelf |
Choosing the Right Handgun Safe
- Size
- Opening Mechanism
- Tamper-Resistant Features
- Mounting Capabilities
- Battery
- Handgun Safe FAQs
- Buyer’s Tips
If you own a handgun, the best handgun safe is an absolute necessity. Without storing your handgun properly, you are at risk of it getting into the wrong hands.
Even if you rarely or even never allow anyone near the gun that shouldn’t have it, you should still take proper safety precautions – just in case. If you have children living in your home or that visit your home, the best hand gun safe is even more vital.
The best gun safe will make it to where only you, and other people you want, will have access to your gun. Gun accidents are all too common.
Of course, there are actually a lot of different options of gun safes out there with all sorts of different features and a huge price range.
A handgun safe is a vital piece of safety equipment that every handgun owner should have. Different safes work differently, come in different sizes, and have varying features from one another.
The prices of handgun safes can also range from less than $100 to several hundred or even thousands of dollars.
Considering all these differences and how important the safe is, you really want to make sure you are choosing the right one for you. Read these important factors below to help you make your decision!
Size
First off, you will obviously need the right size of gun safe. Many gun safes are designed to be compact, so they only hold one gun and usually a magazine. A more compact choice like these would be great for an owner of only one handgun.
However, if you do own multiple handguns that you’d like to lock away together, you should check out some larger options. Some safes can hold multiple guns, multiple magazines, and sometimes even additional belongings that you’d like to lock away.
Opening Mechanism
The specific opening mechanism is also going to be pretty high up on what you need to consider when shopping for a handgun safe.
This helps determine the security level, ease of use, and how quickly you can access your firearm. Below, we have explained the different types of opening mechanisms that you can expect to find amongst different safes. Remember that many safes will have multiple ways that they can be opened.
Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
A biometric fingerprint scanner is a small device that is able to scan fingerprints and recognize specific fingerprints that are saved into its system.
If you choose a safe with this option, you will scan your fingerprints into the safe to be saved. Then, when you need your weapon, you will just place your finger on the scanner to unlock the safe.
Most options work in less than 3 seconds, but some are even faster.
This is a very secure method of locking your safe because all fingerprints are unique and nobody except you will be able to get into the safe using this method.
It is also probably the fastest way to get into a safe since it usually opens almost instantly. Even so, it is also expensive compared to options that don’t include a biometric scanner.
Numerical Keypad
Something that most safes will have is a numerical keypad. These range from having 4-10 digits on them usually. The security of this option can vary a little bit, but it mostly depends on you.
If you choose a code that is easy to guess like the last 4 digits of your phone number or the house number from your address, you are probably setting yourself up for failure.
Choose a code that only you (or other users that you want to have access to the safe) would ever know or be able to figure out. This will create a very secure safe even without the biometric fingerprint scanner.
This method will naturally take a little longer for you to gain access to the safe. However, it should only slow you down by a second or two if you know your code well.
Some keypads are lit while others are not. Keep this in mind as a lit keypad will be considerably easier to use in the dark.
Backup Keys
Finally, almost all safes will include backup keys in case the other methods ever fail for any reason. In most cases, these keys would never actually be needed.
They are simply a failproof method that prevents you from the possibility of being permanently locked out of your safe.
Of course, some safes only open via keys without other methods of unlocking. This would be the least secure safe and we actually chose to not even include any safes that only use keys on our list of recommendations.
Tamper-Resistant Features
The features that a handgun safe has to resist possible tampering are very important. If your safe was easy for unauthorized people to access, there would be no point in even placing your gun inside it in the first place.
You want a truly secure option. Read about the tamper-resistant and security features that you want to look for below.
Pry-Resistant
You definitely want a gun safe that is pry-resistant. This not only prevents people from getting your gun if they shouldn’t have it, but it also protects any valuables that you may choose to store inside the safe. A pry-resistant safe has specially reinforced bars that run along the inside of the case – usually attached to the lid.
They block the space between the lid and the rest of the safe. Since this is the space where someone would try to insert something to pry it open, the bars will block anything they try to insert and therefore prevent them from accessing the safe this way.
Drop-Resistant
Another method sometimes used to attempt to break into a safe is to drop it or throw it at the ground. The concept is that this will damage the safe or even activate it to open due to the jarring forces. The best handgun safe will be resistant to drops with a special design that helps absorb impact to prevent failure or damage from dropping.
Mounting Capabilities
In general, it is a good idea to mount your safe to something. You can do this inside of a drawer with some safes. Other good locations would be a shelf or even the floor or wall.
Where you mount it will depend on your specific safe, but what you want to look for is easy mounting capabilities. Safes that come with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware will obviously be the most convenient options for easy mounting.
Battery
One more important thing you will want to check out with each safe you look at is the battery used. Most safes will need some type of battery power due to electronic locks controlled by keypads and/or biometric fingerprint scanners. Some also feature lighting for the keypad and sometimes even inside the safe.
A rechargeable option with a lithium-ion battery would be more efficient and can even be left plugged in continuously so that you never have to deal with recharging it or worrying about the battery running out.
Options that have batteries that need to be replaced might save you some money when you make your purchase, though.
Since these safes will be very low power draining, either option will last a long time (sometimes a year or longer) before needing replacement or charging.
Handgun Safe FAQs
What is the purpose of a handgun safe?
There are a couple of purposes for a handgun safe. The main purpose for a handgun safe, specifically, is to prevent anyone from getting to your gun that shouldn’t have it. People you are keeping the gun from could be children, or anyone that may have a mental disability including senile elderly people. The safe will also act to prevent theft of your weapon or other valuables you may also store inside the safe.
Is a handgun safe necessary?
While not required by law, a handgun safe really should be looked at as a must-have item. Accidents involving firearms with children that shouldn’t have had access to them are much too common. Even if you don’t usually have children in your home, it really is one of those things where it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Buyer’s Tips for Handgun Safes
Your handgun safe will be an important piece of safety equipment for your gun and your home. You want to choose the right one. Look for quality, security, convenience, and value in your gun safe.
Think about things like where you want to keep your handgun safe as well as how many guns you want to keep in it to help pick the right choice for you.
Choosing where to purchase your safe can be important as well when it comes to variety, shipping speed, cost, and customer service. Amazon is definitely one of the best options for these things but shopping around is also a good idea to find the best deal possible.
Either way, once you have your safe, be sure to follow all included instructions to ensure the best results. Soon, you will be enjoying convenient safety with your gun properly secured!
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How We Researched
To come up with the top handgun safes, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw, EVO along with our own personal experience.
We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.
With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The author, James McKenna, is an avid gun enthusiast and target shooter.
To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from fellow gun enthusiasts from his local shooting range.
After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.
Sources
Notice:
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