Gun safe is the ideal place to store your firearms, whether it is a pistol or rifle. Not everyone believes that this is the perfect choice for them. Plenty of people display their weapons on wall or in a gun rack, thus illuminating the need for safe. They feel quite confident that the gun is safe just being in their home.
Not only do you have to worry about it being stolen but, if you have small children, there is always the concern about them picking up your firearm and causing some form of serious accident. So I have been scouring from the most reputed brands and decided to show you the list of best gun safes under 1000 & so many options for the money saving features and ultimate reviews that will definitely provide you with a ton of value.
What Makes a Gun Safe Great?
It would be a lie to say that we do not expect everything we buy to be good quality. If we pay a lot for an item, we would expect it to last longer and even have more features than the subsequent cheaper items or there would be no use for spending the excess amount of cash. Here are the top features of a great gun safe:
- Steel Quality & Durability. The benefit you will receive from this quality is value. The safe will be able to withstand prying for longer and even withstand all common hand tools. Many of these steel designs are also capable of withstanding heat and water as well.
Moreover, if your gun safe is not durable, it will be the same as storing your items in a wooden box. It is extremely important to take into account the type of materials that have been used as they will immediately add quality in case you wish to own the best gun safe. Many gun safes rely on 14-16 gauge solid steel construction, as this metal is extremely resistant to high temperatures and will provide you a lot of extra protection.
- Security Features. It would be extremely good for you if you can do some research on the type of equipment that is used by intruders when they try and break open safes. Once you have some knowledge about the topic, you will be able to make a better choice on your gun safe and even have some added security features installed. We recommend that you make sure that the hinges are on the inside of the safe when purchasing as this is one of the first places that intruders target.
It is important to note that the more security features you want, the more expensive the safe will be. The security features may include fire resistant metal or even a waterproof sealer. If you live in an area with a lot of home fires or other problems, you may need to look into adding these features. We have also found a few gems that we will show you. These gems are packed with extra security features at no additional price and while this may seem disheartening, it is important to understand the basic security composition of safes.
- Locking Mechanism. Gun safes are very versatile and they come in different types of lock. While we consider biometric features to be extremely important in the modern era, they will obviously increase the price of the gun safe. The biometric locking feature is much more expensive, but it does offer a lot of quality. Biometric safes are proven to be much more reliable than the standard mechanical safe and this must be taken into consideration when you buy a gun safe. We highly recommend biometric locks for people with extremely sensitive information and firearms as they will ensure that intruders take more time to try and pry open your gun safe and you will have the benefit of quick access.
- Size & Capacity. The size of the safe is also to be considered because more often than not, customers get a smaller safe size than they really need. On the other hand, you will need to get a gun safe that is light to carry and easy to access or one to keep the guns away for long periods of time. That’s where the size factor comes in. Bigger guns that cannot be disassembled need longer, bigger safes while handguns & pistols can be put in smaller safes. Ensure to get one of size that you can manage.
Long gun safes are generally more expensive and will also cost you more maintenance in the long run. A smaller gun safe will do just fine if you only plan on protecting a small firearm and a few valuable items. Hunters will be looking for the more expensive and bigger safes.
- Weight. Obviously, bigger gun safes weigh much more than smaller gun safes but there are different manufacturers and some may offer a gun safe that is heavier than it looks or should be. You may need a heavy gun safe due to its resistance to prying or fire. On the other hand, you have to seek for the light-weight gun safes if you only a smaller handgun/pistol or you prefer the portability.
- Additional Features. When you have a large budget, we recommend that you also consider the fire and water resistant safe types. These features are great and they are accompanied by a huge warranty most of the time. This will give you a lot of value and you will never lose your belongings to a household fire that the neighbor might have started.
Despite the specifications here, some safe companies write that their safes are tool resistant when they are in fact not. Beware of what brand you buy and consult a specialist before getting a safe for your valuables.
You can be fooled by marketing when you do not understand what you are really looking for. We compiled these features to help you make a great choice that will ensure that you have the perfect gun safe with value for your money.
Top 10 Gun Safes on the Market Under $1000!
#1 Steelwater AMSW592216-BLK 16 Long Gun Fire Safe – Best Long Gun Safe
For those looking for the perfect safe to guard their long rifles while also giving protection from fire, this is definitely the safer you. This safe is built with high grade steel, providing up to 60 minutes of protection during a fire, far above what the vast majority of safes would offer.
It is designed to not only give you the perfect size to be able to store longer firearms, but is ideal for securing important documents, gems, and other belongings you need to ensure are kept safe. Two different options are available for this safe, the heavy duty, which allows for 60 minutes of fire protection, and the gear driven locking System that will enhance the security.
Regardless of which version you choose, the safe is a composite of two different layers, built to control external heat that could damage your firearms or documents. Despite being a heavy duty safe, it is still an attractive one. The safe uses decorative beveled edges and provides 4 ¾ inches of thickness making the perfect fire barrier.
Included are 1 1/2 inch diameter solid steel locking bolts, securely locking the bolts in place making it virtually impossible to remove the door. The hinges are internal, making it pry proof as well. It is also designed to be both punch and drill proof, and is reinforced to protect it from breaking or warping.
The dimensions of the safe are 59” x 22” x 16” and come with a EMP proof digital keypad to disable the safe’s lock. Four small shelves are included inside and the door is organized so that you can store your pistol or other important items. This is truly a fantastic safe and well worth the price.
#2 Mesa Safe MBF3820C All Steel Burglary and Fire Safe
When money is of little concern to you, this is a safe that you should consider. Not only does it look fantastic, but this is a tough unit that is built to give you the maximum protection you need for your firearms.
Built with 1 ¾ inch thick walls, the safe is fire resistant up to 1830° for two hour, plenty of time for any blaze to be put out before damage can be caused to your personal items.
You also love the fact that this safe can take a beating. Not only is it created to be pry resistant, by providing four bolts that securely hold the door in place, but the steel construction ensures that it is both drill and impact resistant. In fact, you could drop this safe from a two-story building and it would not be damaged at all. It is truly a remarkably constructed unit.
While the outside is fantastic, you will love the interior is well. You were given a great deal of flexibility on how you want the shelving constructed, as you can create space to hold multiple rifles, or divvy up the space so that rifles, handguns, and several other accessories can be stored. There is plenty of room in here depending upon what you want to keep secured.
The locking system uses a digital punch key programmable code. This allows you to program in the code, and the outside has a decorative spoke handle to open the door.
Inside the safe is an internal power strip. This is perfect for those who wish to add a dehumidifier or light inside the safe and there is a USB port as well. It’s truly amazing all of the design features that have been included in the safe, and you will find it to be the perfect secure option for your home or business. With 6.4 ft.³ of space, this is simply all you will ever need to protect your property and firearms.
#3 Stack-On TS-20-MB-E-S Fire Resistant 20 Gun Tactical Security Safe
If you need a safe that is able to store more than a dozen of weapons, this is the option for you. This is a much larger size safe, allowing you to store anywhere from 16 to 20 long guns, more than enough space for most.
In addition, the interior side of the door is designed so that you can attach handguns, scopes, magazines, and other accessories to help maximize the amount of weapons you are able to store. Plus, there are shelves in the upper part of the safe that enable you to put ammunition and other accessories to help keep you better organized.
You like the fact that the racks that are provided for storing your weapons make it easy for you to be able to access to weapons as needed. Plus, handguns are held securely in place using Velcro attachments that leave the handle easily accessible for you to grab quickly and easily.
Besides being a secure safe, this is one that is fire retardant as well. It can handle up to 1400° for 30 minutes period of time without any of your guns or other important items getting damaged. Inside the walls of the safe is a fireproof strip that helps to prevent increased temperature from occurring inside the unit.
The exterior is built of a heavy duty metal that is both punch and drill resistant. While both hinges are on the exterior, this is a pry resistant safe because of the deadbolt locks that secure the door in place when activated. A digital lock is easy to program and punch in the code to open your safe in a matter of a few seconds.
For any person who has a large number of weapons that they need to keep secure, this is truly the best option you will find. You will enjoy the many security features that it offers to protect your weapons and the look is sensational as well. This is truly a beautiful safe that would look fantastic mounted in your home.
#4 Steelwater AMSW592818-blk 20 Long Gun Cabinet
Having a safe that provides you with an incredible amount of security is important, especially when you have rifles that you want to keep secure. You not only want to save that makes it virtually impossible for a thief to attempt to access it, when you are able to get additional protections it makes your investment that much better. This is why you will love this safe.
It starts with the fact that this long gun cabinet gives you 45 minutes of protection should a fire occur. Most fires are put out within 15 minutes of the fire department arriving, which should give you plenty of time. This will not only help to keep your rifles safe, but also protect any other valuables that you may have stored within the safe.
This unit is built with ¼ inch steel reinforced bolt that ensures that the door is locked securely in place when close and armed. The outer shell is made with a metal that is eight times stronger than most safes, making it drill resistant because of the hard plate. In fact, this safety is built to be as impenetrable as possible. It is pry resistant as well as drill resistant, and can handle heavy impacts.
The interior is upholstered, making sure that your materials are kept secure and redacted. This will also prevent scratching of the inside of your save as well as any damage that may occur to your items.
The locking mechanism uses an electronic digital lock that provides a double-sided bypass key. You are able to program the code used in the safe and the display has an LED light to help make it visible when using.
The safe is 59 inches in height and 28 inches in width, allowing you to store anywhere from 12 to 14 long guns, way more than most people would have need for. This makes it ideal for a person who is a serious gun enthusiast and enjoys owning a number of weapons. Plus, there are adjustable shelves inside that allow you to be able to expand for more guns to be stored or two organize your ammunition and magazines. The door also has a number of compartments and pouches to store items.
#5 Monster Vault Under bed Safe
This has long been considered the very best safe to hide under your bed. It starts with the fact that it is a big safe, reaching his deepest 28 inches, nearly double what you would find with most other standard competitors’ options.
There is no doubt that this is a heavy safe, weighing as much as 140 pounds without your firearms or other important items in it, but it is the rolled galvanized steel that gives you the peace of mind to know that this safe is protecting your firearms from someone breaking into it. It is built with 11 gauge steel, ensuring that it is not going to be broken into by use of brute force.
The locking mechanism is a digital, programmable, nation lock with the addition of a key backup. You can set your own code to enter into the safe, and your code can be anywhere from 3 to 8 digits. This makes sure that no one is guessing knowing that there are certain numbers of digits to your code. This adds literally millions of different combinations that could be employed by you.
In addition to having a great design that keeps your items secure, you will love the look of this safe as well. It is well-designed, and is galvanized to give it a good look as well. The inside is carpeted to protect your items, and there is literally a lot of space here for you to be able to organize and store your items. In fact, when you flip the lid back over, you can be sure that your items that you have placed on the top will be held securely in place.
If you are looking for a under bed rifle safe, that gives you a lot of storage room and fits perfectly under your bed, then this is a great place to start. You will be extremely satisfied with the security that it provides as well as its great look.
#6 SentrySafe XX Large Security Safe T0-331
If you are looking for a home safe that is perfect for storing larger firearms as well as a variety of other valuables you may have, then this is the one for you. It is built to store a variety of different objects, including your laptop or long rifles. Included are three adjustable shelves which can be removed if you need additional space.
The locking mechanism on the outside uses a digital keypad, which is easily programmable for you. An eight digit code is needed, and you can set more than one code if you so desire. This allows multiple users to be able to gain access to the safe, each with their own code so you can track who has had access to the safe. Four AA batteries are needed for the keypad. A yellow light comes on when batteries need to be replaced.
To securely hold the door in place, there are three live locking bolts, which are made of a heavy duty steel construction. The door is built to be pry resistant, and the bolt down hardware makes it virtually impossible for someone to gain unauthorized access into the safe or to remove it.
Inside, the safe is built to give you a fantastic design for storing your items. There is a key rack that helps to organize your smaller items that you would have on a chain, such as keys, and there are shelves that are included to help you to stay organized. Plus, a soft interior lining is included to protect those delicate and fragile items you may have within the safe.
This safe is 36.5 inches tall on the interior and 20.5 inches wide, giving you plenty of space to store just about anything. Plus, it uses a heavy duty steel to help secure the exterior of the safe and prevent unauthorized access. It is built to withstand drilling, pounding, or prying.
#7 SentrySafe SFW205CWB Fire & Waterproof Safe
This is a safe that is constructed of and all steel exterior. This not only helps to make it fireproof, but waterproof as well, and is why it is becoming one of the more popular safes for people to buy.
This is a well constructed safe that uses a variety of materials to help to make it fire retardant. This starts with the use of concrete, which acts as a thermal transfer conduit to help reduce heat within the safe. Plus, the plastic is treated with a resin to avoid melting. The fantastic design is not only resistant to excessive heat caused by fires, but is also a waterproof enclosure.
Of course, reducing the risk of your items burning is only a small piece of why a person would want to safe. What you will love is that this is a fantastically designed combination safe. Six steel bars that are 20 mm in diameter are used to lock the door in place once you have closed and sealed it.
This safe uses a dial, combination lock. While some are concerned about the ability of a burglar to be able to access the safe by working the combination lock, the truth is that this is a great option because of how quiet the tumblers are. The lock turns smoothly, meaning it would take a real expert to be able to figure out the combination to get into your safe. Something that is quite unlikely for most people trying to break in.
This makes it an extremely difficult safe to try to open without knowing the combination. While the hinges on the outside, this safe is built to be pry resistant, and can handle over 1000 pounds of impact and still remain locked in place.
Of course, because of the materials that are used this is a safe that has some weight to it. It weighs about 125 pounds, but provides you with 19.6 inches in height and 14.8 inches in width, giving you a lot of storage space. Included is an adjustable shelf as well as a sliding drawer. There are pegs for you to attach your keys or other small items, and of been inside the door to add additional storage space.
#8 Stack-On TC-16-GB-K-DS Tactical Security Cabinet
If you are looking for a gun safe that enables you to be able to store several guns in one location, then this is the safe you want to start looking at. Designed to hold up to 14 shotguns or standard rifles, you will love how much space it provides well still giving you an incredible amount of security.
Three adjustable removable shelves are included, and you will likely find that you could still store 10 or 12 rifles and still have space to be able to use the shelving. This gives you the ability to then store other equipment you need to take with you when you head out to the range or to go out hunting, including binoculars, magazines, and ammunition.
The safe is fire resistant for up to 30 minutes, and meets the California firearm safety device standards, some of the most stringent in the country. It has a three-point locking system, using ½ inch diameter steel to lock the door in place. The keycode uses a double bitted system to lock the mechanism in place.
You will love that, this safe is easy to put together, providing you with all of the necessary equipment to be able to build your safe and attach it securely. You will find that even if you aren’t a person who is particularly handy with tools, you will have no difficulty in getting this safe together. All the hardware is provided to lock it to a floor or wall. You can even purchase a motion LED light that easily mounts inside the safe.
The safe has a sharp looking black exterior, with the door coming in a black with gray pieces attached to add a different style to it. Really a sharp look, and gives you all of the functionality you could need for a person who has purchased several firearms.
#9 Viking VS-50BLX Large Biometric Fingerprint Security Safe
Internally the safe has been fully carpeted and comes with three fully adjustable shelves. These shelves can also be removed to make space for bigger items, but unfortunately, rifles will not fit.
To further ensure that you have a great experience, the safe features an already fitted and battery powered LED light. This light will make it easier to access your items during the night and you will no longer need to struggle to find the firearm when you need it most. The light can be set to shine upon opening as well automatically.
The safe features an extremely high-quality steel frame that has been laser cut and perfectly welded to give you a smooth and stylish look. The steel frame has also been black powder coated to ensure that the steel won’t easily dent and that it has extra resistance against high-impact situations.
These features will be extremely important for resisting intruders and anyone that tries to force open the safe. The materials used in construction have also been tested and forged in extremely high conditions. This will allow you the opportunity to store valuable media files and drives inside.
The safe features biometric locking capabilities. It uses a 500 DPI biometric fingerprint scanner that will open your safe in seconds and this will also be a great benefit to anyone looking for quick access and living in high-risk areas.
The fingerprint scanner is also accompanied by an LCD screen that will notify you of the battery status and if anyone has been tampering. The biometric lock uses a motorized dead bolting system and also features two ant-pry insertion slots. This will ensure maximum security and the added benefit of having all the information at your fingertips.
As a biometric safe, the CPU is powered by AA size batteries and you will have the opportunity of storing up to 32 fingerprints on the CPU. The CPU has also been designed with a non-volatile memory and this will ensure that all the information is retained once the batteries are removed.
The biometric system on this safe may be a little more expensive, but it is really worth it. The safe will provide you with lifelong peace of mind and you will always be ensured of safety. Business people and small firearm owners should find a lot of value in the safe and this may be bolted to any place in the house. The mounting hardware is easy to use and instructions are very clear.
#10 Verifi Fast Access Biometric Smart Safe with FBI Fingerprint Sensor
The interior of the safe is quite small and you will only be able to fit one firearm inside, but the plastic inner lining will ensure that whatever you decide to put inside the safe is perfectly protected. The protective plastic lining will also shield all the interior items from any damage that might come in the form of the impact as well.
The exterior has been constructed using solid steel and you will be able to easily keep anyone from damaging the safe on the outside. The metal coating will also protect the safe from rust and it will last longer over time to provide you with added value.
The hinges on the safe have also been built on the inside and when you add the weight of the safe, it will become virtually impossible to move without the use of harder mechanical or electrical tools. Even the fingerprint scanner on the outside has been designed with quality materials.
The auto locking feature is a great addition to just quickly closing the safe without any hassle. The door will instantaneously lock without 2 high-quality steel bolts to ensure that no one can pry open your safe if you are not present.
The night lights will go hand in hand with the one handed use and for quickly accessing the safe during the evening. The safe also features an LCD screen that will tell you exactly if anyone has tried to tamper with the safe and exactly how many attempts they had.
One of the downsides may be the extreme weight of the safe. The safe weighs in at more than 30lbs and won’t be easy to move by anyone. But this could also be an advantage as children will not have the ability to move the safe and once you have the perfect place, you can easily deadbolt the safe to that location.
For greater safety, the safe is programmed to run a full diagnostics and then display the results on the LCD screen. This will instantly notify you that the safe has been securely locked and the amount of battery power available. The safe can run on four AA batteries for several years and will immediately indicate to you if the batteries need to be replaced.
Finally, the safe has been certified by the FBI as one of the best safes currently available on the market and the safe is big enough to hold almost any side firearm with ease. The safe is also great for holding important documents and even jewelry and making sure that no one ever enters without your permission.
Overall this biometric fingerprint safe is recommended for males that love to stay far from their bigger safes in the house. This safe can easily be mounted to keep your firearm close by wherever you are in the house and with easy access, you can be confident that you will never be caught off guard.
Comparison Chart
| Gun Safe | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Steelwater AMSW592216-BLK 16 Long Gun Fire Safe |
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| #2 Mesa Safe MBF3820C All Steel Burglary and Fire Safe |
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| #3 Stack-On TS-20-MB-E-S Fire Resistant 20 Gun Tactical Security Safe |
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| #4 Steelwater AMSW592818-blk 20 Long Gun Cabinet |
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| #5 Monster Vault Underbed Safe |
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| #6 SentrySafe XX Large Security Safe T0-331 |
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| #7 SentrySafe SFW205CWB Fire & Waterproof Safe |
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| #8 Stack-On TC-16-GB-K-DS Tactical Security Cabinet |
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| #9 Viking VS-50BLX Large Biometric Fingerprint Security Safe |
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| #10 Verifi Fast Access Biometric Smart Safe with FBI Fingerprint Sensor |
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Purchasing a Safe
When buying a safe, please do consider:
- The brand that you are buying
- The expertise needed to install the safe and its security
- The validity of the claims made by whoever is selling you the safe
- The size it comes in and whether your items of value and guns can fit in
- The locking mechanism and whether they are reliable in case of an emergency
- The specifications which include thickness and materials used to make the safe
You should make sure that you don’t:
- Buy from uncertified or untrustworthy sellers
- Install the safe if you don’t know how to do it yourself
- Buy a safe that has claims which cannot be substantiated
- Get duped into buying a safe that is made of flimsy material or unreliable locks
Best Gun Safe Brands
It would be a lie to say that we do not expect everything we buy to be good quality. If we pay a lot for an item, we would expect it to last longer and even have more features than the subsequent cheaper items or there would be no use for spending the excess amount of cash.
While we have many brands to choose from, not all of them provide the best features to select the ideal gun safe. Before the purchase of a safe it will be wise to familiarize yourself with the best gun safe brands to ensure that you have ample knowledge to select the ideal gun safe.
- Cannon
- Stack-on
- Liberty
- Steelwater
- Browning
- Winchester
- Homak
- Sentrysafe
- Barska
- Gunvault
Top Gun Safe FAQs
While I feel that we have covered most of the issues about gun safes, there are still a few concerns that we need to deal with and some people still do not have answers. We would like to single out these questions and answer them directly to ensure that your next gun safe buying experience is positive.
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h4″ question-0=”Why I Need a Gun Safe at Home?” answer-0=”Should you be on a tight budget, you might feel that it is an unnecessary expense to invest in a gun safe. This is definitely the wrong mindset. Moreover, if you own a firearm, it is imperative that you have something that will keep your gun safe when you are not using it and your pillow will definitely not serve this purpose. It is important that you know exactly what you need. Keep your guns safe and make sure that they are not in the wrong hands but in the right Gun Safe.
” image-0=”” headline-1=”h4″ question-1=”Should I Buy a Portable or Large Gun Safe?” answer-1=”This will all come down to personal preference. We always recommend making sure that your gun safe adheres to the Justice regulations for safes and that you first buy a big safe that can be mounted to keep your firearm secure if you do not need it.
If you like to travel a lot, we would recommend the smaller and more portable safes. This will ensure that you have security over your firearm, while still having easy and quick access to use it. The portable gun safe will be highly beneficial to people regularly on the road. But just remember that no matter which safe you buy, it is highly unlikely that any plane will allow you to board with a firearm.
” image-1=”” headline-2=”h4″ question-2=”Should I Choose a Floor or Wall Mounted Gun Safe for My Home?” answer-2=”A simple question that occurs quite often and sometimes people just choose the first one that is recommended. We believe that you should analyze your situation as most safe can be mounted on walls, but they are not specifically designed for this purpose. Heavier safes should obviously be mounted on the ground to ensure that they cannot fall or be broken out of the wall. If you need a safe that must go into the wall, you will be looking at something smaller and with a few features that allow you to easily conceal the safe.
Wall safes are a little more expensive, but the fact that you will be able to conceal them with ease will be extremely beneficial for someone with a lot of guests or someone that needs a safe for the office. Restaurateurs and people working with a lot of cash should take note of a drop safe to ensure that you can quickly dump the cash or documents.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h4″ question-3=”What Locking Mechanism Will Offer Me the Fastest Access?” answer-3=”If you happen to live in a dangerous area that is constantly plagued by break-ins, we definitely recommend investing in a good quality biometric lock. Most of these electronically powered safes have a lot of great features like LED lights and the door will open in a matter of seconds. You may even choose one of the desk safes that we have discussed as they will also open much faster than average safes because they have the added benefit of gravity that will help give you faster access.
If you are unwilling to make that investment, we would secondly recommend a push-button simplex locking system or an electronic keypad locking mechanism. We believe that the price alone should be enough to persuade you to invest in one of these push-button locking safes, but you can always be sure that the quality of the safe is of the highest standards and you will have a few added benefits like the ability to resist fire and water. Should you look after safe, you can rest assured that the safe will look after you in extreme times of need.” image-3=”” count=”4″ html=”true” css_class=”faq”]
