10 Best Pistol Safes – Tested & Reviewed

November 18, 2020/Riley Draper Table of Contents

On the hunt for the best handgun safe? We’ve got you covered with this handy Top 10! Our experts have scoured high and low, looking for the best handgun and pistol safes on the market. We’ve made this selection based on various buying factors, including quality, value-for-money, easy-of-usage, reliability, and customer safe reviews. That is why we’re confident these pistol gun safes tick all the boxes and are the best deals to be found! Keep reading to discover our favorites!

Our team has ensured there is a match for every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for a classic pistol box with a punch-key lock or a smart biometric gun safe with a fingerprint scanner: there’s a perfect fit for your storage needs.

To make it even easier to find a match, we have divided this overview into 2 parts. Firstly, we’re highlighting our Editors’ Picks. These are 5 of our Editors’ favorite products, of which we’ll give an in-depth description of. Then, we’ll share 5 more pistol safes that tick all the boxes and offer real value. So, that’s 10 best-value handgun safes to choose from: a curated selection with something for every reader! 

Why do you need a handgun or pistol safe? Well, there are multiple benefits! Firstly, it will protect your guns from falling into the wrong hands (whether that’s your kids or burglars). Secondly, it allows you to keep your gun within close reach for self-defense or home-defense situations, for example when you mount or place the vault in/on your nightstand. Also, if you plan to take the handgun safe on a hunting trip, it will ensure your firearms are protected from the elements and won’t scratch during transport.

In a hurry? Here’s the test winner after 10 hours of research:

[amazon table=”20381″]

[amazon table=”20388″]

10 Best Pistol Safes – Overview

Discover more about our Top 10 Best Pistol Safes below, and upgrade to one of these top-rated models today!

[amazon table=”20381″]

[amazon table=”20388″]

Tip: Looking for more high-quality gun storage options? Then don’t forget to check out our other reviews on the Best Biometric Gun Safes, and Best Nightstand Gun Safes. Though these reviews feature similar products (as these are simply the best deals you’ll find), they could also provide some extra pointers on what to look for when buying a gun safe. For example, the Best Biometric Gun Safes review contains a handy Buying Guide section, with lots of info on features and functionality. You’re welcome! 

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1. RPNB DOJ-Certified Pistol Safe with RFID Quick Access

[amazon box=”B07FVMN3QV”]

  • Title: RPNB DOJ-Certified Pistol Safe with RFID Quick Access
  • Biometric Features: No
  • Exterior Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 1.8 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 1.62 inches
  • Weight: 4.75 lbs
  • Battery Type: 4 x AAA-batteries
  • Steel Thickness: 16-Gauge

Looking for a budget-friendly gun vault with high-end functionality? Then the RPNB DOJ-Certified Pistol Safe with RFID Quick Access could be your perfect fit. This sleek and streamlined design by RPNB is one of the more affordable pistol safes on the market, yet it doesn’t compromise on quality or ease-of-usage, which makes it a great deal for all gun owners.

The RPNB DOJ-Certified Pistol Safe measures 11 x 7 x 1.8 inches on the exterior, with an internal compartment size of 9 x 6.5 x 1.62 inches. Do note that this makes this pistol safe a bit on the smaller side, which means it may not fit all types of handguns. On the plus side, its compact sizing makes it ideal for travel and usage on-the-go. This safe also meets the TSA requirements for handgun safety in checked luggage, which is a bonus. However, don’t forget to double-check whether the vault’s smaller, travel-friendly dimensions are a match for your pistol and/or ammo!

3 Access Methods

The RPNB DOJ-Certified Pistol Safe offers 3 methods of unlocking: RFID activated via a key fob, accessible via the 3-digit keypad, and the door opens via a classic key lock. This safe does not have biometric features like a fingerprint scanner. Nevertheless, it’s 3 methods of entry are more than adequate to provide easy access to your gun, so we don’t see the lack of a biometric lock as a con.

The RPNB DOJ-Certified Pistol Safe with RFID Quick Access is made of 16-gauge carbon steel. The steel construction is finished with a durable powder-coated finish, which makes it corrosion-proof and less prone to scratches or abrasions. Furthermore, the safe is designed to be ‘tamper-proof’. The security box features anti-impact latches, a security cable to attach it to fixed objects, and has a welded, pry-proof steel body that’s been seamlessly welded to prevent break-ins.

The manufacturer is so confident about the quality of the safe, it backs the product with a 1-year warranty and after-sales 100% satisfaction guarantee. Which, especially for a safe this budget-friendly, is a big perk. Though, considering the hundreds of 5-star reviews, we reckon the chance of you being anything but 100% satisfied with this affordable pistol safe is very slim indeed!

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2. RPNB Quick-Access Firearm Safety Handgun Safe

[amazon box=”B07S8S9KCW”]

  • Title: RPNB Quick-Access Firearm Safety Handgun Safe
  • Biometric Features: No
  • Exterior Dimensions: 14.37 x 10.82 x 3.34 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 12 x 7.87 x 2.95 inches
  • Weight: 13.11 lbs
  • Battery Type: 4 x AA-batteries
  • Steel Thickness: 18-Gauge

The Quick-Access Firearm Safety Handgun Safe is another budget-friendly favorite by manufacturer RPNB. This safe is more spacious than the previously listed single handgun vault, whilst offering similar high-end perks. The sturdy silhouette measures 14.37 x 10.82 x 3.34 inches, with an interior compartment size of 12 x 7.87 x 2.95 inches. According to Amazon reviews, this safe is large enough to comfortably store 2 full-size handguns or a single gun with ammo (depending on the brand/model of your gun).

This affordable pistol safe offers a lot of bang for your buck. Though this security box is not biometric, you do get 4 different ways of opening the safe. These 4 ways are: via the included RFID key fob, the RFID key card, the backlit keypad electronic lock, or via the manual back-up keys.

The RPNB Quick-Access Firearm Safety Handgun Safe is surprisingly high-quality for a firearm safety box at this price-point. Though its 18-gauge steel construction may not be the thickest or most durable, it’s more than up to the task for keeping your guns safe and secured. Furthermore, the silhouette features a pry-resistant steel door, a dual-layer steel housing, and its steel body is seamlessly welded for maximum tamper resistance.

The Quick-Access Firearm Safety Handgun Safe by RPNB comes with pre-drilled mounting holes and a mounting hardware kit, allowing you to bolt it down for maximum security. The gun safe is also covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and 1-year warranty, should you encounter any issues with it. Which just shows that sometimes you can enjoy first-class service and value for economy pricing.

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3. Fort Knox FTK-PB Original Pistol Safe

[amazon box=”B004H6MKI8″]

  • Title: Fort Knox FTK-PB Original Pistol Safe
  • Biometric Features: No
  • Exterior Dimensions: 12.5 x 4.5 x 10.5 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 11.6 x 3.6 x 10.25 inches
  • Weight: 22 lbs
  • Battery Type: None
  • Steel Thickness: 10-Gauge

The best-selling Fort Knox FTK-PB Pistol Safe is a sturdy pistol box known for its outstanding quality standard and superb durability. Though this pistol box does not come with any fancy biometric features or RFID fobs, it still guarantees quick access with a Simplex® Mechanical Lock. This 5-button simplex locking mechanism is easy to use and very reliable. No frills, no batteries required: just classic protection and ultimate pry-resistance!

The high-quality Fort Knox FTK-PB Pistol Box Handgun Safe has a solid steel construction, made of heavy-duty 10 gauge steel with a 3/16″ steel door plate. The design is equipped with a gas strut, which assists when you open the door and gives even faster access to your weapon(s).

The FTK-PB Pistol Safe by Fort Knox measures 12.5 x 4.5 x 10.5 inches and weighs 22 lbs. The interior compartment of the vault measures 9.7 x 6.7 x 2.2 inches and should fit most full-size handguns and/or ammo. To help protect your weapons against scratches or abrasions, the interior compartment is also foam-lined to add cushioning.

Stylish powder-coated finish

The Fort Knox FTK-PB Pistol Safe comes with a textured powder-coated finish in antique silver. This powder-coated finish adds both a stylish touch and makes the safe more resistant to corrosion and abrasions. For extra security, the Fort Knox FTK-PB Pistol Safe is also mountable to any surface and features 4 pre-drilled bolt-down holes at the bottom.

It may not be as state-of-the-art as the previously listed RFID Quick Access Safes or the other Biometric Safes on this list, but when it comes to heavy-duty durability and security: the original Fort Knox Pistol Safe is nearly unbeatable. It’s solid, made of premium gauge steel, and looks the part. Plus, it’s lifetime warranty makes it a smart investment for many years to come…

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4. SentrySafe QAP1BE Biometric Pistol Safe

[amazon box=”B00EXQW672″]

  • Title: SentrySafe QAP1BE Biometric Pistol Safe
  • Biometric Features: Yes, Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
  • Exterior Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.9 x 3.2 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.9 x 3.2 inches
  • Weight: 12 lbs
  • Battery Type: 4 x AA-batteries
  • Steel Thickness: 12-Gauge

The SentrySafe QAP1BE Biometric Pistol Safe is a great-value biometric safe packed with high-end appeal. Granted, it’s not the most advanced biometric pistol safe on the market, but for its reasonable pricing, we think it’s certainly one of the best deals on biometric lock vaults you’ll find!

The SentrySafe QAP1BE Biometric Pistol Safe comes with a biometric fingerprint scanner and allows for 2 fingerprint users, meaning you can grant access to the vault for you, and another gun owner. The SentrySafe QAP1BE Biometric Pistol Safe operates on 4 x AA-batteries (not included).

The SentrySafe QAP1BE Biometric Pistol Safe measures 12.1 x 9.9 x 3.2 inches on the outside and 9.7 x 6.7 x 2.2 inches on the inside. According to Amazon reviews, this makes the safe spacious enough to hold up to 2 full-size handguns with extra room for additional mags or ammo, though this – of course – depends on the model/make of your firearms. The interior storage compartment of the pistol safe is lined with protective foam padding, preventing the contents from scratching or damaging. The SentrySafe features steel construction and is made of quality 12-gauge steel.

Biometric Fingerprint Scanner

The SentrySafe QAP1BE Biometric Pistol Safe is equipped with a high-quality biometric fingerprint scanner with great reliability. This biometric lock means that only the gun owner, or those programmed as fingerprint users, can open the vault. If you have kids roaming the house, this could be exactly the protection you need. Whilst little prying eyes may try to copy your code to a keypad, they won’t be able to get anywhere with a biometric safe. This adds an extra barrier of security between your weapons and unauthorized usage. Furthermore, a biometric lock also grants instant, fast access in the heat of the moment. Instead of fiddling with a code or key, a simple swipe of your finger is enough to unlock the gun safe.

Don’t worry: the SentrySafe QAP1BE Biometric Pistol Safe is also equipped with a digital keypad and override key to offer back-up entrance in case of issues with the fingerprint scanner or loss of battery life. Meaning you’re never truly locked-out and don’t have to worry about its modern biometric technology failing. We also appreciate that this biometric handgun safe comes with a compression gas strut, enabling single-handed and quiet access to your pistol/handgun for home defense purposes. 

Real value, sturdy construction, excellent durability, and more importantly: trustworthy reliability and quick access at the swipe of a finger. It’s easy to see why the SentrySafe QAP1BE Biometric Pistol Safe is one of Amazon’s best-selling products for secure gun storage!

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5. Vaultek VT20i Biometric Bluetooth Pistol Safe

[amazon box=”B01LY908Y4″]

  • Title: Vaultek VT20i Biometric Pistol Safe
  • Biometric Features: Yes, Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
  • Exterior Dimensions: 11.5 x 9 x 2.63 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 11 x 5.75 x 2 inches
  • Weight: 7.2 lbs
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable 18650 3.7V-2200 mAh battery
  • Steel Thickness: 16-Gauge

If you want a pistol safe packed with state-of-the-art features, then consider the Vaultek VT20i as a prime contender. This smart biometric safe offers various innovative features, such as interior LED light illumination, and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you carefully track any tamper alerts. If you like gadgets, we’re pretty confident you will love the Vaultek VT20i. 

Fortunately, the Vaultek VT20i Bluetooth Pistol Safe is just as functional as it is fancy. The compact safe offers secure storage of a full-size handgun and optional ammo/mags, depending on the model. The inside compartment measures 11 x 5.75 x 2 inches and has an interior light. According to Amazon reviews and the manufacturer, the Vaultek VT20i can accommodate a wide range of pistols and handguns, such as the Ruger SR1911, a Glock 17, and more. That said, we do recommend you double-check whether your pistol/handgun will fit, as this vault is slightly more compact than others on the market. 

The Vaultek VT20i Bluetooth Pistol Safe offers multiple ways of gaining quick access to its contents. The pistol safe can be unlocked using the biometric fingerprint scanner. This biometric lock can store up to 20 unique fingerprint profiles. The safe can also be opened using the keypad function. This backlit keypad features a built-in proximity sensor, causing it to light up when it senses your hand is close. Additionally, you can also open the vault via the concealed key-slot using the included backup keys. 

Bluetooth Tamper Alerts

A clever feature of the Vaultek VT20i Pistol Safe is its Bluetooth connectivity. You can view the vault’s statistics via your phone using a Bluetooth connection. For example, what is the safe’s remaining battery life? However, one of the best features of this Bluetooth connectivity is the ability to review tamper alerts. The device automatically logs unauthorized attempts to access the safe’s contents. This enables you to keep track of anyone trying to pry open your vault via wrong codes, resets, fingerprint scans, and more.

The Vaultek VT20i Pistol Safe has steel construction and a 16-gauge steel body. The pistol safe is precision-engineered to prevent any tampering. It comes with 2-point anti-impact latches and anti-pry bars to resist break-in tools. 

The Vaultek VT20i is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, making spare batteries a thing of the past. The Vaultek VT20i includes a rechargeable 18650 3.7V-2200 mAh battery and a charging/charger kit. The battery delivers up to 4 months of battery life on a single charge and takes approximately 2.5 hours to full recharge. 

Rechargeable and innovative, yet also durable and sturdy: the Vaultek VT20i is the perfect blend between old-school gun vaults and high-end biometric gadgets. If you want a gun lock box that offers the best of both worlds, this popular and best-selling design could be your ideal fit.

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6. GunVault GVB1000 Minivault Biometric Pistol Safe

[amazon box=”B001ABLN4A”]

  • Title: GunVault GVB1000 Minivault Biometric Pistol Safe
  • Biometric Features: Yes – Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
  • Exterior Dimensions: 12 x 8.25 x 5.25 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 inches
  • Weight: 9 lbs
  • Battery Type: 1 x 9V-battery
  • Steel Thickness: 16-Gauge

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7. BARSKA Biometric Gun Safe

[amazon box=”B002AQ0PFW”]

  • Title: BARSKA Biometric Gun Safe
  • Biometric Features: Yes – Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
  • Exterior Dimensions: 14.63 x 16.5 x 8 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 12.25 x 16.38 x 6.88 inches
  • Weight: 26.55 lbs
  • Battery Type: 4 x AA-batteries
  • Steel Thickness: 14-Gauge

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8. Verifi Smart.Safe. S5000 Biometric Pistol Safe

[amazon box=”B07VMTSBVD”]

  • Title: Verifi Smart.Safe. S5000 Biometric Pistol Safe
  • Biometric Features: Yes – Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
  • Exterior Dimensions: 13.2 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 13 x 9.5 x 7.3 inches
  • Weight: 23.4 lbs
  • Battery Type: 4 x AA-batteries
  • Steel Thickness: 8-Gauge and 14-Gauge

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9. GunVault Speedvault SVB500 Biometric Pistol Safe

[amazon box=”B006OGOHD0″]

  • Title: GunVault Speedvault SVB500 Biometric Pistol Safe
  • Biometric Features: Yes – Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
  • Exterior Dimensions: 13 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 2.6 inches
  • Weight: 1.1 lbs
  • Unique Fingerprints: 20
  • Battery Type: 1 x 9V-battery
  • Steel Thickness: 18-Gauge

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10. Viking Security Safe VS-50BLX Pistol Safe

[amazon box=”B018X5MM5E”]

  • Title: Viking Security Safe VS-50BLX Pistol Safe
  • Biometric Features: Yes – Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
  • Exterior Dimensions: 19.69 x 13.78 x 12.21 inches
  • Interior Dimensions: 19.29 x 12.5 x 9.25 inches
  • Weight: 48 lbs
  • Unique Fingerprints: 32
  • Battery Type: 4 x AA-batteries
  • Steel Thickness: 6-Gauge and 11-Gauge

Check Latest Price

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Verdict

This is the part where we would normally pick a product to crown as ‘the best’. However, on this occasion, we find it impossible to pick the best gun safe from this line-up: all these 10 designs are worthy of your time, money, and attention. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as each gun owner has different preferences and priorities.

That is exactly why we recommend you carefully consider which buying factors are most important to you. Would you prefer a classic gun safe with a keypad or push-button lock mechanism or is a fancy safe with a biometric scanner more to you taste? Also, consider what size the vault needs to be. If you only want to store a small gun, a travel-sized design like the RPNB DOJ-Certified Pistol Safe with RFID Quick Access could be a seamless fit. However, if you have long guns and/or want to store extra ammo and mags, you may want to consider sizing up to a more spacious safe, like the BARSKA Biometric Gun Safe.

The most important buying factors to consider are:

  • Size (what capacity do you need)
  • Material and Thickness (what gauge steel/thickness do you prefer)
  • Weight (does the safe need to be portable/travel-friendly)
  • Type of Locking System (Push Button/Simplex Lock/Combination Lock/Biometric Fingerprint Scanner/Keypad/RFID Keyfob or Card/Backup Keys, etc.)
  • Mounting Options (does the safe needs to come with pre-drilled holes for mounting)
  • Extra Features (Tamper Alerts, Silent Mode, Bluetooth Connectivity, Interior Light, etc.)

Once you’ve determined which features you want, and which are less important, it will be a whole lot easier to find the perfect pistol safe for your gun storage. Simply match your requirements to one of the Top 10 Best Pistol Safes from our overview and voila: you’ve found a great deal. Yes, that may sound deceivingly simple, but since we’ve already done all the hard research work and review trawling for you, it really is that straightforward.

Winner

To recap, we’d recommend any of these 10 Best-Value Pistol & Handgun Safes for at-home and on-the-go usage:

[amazon table=”20381″]

[amazon table=”20388″]

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Riley Draper

Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains.

Riley Draper

Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. When he's not writing, he's probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains.

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