The feeling of shooting a weapon is unique. Once your hunting party is over or the targets are holed, you will need to clean and store your weapons. For this, the law requires you to keep them in a secure safe.
These days, you can find secure cabinets in many stores. However, depending on your practice and the type of guns you have, not all will be right for you and not all will fit into your budget. But you can actually get one of the best gun safes under $500 on the market. It is however necessary to carefully follow a purchase guide and read the characteristics of the safes to get the best there is on offer. For more clarity, we have selected some low budget flagship products in the current market.
Contents
Best Gun Safes Under $500
1. Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe – Best Biometric Safe
The Quick Access rifle safe is designed to keep weapons out of the reach of children and adolescents. At the same time, it’s designed to be quickly accessible in case of emergency.
Experts recognize the Barska AX11652 for its incredible aperture biometric reader that is capable of storing 120 different fingerprints. Its lock takes barely 2.5 seconds to open. You just need to press the reader with your finger, avoiding delays in looking for keys or trying to recall keys in extreme situations.
It is built with a strong 2mm 100% steel frame and 3 lever-resistant door bolts. This guarantees the safety of your weapons. It offers the peace of mind of keeping them out of the reach of an intruder.
This safe offers one of the best security solutions and quick access to weapons for domestic environments. The Barska AX11652 is designed to neatly store up to 4 rifles or shotguns in its main compartment. It has a four-position rest to achieve the perfect accommodation.
Its upper tray is designed to store a handgun, ammunition, or whatever you want to include in it. If required, you can remove this tray by expanding the main compartment.
The Barska AX11652 safe includes an access beep sound that alerts of its opening. However, if you activate the stealth mode, you’ll make the box open silently and thus not alert the intruder of your movements.
The safe comes with four mounting holes on its back to fix it to the wall. This prevents it from being dropped or stolen. To install the safe, place it in the chosen place, and with the door open and its back attached to the wall, mark with a pencil the position of the holes where it is anchored. Then remove the safe and drill with a drill in the marks made. Next, insert some plastic dowels in the holes. Position the safe again in its place and screw the four screws that are included with the box. With these simple instructions, the Barska AX11652 will remain firm and secure in the chosen place. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features:
- 2 backup emergency keys
- Set of 4 AA batteries
- An external battery pack that allows access in an emergency
- Wall fixing screws
- Barrel support for 4 rifles
- 2mm steel structure with a black finish
- Allows quick access in emergencies
- Opening alarm
- Biometric security system
- Stores up to 120 different fingerprints
- 1-year warranty
- It is not resistant to fire or water
2. RPNB Gun Security Safe – Best Quick Access Safe
This is a generic Chinese-made product that allows for keypad and biometric access. The RPNB Gun Security Safe is a simple device with a four-button keypad and a bypass lock.
The safe offers immediate access mode to your firearms, documents, and valuables right from the opening door.
Tough and ruggedly built, the safe is expertly built with sturdy steel. It will therefore provide long term shield to your firearms for many years. The safe has a durable black finish and doesn’t corrode, as advertised by the manufacturer. So, incorporation into any part of the interior is possible and easy.
It has smart, high capacity, and anti-theft protection with quick access for multiple handguns. The safe features a pry-resistant door with a housing made of double-layer steel, built like a tank. The steel body is seamlessly weld to prevent break-ins and pryings.
You have the option of unlocking this safe with either a key, a backlit keypad, an RFID key card, or an RFID key fob. The door of the safe, upon unlocking, pops open quickly and quietly, thanks to the built-in opening spring system. You can register up to 20 fingerprints on this safe. This means you can entrust it even to family members for home safety when you’re away.
Holes for installation to the floor are already pre-drilled. The product also comes with one-year warranty coverage with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Note that you will need four AA batteries which this device (it’s not included with the product). Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- 4-digit keypad
- Foam scratch protection
- Biometric fingerprint lock
- Built-in LED light
- Pre-drilled holes
- 4 point entry
- Lid opens automatically
- Tough and rugged
- Great anti-theft protection
- Double-layered construction
- Secure and easy to access
- Setting up a bit awkward
- Requires 4 AA batteries
3. Moutec Large Rifle Safe – Best Long Rifle Safe
The Moutec Large Rifle Safe is an electronic rifle safe with a keypad lock and key lock system. You will be able to place 5 long weapons here, with or without their scopes.
If you have weapons that you want to leave the scopes on, the four center slots should be more than enough for you. The foam rack will keep your gun in good condition. For the pickier, you can slip a soft cloth between the barrel and the rack to keep the surface of the barrel of your weapon intact.
You will need to fix your cabinet to the floor to be legal. Remember to seal the cabinet well with the kit provided to have no problem. For burglary security, the 14 gauge alloy steel metal panels will keep your weapons safe.
As with all safes in this type of range, the keys are not reproducible and you must keep them safe. Therein lies the only flaw (if you can call it that), with this chest.
One of the best affordable gun safes available on the market, the Moutec model is an inexpensive but reliable gun cabinet.
The practice of hunting or sport shooting does not necessarily imply owning a huge collection of weapons of all kinds. For large collections, the Moutec brand produces a safe that can be easily placed anywhere in your home.
At the top of the cabinet, you will find a small shelf. It is the perfect place to place some accessories for hunting or sport shooting. A little tip: place a silica bag at the bottom of the cabinet to act as a dehumidifier. It will absorb any moisture that will remain inside the cabinet and risk damaging your weapons. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features:
- 57 x 14 x 13.8 inches long safe
- Mounting hardware set
- 2 emergency keys
- Two lockbox key
- Small lockable box
- 4 AA Batteries included
- Code easy to reset
- Two ways to open the door
- Alerts to a wrong access
- Can fit 50″ long rifles
- Nothing to criticize
4. INVIE Large Gun Safe – Cheapest Gun Safe
With this safe from Invie, you can place up to 4 long rifle weapons. Also, it has a second small key safe inside to place bullets safely. However, care should be taken not to keep the key to this second safe within reach. To be on the safe side, keep it in another room.
As in other models of the brand, the rack is made of foam. Its lifespan may be lower than another version in wood or metal, but it has the advantage of protecting your weapons from scratches.
For the safety aspect, you can trust the expertise of Invie. Security is at the heart of this safe. The cabinet is burglar resistant.
For integration into your interior, have it at the back of your mind that this cabinet weighs 79.4 lbs. Your floor will therefore need to resist this additional load. With a height of 55 inches, 11.5 inches wide, and 11 inches deep, you can integrate it into your home like a small bookcase.
The door and body are made of 3mm thick sheet steel reinforcements to counter any attempted break-in by force. You will also need to secure your cabinet to the floor or wall. The easiest way will remain to anchor the cabinet to the floor with the fixing kit provided during purchase.
The downside however is that you wouldn’t find it comfortable storing up to 4 long rifles with the scopes mounted. Nonetheless, for its price, this is understandable and it remains our best cheap gun safe. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features:
- Includes a digital keypad
- Has a battery holder
- Reinforced steel wall
- Corrosion-resistant
- Small safe box
- Great value for money
- For handguns and ammo
- Easily programmable digital access
- Quick access
- Easy to install
- It’s hard fitting guns with scopes
5. Stack-On GCB-18C Steel 18-Gun Safe – Best Large Affordable Gun Safe
When the Stack-On brand appeared, it entered the hearts of hunters. The Stack-On brand has long supplied a set of equipment for various sports. Their development teams are always looking for the best options for the comfort and performance of their users.
The Stack-On GCB-18C strong cabinet is safe to store your firearms in complete safety. A certain number of legal rules govern the possession of weapons in one’s home. For example, your gun should not be loaded and should be kept in a locked safe. Your shells must also be in another place, also closed.
This cabinet allows you to store 18 long guns without scopes. Among these 18 weapons, 12 must have a length less than 124 centimeters, the others can measure up to 144 centimeters. The brackets are of good quality and your guns will be safe there. No unauthorized manipulation is possible with this safe. They will also be protected from dust or humidity if you place your box in a well-ventilated place and avoid cellars that are too humid, for example.
It has small shelves at the sides of the weapons. Here, you can store small equipment, a holster, or some accessories, such as a label dispenser for target shooting.
On the outside, the black look adds a clean, massive side to the cabinet. It is 55 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 21 inches deep. Its design allows you to store weapons in a very small space. It has a total weight (without weapons) of 75 pounds. So, you have to carefully choose the location it will occupy well. The floor should be strong enough. Do not install such a cabinet upstairs if you do not have a real slab.
You will also need to fix your cabinet to the floor or the wall. In most cases, a ground anchor is the easiest and most effective method of securing your gun box. Everything is provided in the kit.
Stack-On offers a high-security cabinet to store your firearms. The lock complies with the standards of the Californian department of justice which governs high-security locks. This guarantee of quality will allow you to sleep soundly and to entrust your weapons in a private enclosure without worries. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features:
- Electronic and key lock system
- Convertible security cabinet
- Padded shelves
- 3-way closing system
- Very affordable
- Electronic and key open methods
- Foam padded shelf compartments
- Plenty of space
- Very customizable
- Not fire-safe
- Installation experience a pain
Buyers Guide
Are you a professional shooter or a simple hunter or collector? To store your guns and ammunition safely, the gun cabinet is the must-have item. Whether you are an occasional hunter, collector, or legal holder of weapons, consider the following criteria.
Security Features
The most important criteria are the security features used. A safe that is not equipped with fool-proof resistance to unauthorized access is just a free-access cabinet. Security features that affect how the authorized are given access and the unauthorized are shut out are essential to look at. With a Quick Access biometric system, for example, users can gain entry into the cabinet within 2 to 3 seconds. Another great security feature is the alarm system that lets off after wrong access. It should also be possible for the alarm system to be easily turned off.
The security performance of a safe can be judged above all by its robustness and its protection system. Depending on the type of cabinet, there may be different types of shielding and walls. It is better to opt for robust and undeformable materials such as steel for this type of equipment. Some safes are fireproof, offering protection against fire while also optimizing the safety of the arms. Dimensionally stable, some cabinets for guns also include a double wall and an anti-tampering security system.
Locking Mechanism
Depending on the level of protection desired, there are several security systems to choose from on the market:
- Key or cylinder lock: More economical, this type of lock allows you to perfectly secure all your rifles. It is best to choose those with two sets of keys for more protection. The safes with key locks are very simple to use and reliable. Two keys are supplied with each safe.
- Electronic lock: Programmable, this locking system is very practical, especially if several people can access the cabinet.
- Biometric lock: this type of lock allows you to control the opening of your safe using your fingerprints;
- Combination locks: Some models of gun cabinets also offer combinations of locks for maximum protection. These locks open with a combination of numbers known only to the owner. The combination is programmable. A backup key is provided with some safes in case you forget the combination.
- Key lock and meter tubes: Key locks with 4-meter tubes provide double security because they require you to have the key and know the right combination. The 4 counting tubes with 20 numbers each allow up to 160,000 combinations.
- Disc lock: Safes with disc locks are designed for very high security. They open by making a series of numbers corresponding to turns of the dial.
Tip: Certain types of locks are covered by insurance and offer enhanced guarantees in the event of a break-in.
Size
When it comes to sizing, a few things are involved with a good gun safe. These include the:
- Storage capacity: To choose the gun cabinet that best suits your needs, you need to know its storage capacity. This way, you will be able to choose the cabinet that best suits you, depending on the number of guns you have. If you are a casual hunter, it is better to go for a small gun cabinet that holds 4 to 5 long firearms. On the other hand, if you are a gun collector, it is best to choose a cabinet with a large storage capacity.
- Weapons dimension: The size of the weapons will also be decisive in the choice of your gun cabinet. Some models may contain multiple weapons, such as shotguns, long guns, or rifles. To be sure you are making the right choice, it is best to measure the length of your guns in advance. Note that the number of guns storable, advertised by safe manufacturers, do not usually take into consideration the mounting of scopes during storage.
- Number of compartments and shelves: The number of compartments and shelves also matters in the choice of such equipment. Indeed, certain models of cabinets can contain several compartments to put all your guns and cartridges in a safe place. There are also large cabinets that include a highly secure, safe-integrated ammunition storage compartment(s) at the top. Some models also have removable shelves to suit your needs.
Material
Your gun cabinets must always be strong and armored (or almost, at least). Choosing the best budget gun safe doesn’t have to mean skimping on the quality and reinforcement of the material. After all, with a price ranging from $200 to $500, you should be able to get a dual-reinforced steel cabinet that can resist prying and break-in attempts.
The materials of manufacture of the gun cabinet must meet some criteria. They must have anti-fire, anti-humidity, and electronic locks with well-reinforced walls. You can opt for the mid-size models, which are intended for owners of a single or a few rifles. Larger models are intended for those with more than one weapon.
FAQs
What is the best gun safe for the money?
The best gun safe for the money has to come at an affordable price, offering everything the manufacturer advertises, and the gun collector or shooter needs. In addition to storing guns and cartridges, a good gun safe for the money can also be used as a shelter for your valuables. Some models are even equipped with an integrated safe with a separate lock for optimal protection. You can safely place your most valuable goods or ammunition there. For us, our overall best gun safe for the money is the RPNB Gun Security Safe. We like the quick access feature as well as the 4-digit keypad, foam scratch protection, and the Biometric fingerprint lock system.
Are gun safes worth the money?
Taking their practicality into consideration, gun safes are worth the money. Firearms cannot be left just anywhere in the home of a shooter where there are children or the possibility of an unexpected invasion, whether malevolent or not. Secondly, gun safes help keep your firearms and ammunition from getting rusty or inactive. All you need is a $20 dehumidifying silica gel product. So, with a budget of around $200 to $500, these cabinets are really worth the money, considering what they offer in aesthetics, safety, and protection.
What is the best home safe?
Our overall best home safe is the Barska Quick Access. This model, offered for an under 500 price, comes with a biometric fingerprint scanner, among other security features. It has pre-drilled holes on the back to allow easy wall mounting. We definitely recommend it.
Are gun safes easy to break into?
Depending on the criteria we emphasized that you consider in our buying guide, your chosen model of gun safe may be easy or hard to break into. For example, it’s hard for unauthorized persons with no pre-registered fingerprints to break into a biometric gun safe with this system. However, models that only use a card, keys, or combination locks whose codes and keys are easily accessible or known to third parties may be easily broken into.
Conclusion
To avoid any accident and break-in, many countries condition access to guns and issues a permit to obtain them. An essential element for hunters or collectors, the gun safe allows you to store your equipment in a secure place. With the best gun safe under $500, we have selected for you, you can have installed in your wardrobe or bedroom, a cabinet that optimizes the security level and protection of your firearms, while also improving the immediate decor.
