The State acknowledges the need for individuals to own a gun for safety purposes. However, if you decide on getting one, you’ll need to understand the responsibility that comes with it. That’s why if you want to keep your long guns or your handguns safe, you’ll want to make sure they’re unreachable from kids or intruders. Luckily, there are lots of safe boxes in the market designed to do that.
From advanced biometric safety features to classic, traditional safes, your options are unlimited. In terms of value, many safe models today offer high-end performance without going overboard in terms of budget. However, picking the one for you might get more challenging, that’s why we have reviewed and listed the top five best bang for the buck gun safes readily available for you to choose from.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stack-On 18-Gun Cabinet | Stack-On has been a popular choice for the gun safe market for over 40 years. And we cannot agree more. The STACK-ON 18-GUN CABINET is designed for the convenience and comfort of all gun enthusiasts. Stack-on does not sacrifice cost for value. | ||
| SECUREIT Agile Model 52 | The Agile Model 52 is the easiest safes to install because it comes flat and ready to assemble. This way, you can fit your safe easily into the space you want to put it. The assembly makes it safer as there are no bolts on the outside. | ||
| AmazonBasics Security Safe Box | The AmazonBasics Security Safe Box is a bang for the buck gun safe on the market. It has a digital keypad that requires batteries to power on. In case the batteries run out, you can still gain access by using the two override keys available. This gun safe is made out of high-quality steel, which makes it durable and long-lasting. | ||
| Fort Knox FTK-PB | This small but functional product is one of them in the gun safe industry. With reinforced steel plates, the Fort Knox FTK-PB becomes sturdy and hard to move. But in case you need to reach your weapon quickly, its Simplex lock will allow you to for about 1.5 seconds. | ||
| Sentry Safe QAP2BEL Gun Safe | The QAP2BEL is a perfect combination of a traditional design incorporated with modern technology. The lock uses a biometric system, which requires you to scan your fingerprint to open it. It also comes with a keypad that you can use if deemed necessary or preferred. |
Detailed Reviews on the Top 5 Best Bang for the Buck Gun Safe
Stack-On 18-Gun Cabinet
Product Highlights
Stack-On has been a popular choice for the gun safe market for over 40 years. And we cannot agree more. The STACK-ON 18-GUN CABINET is designed for the convenience and comfort of all gun enthusiasts. Stack-on does not sacrifice cost for value. This stack-on cabinet is standard- approved by the California Department of Justice for safely storing firearms.
The Good
This Stack-On 18-Gun Cabinet is multifunctional. It can hold up to 18 long guns, but it can also be adjusted to store nine long guns an extra space for your gun accessories, or for additional valuables you might want to keep safe. Furthermore, the interior of the safe is set to hold each of the gun barrels.
This way, you won’t need to worry about scratches and damages. The Stack-On 18-Gun Cabinet is one of the most affordable options on the market. Thus, this tops our best bang for the buck gun safes list.
The Bad
The one disadvantage of this safe is that it uses a traditional lock and key instead of using more up-to-date systems like combination code or biometric scanning.
PROs
- Approved by the California Department of Justice
- The safe is multifunctional
- Can hold up to 18 long guns
- Not expensive
CONs
- Uses traditional lock and key
SECUREIT Agile Model 52
Product Highlights
The Agile Model 52 is the easiest safes to install because it comes flat and ready to assemble. This way, you can fit your safe easily into the space you want to put it. The assembly makes it safer as there are no bolts on the outside. It utilizes a modular Cradle Grid, which allows you to store your firearms and make sure they don’t get scratched or damaged. Another plus for this gun safe is that it’s not on the priciest in the market, and shipping is also not expensive.
The Good
There are a lot of factors that excite us with the Agile Model 52. Unlike traditional gun safes, this model is both robust and durable, yet lightweight enough so you can move it anytime you want. It has a keypad lock system for maximum security. However, in case you forget your passcode, you can still open your safe with the given backup keys.
If you’re looking for flexibility, this model won’t disappoint you as well. It comes with an adjustable storage system, which is very handy when storing different sizes of rifles and long guns. Another advantage of the Agile Model 52 is its louvered back panel grid, which allows you to reach your long gun without the need to move everything else.
The Bad
The Agile Model 52 can only hold up to six long guns at a time. So if you’re a hunter with a massive collection of firearms, you might need to give this one a pass.
PROs
- Ultralight gun safe
- Programmable keypad with hidden key override
- KnockDown technology for quick assembly
- Can store up to 6 firearms
- Comes standard with CradleGrid Tech
CONs
- Limited storage capacity
AmazonBasics Security Safe Box
Product Highlights
The AmazonBasics Security Safe Box is a bang for the buck gun safe on the market. It has a digital keypad that requires batteries to power on. In case the batteries run out, you can still gain access by using the two override keys available. This gun safe is made out of high-quality steel, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
The safe is quite easy to use, with displays that show whether it’s locked or not. Furthermore, you can organize the interior as you wish because it comes with a removable panel that gives you extra storage options.
The Good
In addition to the many features we like about the AmazonBasics Safe Box, one factor that stands out the most is its security safe features with two live-door bolts, a pry-resistant steel door, and pry-resistant concealed hinges. These significant design elements help prevent burglars from retrieving the contents of the safe. Its black finish also gives it a sleek look, which many gun owners like.
The Bad
Some owners reported malfunctions on the keypad. But there are just a few instances recorded. Overall, the performance of the AmazonBasics Safe Box will not disappoint.
PROs
- Steel construction
- Includes mounting hardware
- Reprogrammable keypad access with 2 override keys
- Electronic lock with 2 live-door bolts and pry-resistant hinges
- Removable/adjustable interior shelf
CONs
- Few reports on keypad malfunctions
Fort Knox FTK-PB
Product Highlights
This small but functional product is one of them in the gun safe industry. With reinforced steel plates, the Fort Knox FTK-PB becomes sturdy and hard to move. But in case you need to reach your weapon quickly, its Simplex lock will allow you to for about 1.5 seconds. This comes in handy, especially during the nightly intrusion. The folded corners pose an added challenge if someone is trying to force the gun safe open.
The Good
The Fort Knox FTK-PB is one of the flagship products of the Fort Knox brand. Although relatively small in shape, this gun safe offers maximum protection and security for your handgun. Its Simplex lock technology is one thing I applaud this product for.
During emergencies, the last thing you’d want is to wait for your safe to open before you can use your weapon to protect yourself. Everything in this product is of high quality. But don’t be fooled. It won’t hurt your pocket, unlike the other gun safes of its kind.
The Bad
The downside of the Fort Knox FTK-PB is it has less than 1,100 possible combinations for a passcode, which makes it a bit vulnerable in that regard. Another thing to consider is water damage. Since it does not have waterproof functions, water can easily damage its surface.
PROs
- It is sturdy
- CA firearms safety device approved
- Simplex mechanical lock
- Made in the USA
CONs
- Only 1,100 possible combinations for the code
- No waterproof protection
Sentry Safe QAP2BEL Gun Safe
Product Highlights
The QAP2BEL is a perfect combination of a traditional design incorporated with modern technology. The lock uses a biometric system, which requires you to scan your fingerprint to open it. It also comes with a keypad that you can use if deemed necessary or preferred. In addition, this gun safe comes in two different kinds, one for holding just one gun and another with enough space for two.
The Good
The SentrySafe QAP2BEL has everything I need in a bang for the buck gun safe. The reinforced steel provides the durability you need while the foam-lined interior keeps your firearms from away any damage. This gun safe allows easy installation if you want to bolt it down for additional security. If you like mobility, carrying this gun safe is very convenient.
The Bad
Biometric identification is useful for people who tend always to forget numerical codes. However, for the SentrySafe QAP2BEL, its biometric scanner relies solely on batteries for power. So make sure to always have a fresh one in case the batteries run low.
PROs
- Biometric scanner
- Quick access
- Long-lasting strength
CONs
- Relies on batteries for power
Reasons Why You Should Own A Safe
Although the State allows you to own a gun, your safety and those around you become your responsibility. So here are a few reasons why you need a gun safe at home.
Child Safety
Children are always curious. Not having a secured gun safe can mean easy access to youngsters. If your kids get a hold of your gun, that will lead to a tragedy you would not want. So secure your arms and keep them always locked away from your child’s reach.
It Will Keep You Safe
Without a gun safe, there are only a few places you can hide a handgun at home. If you own a rifle, however, it might be hard to keep it away from plain sight. When an intruder finds his way inside your home and locates your weapon, he can use it to hard you and your loved ones. Someone you know might also sneak out your gun to use it for illegal activities. So to avoid such problems, having a gun safe is an absolute must.
It’s the Law
Before you buy a gun, always check the legalities that come with it. Many states have different specific requirements when it comes to gun ownership. So be sure to follow these specifications to be in line with state and city laws. And of course, to avoid any penalties that come with it.
Protect Your Investment
We all know that guns aren’t cheap. So if you just tuck it in the corner, it will not keep your weapon in top shape. Gun safes negate this worry, especially those with fire and waterproof protection features.
Final Thoughts
Gun safety should be the number one priority of every gun owner. Before deciding which gun you want to purchase, you should first be looking at how you’re going to store it properly. Keeping your weapons locked up securely not only prevents possible misuse, especially from younger family members but more so, it also lessens the possibilities of theft.
Handguns and rifles can be an expensive investment. So you need to give a bit of your effort to take care of your arms. Your safe may even keep your gun protected from unforeseen events, like floods and fires. Not to mention, gun safes can also be utilized to store other valuables, like jewelry, mementos, and other expensive hobby valuables. We hope our detailed list of the pros and cons helped you in your search for the best bang for the buck gun safe for you.