Best Gun Safe Under $500 [Tested & Reviewed – April 2024]

After thorough testing and review, I proudly present the best gun safe under $500 for April 2024! Secure your firearms without breaking the bank with these top-rated options.

From sturdy construction to advanced security features, each safe offers reliable protection for your firearms and peace of mind for you. Whether you’re a seasoned gun owner or just starting your collection, these safes are perfect for safeguarding your weapons at an affordable price.

Trust in my tested and reviewed recommendations to keep your firearms secure and accessible whenever you need them, all without exceeding your budget.

Top 7 Best Gun Safes Under $500

The truth is that there are many different safes out there and they vary in price and quality. So, before you make your purchase, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

The prices for these safes I’ve picked vary between $100 and $600-ish, but there are a few under 500 dollars you can choose from as well.

1. BIRKIN Large Biometric Rifle Safe – The Best Long Gun Safe Under $500

The size of this gun safe is perfect for storing my rifle, handgun, and ammunition without taking up too much space in my house. I recommend this safe to anyone with a small gun collection or who just wants to store their valuables in a secure place. The digital keypad on this safe is very easy to use.

The buttons are responsive too. Here is a quick overview of this safe. It has a fingerprint scanner, an alarm, a keypad, and a backup key. The safe also comes with pre-drilled holes for mounting to the wall or floor with the hardware included in the box.

Five built-in steel deadbolts are built into this gun safe that creates a 5-point locking system to protect your firearms from prying eyes, thieves, and children. Note that this safe gun weighs 104 pounds, and most of the weight is on the front. This makes it a front-heavy safe, so there is a slight chance of it tipping over.

In addition to its great appearance, the safe is also very sturdy. I don’t think someone could easily drill through the metal on this gun safe since it’s pretty thick gauge steel. Also, a sub-500-dollar gun safe like this uses 14-gauge carbon steel housing and 11-gauge carbon steel doors. Mind blown!

Pros

• It has mounting holes on the back and bottom
• Biometric, keypad, and backup key lock
• Anti-pry bars and rugged interior hinges
• You can easily store 3-5 rifles or shotguns

Cons

• No apparent cons

2. Barska Quick and Easy Access Biometric Safe – Best Rifle Safe Under $500

his safe offers 1.83 cubic feet of storage space, sufficient for most people’s needs, accommodating two rifles with optics comfortably.

One significant advantage is its reliable biometric fingerprint lock, providing quick access during emergencies without the need for keys or codes. The fingerprint reader can store up to 120 fingerprints, allowing multiple users in the household.

Constructed with compact steel, this DOJ-approved rifle safe is perfect for home use, providing excellent protection against theft and unauthorized access with its triple locking system and tamper-resistant inner edges.

However, it lacks interior padding, with only a floor mat provided. To enhance protection, users may consider installing a speaker carpet for improved padding.

Pros

• Decent and small quick-access rifle safe
• Fully steel construction
• Reliable biometric locking system
• Can store two rifles with accessories attached

Cons

• It has some quality control issues

3. Awesafe Gun Safe

This gun safe offers a secure, attractive, and well-designed storage solution for firearms, made of high-quality sturdy metal compared to others in its size and price range.

The interior features a sponge lining for added protection of the contents. It comes pre-drilled with mounting holes for easy installation.

With dimensions of 3.2 x 12.1 x 9.9 inches, it’s easy to mount or store and provides enough room for most handguns in its interior, measuring 2.2 x 9.7 x 6.7 inches. The package includes two heavy-duty lag bolts.

The fingerprint scanner and responsive touch keypad work well, accommodating up to 30 different fingerprints. You can also program a spouse’s fingerprints for access by using multiple fingers from both hands.

Upon access, a blue LED light illuminates the contents with a beautiful blue hue, and a gas strut ensures smooth and discreet opening and closing.

The safe offers three access methods: biometric fingerprint sensor for quick access during emergencies, keypad for password entry when the sensor is unavailable,

Pros

• Lighting for the interior with blue LEDs
• Gas strut door with smooth operation and convenience
• Providing three-way access
• Solid and attractive design

Cons

• Initial setup can be challenging

4. Vaultek MXi Biometric Handgun Safe

The next 500-dollar budget safe on our list is a high-capacity handgun safe from Vaultek. Some people might find the Vaultek MXi safe’s price tag a little steep, but its quality and features make it worth it.

This large handgun safe can store up to eight handguns, pistols, etc. The fingerprint scanner also allows you to gain access without remembering combinations or keys.

These quick-access handgun safes are tough and rugged, thanks to 12-gauge steel doors and 14-gauge steel bodies. It is also powder coated to ensure long-lasting protection and prevent rusting. This high-capacity handgun safe has many features that make it stand out.

There is no doubt that this safe will provide maximum protection against the most common types of break-ins because of its rock-solid construction. Furthermore, the device features dual anti-impact latches and anti-pry bars to provide advanced anti-theft protection.

The LCD screen provides users with quick visual feedback while they set their security code. In this case, a good and reliable battery is needed since there are electronics. It’s good that Vaultek offers a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will last a long time.

Despite the safe’s price tag of 500+ dollars, this feature alone justifies it. Compared to its cheaper counterparts, this Vaultek is exponentially superior in terms of quality.

Pros

• You can store up to eight handguns in it.
• The interior can be customized to your liking.
• The latest anti-theft technology.
• Steel construction that is strong and rugged.
• LCD screen and user-friendly controls

Cons

• Pricey

5. RPNB Quick Access 5-Gun Rifle Safe

The RPNB rifle safe is one of the best 500-dollar gun safes on the market for storing rifles. Why? Because it’s large enough to hold up to 5 rifles, and it’s also deep enough to store your ammunition and other accessories. The safe is made of steel and has a thick door that can’t be easily broken into.

This one seems to be the strongest one in this 500-dollar price range. It is a basic model, and it is not fireproof. But it does have a heavy-duty locking system and a steel plate on the door. It also has five live bolts that provide extra security, which is very important for any safe.

In addition to being corrosion-resistant, the rocky black finish gives it a professional appearance, making it easy to mix and match.

You can lock it away with the electronic keypad by creating your own code of 3 or 8 digits, or you can lock it with the backup key in case you forgot the code. In order to ensure your safety, if three incorrect entries are made, the yellow light will light up with beeps, and the safe will time out and sleep for twenty seconds.

Pros

• The locking mechanism that provides reliable security
• An attractive, durable black rocky finish
• A sturdy 16-gauge carbon steel construction provides strength and durability
• Compared to similar gun safes, this one is larger and deeper

Cons

• Features similar to a gun locker

6. Langger V Gun Safe for Rifle

This spacious gun safe allows you to store all your firearms in one place conveniently. It stands out due to its bigger and deeper size compared to similar safes, making it suitable for various locations. The design permits the mounting of optics on top or rail mounts for firearms with attached optics or scopes.

Priced below 500 dollars, this rifle safe is an excellent choice for securely storing firearms away from children and strangers. It offers ample space to accommodate multiple weapons and valuables.

The safe’s position racks are set lower to fit longer rifles and shotguns. It comes with a small lockbox for storing small, valuable items, along with removable shelves. With capacity for four to five long weapons and attachments, including scopes and sights, it ensures versatile storage options.

For convenience, you can connect an external battery pack from the outside, enabling keypad access if the internal battery dies. This Langger safe is truly functional and spacious, setting it apart from similar safes under 500.

Pros

• The rifle safe has a removable storage shelf
• Weapons such as rifles and shotguns can be stored easily
• The inner edges are tamper-resistant
• Mounting holes are pre-drilled for ease of installation
• An extra battery pack is included

Cons

• It will be necessary to pad the safe with some material underneath

7. Stack On GCWB-10-5-DS 10 Gun Security Cabinet

The Stack-On GCWB-10-5-DS is an affordable alternative for those willing to compromise on quick-access and biometric options and storage capacity. It utilizes a physical key for access but still provides enough room for a limited collection of long guns.

On the other hand, the Stack-On GCB-910 offers a solid build with reliable mounting options. It features an overhead shelf for storing handguns, ammo, and accessories. The door hinges are of good quality, and the interior includes a foam barrel rest to prevent scratches. While the steel may not be as thick as some other safes on the list, it is still suitable considering the price.

With the shelf positioned at the back of the cabinet, longer guns can be stored in the front. The bottom is padded to ensure the weapons are kept in good condition. Once bolted down to the floor, the cabinet is very sturdy.

This gun cabinet employs a key-coded triple-point locking system with a double-bitted lock, enhancing security. The black epoxy paint finish with gold accents gives it an attractive appearance, making it suitable for almost any room in the house. Its slim design allows it to fit easily in most places.

Pros

• Compared to more expensive gun safes, this is a great and affordable alternative
• Key-coded, double-bitted 3-point locking system
• Barrel rests, and the bottom of the safe are padded with foam
• The top shelf can be removed to provide additional storage

Cons

• Lightweight

Choosing The Best Gun Safe Under 500 Dollars – A Definitive Buyer’s Guide

The first step in finding the best gun safes under 500 dollars is determining what size will work best for your needs. Can I get a gun safe with good protection without spending more than 500 bucks?

This is a difficult question to answer. There are many factors that come into play when you are looking for a gun safe, and some of them are not really related to the price. The best way to answer this question is by answering the following questions:

• How much protection do you want?
• What size do you need?
• What type of guns do you have?
• How many guns do you have?
• Do you need fire protection?
• Do you need waterproof protection?
• Do you want an electronic lock or a key lock?

The process of picking gun safes under 500 dollars was not an easy one. While I had a few requirements, they were not too particular, and I was willing to compromise on some features. Let me break it down for you.

Facts About $500 Gun Safes

A $500 gun safe serves the simple purpose of deterring smash-and-grab burglaries by being tough enough to prevent easy access.

Security Features

$500 safes usually come with basic security features such as a locking mechanism, basic steel construction, and locking pins.

Steel Gauge & Thickness

In this price range, most safes are made from steel between 14 and 18 gauges, with many having 16 gauge steel.

Reliable Locking Mechanism

A reliable locking mechanism is crucial for any gun safe, regardless of its size or price. In this range, locks are typically unbranded and outsourced, so their effectiveness can vary.

Fire Protection

Finding fire-rated gun safes under $500 is challenging; for fire protection, you may need to increase your budget to around $1000.

Warranty Period

The warranty offered by the manufacturer can give you an idea of the product’s quality and the manufacturer’s confidence in it.

Gun Safe Accessories

Budget safes lack some features of higher-end models, so you might consider adding accessories like handgun hangers, door storage, or a dehumidifier.

Mounting Holes

Anchoring the safe is recommended to enhance security, especially since some safes in this range have smaller footprints and heavier doors.

Location

Ensure you have enough space in your desired location for the safe before purchasing it. Check cabinets, shelves, and depth to accommodate the safe’s size and weight.

Who Should Buy A Sub-$500 Gun Safe?

A small collection of firearms owned by parents or grandparents. With kids around, gun cabinets and safes aren’t really optional, but you need to ensure your budget is adequate.

A simple, sub-$500 gun safe or cabinet will usually suffice if your only goal is to keep children out of your firearms. It’s not necessary to have any whiz-bang features or quick entry in these situations – just a place you can lock your firearms away from little hands.

An easy-to-use gun storage solution for gun owners. Under $500, you’ll be limited to a limited number of features, so you’ll need to prioritize your most important features if you’re shopping for gun safes.

It is possible to get a quick entry with less storage available, but there are options. You might not be able to choose things like biometric entry or double doors if you need more storage. Getting clear on your priorities and finding the safe with the specific feature you want is essential if you have a limited budget.

FAQs

The Bottom Line

If you do not own high-end or expensive guns, a gun safe is still an essential part of your collection – it’s important that you are prepared to safely store the firearms you do own.

Overall, finding the best gun safe under $500 can be a challenging task, but with careful research and consideration, you can secure your firearms and valuables without breaking the bank. In this updated guide for May 2023, we have tested and reviewed various gun safes to help you make an informed decision.