Best In Wall Gun Safes In 2022 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Gun safes are amazing at keeping your firearms locked and protected. But most of the large gun safes that you find on the market have one major limitation; They are massive. And as I always say – if someone knows where you keep your guns, it is not exactly safe.

Don’t get me wrong; I love gun safes and everything that it brings. It is extremely secure, and breaking into a top-tier gun safe is not exactly an easy task. And even if a burglar does try to break into your safe, it buys you valuable time to respond to the situation.

But what if there was a way to store your firearm completely out of sight. Even when your firearm is in the room, finding it will be difficult for anyone other than yourself. That can only be made possible if you go with the best in wall gun safe.

What Are In-Wall Safes?

In wall gun safes are discreet units that sit flush against the wall. So you can place a painting over it, and no one would be able to tell that there is a gun safe under it. Installing these units is a bit troublesome, ill admit, but it is a fantastic investment nonetheless.

If all this sounds appealing to you, then this article is exactly what you need. Here I will discuss some of the top-rated gun safes that are designed to sit on the wall discreetly and offer the highest level of protection for your firearms. So without further ado, let us get started.

Why Choose In-Wall Gun Safes?

Safes installed in walls have the added benefit of being easy to conceal. By doing this, someone will not be able to stumble upon the locked safe and figure out how to open it. They’re also harder to steal since they’re usually bolted to the wall.

With in-wall safes, you don’t have to worry about extra floor space, so you can keep your closet for actual clothes. I’m not the only one with a basement full of camping gear and excessive holiday decorations, right?

Top 5 In Wall Gun Safes Reviewed

There used to be a time that in wall gun safes were expensive and rare. Thankfully, those days are long behind us, and if you want discretion, you do not have to cough up huge sums of money for it. Then again, as the price of these safes came down, so did the quality of many options.

So, I always suggest caution when you are in the market for in wall gun safes. You should never commit to a specific gun safe without understanding the nitty-gritty of the model. Needless to say, it can get pretty tiring.

So let me lend a hand and make things easier for you by giving you a complete breakdown of some of the top in wall gun safes on the market.

1. SnapSafe in Wall Gun Safe and Money Safe

If you are looking for a truly high-end in wall gun safe, then look no further than the brand SnapSafe. They have been on my radar for a long while, and the low-profile, discreet design of this particular model is what got me into them in the first place. Offering a good balance of price and performance, the SnapSafe in wall gun safe is a true masterpiece.

It features a 14 gauge thick solid steel body along with a .15 inch thick door. So brute-forcing your way through this gun safe is next to impossible. Besides, if someone does try to break their way into this safe, the two solid steel locking bolts will deter any of their attempts.

The primary security mechanism of the same consists of an electronic lock. To access the gun safe, you need to use an access code that you have set up with the digital keypad. Don’t worry; you will also get a set of backup keys to open it up manually if you forget your code.

The interior design is decent, giving you three shelves to store all your items inside it. Since the shelves are removable and adjustable, you can set up the interior any way you want. Another great thing about the safe is that it comes with a secret compartment under the bottom shelf which you can use to store small, sensitive items such as cash or jewelry.

This gun safe requires four AA batteries to enable the electronic features. The thing that I love most about this safe is its completely flush design. Once you set it up and place a painting over it, nobody will be able to guess that there is a gun safe hidden in the room.

Highlighted Features:

• Flush and discreet design
• Comes with an electronic keypad
• Includes backup keys
• Features a false-bottom hidden compartment

2. Protex PWS-1814E Electronic Keypad Wall Safe

The Protex PWS-1814E is another fine entry if you want to pick up a discreet wall safe to hide your weapons or sensitive items like cash or jewelry. It does not come with many over-the-top features like biometrics or automated alarms. However, if you are looking for top-notch security in a minimalist package, this gun safe will not disappoint you.

Firstly, it is built like a tank. The alloy steel body of the gun safe really puts in the work at preventing unauthorized access inside it. It also has two 3/4 inches thick, live locking bolts that are motorized to offer real-time protection against any tamper attempts. So, whatever you put inside will stay inside until you say otherwise.

Similar to the last product I talked about, the Protex in wall gun safe features an electronic keypad. Setting up your access code is easy and resetting the code if you forget it is also quite simple. As a backup, you get two manual keys to open up the gun safe if the battery dies.

Inside the gun safe, you get around .44 cubic feet of storage space which is deceptively large for a safe of this size. The two internal shelves are removable to offer you more space if you want to store a couple of long guns inside them. Personally, I store only a couple of handguns inside it, so the shelves stay on.

An interesting feature in the unit is its internal LED that allows you to see clearly if you open the safe during nighttime. This can be pretty useful if you want to get to your gun without alerting the intruders. The electronic features of the unit require four AA batteries to function properly.

Highlighted Features:

• Strong and sturdy build quality
• Removable shelves offer more storage space
• Features internal LED lights
• The motorized lock opens the door smoothly

3. V-Line Closet Vault II Gun Safe & in-Wall Cabinet

While there is nothing wrong with a small or moderately sized gun safe, you have to admit that it does not allow enough space to store long guns. If that seems like a problem to you, then I would recommend going with the Close Vault II Gun Safe by the brand V-Line. It should give you ample storage space for your AR or Shotguns.

The build quality of the safe is amazing, giving you a 14-gauge solid steel door to prevent any unauthorized entry. Its three-point locking system, in addition to the anti-pry bars along the inner side of the gun safe, gives you perfect protection against any sort of drill or pry attacks.

One thing I really love about the gun safe is its completely mechanical design. I have always been a fan of the Simplex Combination Locking System, and with this unit, you get the Genuine Kaba model of it. So, you do not need to worry about any batteries or power to keep the primary security running in this gun safe.

The interior of the safe comes with an adjustable shelf at the top along with a foam gun rack to hold your long guns steady. It also has a half-rack inside, which can come in handy for storing a couple of rounds of magazines. However, the interior is not padded, so you might want to be careful with how you set things up inside the shelf.

Another thing you want to keep in mind; this safe does not sit flush against the wall. Instead, it protrudes out about two inches which can be a bad thing for those who want utmost discretion. However, if your priority is interior spacing, this extra width gives it more space inside the gun safe.

Highlighted Features:

• Features Genuine Kaba Simplex combination lock
• Removable and adjustable shelves
• Massive interior space
• Protrudes two inches from the wall

4. Barska Biometric Fingerprint Security Wall Safe

From the brand that brought you many of the high-security, affordable gun safes in the world comes another top-notch unit that you can put inside your wall. This in wall safe by the brand Barska is a popular choice among gun owners because of its blend of performance, style, and price.

This gun safe features strong and sturdy construction, complete with a heavy-duty steel frame and anti-pry steel deadbolts. It comes with concealed door hinges that offer twofold benefits. Firstly, it deters intruders trying to pry it open. And secondly, it gives it a more discreet appearance.

However, the thing that stands out the most about this gun safe is its biometric fingerprint scanner. The scanner is responsive and quite accurate at picking up the right fingerprint. It seems that Barska really went out of its way to bring you biometric security at an affordable price.

The interior spacing in this gun safe is pretty decent but not the best. It comes with two removable shelves on the inside, but to be honest, the space feels a little cramped. On the plus side, though, the interior is fully carpeted, which means whatever you put inside it will not get scratched or damaged in any way.

Overall, this is a pretty solid pickup if you are on a tight budget. Finding a gun safe with biometric security at such a price is almost laughable. The biometric features of the safe require four AA batteries to work. But don’t worry, you get a set of keys as a backup if you forget to install the batteries.

Highlighted Features:

• Excellent build quality
• It comes with a biometric fingerprint scanner
• Impressive anti-theft features
• Removable interior shelves

5. Stack-On IWC-22 Medium in Wall Cabinet

I will be wrapping up my reviews with a brand that is near and dear to many gun owners, Stack-On. You might know them from their larger, full-sized gun safes. But in this article, I will bring your attention to a medium-sized model that you can put on your wall.

When it comes to build quality, you will hardly find anything worth complaining about. It features a solid alloy steel construction and has anti-pry concealed ledges to prevent forced entry. The door has a three-point locking system to further enhance its security.

It is a straightforward gun safe that does not bother with electronic security systems such as digital keypads or biometrics. Instead, you get a simple lock at the front that opens via double-barreled keys. You get a set included with your purchase for quick entry.

What it does lack in terms of electronic security, though, it makes up for it by giving you an ample interior design. It comes with three shelves along with an adjustable barrel rest on the inside. As long as you are not planning to store long guns and rifles, this gun safe should be able to accommodate them without issue.

I know the lack of electronic features does seem a bit disappointing for most people. But if you want affordability and decent protection when you are buying a gun safe, this is a great pickup. It gives you excellent storage options and is discreet enough to hide behind a painting in your home or office.

Highlighted Features:

• Excellent build quality
• Three-point locking system
• Massive interior space
• Comes with adjustable barrel rests.

The Best In-Wall Gun Safes – How I Picked Them & What You Should Be Looking For

Home defense should not be something everyone worries about in an unpredictable world, and a great in-wall gun safe can help.

You can store your firearms in an in-wall gun safe whether you’re dealing with handguns or long guns, home defense or mere sporting goods.

With a safe above the fireplace behind a comically sized portrait, you could create a villain’s lair in no time.

In today’s market, there is a lot of choice, so picking the right one can be a challenge, but don’t fret – Rainier Ballistics is here to help. Check out our handy buyer’s guide to all kinds of in-wall gun safes.

So, you can spend your time finding the perfect safe for all your defense tools, cleaning kits, or any other neat accessories that need to be concealed and kept safe, I’ve done your homework for you.

There’s sure to be a product here for whatever you need hidden inside your drywall. Feel free to wander over, take a peek, and most importantly, enjoy your shopping experience.

How Much Do In-Wall Gun Safes Cost?

Safes for handguns and rifles are likely to be within a few hundred dollars of each other in price, putting them between handgun safes and rifle vaults.

You can buy a quality, slim-fitting safe for anywhere between $240 and nearly $300. It is not uncommon for safes of somewhat higher quality to cost between $300 and $500.

In contrast, specialized safes with excellent quality and reputation, such as the Stealth Heavy-Duty and V-Line Tactical Closets, can easily exceed $800. At roughly $110, our Best Value-winning Able is tens of dollars cheaper than its competitors.

Materials

A safe’s ability to safely house your weapons is determined by the materials used in its construction.

As nearly all safes come dipped in some form of protective coating today, corrosion resistance is not a major issue in stainless steel and high-carbon steel alloys.

There is no such thing as a 100 percent fireproof gun safe, and a range of other factors come into play, such as the outer shell and the inner core of the safe.

For more than just stout build quality, consider proven products from more reputable manufacturers when choosing gun safes.

Safes with poor interior materials may degrade over time, which has been observed in some less-than-stellar safes. Corrosive chemicals may also result from certain ingredients reacting with moisture and catalyzing.

Depth & Size

Choosing a safe that fits into your home is the most important factor. What is the thickness of the walls where you want to mount this safe? What’s the depth of the safes you’re looking at?

Like a poorly rendered video game asset clipping through the walls, no one likes to see the back of a bulky safe poking out on the other side.

A deeper safe will, however, give you a greater capacity for storage, allowing you to store more firearms, ammunition, gear, etc.

This breed of safe requires a lot more space in your household than any other, which is something you should consider before buying.

Locking Mechanisms

It’s pretty straightforward. In other words, “How does it open?” As it has been reshaped and repurposed into a conventional gun safe, expect no surprises since all of the locks are the same as in other safe types.

It is possible to purchase an in-wall safe with a combination tumbler, digital keypad, basic lock-and-key set, or biometric fingerprint scanning capability.

The mechanisms of some safes have been redesigned and compacted so that they can serve their purposes better, so they may appear slightly different on in-wall safes while still performing the same functions.

It is also important to keep in mind the same caveats, especially with electronic safes where ease of programming and battery life are additional factors to consider.

Electronic Locking

As I type, these are the most technologically advanced and secure options, but they also bring a few minor headaches.

Manufacturers are offering digital keypads and biometric fingerprint scanners as standard equipment or as optional upgrades.

Only programmed prints can be used with biometrics. There is no way to get around that no matter how many guesses you make. The added responsibility of programming will come with whichever method you choose.

Some safes are harder to use than others – and you have to be sure your batteries don’t go dead. Thankfully, electronic safes come with emergency backup keys in case such an incident occurs.

Types Of In-Wall Gun Safes

Are you looking for shallow or deep safes? How much home defense do you need, or do you have a vast arsenal?

The following questions should be asked when considering your next in-wall safe purchase since they all do the same thing, but they do it differently. Differentiating in-wall gun safes is made easier by their unique types and features.

In Wall Safes For Long Gun

Despite the name, these are the plus-sized in-wall safes that offer a wider opening and, in some cases, a little more depth to secure longer firearms like rifles and shotguns.

There are some premium models that include removable shelving to store extra gear and ammunition or, if you want, you can create a tall handgun safe to store a variety of firearms and other valuables. They usually cost more because of the added material, but not by much.

In general, they are very inexpensive compared to large, stand-alone rifle vaults, and cost about $100 to $200 more than smaller handgun safes. You will also be limited in your ability to store a collection due to their need to be compact for wall mounting.

Handgun In-Wall Safes

In-wall handgun safes will be smaller, more compact versions of post office boxes disguised as gun safes. Smith & Wesson M&Ps are better suited for these than AR-15s.

With their taller proportions, even the slimmest safes can carry multiple handguns, and they’re easy to carry due to their general size and weight.

For people simply looking for a place to store important documents and personal items, they’re a relatively stress-free item to find a place for.

While these are relatively slim, some compact gun safes will eclipse many of the skinnier ones in terms of size.

Frequently Asked Questions About In-Wall Gun Safes

1. Would it be worth it to buy a wall safe?

The main advantage of wall safes is that they cannot be easily accessed by burglars, so when they are concealed properly, they offer excellent protection from burglars.

Installing a wall safe requires an installer to have a background check, be bonded, and hold sufficient insurance coverage.

2. Is it possible to bolt a safe to the wall?

The answer is usually yes. Screws or bolts will usually be included with in-wall safes as mounting hardware. To resist movement and prying, some large long gun safes rely on their heft and placement between the studs.

3. What is the cost of an in-wall safe?

It is possible to purchase a wall-mounted safe for $50 to $1,100 or more. Despite their ease of concealment, installation may be challenging. Getting them to fit in your wall will require a custom build, which will increase the cost of installation.

4. What is the best way to hide my wall gun safe?

You’ve seen mystery thrillers or shows with elaborate supervillains hidden in mega-mansions, right? You can hide your in-wall safe behind a TV or picture frame with the right in-wall safe.

Safes for rifles can often be tucked behind bookshelves or curtains that are easy to maneuver. If you have clothes hung up in your closet, try looking behind them. That is a good place to hide a wall safe.

5. What is the depth of a wall safe?

The majority of wall safes measure between three and six inches deep, except for a few “deep” models. It fits into most walls without protruding or obstructing pipes and wiring. It is possible to get wall safes that are 10 inches deep.

6. How secure is a wall safe?

Very secure. Adapting the DNA of a gun safe into an integrated package that blends with your home is what makes wall safes so special. A combination lock, keypad, and manual key are typical locking mechanisms found in other safes. There is no doubt that biometric locks are the most secure.

Tips For Hiding An In-Wall Safe

The main advantage of an in-wall safe is its discreteness. Let’s examine a few methods for hiding an in-wall gun safe before we part ways.

It’s an old classic, but for a good reason: virtually no thief is going to check behind every piece of art you hang on your wall.

Since thieves will typically look for a lone piece to peek behind when looking for a wall safe, hiding behind one of several pieces in an area can be incredibly effective.

One of the most common places a burglar will look for a safe is in the master closet, where most people hide their gun safes. Therefore, this is the last place you should put your safe.

Ideally, it would be better to store it in a closet in your office or in your linen closet if you have any spare linens. Because halls aren’t typically used as storage spaces, they’re an excellent location for wall safes.

Note From The Author:

It is the safes that have the best build quality, are easy to install, and have reliable locking mechanisms that will be most effective at storing firearms. 

Each guide we write is to give you the most helpful and truthful information possible based on our experiences as journalists and firearms enthusiasts.

I have analyzed every spec and reported ownership experience of each safe despite the fact that it would have been time-consuming and costly to test a dozen safes alone.

Do you want a safe that can’t be stolen by a burglar? The focus of this buyer’s guide is therefore research-based to help you find the best in wall gun safe.

Final Thoughts

An in-wall gun safe can be a fantastic investment if discretion is your priority. Sure, you are sacrificing a bit of space, but to keep your small firearms and valuables out of sight, I think that is a pretty small price to pay.

I hope my extensive review of the best in wall gun safe could help you figure out which model is best for your requirements. Good luck!