6 Best Nightstand Gun Safe In 2022 – Test Results & Reviews

For many years now, gun owners have used safes to store their weapons. Ideally, the safe should be in the room you sleep in, allowing for quick access. This led to the rising demand for nightstand gun safe in the market.

When compared to the traditional safe, a bedside safe is more compact and screws onto your nightstand easily. This ensures that your gun is always in close proximity at all times.

However, getting the best nightstand gun safe is of paramount importance to keep the gun safe. But with the availability of so many design variants and models, it can be difficult to put the finger on the best option.

And so, today, we will be looking into some of our top recommendations picked by considering factors such as mount settings, build, and locking system.

Top 6 Best Nightstand Gun Safe Reviews

We have put in hours into our research to bring you six of our top picks. They have been chosen based on their reliability and build quality to ensure satisfactory performance.

1. Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe

Starting off our list of reviews for the best bedside gun safe, we have the Fort Knox Original PB1. Known for their exceptional quality full-size gun safes, these guys have been in the business for a while.

Applying the same expertise to create portable pistol safes is what landed them here.

The Fort Knox PB1 is perfect for anyone looking to fit their pistol in a compact safe. The design of the box is well-optimized to reduce the usage of any unnecessary space on your bedside table.

Its mountable feature will keep the safe firmly fixed on your tabletop, ready to be used whenever you need it.

Moreover, the body of the safe is constructed from the best quality 10-gauge steel. On top of that, it comes with a wrap-around design for its top door, enhancing its durability and strength.

The super-thick steel build is so reliable and strong that you’ll find it difficult to get a dent on it.

Furthermore, the safe uses a simplex mechanical lock which, from our perspective, is the easiest to use and also hassle free.

Using mechanical buttons to unlock does not require the use of batteries which saves your time and long term expenses. The clicking of the buttons doesn’t feel cheap either, giving you quick access to your belongings whenever you need them.

Pros

• Tough and durable build
• Large storage space
• Easy to use simplex lock
• Pre-drilled holes to make mounting easier

Cons

• It weighs more than most safes in the market

Verdict

This Fort Knox safe gives the most bang for your buck option in the market. Using the simplest technology, it manages to protect your gun well and allows for quick access.

The body is much heavier than the average safe, but that can be overlooked as it will be mounted to your nightstand.

2. Vaultek 10 Series Lightweight Handgun Bluetooth Smart Safe Pistol Safe

The Vaultek VT10i is unlike anything you have ever seen. Packed with tons of innovation and technology, this is worth drooling over. Other than that, the bedside gun safe is highly durable with its 18 gauge lightweight steel body construction.

Right out the box, you can tell that the VT10i has a robust build. While being super lightweight, the box is highly resistant to drops and dents.

This ensures that your safe keeps your gun well-protected no matter how hard robbers try to break into it. Along with the tough material construction, the multiple access lock makes breaking into the safe seem virtually impossible.

Vaultek has given you not one but four different options to choose from when it comes to the locking mechanisms. Based on your convenience, you can decide on which method works best for you.

The safe features the usual PIN or key unlocking while also allowing Bluetooth connectivity and fingerprint unlocking. Unlike most safes, the biometric scanner works fast to give quick access.

One of the main drawbacks of using smart safes is their battery life. Vaultek’s VT10i omits that problem by fitting in a large capacity lithium-ion battery that can last you four months on a full charge.

The device comes packed with a convenient charging kit to keep your battery juiced up.

Pros

• Allows four different ways for quick access to your belongings
• Storage space for handgun and cartridge
• Includes battery and charging kit
• Lightweight and durable build
• Backlit keypad helps in the dark

Cons

• 18 gauge steel is not very thick

Verdict

The Vaultek VT10i is an excellent choice for anybody who needs additional security for their handgun. While it does come at a high price point, you are receiving a product that is well worth your money.

The anti-theft unlocking adds exceptional layers of security. Other than that, the biometric bedside gun safe lets you unlock the safe fast and easy.

3. Vaultek Slider Series Rugged Bluetooth Smart Handgun Safe

Up next, we have yet another one of Vaultek’s finest, the SL20 smart bedside gun safe. Unlike most others, this safe has a vertical orientation and will not lay atop your nightstand.

Instead, it snugs itself within a shelf space or under your desk. The slim profile adds points to the aesthetics of the safe while also making it highly discreet.

Moving on, the material build of the safe is one you can’t miss. Made with top of the line 16 gauge steel, even the hardest of impacts will not break your safe open.

To add to its toughness, Vaultek has placed an extra layer of coating. This also makes the body of the safe resistant to corrosion and rusting.

So let’s talk about the rail system that pops out your handgun. Using the keys on top, placing the correct combination will activate a three-point precision rail mechanism that slides your gun out.

As much as we like the basic horizontal safes, it was easier to gain access to the pistol due to the safe’s orientation.

While the entire safe has a very slim profile, one has to think about the padding inside. The SL20, like most other safes, features high-density foam padding to hold your gun in place and prevent scratches. This keeps your gun fixed just the way you kept it.

Pros

• Reliable and quick access to the firearm
• Discreet and slim profile
• Multiple mounting options
• Tough 16 gauge steel construction

Cons

• It does not fit multiple handguns
• Horizontal mounting is not possible

Verdict

The SL20 takes a different approach to the average handgun safe. The vertical orientation makes for convenient and quick access.

However, finding a space for it on your nightstand might be difficult. This works best for bedside tables with shelves as it can fit between them easily.

4. Awesafe Gun Safe with Fingerprint Identification and Biometric Lock

If you’re a fan of action movies, you will love this next bedside safe. This fingerprint gun safe from Awesafe has one of the most solid build construction in the market.

We really loved the addition of the pry-resistant door and interior LED lighting, which enhances its functional benefits.

Other than the exceptional build quality, Awesafe offers you a choice between mechanical and biometric access. As a result, you have a wide range of choices based on your preference.

The hard steel safe opens with a fingerprint, password, and a key lock system. Also, the biometric fingerprint scanner allows you to register upto 30 different fingerprints!

Looking into the inside of the safe, this is where the magic happens. Right after you unlock the box and the door opens up, a dark blue interior light illuminates the insides.

This ties very well with the pry resistant lid, which opens silently due to the innovative gas strut.

Furthermore, the compact sizing of the box is perfect for any nightstand. Inside the box are two pre-drilled mounting holes that will allow you to screw it in place effortlessly.

Awesafe also includes four alkaline batteries to power all the technology fitted into the box.

Pros

• 18 Gauge steel construction ensures longevity
• Pry-resistant door enhances security
• Features mechanical and biometric lock system
• Gas strut reduces noise when the safe door opens
• Interior light aids visibility

Cons

• The fingerprint scanner is too slow to read prints

Verdict

Awesafe did a fantastic job with this safe by adding various features that we didn’t know we needed. The interior LED light is a good touch that can come in handy in the dark.

The gas struts are another example of Awesafe’s innovation as they allow the door to open silently. With various ways to access your gun, this is undoubtedly one of the best biometric bedside gun safes on the market.

5. V-Line Compact Keyless Gun Storage Security Locker

With extra efforts on making the most compact and simple handgun safe, V-line has come up with our next choice.

The Keyless nightstand gun safe is made of the best quality materials and approved by the Department of Justice in California.

This portable car gun safe uses a basic simplex locking mechanism to give you reliable access to the interiors by keeping simplicity at its core. That means you will not require any batteries or your phone to unlock it.

Simply dial in your combination, and voila! You’re good to go. The brushed steel faceplate adds a good bit of contrast to the black body of the safe.

What’s more, once you open the box, you will notice all the deep padding V-line has added to protect your firearm. High-density foam covers the box from the top door all the way to the base to prevent any scratches on your weapons.

In addition, the 18 gauge steel construction ensures durability as well as longevity. The body design of the bedside safe makes it pry-resistant, adding an extra layer of security over the lock.

As V-line has used 18-gauge steel, the box weighs only 5 pounds (significantly lower than others).

Pros

• The pry-resistant design adds extra protection
• Easy to use simplex locking mechanism for quick access
• It does not require batteries or keys
• Lightweight and compact body
• Durable powder coat finish enhances longevity

Cons

• The locking unit protrudes into the box, which can mar your gun

Verdict

If you want something super simple, then there is no better option than the V-line bedside safe. The manufacturers have used only the best resources to construct a traditional safe that does its job well.

With no choices in unlocking modes and a classic brushed steel design, this is not going to be something worth showing off. The lightweight steel construction of this portable gun safe makes it easy to travel with.

6. V-Line 2597-S Desk Mate Keyless Security Box

Finishing off our list, we have another one of our favorites from V-line. The 2597-S Desk Mate is the nightstand gun safe you can get for any table.

Taking up the least amount of space while ensuring maximum security is what this safe does best. By omitting the need for batteries and keys, the reliability of the safe is further enhanced with its basic number locking system.

Much like our previous addition, this bedside gun safe offers a simple mechanical lock that is quite easy to operate and get used to.

While it’s true that fingerprint scanners and keys are convenient, we assure you there is nothing more reliable than this. When paired with its quick-release bracket, you get super quick access to your gun.

Furthermore, V-line’s addition of the anti-pry brackets adds an extra layer of protection to your already tough safe. The extremely well-made steel alloy is hard to break into and ensures the body of the safe remains dent and corrosion free.

The anti-pry brackets have been strategically positioned between the door and side to add further difficulties to whoever is trying to access your belongings.

Pros

• Mounting brackets feature pre drilled holes for easy installation
• Anti-pry brackets offer enhanced protection
• Tough steel alloy construction
• High-density padding prevents scratches on your gun

Cons

• The tray needs to be manually pulled to access gun

Verdict

The V-line Desk Mate is a good purchase for anybody who wants a discreet nightstand gun safe.

The tough build quality and the reliability of the simplex mechanical lock is what does the job best. It features various anti-pry mechanisms to keep your guns safely stored.

Why Do You Need the Best Bedside Gun safe?

Before investing in a nightstand gun safe, you have to determine whether you need it or not. There are tons of advantages a gun safe near under your bed will bring that simply cannot be overlooked. Let us take a look!

Keeps Your Gun Safe

While the cable lock or trigger safety can prevent your gun from firing, you will still need a place to put it when not in use. You can choose from a wide range of mechanical and biometric safes to store your gun safely.

But with a bedside gun safe, you can allocate space for your weapon in the most convenient location. These safes are made from tough materials that ensure your gun is kept protected.

Easy Access

One of the main reasons people prefer a bedside safe is for quick access. When you store your gun with loads of other things in a vault or safe, it can be time consuming to access it. Also, if your safe is in a hidden location, you risk exposing your prized possessions.

Therefore, bolting a gun safe to your nightstand keeps your weapon within your reach. As most burglars begin their work at night, a gun safe beside your bed will allow you to react quickly.

Compact Design

Given that they are meant to be attached to your nightstand, the sizing of most gun safes is small and compact.

It ensures that the vault takes up less space on your nightstand. A large gun safe will also hamper your room’s aesthetics, so the compact form factor is a more viable choice.

With various bolting mechanisms, you can install it on your tabletop or even on the side to make it more discreet. At the end of the day, your ability to access the gun easily will determine where you install it.

Buying guide

So what characteristics make up the bedside gun safe?

There are several different features and specifications that come with each model. In order to pick the best one for yourself, set aside your preferences and look for products that match them best.

Mount Settings

Much like any safe, your gun safe should be kept in a fixed spot. Else, it would be very easy for someone to steal your safe and your gun along with it.

To prevent this, you should always be on the lookout for bedside safes that can be bolted to your nightstand.

Often, you might have to screw bedside safes into place, which will require some drilling. An excellent way to plan ahead is by allocating a specific spot on your bedside table for the safe.

Bolting the safe keeps it fixed to a particular spot on the table, making it easier for you to unlock it in the dark. A sturdy gun safe will not wobble and lay flat against your nightstand.

Quick Access

One of the core selling points of gun safes is to offer reliable and easy locking mechanisms. The easier this mechanism is, the faster you will be able to access your firearm. And trust us, people are always looking for quick access gun safes.

When picking out which locking system suits you best, consider the time it takes to unlock it.

In most cases, burglars and robbers tend to target places at night. And so, you need a bedside gun safe that can be opened as quickly as possible.

Some offer voice activation, fingerprint, mechanical locks, and many more systems. However, it entirely depends on your preferences. Choose a safe that you can open fast and easily, even when you’re half asleep.

Compact Form Factor

We have seen that in most cases, people look for a gun safe that can house their pistol. There are large gun safes that can hold multiple rifles and guns as well, but it would not be something to keep by your bedside.

You should know the exact dimensions of your pistol and buy a safe that will house it comfortably.

Other than the interior space, the overall unit of the space should not take too much unnecessary space. That can reduce the functional benefit you derive from your nightstand.

If your nightstand is always occupied with essentials, you can try and bolt the safe on the side panels. That would make it a little bit difficult to manage quick access to your weapon, but the difference wouldn’t be that noticeable.

The bedside gun safes are designed to be small while maximizing the interior space to accommodate a pistol and cartridge.

Locking System

The locking mechanism is something that will suit you based on your preferences. In any case, you should choose a bedside gun safe that is sealed tight and can only be unlocked by you or your immediate close family or friends.

There are various kinds of locking systems in the market, starting from high-tech fingerprint locks to basic password and PIN combinations. Some of the newer models even have a voice activation system.

When you are looking to spook or sneak around a burglar, the voice activation feature might alarm them.

And so, despite the ease of use, most people choose the alternatives such as the fingerprint reader or PIN lock.

But before you go ahead and pick one, imagine yourself and the safe in a dark setting. Which lock is the easiest to bypass? These hypothetical situations will allow you to choose a locking mechanism that is easy for you.

Reliable Build

Reliability is key with any safe you decide to invest your hard-earned money on. It should be at the center point of your focus when looking for the best bedside gun safes.

With that being said, other than the high-quality build and its numerous features, the safe should open whenever you need it. A lot of this depends on the mechanism your safe uses to lock/unlock and how easily the safe can be opened.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I choose 12 gauge steel for my gun safe?

The gauge of the steel refers to its thickness. While the 12 gauge is a good option, a better choice would be the 6 gauge steel.

That will provide more protection and is much tougher to break into. The best bedside pistol safes will ensure high durability even if they use steel over 12 gauge, so the brand reputation also matters.

• Do I keep my gun loaded inside the safe?

While most safes are designed to keep your gun fixed in one place, keeping it loaded might cause accidental injuries. Try to look for a safe that has a separate slot to hold your cartridge. This ensures that your gun and cartridge are kept prepared for quick access.

• Are there any legal requirements for gun safes?

Of course, there are compliance requirements! Guns need to be handled and stored carefully; else, they could cause massive damage.

In any case, the compliance requirements vary from one state to another. So do your own research and make sure to touch up on every point in order to comply with the law.

• Am I allowed to travel with my gun safe?

There is no strict law that would deter you from traveling with your gun safe. However, you should look into the laws of the destination country to be on the safe side.

Other than the state laws, you will also need to pay close attention to the transport or airline laws as well.

Gun safes are meant to be bolted or fixed into one place, and we would advise you to keep it that way. If you are frequently traveling, then you should look for other portable models instead of a nightstand safe.

• What is the best locking mechanism for a gun safe?

There is no “best” locking mechanism because it is purely subjective. If we were to pick out one of the most convenient mechanisms, it would be the simplex mechanical locks. Unlike the smart gun safes, this lock uses mechanical buttons to unlock.

Unlike biometric safes, these do not require any sort of power. And so, there is no extra hassle of buying batteries. As a result, you receive quick access to your weapon at any time of the day.

Final Words

Choosing the best nightstand gun safe can be very challenging. There are tons of different factors that need to be closely looked into, ensuring a satisfactory purchase. Other than the build quality, be sure to pick a locking system that works best for you.

All of the products we have reviewed have been thoroughly tested and critiqued. So you can trust us when you are using our list as a reference to pick out your desired gun safe.