11 Best Pistol Safe Reviews By Experts In 2023 – Tested

People often buy guns to protect themselves. And yet, without proper storage to keep them, you can be playing Russian roulette with the lives of your loved ones.

Hence, as a responsible gun owner, it is your job to ensure no unauthorized person has access to it. And mind you; pistols aren’t cheap, so you should protect your investment with a top-notch pistol safe.

In detail, pistol safes have various features that make them ideal for securing firearms and ammunition. Indeed, the best pistol safes are designed to protect your handguns from intruders, family members, and theft.

Specifically, strong steel boxes have a keyed lock or electronic lock, while others have a mechanical lock. The lock can be accessed with a key, combination, or biometric scanner, depending on the type of safe you have.

Some also come with an alarm system to alert you when someone is trying to break in. Overall, these gun safes are designed to hold one or two pistols, and they are typically small enough to be mounted on a wall or tucked away in a drawer.

To aid you in your search, I have compiled a list of the top pistol safes currently available. Best believe, these safes offer an easy way to protect your firearm and the ability to store it conveniently at home or while traveling.

Why Do You Need A Handgun Safe?

There are a lot of reasons why you need to invest in these safes. Here are some major reasons.

1. To protect your family and loved ones
2. To keep your guns safe from theft
3. Ensure that your guns will be accessible when you need them most
4. To ensure that your guns will not be damaged by fire or water damage
5. To protect yourself against lawsuits
6. And lastly, to ensure that you have the best protection for your weapons

Here Are My Recommended 11 Pistol Safes

Just like handguns, there are also a variety of pistol safes available in the market. Depending on your budget, preferred locking system, style, and size, you can easily find one that meets all your needs. 

1. Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe  

Like its name suggests, the Fort Knox PB1 is built to be one of the most secure safes for your pistols. Its unibody is constructed with 10-gauge steel, further bound with a 3/16” tamper-resistant wraparound door. 

Due to the materials used, you must expect it to be quite heavy, especially the door. Nonetheless, the featured gas strut in the PB1 allows you to easily access the safe while holding the door up.

Physically, the entire safe interior is lined with soft foam to give it an egg-crate outlook and feel. It will protect your gun inside from accidental bumps and shakes and will always hold them securely.

You can easily fit in a regular-sized handgun with additional clips or two small pistols.  The safe also has four pre-drilled holes underneath so that you can attach it to a surface.

Sadly, it does make a slight noise while opening, which defeats the purpose of trying to surprise an invader. 

As for the locking system, the PB1 uses the simplex push-button mechanical lock that is extremely fast to open during emergencies. 

However, as an avid fan of heist movies, I think it’s safe to say that the combination may be guessed. So, you should never take any chances and keep the safe away from sight. 

Pros

• Tough construction that makes it impossible to break into
• The mechanical locking mechanism is almost impenetrable 
• Concealed welded hinges to give it a seamless and sturdy outlook. 
• Spacious and protective interior 

Cons

• The gas strut system makes noise and might alert perpetrators
• More expensive than some other handgun safes on the market.
• Some customers have reported minor issues with the locking mechanism or difficulty opening the safe.
• Not fire and water-proof 

Verdict

The overall construction and feel of this Fort Knox safe give off a sense of security and strength. It is impossible to tamper with and break into, even with brute force. However, depending on their specific needs and budget, it may not be the best safe option for everyone.

2. SentrySafe QAP1BLX Biometric Pistol Gun Safe

Sentrysafe is well-known for manufacturing reasonably priced fire-resistant safes with an innovative magnetic locking system that you can open in only 10 seconds.

The QAP1BLX is one of their premium products, which features a new state-of-the-art fingerprint scanner for adequate protection. 

Best believe that it only takes one quick swipe to open the door. You can store up to 10 fingerprints simultaneously so that all your family members are authorized to use them when needed.

If the battery dies or oil coats your fingers, you can use the digital keypad and backup keys. This safe has a solid steel construction with a pry-resistant door that protects your handgun from the wrong hands.

Now, what really sells me the most is that SentrySafe doors include an enhanced gas strut that enables silent, one-handed operation. You may keep them beside your bedside, out of harm’s way, and catch any would-be attackers entirely off guard.

Furthermore, the interior of this handgun safe is just as well-built as the exterior. A soft foam lining covers the wall of your safe so that your guns do not get scratched if accidentally dropped or bumped into it. There is also an interior light that allows you to access in the dark quickly. 

Regarding its accessibility, you can mount the safe to a wall so that no one can remove it from the premises or misplace it. In this way, this facilitates its accessibility without the need for guesswork or frantic searching.

Pros 

• Can store up to 10 fingerprints at a time
• Have three modes of opening the safe
• Biometric fingerprint scanner allows quick and easy access to your firearm.
• It can be mounted both horizontally and on the wall
• Lightweight and easy to transport, making it a good option for those who need to move their firearm frequently.

Cons

• Only holds one handgun at a time, which may not be enough for those with multiple firearms.
• Does not offer fireproof or waterproof protection.
• May not be large enough to hold other valuables besides a handgun.

Verdict

Overall, the SentrySafe QAP1BLX Biometric Pistol Gun Safe is a solid option for those looking for a compact and portable safe to store a single handgun. The biometric scanner is a convenient feature for quick access, but some customers have reported reliability issues with it. Also, the solid steel construction offers good protection against unauthorized access, but the safe does not offer fireproof or waterproof protection.

3. Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe Quick Access Electronic Pistol Security Box

I was blown away by this hangar safe’s innovative features when it was first introduced. It quickly earned a spot in my top 10. There is nothing more you could want in a safe designed to store several firearms, and this one has it all.

With a maximum capacity of 5 handguns at the ready position and two flats, the storage of this safe is every gun collector’s dream. There is even room to store extra mags and clips as well!

You can easily store all your pistols without cluttering them and access them quickly when needed.  The 2-piece spring-loaded drop-down door is a classic constructed with 3/8” inch thick steel.

Along with the anti-pry tabs and high-strength latch, you will not have to worry about anybody breaking into it anytime soon.

You may rest well knowing that the newly welded lock casing is impenetrable by both straw and pick.

In detail, there are two modes of access. Once you use backup keys to open the safe, you must locate the combination button beside the interior light.

After clicking the button six times, the safe enters stealth mode, where you can input your new six-digit password. 

Being on the market for a few years, the Stealth Handgun Hanger safe has never let anybody down. After passing nine tests, the DOJ certified it as a fire protection device.

Pros 

• Large secure storage capacity
• Optional silent mode for stealth access
• Dent around the 1st button allows you to easily navigate the keyboard in the dark
• Interior high-density foam lining to protect from scratches
• Innovative design allows for easy and quick access to your firearm, with a drop-down door that provides full access to the contents of the safe.

Cons

• Slight lag in keypad input, which prevents you from entering the combination too fast
• Requires batteries for the electronic lock, which may need to be replaced periodically.

Verdict

Overall, the Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe Quick Access Electronic Pistol Security Box is a versatile and innovative safe that can hold multiple handguns in a compact and accessible format. The solid steel construction offers good protection against unauthorized access, but the safe does not offer fireproof or waterproof protection.

4. Awesafe Gun Safe with Fingerprint Identification and Biometric Lock

If you want the best revolver safe beside your bed, look no further than the Awesafe gun safe. It is both discreet and compact and is perfect for storing not only in your drawers but also under car seats, desk drawers, and other small spaces. 

Even with the limited space, you can conveniently store two handguns or a small pistol with extra mags and clips. Besides a biometric fingerprint scanner, the safe has a digital keypad and manual key lock access when the former fails.

However, the finger needs to be placed the same way every time, but you can get it right after a few practices.

In addition, the frame is made with solid steel compression and a pry-resistant door that would be difficult for any unauthorized access, even with brunt force.

And if you use the pre-drilled holes to pin down your safe in any area. In that case, you never have to worry about anyone accessing your gun or running off after locating it. 

In addition, the LED interior lighting illuminates the entire safe, making finding your handguns in low-light scenarios easy. To top it all off, it also has an electronic lock for additional safety.

You can set the entire system up within half an hour and start storing your handguns immediately.  And if all that sounds like gravy, you can get your hands on all these features for a fair price!

Pros 

• Have both electronic and mechanical locking mechanisms within its three modes of entry
• Highly portable and easy to store
• Can singlehandedly open the safe and access the handguns due to gas strut technology
• Can store two handguns or one pistol and for storing ammo 

Cons

• The two handguns must be of standard size, or they will not fit

Verdict

Overall, the Awesafe Gun Safe with Fingerprint Identification and Biometric Lock is a good option for those looking for a biometric safe that can store multiple fingerprints. The Awesafe pistol safe is exceptionally sturdy with an advanced fingerprint reader with stored backup, discreet size, and high portability.

If you want a small profile safe in your bedside, car safe, or office to get quick access to your gun, I recommend the Awesafe. 

5. VAULTEK VT20i Pistol Safe with Auto-Open Lid

As a gun owner, you will appreciate the various features of the VT20i. The size belies the might of this little guy!

In particular, you will have plenty of space to store your handguns, magazines, and other valuables such as your passports, safety cash, tax receipts, etc. 

Besides the usual three modes of access with biometric readers, digital keypads, and backup keys, you can also use a phone app to lock and unlock your safe securely.

This app was inspired by a game modeled with a 5-button keypad that instantly reacts to your touch. Fret not! There are over 40,000 possible combination locks, so it will be tough to hack or guess.

The phone app also allows you to perform standard functions, such as changing the light color, checking battery percentage, responding to alarms, setting fingerprints, viewing entries, and even turning on/off Bluetooth. 

You can store up to 20 fingerprints, so your family can access them when needed. And if you want to override manually, you need to insert both of your keys into the hidden slot for it to work. 

The lid has a stealth mode option to make no sound when it opens. It will give you quick access to your items, the responsive LED light increasing your visibility in the dark. 

The TSA has deemed it suitable for air travel so that you can take it with you during vacations. Otherwise, you can just store it under your bed gun safe, car seat, on your nightstand, or office desk, both tethered and untethered. 

Pros 

• Highly compact and very portable
• App for easy access and control
• Four access modes, including up to 20 fingerprint recording
• Micro-USB included for recharging batteries
• Comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides long-lasting power.

Cons

• It might be too small for pistols larger than standard size
• It may be more expensive than other safes with similar features.

Verdict

The VT20i is one of the best handgun safes for your home and has impressive features. It has a rugged, unibody design, four access modes, and app connectivity that puts other safes to shame.

This safe also has USB-rechargeable batteries, which you can hardly find in the safe industry. 

6. RPNB Smart Pistol Safe Handgun Security Safe California DOJ Certified

When it comes to gun safes, RPNB is often considered the best option. Their products are DOJ certified and are very dependable.

This handgun safe is reasonably priced, easy to install, and delightful to operate. Not to mention, this safe’s rocky black finish makes it a versatile addition to any decor.

To open the lid, you must enter the key fob to activate the RFID safe. You can use at most 5 RFID tags together. Other than that, you can also use a 3-digit code or a conventional key as an entry method.  

Now, the cherry on top of this product is its Smart Safe technology which is highly recommended because of its theft- and tamper-proof security. The locks, too, are built to withstand a beating; they’re solid steel and neatly bonded into the frame.  However, once the safe is opened, the unique hinge keeps the lid locked when you try to grab your gun.

Nevertheless, its heavy-duty 16-gauge carbon steel construction is built to last, with a powder finish to prevent corrosion over years of use. This safe is sturdy and will not give in to even the most persistent attacks.

As for mobility, it has an integrated security cable allowing you to tether the safe virtually anywhere. You can check it in with your baggage to carry other valuables or extra cash during holidays. 

Pros 

• Comes with a backup key for manual access if the biometric scanner fails.
• Powdered exterior finish to prevent corrosion as well as to blend in with any interior
• Sturdy construction for long-lasting strength 
• Anti-theft latches and unique hinge design for accessibility 
• California DOJ certified, meeting strict safety and security standards.

Cons 

• Insufficient battery life

Verdict

Ultimately, this safe provides excellent value for money and is built with good-quality materials. The controls and functionalities are easy to maneuver, and you can get high overall satisfaction after using them. 

Not to mention, the California DOJ certification ensures that this safe meets strict safety and security standards.

7. First Alert Portable Handgun Safe

The First Alert 5200DF may have caught your eye here and there as you go through reviews on pistol safes.

A top 10 ranking is well deserved, given its compact size, ingenious design, and robust security measures.

Let us talk about the lock first. This safe has a no-see keypad that allows you to enter a combination code of three to eight digits.

The code then triggers the spring-loaded door to open to give immediate access, making it very effective during emergencies. 

While the 5200DF is a well-valued gun vault, it loses points due to its lack of stealth mode. In particular, the keypad makes a beeping noise when pressed, making it difficult to remain inconspicuous.

But on the bright side, it is entirely composite and is made with 18-gauge heavy steel. While steel is not the thickest and most durable out there, it still does an excellent job as a protective container for your guns. 

Nevertheless, one of the main benefits of the First Alert Portable Handgun Safe is its portability. It is small enough to be easily transported, making it a good option if you frequently travel with a handgun. The safe also includes a steel cable that you can use to secure it to a fixed object, such as a bed frame or car seat, for added security.

Pros 

• Affordable and provides good value for money
• The spring-loaded door opens instantly to give quick access
• Three-to-eight-digit code possibility, which makes it hard to hack into 
• Rather spacious interior despite the compact size

Cons

• Lack of a mute option when keypads are pressed
• Battery-dependent

Verdict

Overall, the First Alert Portable Handgun Safe is affordable, compact, and works well in case of emergencies. But it does not have the best body and lacks stealth mode, which raises the risks of theft or prying. Nevertheless, suppose you are looking for a simple, secure way to store a single firearm. In that case, the First Alert Portable Handgun Safe is an excellent option to consider.

8. RNPB Gun Safe  Quick-Access Pistol Safe for Multiple Handguns & Ammo

On to a personal favorite of mine, this pistol safe is more advanced than what I’ve previously mentioned, but only because it has a couple more features worth checking out.  Keep your handgun safe from prying eyes at home or on the move with this safe box.

In detail, there are four modes of entry. It comes with unique RFID tags but incorporates a card system for instant access. 

Plus, you can even program multiple access at the same time.  That’s not all. You can enter a four-digit code in the backlit keypad or use the key locks for manual entry. 

But you have to be careful when accessing it as it props right up, so you need to ensure the top is completely clear. Furthermore, the keys may be muted with the touch of a mute button, which is an optional but handy feature.

Now, let’s talk about its physical features. If you ask me, this safe looks like something straight out of a James Bond movie. All I can say is that this safe has a very premium build. 

It features an expertly crafted sturdy steel construction with a pry-resistant door for optimal anti-pry protection. The entire body is seamlessly welded to offer no weakness.

It is then further bounded with a matte black finish that gives it a sleek and classy look and helps it to incorporate within any interior design. 

As a bonus, the case’s handle is reinforced to withstand impact, keeping your items safe throughout transport. This and the egg-crate-like padded foam inside will keep your items safe.

Pros 

• Have four different modes of entries 
• Optional mute button for stealth mode
• Seamlessly welded body and anti-pry door to prevent break-ins
• Double-layer steel housing for efficient storage

Cons 

• No backup fingerprint stored if the battery is drained

Verdict

It’s hard to believe how strong this biometric gun safe is. Best of all, its quick-access design and biometric fingerprint scanner make it easy to access your guns in an emergency. At the same time, its heavy-duty construction ensures that your firearms and ammunition are always secure.

9. Dalmbox Mounted Gun Safe for Pistols

The Dalmbox Mounted Gun Safe for Pistols is a small, secure safe designed to store one or two pistols. It’s designed to be mounted to a wall, floor, or other secure surfaces and is made of heavy-duty steel with a pry-resistant door to prevent unauthorized access.

The safe features a digital keypad lock with a customizable code and a backup key in case the battery dies or the code is forgotten. It also has a foam-lined interior to protect the contents from scratches and damage.

My personal favorite of the Dalmbox Mounted Gun Safe for Pistols is its slim design, which allows it to be mounted in tight spaces or hidden from view. 

Pros:

• Secure storage
• Digital keypad lock
• Foam-lined interior
• Slim design
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Limited capacity
• Battery-powered
• Not fireproof

Verdict

Overall, I think the Dalmbox Mounted Gun Safe for Pistols is a good option for individuals who want to securely store one or two pistols in a convenient, accessible location. It provides reliable access, security features, and a discreet design that can blend in with its surroundings.

10. V-Line 2912-S Top Draw Security Case

Now, for our second last product in our pistol safe reviews, I have the V-Line 2912-S Top Draw Security Case. This safe is highly compact and lightweight, weighing only 10 pounds, making it easy to transport your firearms between locations.

It is a quick-top opening locker with a sleek semi-gloss black finish that seamlessly blends with your home décor. The exterior is further accented with the company logo and a brushed stainless lock faceplate to give it a premium look.  

The safe features a SIMPLEX mechanical lock, an easily programmable five-push-button lock that does not require any external power source.

Suppose you compare it to other safes on the market. In that case, you’ll see that it only supports a relatively low number of potential code combinations (up to 1,000). Now, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but if you often change your combination locks, you may want to look elsewhere.

It’s worth mentioning, however, that you may fit two standard-sized handguns or a smaller one together and even throw in spare magazines and ammo. Indeed, its adaptability and convenience make it an ideal safe for various situations.

Not to mention, the pre-drilled hole makes bolting or mounting feel like a breeze. If you prefer, you can even opt for a mounting bracket to secure your locker. 

On top of all that, this safe is available at a reasonable price, particularly when considering its high construction standard.

Pros 

• Doubles as both a home and car defense safe
• Do not require an external power source
• Extremely lightweight, slim, and portable
• Extra mounting brackets available for convenient mounting

Cons 

• Limited code combinations

Verdict

This is an excellent defense safe that can slip into tight spaces and has a smooth opening and closing, with a good quality lock. However, the top-opening design may not be ideal for those who prefer a front-opening design. It may be more difficult if it is stored in a tight space.

11. VAULTEK MXi Bluetooth and Biometric Safe High Capacity Keypad Biometric Handgun Safe 

The VAULTEK MX series safe might be the perfect solution for a gun collector with a profusion of firearms but inadequate storage space.

You won’t have to shop around for a gun safe again for a very long time since it will fulfill all your essential and technical needs. The MX series offers different models, both with and without Bluetooth, biometric sensors, and Wi-Fi.

However, no matter what product you choose, you will find that all core competencies remain the same, so you do not have to feel like you are settling for less. 

It has the space to store up to 8 handguns simultaneously, with more room for your passports, extra cash, and other important documents. Talk about a multi-purpose safe!

Moreover, the 14-gauge steel body and 12-gauge steel door are well-built and rock solid, making any intruder in your home twice before attempting to break in. It even has a powder-coat finish to prevent rust formation. 

Additionally, the anti-pry bars and dual anti-impact latches are equipped with an impact detection system that alerts anybody if the safe is banged into or tampered with.

As for the entry modes, the VAULTEK MX series is unparalleled.

Furthermore, the biometric scanner can store up to 20 fingerprints at a time. You can also enter the safe with your smartphone, smart key nano, backlit 8-digit keypad with automatic proximity sensors, and of course, manual keys.

You can also combine the biometric scanner and digital keycode for a dual entry security mode for additional security. 

Pros 

• Can store up to 8 guns at a time
• Optional dual entry security mode for additional protection
• Impact detection alarm system to alert residents
• The oversized high-resolution biometric pad allows easy fingerprint reading
• Height adjustable shelf in the interior

Cons 

• Underdeveloped mobile app 

Verdict

This gun storage is a beast and can offer you every feature you might ask for in a home safe. Its biometric scanner, keypad, and Bluetooth connectivity provide convenient access to your firearms. At the same time, its heavy-duty construction ensures excellent protection against theft and tampering.

Choosing The Best Pistol Safes | A Definitive Buying Guide 

With the handgun safe reviews out of the way, it is time to look at a few deciding factors when picking out your best pistol vault. The last thing you want is to come home with a unit that does not give you the performance you want.

As I’ve said before, the best gun safe for pistols can be very expensive. And they can be very risky, especially in the wrong hands. In light of this, now is not the time to cut corners on quality.

On that note, here are a few features to look out for when buying a pistol box. But for starters, let’s get a sense of the different types of units available on the market.

Types of Pistol Safes

Typically, when differentiating between one safe to another, most of us look at the locking mechanism. There are four common types of locking systems found on pistol safes. They are:

• Electronic Keypad Safe

This locking mechanism needs no explanation. Basically, you get a keypad where you can set up an access code with a few digits. 

As soon as you enter the right code, the safe cracks open. To function, it requires some type of power source, usually in the form of alkaline or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

• Biometric Security Safe

Biometric security units make use of a biometric scanner to take images of your fingerprint. Then it checks its database to look for a match. 

If you set up your unit for fingerprint recognition, it finds a match and gives you access to the interior. Typically, this type of gun safe requires batteries to function.

• Combination Lock Safe

A combination lock safe is a mechanical locking system. For this reason, it does not require any batteries. You have a combination dial or button to input the proper code, which lets you open up the safe. 

A form of combination lock called Simplex is widely popular for its ease of use and difficult-to-crack nature.

• Pattern Code Safe

A pattern code is the same as the one you find on your phone. You usually get an LCD screen where you have to draw a preset pattern to unlock the safe and gain access to the interior. Pattern code safes are not as common as others and usually cost an arm and a leg.

Now that you know the different locking mechanisms available on the market, here are a few factors that you should look at when you are buying the best small gun safe to keep your pistols and other small items.

Storage Space

When buying your pistol safe, you should always consider the storage space. A gun safe that can only hold one compact firearm may not be a wise investment. 

You might think it’s enough for the single handgun in your inventory. However, when you buy a new weapon, you will regret it badly.

Ideally, you want to get more pace than you need right now. It makes the device futureproof and allows you to place a few extra goodies inside the safe if you need them.  And given a choice, you should always get a larger safe instead of multiple smaller ones.

Locking Systems

Almost all prospective safe buyers have pondered over this question – whether to buy an electronic or mechanical lock. Fortunately, modern lockers are equipped with both, so you do not have to compromise. 

Biometric scanners are a great feature since you do not have to remember the code or look for the key locks. You can store multiple records at the same time, and that can be very helpful during emergencies. 

However, you should ensure that all entry modes are of the highest quality. For electronic modes, that means that the biometric scanners should be advanced and fast responding.

Moreover, the digital keypads should have barely any lags so that you can input your code as fast as possible without any errors. A backlit keypad would be an excellent feature, particularly in dim-lit rooms. 

Stealth Mode

You want to catch the intruder by surprise and a wonky safe that makes creaky sounds when opening beats, the purpose.

In addition, the door should easily prop open with no noise, and the hinge should hold the lid in place so that it does not accidentally slam onto your hand or close down. Even the code entered into the keypad should be silent when pressed. 

Size

This is an essential factor you should consider when looking for a gun safe. You must calculate the size of your pistols or long guns and the place where you want to keep them to reduce your search criteria. 

The size can also impact the weight. A heavyweight locker will have no drawbacks if you intend to keep it within a designated place. However, carrying around and lugging in your car would not be very mobile. 

App Connectivity

A few safes can be remotely controlled using a mobile app. Not only can you unlock the safe with your phone, but you change the combination, check the entry history, check the battery life, etc. 

A phone app also alerts you with an alarm if somebody tries to tamper with your safe. If you’re going to be away from home for a while and want to make sure everything is okay, this is a great option.

Fire Rating

Since most people like storing essential items along with their pistols, it would be such a shame if all of them perish in a house fire. A typical house fire ranges from 800 to 1200 degrees, so your safe should have a fire rating exceeding that, or a minimum 1-hour capacity. 

If your budget permits, you should choose a safe with an even higher fire protection level. Some lockers have both fire and anti-theft protection, and those are the best when it comes to protecting large amounts of cash or expensive items. 

Mounting Options

Handgun lockers can sometimes come with pre-drilled holes or a security cable that can help mount them down to a steady surface. Most of the handgun safes in this list can be used inside your car, thanks to the mounting options.

On that note, if you want some top-rated car safes, check out my other article. This not only ensures that your gun stays in the same place at all times and is easily accessible but also prevents anyone from stealing or misplacing it. 

Alarm System

Like most security systems, some lockers alert you if somebody is trying to tamper with it or has used the wrong code or fingerprint.

This lets you know if somebody unauthorized is trying to get access, which is one of the best anti-theft features you could ask for. 

Power System

This could influence your decision on the type of lock you want to choose. If your area suffers frequent power outages or you forget to recharge the batteries, go with a mechanical system. 

Build Quality

This is the most crucial factor. A unibody steel construction with a low gauge value is often the optimal choice for the best protection.

An 18-gauge steel body can bend or get a dent when hammered with a tool. As such, you should always go for a lower value, such as a 10 or 12-gauge, or even lower. Even the doors and bolts should be equally strong and pry-resistant.

The interior is also very significant. It should have ample padding to keep your contents safe during unprecedented situations. 

Approval and Certification

Although certification might not mean much to you, it gives you an idea of the level of protection it offers. For instance, you cannot access a handgun safe with a BF rating with blunt force. You get increased protection against hand tools, a common way to break into a gun safe.

Furthermore, you should also look into DOJ and CA approvals as they give you an idea of their credibility. Gun safes with high approval ratings will give you a much better result than units that do not have those ratings. An approval by a certified board is not something to take lightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

You should never underestimate the importance of keeping your guns securely locked. For your precious handguns, you should get nothing but the best pistol safe of 2023. After all, the repercussions of a firearm falling into the wrong hands are grave.

You should choose one according to your available space, prized possessions, and budget. With any luck, I hope you’ve gained some knowledge from this post and can now choose the best one from my recommendations.