10 Best Types Of Gun Safes To Keep Your Firearms Secure

By SS Contributor | Updated: 02/08/2024

Biometric Hand Gun Safe Mounted Under A DeskToday I’ve got something important to share…

A Guide To Find The Best Type Of Gun Safe For YOU…

Because a safe’s keeps your firearms out of harm’s way.

Protecting hem from the elements (fire, water), thieves, AND curious kids.

So while ALL safes have the same goal, they’re NOT all the same.

With so many types, options, and brands to choose from, it’s hard to know which is BEST For You.

Unless you have a trusted guide…

TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE…    ↓(click to jump)
Prepper Checklist eBook Cover - with gas mask on a SHTF scenery background

Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

10 Types Of Different Gun Safes

1. Biometric Lock Safe

Product Image: RPNB Biometric Handgun SafeBiometrics is one of the newest security features on the market today.

A biometric safe allows you to use your own fingerprints as your unlocking code.

And the chance of two people having the same fingerprints is about 1 in 64 million.

So it’s safe to say using your fingerprints as an access code is an extremely low risk.

Traditional safes have passcodes or combinations you must enter for access.

But with a biometric gun safe, you press your fingerprints onto the scanner, and it pops open.

In the end, the only way someone else to break into a biometric lock is with YOUR hand.

Which is a very difficult thing to do and not pretty to think about…

If this safe technology interests you, we recommend looking into the RPNB Biometric Handgun Safe, which is designed to hold handguns.

Here’s a video overviewing a pistol-sized biometric safe.

↓ RPNB Gun Safe Unboxing And Quick Review

And for a larger biometric safe, check out the Barska Large Biometric Rifle Safe.

↓New Biometric Rifle Safes by Barska

2. Fireproof and Waterproof Safe

Product Image: Stack-On TD-24-GP-C-S Total Defense 22-24 Gun Safe with Combination LockMost safes are made of steel (steel is relatively fireproof – it only melts at extremely high temperatures).

But it’s not the metal box you should be worried about…

A house fire typically won’t get hot enough to melt steel.

But the surrounding heat will penetrate your gear inside the metal box.

Heat ruins guns.

The last thing you want is to have your guns barbecued inside your large, expensive safe.

So it’s always wise to check that it’s rated for fire protection.

The Stack-On Safe with Combination Lock is waterproof and has a 75-minute/1400-degree fire rating.

Completely fireproof? No, but it’s definitely fire-resistant.

↓ Stack-on 24 Safe: Fire & Waterproof

3. In-Wall Firearm Safe

Product Image: Stack-On PWS-1555 Long Gun Wall Safe with Electronic LockAn “in-wall gun safe” is, by definition, installed “in the wall.”

So instead of being portable, this one is meant to remain stationary because it’s directly installed into your wall.

This prevents your safe from being stolen (obviously) since it will be inside your wall.

The one downfall to this type of safe is if you move, it’s difficult to take with.

Wall safes have various lock options, from:

  • a combination lock
  • electric keypad
  • or fingerprint

These safes are also sold in several sizes, so if you plan your purchase correctly, you can fit all your weapons in it.

The Stack-On PWS-1555 Long Gun Wall Safe with Electronic Lock is a good example of a wall gun safe designed to hold several rifles.

Here’s a video of the unboxing and installation of this safe.

↓ Unboxing and installing Stackon Wall Safe

4. Hidden Gun Cabinets

Product Image: Tactical Walls Concealed Storage Compartment Gun SafeA hidden gun cabinet does not look like a safe.

It often looks like a regular piece of furniture.

They’re hidden in something so common they won’t attract any attention, such as:

  • mirrors
  • picture frames
  • shelves
  • air ducts

Hidden safes allow you to keep your weapons nearby without anyone realizing it.

While this option is not as strong of a safe from someone drilling or prying it open, they blend in.

So most thieves will pass by a hidden safe without taking notice.

Tactical Walls are one of the best examples of this type of safe.

So watch the video below if you are interested in hiding your guns in plain sight:

↓ Tactical Walls: Hidden in Plain Sight

5. Car Safe

Car handgun safes are not as secured as in-home bolt-down safes.

But they are much better than leaving your pistol unsecured in your glove box.

A car safe is normally designed for a single handgun.

Small mobile safes are a good choice when traveling.

So if you want to be safe on the road, pick up a car safe.

One of the better single pistol vehicle safes on the market is the Gunbunker GS1 Vehicle Safe.

Watch the video below for more details:

↓ Best Car Gun Safe – Gunbunker

6. Under Bed Safe

Product Image: American Security Defense VaultThis firearm safe acts like a sliding drawer to hold your guns underneath your bed.

This setup allows you to open the safe quickly and with ease.

You’ll be able to roll out of your bed, reach underneath, and unlock the combination, and you’re armed and ready in your undies.

The bottom line is:

I love keeping my firearms close when sleeping.

There’s no better way to have them both safe and close.

I like the American Security Defense Vault safe manufacturer.

So watch the video to learn why…

↓ AMSEC Defense Vault – Underbed Safe

7. Heavy-Duty Safe

Product Image: Liberty Gun Safe - Fat Boy JrBy heavy duty, we mean HEAVY because of their steel walls.

For example:

The Steelwater Extreme Duty is a large safe that comes in at over 1200 lbs.

Not even a team of thieves will be able to move this beast-of-a-safe without a lot of hassle.

The bad news:

YOU’LL need an entire crew of people to get this thing in your house.

But once it’s there, that’s where it’s gonna stay.

As far as security goes, it has a total of 18 (1-1/2 inch) solid steel bolts matched with a gear-driven lock system for added strength against punching, prying, or drill attacks.

However, it’s going to set you back thousands of dollars.

So for my money, I prefer the Liberty Gun Safe – Fat Boy Jr.

This safe is plenty heavy at over 700 lbs.

And if you bolt it down properly, you’ll make it near impossible to break into.

It also has 12 (1-inch) solid steel bolts, which are plenty of heavy-duty protection for most.

↓ Liberty Safe Fatboy Jr Review

8. Corner Safe

Product Image: Sentry Safe HDC11E Home Defense CenteA corner safe is a regular safe, but it’s specifically designed to sit directly in the corner of a room.

If you can’t install a wall safe (renter) or are just tight on space in general, a corner safe will fit into a room without any problem.

I like the Sentry Safe HDC11E Home Defense Center as a go-to corner gun safe.

It’s well-designed, and it’s ideal for a corner install.

So check out the review video below for more details:

↓ Sentry Home Defense Center Corner Safe

9. Truck Safe

Product Image: Locker Down Truck Console SafesA truck safe allows you to hide your guns in your truck.

But there are truck safes for your handguns and other ones for your rifles.

For your handgun, I like the Locker Down Truck Console Safes.

These safes are designed to work with specific makes and models of trucks and turn your console into a built-in handgun safe.

Most come with a standard keyed lock, with isn’t a bad thing if you’re not in love with keypads or biometric locks.

↓ Locker Down Vehicle Console Safe

You’ll need a longer design for a safe for your rifles.

Locker Down has you covered in this category as well.

And come with a simple but effective mechanical lock.

↓ Locker Down Vehicle Rifle Safe

10. Nightstand Safe

Product Image: Home Defense Night Stand SafeThe Home Defense Night Stand Safe is a small handgun safe that doubles as a diversion safe.

This “safe” is hidden, secure, and as close by during that night as you can get.

Seriously, you can grab your gun without even getting out of bed.

Now that’s what I call “ultimate access.”

Home Defense Night Stand with Hidden Firearm Safe

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We're Giving Away Our Ultimate Firearms Survival Guide.Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Why You Should Buy A Safe For Your Guns

Owning a firearm safe (or even multiple) offers several benefits:

Protects Your Guns From Damage

Many safes are designed in such a way as to keep your guns from damage or rusting.

Now, you can prevent unnecessary damage by using felt lining and holster pockets that store your guns safely and securely within.

Also, if the safe is airtight, add a humidity rod or some desiccants.

Either will help reduce and remove any extra moisture from the air.

Less moisture equals less chance of rust buildup on your barrels.

Protects Your Ability To Defend Your Family

If you keep your guns lying around your home unsecured, they can be stolen in a heartbeat.

Having your guns stolen is bad enough, but what if the person who stole them uses them in a violent crime?

While you won’t be charged with the crime itself, you will become roped into the criminal investigation.

It’s just best to avoid such a mess by keeping your guns locked and difficult to steal.

Abiding By The Law

Did you know that many states have laws that impose criminal liability on a person who negligently stores their firearms, where minors could or do gain access to the firearm?

Child Firearm Access Prevention Laws USA Map by State - parents-against-gun-violence

Whether you agree or disagree with these laws or not is not the issue here.

The bottom line is:

All responsible gun owners should take action to prevent children from accessing firearms without parental supervision.

I think we can all agree this is a major part of every gun owner’s responsibility, regardless of the laws of your state.

One of the best ways to live up to this responsibility is by investing in (and using) a gun safe.

Better Access To Your Firearms

With a firearm safe, you’ll always know exactly where your guns are.

Did you leave it in your desk drawer? Is it under your bed? Did you forget to take it out of your truck?

When someone breaks into your home, you are in immediate danger.

You must be 100% certain where your home defense weapons are so you can quickly retrieve them.

Final Thoughts

With all the varieties and price points available, you have no excuse not to invest in a good one.

Owning guns is one of our most basic and sacred rights as American citizens.

It’s an investment in your self-protection and an investment in our society’s liberty.

So proper gun storage supports these critical objectives.

Giving you (and only you) proper access, security, and safety of all your firearms.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like our “13 Best Diversion Safes Criminals Will Never Discover” post.

Why Trust Skilled Survival...

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

  • Who We Are
  • Our Credentials
  • Our Mission
  • & Product Recommendations...

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

  • Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
  • Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
  • Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
  • Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
  • Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
  • Bachelor's Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
  • Bachelor's Degree In Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor's Degree In Biomedical Engineering

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." - Warren Buffett

We're fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we'll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create...

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

  • Cofounder Of Skilledsurvival.com & TheResilientLife.com
  • Born & Raised On A Rural Farm In The Midwest
  • Mechanical Engineering Grad From A Major University
  • Engineer With A Major Food Manufacturing Company
  • 10+ Years Researching, Writing, & Teaching Preparedness
  • Mission: Help Folks Stop Living A Life Fragile To The Future
  • P.s. Do You Live In A 'Danger Zone' County?

    Find out now using my Danger Zone County List & Special Report it’s absolutely FREE.

    In minutes you’ll know EXACTLY where you stand and if you should be worried or not..

    Cooking over a rocket stove
    Get My 10 Steps To Basic Preparedness Video For FREE.
    Plus daily survival tips (unsubscribe anytime).