Best California Approved Gun Safe [2024 Review]

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These days every state has its own rules and regulations about firearms and also storing them safely. Suppose you are looking for the best California-approved gun safes (California Department of Justice regulation – DOJ). It can be your best choice for your firearms, which also comes with lots of features.

So whenever you are buying a safe, you should look at DOJ Approved Safe, which will assure you of the right quality product. If you are not living in California, then still having an approved California handgun safe is dependable and best for storing a pistol, revolver, rifles, handguns, long guns, etc.

You might be thinking about how I will know the safe I will buy is certified by California-approved (DOJ) or not. Check out the official guide if you want to read the official government website, and read a detailed guide.

My top recommendation for the DOJ Approve gun safe is the Quick-Access Dual Firearm By Amazon. So if you’re ready to buy, I have listed down the Best California-approved gun safes, which will surely not disappoint you.

Best California Approved Gun Safe

Quick-Access Dual Firearm By Amazon

Amazon comes with a handgun safe that can store 2 standard-size handguns and store important documents like a passport, driving license, and extra ammo easily. If you are looking for an extra space safe, then the Quick-Access Dual Firearm By Amazon will fulfill your need. This unit is California-approved (DOJ) certified and passes all necessary tests.

You can access this unit through 3 ways: a biometric fingerprint scanner, Electric keypad, manual keys, etc. The biometric fingerprint scanner can hold 50 unique fingerprints with a lifetime touch or 1,000,000 times (whichever comes first). The fingerprint scanner scans the finger in less than 1 second with the help of a semi-conductor 500 DPI.

The electric keypad is made up of soft rubber that will not make any noise when entering the code. The safe door opens quickly and silently with the help of a gas spring attach to the door. If you forgot the code, you could also access the safe with manual keys.

This safe comes with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware for the mounting process, and it requires 4AA batteries, which are not included. It is made up of dual-layer steel construction with a pry-resistant door that will keep any unauthorized access.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension 6.2 x 9.3 x 2.7
External Dimension9.6 x 12.4 x  3.4
Weight9.9 pounds
FireproofNot Fireproof
LockBiometric, Electric Keypad, Manual Key
  • Pry-Resistant Doors
  • Can Store 2 Handguns With Different Model
  • Comes With Pre-drilled Holes & Hardware
  • Dual Layer Protection
  • Safe Door Is Poorly Fitted

Stack-On GCB 8 Gun Cabinet Unit

If you are looking to store a couple of rifles or shotguns (52″) without any scopes attached, then I would suggest you check out Stack-on GCB 8 California-approved rifle safe. With an extra shelf on top, you can store items like handguns, important documents, etc.

Stack-On GCB claims that this unit can easily store up to 8 rifles, but personally, I have tested it not to store 8 rifles easily. But I was able to store 5-6 rifles inside the unit.

This cabinet is made up of solid steel construction with tamper-proof outside walls. This unit can be lock and unlock with the 3 points locking system with a double-bitted key-coded lock, which provides maximum security.

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The upper shelf can be removed according to your need. Also, it has pre-drilled holes at the bottom of the safe for extra protection. The interior has soft foam to protect stored firearms from any scratch or dent.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension18 x 9 x 53
External Dimension21 x 10 x 55
Weight64 pounds
FireproofNot fireproof
LockManual Key Lock System
  • Can Store 8 Riffles Or Shotguns Easily (52″)
  • Comes With Removable Shelf At Top
  • California Approved (DOJ) Certified
  • Made Up Of Solid Steel
  • Just A Basic Gun Safe
  • No Other Unlocking Option

Stealth Handgun Quick Access Safe

If you have multiple handguns or are going to buy a couple of handguns and look to store these handguns in a secure safe, check out Stealth Handgun Quick Access Safe. This handgun unit comes with basic features and some premium features with strong and secure built-in quality. The California Department approves this unit Of Justice.

This unit has the capacity of storing 5 handguns easily in two different positions. You can mount 3 handguns at the ready position for quick access and 2 handguns in a flat position (sleeping position). This safe has an electronic locking system with 6 digit combination code. So as soon as you enter the right combination, the door will open automatically with spring-loaded doors.

If you access the case at night, then the safe interior will automatically light up with a red led light to access your handguns, even in low-light conditions. You can also access the safe silently with built-in silent features.

The best part that I like about Stealth Handgun safe is it has a hanger and high-density foam. The hunger will allow you to access your favorite handgun quickly. The foam will protect your handguns from any scratches or dents.

Equipped with anti-pry and solid strength locking latch system. It also has pre-drilled mounting holes with a heavy-duty security cable. You can power your safe with a new power port (Cable included), or also you can operate this unit with a 9V battery.

In terms of security, it is made up of solid steel construction and a 3/8″ Solid Steel unit door, which is enough to keep unauthorized hands from stored firearms.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension 7.5  x 10  x 8 
External Dimension 9 x 12 x 9
Weight15 pound
FireproofNot fireproof
LockCombination Lock System & Manual Key
  • Hold 6 Handguns easily
  • Comes With Heavy Duty Cable
  • Pre-Drilled Holes
  • Interior Has Led Light
  • California Approved Gun Safe
  • No Fireproof
  • Interior Hanger Cannot Be Adjusted

Stack-on Drawer Safe

Sometimes I want to access my firearms quickly, and also, they should be easily accessible. As the name suggests, the gun safe can be fit in a drawer due to its opening. The Stack-On Drawer Safe has its opening from the top, so you have to put it in a drawer and don’t have to take out the safe to grab a handgun.

This gun safe can hold one handgun easily with extra ammunition and other small valuable items. The interior of the safe has foam to protect the firearms from any scratch or dent. It has an electronic keypad button system, so as soon as you press a keypad, a beep sound will let you know that the keypad is touched. You can also turn off the beep sound with the help of a button. And if you press the wrong 3 combination codes, the safe will automatically lock for some minutes.

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The safe comes with the backup key; if the main battery runs out of power and you have to access it at the time of the emergency, then the backup battery will work as an alternate. The size of the Stack-On is compact enough to fit inside the drawer. Also, it comes with pre-drilled holes so you can mount it in your room drawer for extra security so that burglars don’t carry it with them due to its lightweight design.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension11.5 x 8.25 x 2.25
External Dimension12 x 8.75 x 4.5
Weight13.2 pounds
FireproofNot fireproof
LockElectric Button Combination
  • Store In Drawer
  • Pre-Drilled Holes
  • Can Be Used To Store Other Items
  • Comes With 4 AA Batteries
  • Low Interior Space

SentrySafe QAP2EL Gun Safe with Interior Lights Digital Keypad

If you like to store 2 handguns easily & also don’t want any extra space to store other equipment, and SentrySafe has an interior led light, you should check this safe. The best place to keep this safe is near your bedside, where you can easily access it quickly.

This safe is slightly less sturdy in comparison with other handgun safes. But comes with a silent feature that is useful when you want to operate silently. When you enter your combination password, it will silently open (gas strut) the safe without making any noise.

Built with 12 gauge steel with a pry-resistant door and strength for handgun security. It also had a backup key which helps when you run out of the battery. You need to purchase 4 high-quality Brandable AA Alkaline batteries to operate this safe electrically.

If you are traveling most of the time and always keep your firearms with you and store them securely, you can rely on this safe. This safe can be placed under the seat of the cover easily.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension14 W x 6.5 D x 2.2 H
External Dimension16.4 W x 9.8 D. x 3.2 H
Weight16 pounds
FireproofNo Fireproof
LockDigital Keypad & Manual Keys
  • Digital Keypad
  • DOJ Approved
  • Has Interior Led Light
  • Store 2 Handguns Easily
  • Less Durability
  • Cannot store extra accessories

Barska AX13100 Vault

Barska AX13100 is a solid construction rifle safe that can store 8 rifles without any scopes but can store extra accessories on the top shelf. So if you are the owner of rifles and have 1-2 handguns to store at one place, check out Barska AX13100 Vault. The manufacture provides 2 removable handgun racks and 2 shelves where you can store other accessories.

This safe is California (DOJ) Approved Gun safes with an anti-Pry Concealed Door. The edges of the unit are tamper-resistant, which makes this safe more secure. This unit also has a silent mode function activated by a silent mode feature for silent access. The unit’s interior has a protective floor mat that protects the stored firearms from any scratch or any dent.

The safe has a 5 position rifle rack. The 2 unique pin codes would allow access to the unit digital keypad and manual keys if you forgot the code in a time of emergency. This unit weighs only 82 Pounds which can be easy for you to move from one place to another in terms of the unit’s size.

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In terms of security, the safe is made up of a 14 gauge solid steel wall with 3 pry-resistant live-locking deadbolts to prevent any forced access to the safe. Also, it has pre-drilled holes at the bottom with all the mounting hardware included. It is recommended to mount the safe on the floor for maximum security.

It requires 4 AA batteries (included) to power up the safe. If your batteries run out and you want to access the safe in an emergency, you can use backup keys for instant access.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension12.5″ x 11.5 x 52″
External Dimension13 x 13 x 52.25
Weight82 Pounds
FireproofNot Fireproof
LockElectric Lock & Manual Keys
  • Removable shelves
  • Protective Floor Mat
  • Pry-Resistant Recessed Door
  • Stores 5 Rifles
  • 3 Built-In Pry-Resistant Steel DeadBolt
  • Not Fireproof

Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe

If you are looking for a biometric rifle safe to store a couple of rifles and extra accessories or handguns, you can check out Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe. It comes with a fingerprint scanner that allows you to access your stored firearms in less than 2.5 seconds.

This safe can easily store 4 rifles without any attachment or accessories on rifles. Besides storing rifles, you can also store your other valuable items like ammunition, jewelry, cash, and other important documents.

Barska rifle safe comes with mounting holes, which are recommended security for your unit. Also, you can mount it on the wall or floor with the help of mounting holes and mounting hardware that comes with this Safe.

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The safe wall comprises 14 gauge solid steel metal thickness and tamper-resistant inner edges with 3 built-in steel deadlocking bolts. Also, it has 3 point locking system, which is pry-resistant tamper-resistant, which keeps your firearms safe and secure from any unauthorized access.

If you want to access the Barska safe silently, there is a red button press it and hold it for 10 seconds; silent mode will be activated. So when the safe battery is about to die, there will be a warning tone that will indicate that your safe battery is running low to have extra peace of mind.

It can store 120 unique fingerprints that accurately scan and store in its database. Also, when your finger scans, the safe opens in 2.5 seconds to access your stored firearms or other valuable items. Also, your same finger can be scanned multiple times from different angles without any problem.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension9.7 x 7.63 x 52
External Dimension9.5 x 8.63 x 52.13
Weight62
FireproofNot Fireproof
LockBiometric Lock & 2 Manual Lock
  • Anti-Pry Concealed Door Hinges
  • Includes Mounting Hardware
  • 2 Backup Keys
  • 14 Gauge Metal Thickness
  • Access Your Firearms In Less Than 2.5 Seconds
  • Not fireproof
  • Can Store Only 4 Rifles

Stack-on Steel Pistol/Ammo Cabinet

So, if you want to store pistols, handguns, or ammo, then Stack-On is perfect safe will be your best choice. The Stack-On Steel Pistol is designed to store all the small firearms with all the effective and solid gun storage features.

Made up of high solid steel, which is hard to break due to its build quality. The interior is padded cushion foam which protects your firearms from any scratch or damage caused by the cabinet’s steel surface.

In this safe basically, you will get two-compartment. In one compartment, you can store handguns and in the other is a removable shelf to store other goods like gun permits, documents, polishes, ammunition, etc. You can also remove the shelf according to your need. This safe comes in a black finish.

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Due to its size, it will occupy less space, or you want to set up this unit near your bedroom. It is always the right idea to mount your safe on the floor or wall for the unit’s security. This safe comes with pre-drilled holes with mounting hardware so that you can mount them on the floor, ceiling, or wall.

This unit can only be accessed through the key-coded lock with a double-bitted lock system. For added security steel door is secured beside the steel door frame so that it becomes impossible to break by a thief.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension16 x 9 x 14
External Dimension17 x 10 x 15
Weight19.9 Pounds
FireproofNo Fireproof
LockKey lock
  • Interior Is Foam Padded
  • Removable Shelves
  • Solid Steel Made
  • DOJ Approved
  • Unit Can Store Couple Of Handguns Easily
  • There Should Be More Lock Option
  • No Interior Light

RPNB Pistol Safe, California DOJ Certified

If you are looking for a California-approved gun safe, then RPNB will be best for your handgun. The RPNB Pistol Safe stores a single handgun or other important documents like a passport, ammo, etc.

You can access this unit with the help of a biometric scanner and also by manual keys. This safe is operated by 4 AA batteries (Not Included) to run smoothly. Also, the gun safe sensor has a 500DPI biometric fingerprint that scans the finger instantly and accurately.

In terms of security, it is made up of 16 Gauge Carbon steel construction with a pry-resistant body, giving long-lasting protection for many years. The safe came with anti-impact latches and welded proof steel body, which will protect from any corrosion.

It has a compact design, but you have to pre-drilled the holes to mount the safe on the top surface for better protection. But the manufacture will provide all the mounting hardware for future drilling. Also, it doesn’t have any interior light inside.

If you like to travel to a California shooting range and want to take RPNB safe with you, the manufacturer has also provided a High Steel Security Cable for attachment. The interior has soft padded foam, which will protect your firearms from any scratch or dent. Also, it comes with a 1-year warranty.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension7.6 x 9.2 x 2
External Dimension7.8 x 11.8 x 2.2
Weight6 pounds
FireproofNot Fireproof
LockBiometric Fingerprint & Manual Key
  • DOJ Approved
  • Comes With Security Cable
  • Has Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
  • Includes All Mounting Hardware
  • No Pre Drilled Holes

Hornady 2-Gun Keypad Vault

If you are searching to store 2 handguns or store one handgun and extra documents together, I recommend you go with Hornady Gun Vault. Made up of a compact design that can be adjusted on the shelf or near your bed.

This safe has an interior light that turns on automatically when the door opens up. It has one removable shelf where you can store other guns or put one gun at the bottom and other documents above the shelf. Still, after storing 2 handguns, you can also store ammunition in it.

It is made up of 16 gauge thick solid steel, which is enough to keep away from any unauthorized hand. This unit requires 4 AAA batteries (which are not included) to run it smoothly. You can access this safe with 4 to 6 keypad code. Also, you can access this unit with 2 manual keys if the battery runs out.

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The unit has a spring-loaded door that opens up quietly and quickly as soon as the correct code is entered. The interior has a soft liner foam to protect any stored handguns from any scratch or dent. It has pre-drilled holes at the bottom to mount it on the floor or the top surface for better protection.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension11. 4″ X 8. 6″ X 6. 3
External Dimension12. 7″ X 9. 0″ X 8. 8
Weight6.21 Pounds
FireproofNot Fireproof
LockElectric Keypad And Manual Key
  • You Can Open With Keys & Also Codes
  • Backup key Included
  • 16 Gauge Thick Steel Construction
  • Has Interior Light
  • Comes With Pre-Drilled Holes
  • No Battery Included

Fireproof California Approved Gun Safe

I have also listed some of the best fireproof California Approved Gun Safe, which can be slightly on the high end, but they have not compromised quality-wise.

1. Barska FV-1000 Fire Safe Vault

Barska has come with a fireproof safe, a California-approved gun safe, and can hold fire for up to 40 minutes at 1200 degrees. The Barska FV-1000 Fire Safe Vault can store 14 rifles with extra pouches and removable shelves to store pistols, handguns, ammunition, and other documents.

The company provides 3 built-in pry-resistant deadbolts that can be mounted on the floor for extra security. If you are planning to pre-drilled the unit, the warranty will void due to the fireproof feature.

It has a user-friendly digital keypad that can store 1 unique pin code to access the safe. If the 9v battery runs out, you can also access this safe with 2 extra backup keys that come with this unit.

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If you want to access your safe in silent mode, you can easily activate the silent mode, mute the beeping sound whenever you access the rifle case.

The only drawback I find about this safe is that it is hard to move if you want to move it from one place to another. And also, you need more space to set up this safe.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension 18.39 x 3.87 x 57.44
External Dimension 20 x 18 x 59.06
Weight274 Pounds
FireproofFireproof For 40 Minutes @ 1,200° F
LockDigital Number Keypad With Unique Pin Code
  • Silent Mode
  • Fireproof For 40 Minutes @ 1200 Degree F
  • 3 Solid Locking Bolt
  • Protective Floor Mat
  • Hold 14 Rifles Without Accessories
  • Bit Heavy To Move

Best California Approved Rifle Safe

1. Kodiak KB19ECX Fireproof Gun Safe

Searching for a rifle safe to protect your firearm from the firearm for at least 30 mins then check out Kodiak KB19ECX gun safe. This unit is approved by the department of justice and holds 28 long guns and handguns easily. This unit is operated by digital electric code and also with a backup key.

The unit has a fire rating of FOR 30 MINUTES @ 1400°F with a heat-activated seal door that expands up to 7 times its size sealing door edges that keeps heat and smoke out, keeping your firearm safe. A single solid steel plate will protect the lock from any drill attack in terms of the lock.

It is made up of 14 gauge solid steel in terms of security, and the manufacture has provided an anti-tamper clutch handle that disengages when excessive force is applied.

The manufacture has provided the door organizer, which will help you to organize all your handguns. Also, there is an adjustable and removable shelve that helps store all your important items like handguns, ammo, important documents, etc., on the rifle safe. The unit comes with a standard lifetime warranty.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension26.5 x 17 x 57
External Dimension28 x 20 x 59
Weight350 lbs
Fireproof30 Minutes Fire Protection @ 1400°F
LockDigital Electric Lock & Manual Lock
  • Door Handle Disengage When Excessive Force Is Applied
  • Comes With Gun Organiser
  • Fire protection For 30 Minutes @ 1400°F
  • 14 Gauge Solid Steel Body
  • No Interior Light

What Is DOJ Approved Safes?

Safes approved by the California Department of firearm justice have gone through strict testing and cannot be broken easily, and have passed DOJ testing. With DOJ-approved safes, you can rest assured that your stored firearms or valuables are safe and secure and can be accessed by the safe owner.

Factors to Consider for DOJ Approved Gun Safes

There are many factors that I should consider when selecting the right safety box for my firearms. Below I have mentioned them.

Hand opening safe

Size

When have you decided to buy a gun safe? Ask yourself how many guns you will store in your property in California? Will I purchase more guns in the future? And also, I want to store extra accessories within the safe. So go with that unit that can store all your guns, and in the future, you don’t run out of any space when you decided to add in your arsenal.

Some gun safe comes in small size and occupies less space. That’s why these are best for apartment gun safes, condos, or small houses, etc.

Weight

If you own a single handgun or pistol, you may go with a smaller handgun safe (SentrySafe QAP2EL), which weighs only 16 pounds that can be kept near your bedside or under the seat of your car. You can also bolt it down gun safes in your bedroom or the office, or you can also mount it on the floor or wall for greater security. Above handgun units are also best for carrying while traveling in your private vehicles also.

Affordability

This also plays an important role while selecting the right California-approved gun safe. You can also check out the gun safe reviews or the best affordable gun safe for your weapons.

Mounting Option

This is also an important factor when you are considering buying a safe. Many gun units come with pre-drilled holes and all the mounting hardware to secure your handgun safe on the wall, floor, or closet. Some safe does not come with pre-drilled holes. So you have drilled by yourself, which is very time-consuming.

Lock System

There are numerous lock systems available in gun units. But mainly there are Biometric Lock, Electric Keypad, And Manual key lock system.

  • Biometric: In this locking system, you can unlock the safe with the help of your finger. It scans your finger and makes that finger your unlocking option. You can access the safe as quickly depends how fast your fingerprint scanner scans your finger. (Requires Battery or electricity to operate).
  • Electric Keypad/Digital: This locking system will unlock your safe when you enter the correct pin code of 4-6-8 different code systems. Some keypad has 4 digit pin code system, some have 6 digit pin code, & some have 8 digit pin code system. The more pin code it has, the more secure your password will be. (Requires Battery or electricity to operate).
  • Manual Keys: This traditional type of lock system is the most trusted as always. Many people still trust the manual key locking system. Insert the key inside the safe, and the safe is unlocked. These unit does not require any battery or electricity to operate them.

Final Words

With many safes available in the market today, it is important to select the correct DOJ-approved safe according to your need. So now it’s up to you which product you go with.

Also, having Best California-approved gun safe will give you peace of mind as it has passed almost all the tests of a quality safe pass before reaching the consumer.

James Forrester is a lifelong gun and firearms owner, and an even bigger advocate for gun safety. He created KeepGunsSafe.com with the purpose of sharing helpful tips and educating others on how to keep guns and weapons safe and secure.