Best Gun Safe Under $500 [2024 Review]

Many gun owners think that to get a quality gun safe, I have to spend a fortune to get a premium unit. Well, today, many gun manufacturers offer premium safes at budget-friendly prices. To get premium quality safes for your firearms, I have listed the best gun safe under $500 with all the premium features.

Finding the right safety box will require lots of research and time to get a quality unit. To save your time, I have done all the research for you and come up with a list of handgun safe that are very reasonable, I recommend the Moutec Biometric Rifle Gun Safe as one of the low-cost gun safe.

Best Gun Safe Under $500

Moutec Biometric Rifle Gun Safe

Looking to store a couple of rifles with extra accessories like gears, jewelry, money, handguns, etc., check out Moutec Biometric Rifle Gun Safe. This unit can store 5 rifles with or without any scopes attach to it. Also, you can find a separate lock right at the top, which can be locked with a manual key.

You can operate this unit with the help of a biometric scanner, electric keypad, and also through manual keys, etc. The biometric scanner can store 100 unique fingerprints and unlock the unit in less than 2.5 seconds. If the battery is dead, the fingerprint will be in the memory even after the new battery is inserted.

In terms of the unit’s security, the unit’s metal has a thickness of 14 gauge with 100% steel walls. Also, there are tamper-resistant inner edges and wall-to-wall protection, which will keep unauthorizing access away from firearms. 3 built-in steel deadbolts create 3 point locking system keeping the kids or intruder lockout keeping your firearms safe and secure giving you peace of mind.

The interior of the unit comes with padded soft foam that protects the firearm from any scratches. There is no interior light inside the unit, but it has a lot of interior space where you can easily install led light, dehumidifier, and other accessories. Every time you access the unit you will hear a beep sound that you can mute it pressing and holding the “2” button for 5 seconds.

• Emits Warning Tone When Battery Is Low
• Stores 100 Unique Biometric Fingerprint
• Opens The Unit In Less Than 2.5 Seconds
• 14 Gauge Solid Steel Metal Thickness
• 3 Steel Deadbolt Preventing Any Force Entry
• 5 Pre-Drilled Holes To Mount The Unit On Floor Or Wall
• No Interior Light
• No Door Organiser

Langger Large Biometric Rifle Safe

The Langger Large Biometric Rifle Safe comes with lots of space that can easily store 5-6 rifles (50″) with optics attached to firearms. You can access the unit with a 3-way system and these are a biometric fingerprint scanner, electric digital keypad, and manual keys.

This gun safe is made up of 14 gauge carbon solid steel and 11 gauge solid steel door with a 1.75inch front door to prevent corrosion giving long-lasting protection. There is 5 steel deadbolt on the edge of the door giving added security with 5 point locking system locking out thieves. There are pre-drilled holes inside the unit that help mount the unit on the floor or wall to protect the safe from carrying. All the mounting hardware is provided to mount the unit.

In terms of the unit’s interior, it has soft foam that protects from any damage or scratch. There is a separate lockbox inside the unit which cannot be removed or adjusted. But you can store handguns, jewelry, money, etc.

• Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Body
• Body Has Metal Thickness Of 14 Gauge And Door Has 11 Gauge Thickness
• Stores 5-7 Rifles With Or Without Scope Attachment
• Good Interior Space To Store Other Gun Gears
• Heavy In Size

Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe

If you are searching for a biometric rifle unit that can be accessed in less than 2.5 seconds, you should definitely go with Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe. This unit can store 4-5 rifles (52″) without any scopes attached and has a removable shelf situated at the top.

In terms of build quality, it is made up of 100% steel walls with 14 gauge solid steel thickness. Also, I found tamper-proof inner edges with 3 steel deadbolts to create 3 point locking system. These locking systems resist prying and lockout thieves that are enough to protect your stored firearms from any intruders.

You can access the unit with a biometric fingerprint sensor and a backup key (manual keys). The biometric fingerprint scanner stores 120 unique fingers with a 100% unlocking rate on the first attempt claimed by the manufacturer.

Barska unit comes with a backup battery along with 4 AA batteries to power up the gun safe. The backup battery is useful when the gun-safe main battery is dead and you want to access the unit in an emergency. The safe battery lasts for 1 year or (10,000 scans), whichever is earlier. It comes with a 1-year warranty and is approved by the California department of justice.

• Lightweight
• 14 Gauge Solid Steel Construction
• Pre-drilled Holes
• Silent Mode Option
• Minor Issue With Fingerprint Sensor
• Little Bit Small

VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Smart Handgun Safe

Vaultek VT20i is undoubtedly the best biometric handgun safe right now in the market. This handgun safe is packed with lots of safety features that make Vaultek the best among its competitors. The best feature manufacturer has provided is to connect the unit to your mobile application and access all the features from your mobile app.

With a smart app, you can manage fingerprints, increase or decrease interior led light, view battery status, view history log, and toggle sound on/off. The biometric scanner allows you to store 20 fingerprints. You can also access the unit from the electric keypad and manual keys.

In the case of security, the gun safe is made up of 16 gauge steel and 2 points Dual anti-impact latches that ensure your stored gun remains safe in times of fall. This unit comes with anti-theft protection features like anti-pry reinforcement bars, interior-mounted hinges, steel security cable, etc.

Due to its lightweight and portable design you can carry this unit anywhere even on airlines as it is approved by TSA compliant. Vaultek vt20i can store one standard size handgun and one extra magazine easily.

• Illuminated Keypad With Proximity Sensor
• Operate The Vaultek Features From Mobile Application
• 16 Gauge Steel Construction
• Door Opens Automatically
• Interior Led Light
• Meet TSA Guideline
• Opening Of Unit Is To Much Fast That Shakes the Whole Unit
• If You Use Bluetooth Feature It Will Drain The Battery Quickly

Fort Knox PB1

Looking for a gun safe that does not require any batteries or manual keys to operate, check out the Fort Knox PB1 unit. The unit box comprises 10 gauge steel construction with a 7 gauge, 3/16 tamper-resistant steel door to protect from any forced entry by prying.

This unit is accessed by only a mechanical simplex lock that can be opened in less than 2 seconds. Simply pick any key combination (1081 ) and turn the knob on the right side. Four pre-drilled holes allow you to mount the unit on the floor or wall.

The safe is big enough to store 2 handguns easily and inside; there is two-layer foam to protect stored firearms. It comes with a lifetime warranty, and it is heavy to carry anywhere and Approved by the California department of justice.

• Body Is Made Up Of 10 Gauge Steel & 7 Gauge Lid Construction
• Simplex Mechanical Lock Allows You To Access The Unit In Seconds
• No Battery Or Manual Key Is Required To Operate
• Lifetime Warranty
• Heavy In Size
• Bit Pricey

BARSKA Handgun Safe Black

If you want a small biometric handgun safe that can store a couple of handguns and occupy less space anywhere, you place then check out BARSKA Handgun Safe. With 2 removable shelves, you can adjust them and also remove these shelves according to your need.

A biometric scanner lets you quickly access the stored firearm in less than 2.5 seconds with storage of 120 unique fingerprints that are very useful in emergency times. It is advisable to scan all your fingers for instant access.

The unit is made up of 14 gauge steel construction with 3 deadbolts on the door’s side that help secure the unit in terms of prying. You will get 4 AA batteries which last for 1 year, a backup battery and a manual key, etc. It comes with one year warranty and does not have any internal light to light up the unit in dark condition.

• 14 Gauge Steel Construction
• Comes With Removable 2 Shelves
• Access The Unit In Less Than 2.5 Seconds
• Backup Battery Pack
• Average Security Safe

SentrySafe Fireproof Safe and Waterproof Safe

SentrySafe Fireproof Safe and Waterproof Safe comes with a waterproof and fireproof feature with one removable locker box. The safety box gives fire protection of up to 1 hour at 1700°F with UL Classified safe. And in case of flood type situation, it can protect the unit for 24 hours in water up to 8 inches deep giving peace of mind.

You can access the unit in 2 ways, and these are through an electric keypad and another way through manual keys. Through a manual key, you can disable the primary locking system, which will allow you to open the unit from the manual key only. The interior also has a light which is best to access the unit in dark condition.

There are 4 large (1 inch) locking bolt that makes 4-way locking system with pry-resistant hinges door that will resist any type of prying or forced entry in terms of protection of stored firearms. You will not find any pre-drilled holes inside the unit due to the fireproof and waterproof features. But you can drill the hole as all the mounting hardware is provided.

You will need 4 AA batteries not provided by the manufacturer and branded battery (purchased Separately) will last for 8-10 years. It comes with one year warranty, and the safe is best who wants to store their handguns in a secure safe that does not occupy more storage.

• Comes With Extra Removable Drawer (Separate Lock)
• Interior Light
• Waterproof Feature For 24 Hour @ 8 Inches Deep
• Fireproof Feature For 1 Hour @ 1700°F
• Pry-Resistant Hinge Bar & 4 Live Locking Deadbolt
• No Battery Provided
• Beep Sound Cannot Be Silenced

Gun Safe with Fingerprint By Awesafe

Awesafe comes with a handgun safe that can store 2 standard size handguns with an advanced protection system. Ideal for bedside gun safe, the Gun Safe with Fingerprint By Awesafe can be accessed single-handedly due to gas sturt technology. This technology opens the unit automatically and silently.

It is made up of solid steel and a pry-resistant door with precise fitting to keep the intruders from accessing the unit with any hardware tool. There are two pre-drilled holes at the bottom, which allow you to mount the unit on the floor or wall.

When you get the unit and are using it the first time, remember that any finger can be scanned on the scanner to open the unit. Set up your fingerprint to keep your safe open and press the button where the battery is situated. After that, press the second number on the keypad. Now tap on the scanner twice, and when the green light lights up, it means your scanned finger is ready to open with a scanner.

The same goes with the electric keypad, but this time you have to press keypad number one to enter the keypad lock. While setting the code, do not press the code in a hurry. When the light turns green it means you have entered the correct code. But if it emits orange light then wait for 1-2 seconds for a light on a number to enter the correct code again.

It comes with one year warranty, and the interior has led light and has soft sponge interior protection to protect the stored firearms.

• Interior Has Led Light
• Access The Unit From 3 Ways
• Anit Impact latches & Pry Resistant Door
• Opens Quietly & Quickly
• Comes With 1 Year Standard Warranty
• Biometric Scanner Has Some Minor Issues
• Flimsy Plastic At The End Side

Quick Access V-Line Safety Box

If you are looking to store a single shotgun or AR-15 rifle and don’t want to invest a fortune in the gun unit, check out the Quick Access V-Line Safety Box. This unit can easily store a single rifle and be hidden under your bed or behind the closet. The unit comes with the simplex mechanical button with 1081 combination codes that quickly set the code.

No need for batteries to operate the unit. But there are two tubular locks on each corner that can be opened with a manual key to access the unit. It is made up of 16 gauge steel, and a velcro strap is provided inside the unit that holds the unit not to fall while opening the safe quickly.

There is no handle on the unit so you have to pull the unit from the corner to open the safe. Also, it is so lightweight in size that you have to mount the unit on the floor or wall to protect it from carrying by a thief without doing anything.

• Best AR-15 Rifle
• Has Velcro Strap To Protect The Rifle From Falling
• Simplex Mechanical Lock Gives Instant Access
• No Battery Is Required To Operate
• 16 Gauge Metal Thickness
• Basic Safety Box
• No, Handle To Open Or Close The Unit

10-Gun Compact Steel Security Cabinet

Living in an apartment or don’t have enough space for a big gun safe then check out a Stack-On Gun Cabinet that can hold 9-10 rifles or shotguns (52″tall) without any scopes attach easily. It comes with top shelves that are removable can store additional storage for handguns, ammo, money, etc.

This cabinet is approved by the California Department Of Justice that qualifies California Penal Code Section 12088. The unit has 3 point locking system with a steel cabinet frame located behind the cabinet’s door. It also has a steel locking plate situated near the door that gives three layers of security.

The unit’s interior comes with soft padded foam that will protect your rifles from any scratches or dent. There are molded barrel rest that supports the gun in a standing position and prevents it from falling.

• Occupy Less Space
• Store 10 Rifle With/Without Scope
• 3 Point Locking System & Steel Locking Plate
• California Approved Gun Cabinet
• Removable Shelf
• Basic Safety Box
• Not Gun Safe But Gun Cabinet

Buyers Guide for Best Gun Safe Under $500

When you have decided to invest in a gun safe then you have to consider some points. The below points will give you an idea and you will able to select the correct gun safes for your firearms.

Lock

There are 4 types of lock systems available in the market for gun safes and different opening capabilities. These are a Biometric scanner, Electric Keypad, Manual Keys, & Simplex mechanical lock, etc.

• Biometric lock: It will allow you to open the unit with your thumb or fingers’ help and you will require batteries to operate it. A biometric scanner sometimes fails to scan the finger and may put you in frustration in times of emergency.
• Electric Keypad: These are reliable but they may take a few seconds more than the biometric scanner. Also, you have to remember the code to access the unit.
• Manual key: It does not require any remember of code or any type of battery to operate. But if you put the key somewhere and you forgot where you kept it in times of emergency, then the gun safes will be of no use.
• Mechanical Lock: They don’t require a battery nor any type of manual keys. But if you forgot the combination lock, it will be nearly impossible for you to open the safety box in critical conditions.

Fireproof

You will find very rare good quality fireproof gun safes under $500. But if you find it then maybe less protective in securing your stored firearms.

Theft Protection

I bought the best gun safes for the money to protect my firearms from intruders or keep them away from kids. So to protection is an important factor when selecting the right safety box for your firearms. Try to invest in a unit that has at least 16 gauge or less thickness of steel.

Also, check it should have a minimum of 3 bolts that slide either into boltholes or behind the door frame point. More the locking bolt more it will be secured against pry-bars.

Final Words

Selecting the best gun safe under $500 may have clear your doubts, and I hope you have got what you were looking for. Investing in a safety box will protect your firearms for years to come.