Best Handgun Safes

Key Factors to Consider

1. Security Features

• Locking Mechanism: There are several types of locking mechanisms, including biometric (fingerprint), combination, digital keypad, and traditional key locks. Biometric safes offer quick access, while combination and digital keypads provide a balance between security and accessibility.
• Construction Material: Look for safes made from heavy-duty steel. The thickness of the steel and the overall build quality will influence the safe's ability to resist tampering and forced entry.

2. Size and Capacity

• Internal Space: Ensure the safe has enough room for your handgun and any additional items you might want to store, such as ammunition or important documents.
• External Dimensions: Consider where you will place the safe. It should fit comfortably in your chosen location, whether it's a nightstand, car, or closet.

3. Ease of Access

• Opening Mechanism: Quick access is crucial in emergencies. Evaluate how easily and quickly you can open the safe.
• User Interface: The interface should be intuitive. For biometric safes, ensure the fingerprint scanner is reliable and fast.

4. Portability

• Weight: If you need to move the safe frequently, look for a lighter model. However, this might compromise its security to some extent.
• Mounting Options: Some safes come with pre-drilled holes for mounting, which can enhance security by preventing theft of the entire unit.

5. Price

• Budget: Handgun safes vary widely in price. Determine your budget and look for models that offer the best features within your price range.

Popular Models

1. Fort Knox PB1

• Security: Heavy-duty steel construction with a Simplex mechanical lock.
• Size: Compact but sufficient for most handguns.
• Access: Mechanical lock ensures reliability without the need for batteries.
• Price: On the higher end, but worth it for its durability and reliability.

2. Vaultek VT20i

• Security: Biometric fingerprint scanner and backlit keypad.
• Size: Can store a single handgun and a few accessories.
• Access: Quick and reliable biometric access.
• Price: Mid-range, offering a good balance of features and cost.

3. GunVault SV500 SpeedVault

• Security: Digital keypad with backup key lock.
• Size: Designed for quick access, mounts easily to a wall or inside a desk.
• Access: Fast drop-down drawer for immediate access.
• Price: Affordable, great for those on a budget.

4. SentrySafe QAP1BE

• Security: Biometric lock with backup keypad and key.
• Size: Suitable for one handgun.
• Access: Quick and reliable biometric access.
• Price: Mid-range, offering good security features for the price.

Critical Features to Look For

1. Tamper Alerts

• Some safes come with tamper alerts that notify you if someone tries to break into the safe.

2. Interior Lighting

• Interior lighting can be extremely helpful, especially in low-light conditions. Look for safes with LED lighting.

3. Power Source

• For safes with electronic components, consider the power source. Some use batteries, while others might have an AC adapter. Ensure the battery life is sufficient, and consider models with low battery warnings.

4. Warranty

• A good warranty can offer peace of mind. Check the warranty terms to understand what is covered and for how long.

Conclusion

When choosing a handgun safe, prioritize security and ease of access. Consider the size and capacity based on your storage needs, and don't forget to factor in the price. Popular models like the Fort Knox PB1, Vaultek VT20i, GunVault SV500 SpeedVault, and SentrySafe QAP1BE offer a range of features to suit different needs and budgets. By focusing on these factors and features, you can find the best handgun safe to keep your firearm secure and accessible.