If you own a pistol, it’s important to keep it secured. Not only is it the responsible thing to do, it’s also the law in many locations. But you also want to keep your personal defense firearm close at hand in the event of an emergency. In most homes, a long gun safe is not going to be located appropriately for this purpose.
You need a handgun safe, which is why we set out to find the best handgun safe available online.
In the course of making our selections, we looked for the best handgun safe quick access features, so you can get to your pistol as quickly as possible. We also looked at the gauge of the metal used in their construction, and any padding or lighting on the interior. And, of course, we looked for the best small gun safe for the money. If value is what you crave, we’ve got you covered.
The 15 Best Handgun Safes
The American Security PB3 will open 5,000 times with one 9-volt battery.
Key features
- Holds 1 full frame handgun
- Measures 12” wide x 8” deep x 4” high
- Weighs 6 pounds
- Electronic combination lock
- Foam padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Security lockout after 3 failed opening attempts
- Collapsible chrome handle
- External auxiliary battery connection
The American Security PB3 is a relatively large pistol safe that fits a full-sized pistol with room to spare for a pair of extra magazines. It has a 5-key electrical keypad that drives a sturdy chrome locking bolt, and thick sides keep your pistol safe from all but the most determined thieves.
This safe features a security lockout, which shuts the keypad off for 3 minutes after 3 failed combination attempts. It also has a collapsible chrome handle, which makes it easy to transport.
Pros
- Portable
- Impressive battery life
- Ideal for a nightstand or desk drawer
- Backup battery connection prevents lockouts due to dead battery
- Security lockout prevents tampering
Cons
- Does not include mounting hardware.
This safe features thick foam padding that protects your pistol from scratches, at home or on the road.
2. GunVault GVB1000
The GunVault GVB1000 features a spring-loaded door, allowing for quick access to your pistol.
Key features
- Holds 1 full frame handgun
- Measures 8.1” wide x 12” deep x 4.9” high
- 16 gauge steel construction
- Weighs 8 pounds
- Biometric lock with key backup
- Foam padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes mounting hardware
- Runs on AC power with a battery backup
- Spring-loaded door
- Interior LED light
- Programmable for up to 30 fingerprints
The GunVault GVB1000 is a small gun safe that’s designed to sit on top of your desk or bedside table. It has a biometric lock, which accepts up to 30 fingerprints, or 3 sets of hands. When your fingerprint is accepted, the spring-loaded door pops open immediately, and an interior LED light illuminates the interior.
This safe runs on AC power, using the 9-volt battery as an emergency power supply only. There’s also a backup key, so you’ll never be locked out of your safe in an emergency.
Pros
- Runs primarily on AC power
- Opens quickly and easily
- Supports multiple users
Cons
- Pricey
This handgun safe has an interior LED light to help you reach your pistol quickly in the dark.
3. GunVault NV200
The GunVault NV200 is an ideal choice for frequent flyers.
Key features
- Holds 1 compact handgun
- Measures 6.5” wide x 9.5” deep x 1.75” high
- 18 gauge steel construction
- Weighs 2.1 pounds
- Mechanical key lock
- Foam padded interior
- Includes security cable
- TSA compliant
The GunVault NV200 is a small, lightweight lockbox that’s designed specifically for travelers. It comes with a security cable, which is designed to fasten your lockbox to a bed frame or the inside of a car.
It’s also TSA compliant, which means it’s legal to use for transporting your pistol in checked baggage. Both of these features make the NV200 an excellent choice for travel.
On the downside, the steel is only 18 gauge, which is fairly flimsy. This isn’t for keeping out a determined thief. It’s meant to be a “better than nothing” option for when you’re on the road. That said, it’s very affordable, and a good value for the money.
Pros
- Approved for airline travel
- Small enough to fit in a purse or briefcase
- Affordable
Cons
- Relatively flimsy construction
This lockbox includes a security cable for locking it to furniture or an automobile seat.
4. Homak Security Medium
The Homak Security Medium is affordable, and features a backup battery connection to keep you from getting locked out.
Key features
- Holds 2 full frame handguns
- Measures 10” wide x 5 ½” deep x 7 ½” high
- 16 gauge steel construction
- Weighs 10 pounds
- Electronic keypad lock
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes mounting hardware
- 1-year limited warranty
- Security lockout after 3 failed opening attempts
- External auxiliary battery connection
The Homak Security Medium Electronic Pistol Box is a large pistol safe that will hold 2 full frame handguns, or a single handgun with several extra magazines. It opens with an electronic keypad, which has 9-volt battery contacts on the exterior so you can still open your safe if the main batteries go dead.
This safe includes mounting hardware, and is designed to mount under a desk or on the side of a dresser. It’s shaped well for that purpose, but would be a poor choice for a drawer safe.
Pros
- Backup battery connection prevents accidental lockout
- Security lockout prevents tampering
- Affordable
Cons
- Bulky shape
This safe is designed to be mounted underneath a desk or on the side of a bedside table.
5. Liberty HDX-250
The Liberty HDX-250 runs on AC power, so you’ll never run out of juice.
Key features
- Holds 2 full frame handguns
- Measures 11” wide x 12” deep x 7” high
- Weighs 15 pounds
- 14 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock with key backup
- Foam padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Runs on AC power with a battery backup
- Programmable for 15 fingerprints
- Spring-loaded door
- Interior LED light
The Liberty HDX-250 is manufactured from sturdy, 14 gauge steel, which is heavier than what you’ll find on most pistol safes. Its biometric lock is powered directly from your wall outlet, although it also has a battery backup. In addition, you’ll get an emergency access key, ensuring that you’ll never be locked out in an emergency.
This safe can be programmed for up to 15 fingerprints, which means you can provide access to multiple people. This makes it a good choice for couples, or for small businesses who want protection for their employees.
Pros
- Heavy gauge steel
- Opens quickly and easily
- Good choice for couples
- Well-lit interior
Cons
- Too large for a drawer
- Pricey
This safe’s spring-loaded door pops open immediately when it reads your fingerprint.
6. GunVault GVB2000
The GunVault GVB2000 is designed to allow access to multiple users.
Key features
- Holds 4 full frame handguns
- Measures 10.1” wide x 14” deep x 7.9” high
- Weighs 14 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock with key backup
- Foam padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Mounting hardware included
- Runs on AC power with a battery backup
- Programmable for up to 30 fingerprints
- Spring-loaded door
- Internal LED light
The GunVault GVB2000 isn’t a drawer safe. This monster is designed to mount on top of a table or desk, and holds a whopping 4 full frame pistols. This capacity pairs well with the biometric lock, which can be programmed to accept up to 30 different fingerprints. As a result, it’s a good choice for couples, small police departments, and other similar applications.
This gun safe runs on AC power, with a battery backup in case the power is out. There’s also a backup key, ensuring that you’ll always be able to get to your handgun when you need it.
Pros
- Runs primarily on AC power
- Opens quickly and easily
- Good choice for couples
- Large capacity
Cons
- Too large for a drawer
- Pricey
This has a large capacity for a pistol safe.
7. GunVault MVB500
The GunVault MVB500 includes a security cable for fastening your safe to nearby furniture.
Key features
- Holds 1 full frame handgun
- Measures 11” wide x 8 ½” deep x 2 ¼” high
- Weighs 5 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- 1-year limited warranty
- Biometric lock with key backup
- Foam padded interior
- Programmable for up to 15 fingerprints
- Includes a security cable
The GunVault MVB500 is a small, lightweight safe that will hold a single full frame handgun. It’s designed to fit inside a drawer, and opens from the top for fast access. The body is manufactured from 16 gauge steel, which is relatively heavy for such a tiny safe.
This safe includes a security cable, which can be used to attach it to a bed frame, or to another nearby piece of furniture. It weighs only 5 pounds, and its slim design makes it small enough to fit in a briefcase or backpack. This makes it a good choice for travelers, although it’s not TSA approved, so this is limited to automobile travel only.
Pros
- Slim and lightweight
- Ideal for drawer use
- Supports multiple users
Cons
- Pricey
This slim safe is perfectly-sized for your nightstand drawer.
8. Homak Security Small
The Homak Security Small has an external 9-volt battery contact that can provide power if the main batteries run dry.
Key features
- Holds 2 full frame handguns
- Measures 10” wide x 3 ½” deep x 7 ½” high
- Weighs 7 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- 1-year limited warranty
- Electronic keypad lock
- Foam padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes mounting hardware
- Security lockout after 3 failed opening attempts
- External auxiliary battery connection
The Homak Security Small Electronic Pistol Box is a small safe that has just enough space inside for storing 2 full frame pistols. It has an electronic combination lock, and will lock out the keypad for 15 minutes in the event that someone enters 3 incorrect combinations in a row.
This safe has 9-volt battery contacts on the outside, which allow you to operate the lock in the event of a dead primary battery. It has a slim profile, but the angle of the door is awkward to open if it’s located in your drawer. Use it as a mounted safe only, and you’ll be just fine.
Pros
- Backup battery connection prevents accidental lockout
- Slim profile
- Security lockout prevents tampering
- Affordable
Cons
- Door is awkwardly positioned for drawer use
This is a slim, lightweight handgun safe that’s easy to mount under a desk or on the side of a nightstand.
9. Vaultek VR10
The Vaultek VR10’s Bluetooth app will alert you to any unauthorized access attempts.
Key features
- Holds 1 full frame handgun
- Measures 10.55” wide x 8.46” deep x 2.16” high
- Weighs 5.2 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Electronic keypad lock with key backup
- Foam padded interior
- Includes a security cable
- Rechargeable battery with USB charger
- Bluetooth app for remote unlocking
- App alerts you to unauthorized access attempts
The Vaultek VR10 is a small, slim safe that’s designed to fit in your bedside table or desk drawer. The keypad lock is powered by a rechargeable battery, which lasts for about 4 months. It recharges with a USB charger, which allows you to simply plug it in when the battery goes dead. If worse comes to worst, you can always use the manual key in an emergency.
This safe pairs with a Bluetooth app, which alerts you whenever an incorrect combination is entered. It also allows you to open the safe remotely from your phone. However, you’ll want to make sure your phone is secure; there’s no additional security on the app.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Well designed for drawer use
- Alerts you to incorrect combination entries
- Dead battery can be charged without opening the safe
Cons
- App is not secure
This safe has a Bluetooth app that allows you to open it remotely.
10. Barska AX11556
The Barska AX11556 is big enough to fit 2 large pistols.
Key features
- Holds 2 full frame handguns
- Measures 14 ¾” wide x 11 ¾” deep x 5” high
- 14 gauge steel construction
- Weighs 21 pounds
- Biometric lock with key bypass
- Felt padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes mounting hardware
- Opens automatically
- Programmable for up to 30 fingerprints
The Barska AX11556 is a biometric safe that also includes a key backup in case the battery runs out. It’s large enough to fit 2 full frame pistols, which makes it a good choice for couples. But unlike many large pistol safes, it has a relatively thin profile, allowing you to store it in a drawer. It’s also pre-drilled for mounting, and includes the hardware required to mount it on top of your nightstand or dresser.
This safe can be programmed for up to 30 fingerprints, which is enough for both of your hands, both of your partner’s, and one other person.
Pros
- Heavy gauge steel
- Provides quick, one-handed access
- Ideally sized for a nightstand or desk drawer
- Backup key prevents accidental lockout due to a dead battery
- Good choice for couples
Cons
- A little pricey
This safe features internal hydraulic pistons which open the door quickly as soon as the lock clicks open.
11. Barska AX11910
The Barska AX11910 has a rubber handle for easy transport.
Key features
- Holds 2 full frame handguns
- Measures 17 ½” wide x 12 ½” deep x 5” high
- 14 gauge steel construction
- Weighs 16 ½ pounds
- Electronic combination lock with key backup
- Rubber padded interior
- 1-year limited warranty
- Carrying handle
The Barska AX11910 is a mid-sized pistol safe that’s designed to hold 2 full-frame pistols. It’s constructed from 14 gauge steel, which is fairly heavy for a safe of this size. It has a rubber handle for carrying, which makes it easy to transport.
The only thing we didn’t like about this safe was the padding, which only covers the bottom and top of the interior. If you carry it by the handle, your guns will fall down against the side, scratching them. That said, it’s very affordable, and is a good choice for a simple drawer safe.
Pros
- Heavy gauge steel
- Ideally sized for a nightstand or desk drawer
- Portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Poorly padded
This safe is very sturdy for the price.
12. Fort Knox PB1
The Fort Knox PB1 is a very sturdy handgun safe, with walls as heavy as you’ll find on some long gun safes.
Key features
- Holds 2 full frame handguns
- Measures 12 ½” wide x 10 3/8” deep x 4 ½” high
- Weighs 22 pounds
- 10 gauge steel construction
- Mechanical combination lock
- Eggshell foam padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Hydraulic piston-driven door
The Fort Knox PB1 is a slim handgun safe that’s sized perfectly for the drawer in your bedside table. It utilizes a mechanical combination lock, which isn’t susceptible to battery loss, so you’ll always have access to your pistols in an emergency.
This safe is extremely sturdy, with 10 gauge steel walls that can stand up to a lot of abuse. Bolt it in place, and it’s one of the most secure pistol safes that money can buy.
Pros
- Very heavy gauge body
- Opens quickly and easily
- Suitably sized for a drawer
- No batteries required
Cons
- Pricey
This safe utilizes a reliable mechanical lock that requires no batteries.
13. Fort Knox PB4
The Fort Knox PB4 has a lifetime warranty that covers all defects in materials and workmanship.
Key features
- Holds 2 full frame handguns
- Measures 9” wide x 12” deep x 4” high
- Weighs 20 pounds
- 10 gauge steel construction
- Mechanical combination lock
- Felt padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- 3/16” plate door for added security
Like the PB1, the Fort Knox PB4 is constructed from tough, 10 gauge steel, but it goes a step further by including a 3/16” steel plate door that’s impervious to all but the most determined thieves. It’s pre-drilled for mounting, which is fortunate; the front-opening design isn’t well suited for drawer use, so you’ll need to put it on top of your nightstand or dresser.
This safe has a mechanical lock, which means you’ll never need to worry about dead batteries.
Pros
- Very heavy gauge body
- Reinforced door
- No batteries required
Cons
- Not designed as a drawer safe
- Pricey
This is the toughest, most durable handgun safe we’ve looked at.
14. V-Line Top Draw
The V-Line Top Draw has a mechanical lock, which requires no batteries.
Key features
- Holds 2 full frame handguns
- Measures 12” wide x 9” deep x 2 ½” high
- Weighs 10 pounds
- Mechanical combination lock
- Foam padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Optional mounting hardware
The V-Line Top Draw Handgun Safe is a slim drawer safe with a mechanical lock. As a result, it requires no batteries. It’s pre-drilled for mounting, although you’ll need to pay a bit extra for the custom mounting bracket. It holds 2 handguns, and it opens from the top for quick, easy access.
Pros
- Slim design
- Ideal for use in a drawer
- No batteries required
Cons
- Pricey
This safe has a slim profile, which is perfect for using it in a drawer.
15. V-Line Desk Mate
The V-Line Desk Mate is designed to mount under your desk for easy access.
Key features
- Holds 1 full frame handgun
- Measures 7 ½” wide x 10 ½” deep x 2 ½” high
- Weighs 8 pounds
- Mechanical combination lock
- Foam padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Slide-out drawer opens along with the door
- Includes mounting hardware
The V-Line Desk Mate Handgun Safe is a slim, lightweight safe that’s designed to mount from the top, instead of from the bottom. It includes mounting hardware, allowing you to install it discretely on the bottom of a desk or table. It includes a drawer for your pistol, which slides open when you open the safe.
The locks on this safe are mechanical, so no batteries are required.
Pros
- Opens quickly and easily
- Mounts under your desk for easy access
- No batteries required
Cons
- Pricey
This safe features a drawer that opens right along with the door, bringing your pistol close to your hand in an emergency.
Bottom Line
As you can see, these aren’t your grandfather’s pistol safes. Gone are the days of old-school mechanical dials. Today, almost every small handgun safe uses an electronic or biometric lock.
These locks are almost impossible to crack, making them significantly more reliable. Even the handful of mechanical locks we’ve looked at are far more reliable than their older predecessors.
That said, pistol safes are designed to be small. There’s simply not enough room in your nightstand drawer for ultra heavy sides or a door that’s 5 inches thick. As a result, none of them are theft-proof, and a determined thief can eventually gain access.
But burglars like to get in and out of a house quickly, so even a moderately secure safe can send them looking for something that’s easier to steal. And in addition to deterring would-be thieves, safes are an effective way of preventing inquisitive children from gaining access to your firearm.
The Review
Best Handgun Safe
Here's our review of the best handgun safe on the market today.
Review Breakdown
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American Security PB3
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GunVault GVB1000
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GunVault NV200
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Homak Security Medium
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Liberty HDX-250
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GunVault GVB2000
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GunVault MVB500
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Homak Security Small
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Vaultek VR10
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Barska AX11556
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Barska AX11910
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Fort Knox PB1
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Fort Knox PB4
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V-Line Top Draw Handgun Safe
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V-Line Desk Mate Handgun Safe
Best Handgun Safe DEALS
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