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.
Best Handgun Safes Available Online
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 Electronic Pistol Box 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