As a gun owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your guns safe. Not only can they end up in the hands of children, but they’re a popular target for burglars. The last thing you need is for one of your guns to get stolen, only to turn up two weeks later at a crime scene.
In this article, we’ll be looking at several options for the best in wall gun safe. These safes tend to be more limited in capacity than larger gun safes, but they have some significant advantages. A long wall gun safe that’s sized for rifles and shotguns takes up no floor space, unlike even small floor safes. And unlike traditional safes, a hidden wall gun safe can be concealed discreetly behind a painting or wall hanging.
In terms of air pistols, an in gun wall cabinet is more secure, since a burglar can’t just pick it up and walk away. And it doesn’t force you to drill holes in your furniture for secure mounting.
11 Best In Wall Gun Safes
The V-Line Closet Vault II, as its name implies, is designed for installation inside a closet.
Key Features:
- Holds 4 long guns and several pistols
- Measures 13 ½” wide x 5 ¾” deep x 50” high
- Mounts between 16” on center 2×4 studs (requires shimming)
- Protrudes about 2” from your wall
- Weighs 65 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- Mechanical combination lock
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Optional add-ons: adjustable full and half shelf, pistol caddy, pistol racks, and pegboard door panel
The V-Line Closet Vault II is impressively large for a wall safe. It features a foam gun rack that supports up to 4 long guns, and protects them from scratching. The base model doesn’t offer any additional storage, but there are several add-ons available, including storage shelves, a pegboard door panel, and pistol caddies.
With all the extras, you can store a reasonably-sized gun collection without using any floor space. Be careful, though. The base model is already a bit pricey, and with all of the add-ons it costs significantly more.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Modular design
- Highly customizable
- No batteries required
Cons:
- Requires some shimming
- Pricey
This wall gun safe is the beefiest on our list, with enough space to store 4 long guns and a dozen or more pistols.
2. V-Line Home Defense Shotgun
The V-Line Home Defense Shotgun is designed to store a single standard-length shotgun or AR-length rifle.
Key Features:
- Holds 1 tactical length long gun
- Measures 8” wide x 3 ½” deep x 42” high
- Mounts on the wall surface
- Weighs 30 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- Mechanical combination lock with key backup
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Can be mounted horizontally or vertically
The V-Line Home Defense Shotgun Safe is a wall-mounted safe that can store either a shotgun, an AR-15, or a similar tactical-length rifle. The interior is padded with cushy foam, and your gun is held in place with a flexible nylon strap.
This safe mounts on the surface of your wall. On the one hand, you won’t need to do any heavy-duty construction. On the other hand, since you don’t need to worry about fitting it between studs, you can mount it either horizontally or vertically.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Foam padded interior
- No batteries required
- Affordable
Cons:
- Mounts on your wall, not in your wall
This gun safe is easy to install, and does not require you to cut a hole in your wall.
3. V-Line Home Defense Rifle
The V-Line Home Defense Rifle is a wider version of the Shotgun Safe we just looked at, designed to accommodate an AR with sights and a full-length magazine.
Key Features:
- Holds 1 tactical length long gun
- Measures 12” wide x 3 ½” deep x 42” high
- Mounts on the wall surface
- Weighs 38 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- Mechanical combination lock with key backup
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Can be mounted horizontally or vertically
The V-Line Home Defense Rifle Safe is a larger version of the other V-Line safe, measuring 12 inches in width instead of 8. This won’t allow you to store a longer gun, but it will allow you to store an AR with accessories. This makes it an ideal choice if your AR is tricked out with reflex sights, a full-length magazine, or extra-tall iron sights.
Like the smaller version, you can mount it horizontally or vertically, so it will fit on almost any wall in your home.
Pros:
- Accommodates ARs with a full-length magazine and sights
- Easy installation
- Foam padded interior
- No batteries required
Cons:
- Mounts on your wall, not in your wall
This rifle gun safe has foam padding on the interior, to protect your gun from scratching.
4. Mesa Safes Adjustable Wall
The Mesa Safes Adjustable Wall Safe features an interior LED light, saving you precious seconds in an emergency.
Key Features:
- Holds 3 pistols
- Measures 15” wide x 3 ¼” to 6” deep x 22 ⅛” high
- Mounts between 16” on center 2×4 or 2×6 studs
- Weighs 40 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- ¼” steel door
- Two ¾” locking bolts
- Electronic combination lock with key backup
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Includes 2 adjustable, expandable shelves
- Telescopes to fit 2×4 or 2×6 wall framing
- Interior LED light
The Mesa Safes Adjustable Wall Safe is an affordable wall safe that’s very secure for the price, with a ¼-inch steel door that has a pair of ¾-inch locking bolts for added security. It’s designed to install in any standard-depth wall, and has 2 adjustable shelves that allow you to store up to 3 pistols.
Installation can be difficult in very new homes; the width is exactly the width between fresh studs, so it doesn’t leave you any wiggle room.
Pros:
- Telescopes to fit your wall depth
- Pry-resistant door
- Affordable
Cons:
- Very tight fit
This wall safe has a telescoping design, to fit either a 2×4 or a 2×6 stud depth.
5. V-Line Quick Vault
The V-Line Quick Vault is more rugged than most of the pistol safes on our list, constructed from 14 gauge steel.
Key Features:
- Holds 2 pistols
- Measures 12” wide x 4” deep x 14” high
- Mounts between 16” on center 2×4 studs (requires shimming)
- Weighs 23 pounds
- 14 gauge steel construction
- Mechanical combination lock
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Felt-lined interior with an adjustable felt-lined shelf
The V-Line Quick Vault XL is like a pregnant rhinoceros: tough on the outside, but soft and gentle on the inside. It combines a sturdy, 14 gauge steel frame with a felt-lined interior. This keeps thieves out, and keeps your guns as safe from accidental damage.
On the one hand, this safe can be challenging to install. It’s only 12 inches wide, so it requires significant shimming, to the point that you’d be well served to install another 2×4 board along one of the sides. On the other hand, it’s a very secure storage space, and a great value for the price.
Pros:
- Sturdy design
- Felt-lined interior
- No batteries required
Cons:
- Difficult to install
This pistol safe is lined with felt to keep your guns scratch-free.
6. V-Line Quick Vault XL
The V-Line Quick Vault XL is an expanded version of the Quick Vault safe we just reviewed, with space for 4 pistols instead of 2.
Key Features:
- Holds 4 pistols
- Measures 14” wide x 4” deep x 28” high
- Mounts between 16” on center 2×4 studs (requires shimming)
- Weighs 40 pounds
- 14 gauge steel construction
- Mechanical combination lock
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Felt-lined interior with 3 adjustable felt-lined shelves
The V-Line Quick Vault XL is a spacious pistol safe with 3 adjustable shelves. This provides enough space for 4 full frame pistols, along with extra magazines or ammo boxes. The mechanical lock is easy to use, so you won’t need to be concerned about dead batteries.
This safe is lined with felt throughout the interior, protecting all of your guns from getting scratched. It’s also constructed from 14 gauge steel, which makes it exceptionally sturdy. It’s more expensive than your average wall safe, but it’s worth every penny.
Pros:
- Large capacity for a pistol safe
- Felt-lined interior
- Sturdy design
- No batteries required
Cons:
- Pricey
This pistol gun safe holds up to 4 full frame pistols, with room left over for extra magazines.
7. Protex FW-1814Z
The Protex FW-1814Z is a sturdy safe with a reliable biometric lock.
Key Features:
- Holds 3 pistols
- Measures 14 ⅛” wide x 3 ⅞” deep x 18 ¼” high
- Mounts between 16” on center 2×4 studs (requires shimming)
- Weighs 29 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- ⅝” reinforced door
- Two ¾” chrome locking bolts
- Biometric lock with key backup
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Velvet lined interior with 2 adjustable velvet-lined shelves
- Spring-loaded door
The Protex FW-1814Z is a biometric gun safe, with a key backup for easy access in the event of a dead battery. Its ⅝-inch door includes a pair of ¾-inch locking bolts, making it exceptionally resistant to prying attempts. Once it reads your fingerprint, the spring-loaded door opens effortlessly, providing quick access to your firearms.
This safe is designed to hold up to 3 pistols, with plenty of space left over for extra magazines or ammo boxes. The entire interior, including the adjustable shelves, is lined with a layer of thick velvet, handling your guns as gently as you’d handle them during cleaning.
Pros:
- Easy to open
- Pry-resistant door
- Velvet-lined interior
Cons:
- Pricey
The door on this biometric safe is made of ⅝” steel, and features a pair of ¾” chrome locking bolts for added pry resistance.
8. Perma Vault EW-1000
The Perma Vault EW-1000 is a barebones safe that opens with a simple keyed lock.
Key Features:
- Holds 2 pistols
- Measures 15” wide x 3 ½” deep x 15 ¾” high
- Mounts between 16” on center 2×4 studs
- Weighs 18 pounds
- 18 gauge steel construction
- Basic key lock
- 1 adjustable shelf
The Perma Vault EW-1000 has a no-frills design, with a light, 18 gauge steel frame and a basic lock that opens with the turn of a key. This isn’t a fancy safe, but it’s very affordable. It’s also easy to install, since it fits between 16-inch studs without the need for any shims.
This safe has a single adjustable shelf, with space to store a pair of pistols along with spare magazines. That said, it’s made from light gauge steel, so it’s not secure against a determined attacker.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- No batteries
- Affordable
Cons:
- Light gauge steel construction
- No warranty
This gun safe is lightweight, and fits like a glove between standard 16-inch studs.
9. American Security WS1214E5
The American Security WS1214E5 comes with your choice of a mechanical or electrical lock.
Key Features:
- Holds 4 pistols
- Measures 14 ⅛” wide x 10” deep x 12 ⅝”” high
- Mounts between 16” on center studs
- Weighs 86 pounds
- 120 gauge steel construction
- ¾” reinforced door
- Three 1” chrome locking bolts
- Mechanical or electrical combination lock
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- 2 adjustable shelves
The American Security WS1214E5 is a big, beefy safe with a thick, ¾-inch door that includes three 1-inch chrome locking bolts. Never mind wall safes. This safe is as tough as a number of free-standing safes. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know American Security is confident in its performance.
Unfortunately, this safe is 10 inches deep, so it won’t mount in most walls. You’ll need to install it somewhere where there’s an addition on your house, or where the back end can protrude into a closet.
Pros:
- Pry-resistant door
- Exceptionally rugged
- Battery-free mechanical lock option
Cons:
- Too deep for most walls
- Very expensive
This wall safe is tougher than many floor safes.
10. American Security WEST2114
The American Security WEST2114 fits perfectly between most 16-inch studs, which makes installation a breeze.
Key Features:
- Holds 3 pistols
- Measures 15” wide x 4” deep x 22 ¼” high
- Mounts between 16” on center 2×4 studs
- Weighs 31 pounds
- 14 gauge steel construction
- 3/16” steel door
- Two ½” steel locking bolts
- Electrical combination lock with key backup
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Two removable shelves
The American Security WEST2114 is one of American Security’s lighter-duty safes, but it’s still no pushover. It features a 3/16-inch, pry-resistant door with a pair of ½-inch locking bolts, and the electronic lock has a key backup to ensure that you won’t get locked out in the event of a dead battery.
With two internal shelves, it can hold up to 3 pistols, with room to spare for accessories. It’s a little pricey, but you’ll find it’s well worth the investment.
Pros:
- Pry-resistant door
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Pricey
This wall safe has a reinforced, pry-resistant door.
11. Barska AX12038
The Barska AX12038 is remarkably sturdy for an inexpensive safe.
Key Features:
- Holds 3 pistols
- Measures 15 ½” wide x 3 ¾” deep x 20 ¾” high
- Mounts between 16” on center 2×4 studs
- Weighs 28.8 pounds
- 16 gauge steel construction
- 2 steel locking bolts
- Biometric lock with key backup
- 1-year limited warranty
- Rubber padded interior
- Accepts up to 120 fingerprints
The Barska AX12038 is a biometric wall safe that accepts up to 120 different fingerprints. It features a pry-resistant door with 2 locking bolts, and a key backup to allow access in the event of a dead battery. The rubber padded interior protects your guns from scratches, and has enough space for extra magazines.
This safe is a great deal for the price. However, you may have to perform a little amateur carpentry during the installation; the frame is a hair too wide to fit between most 16-inch on center studs.
Pros:
- Ideal for multiple users
- Pry-resistant door
- Affordable
Cons:
- Difficult to install
This biometric wall safe accepts up to 120 different fingerprints, making it ideal for businesses, police departments, and couples.
Bottom Line
Ideally, you’ll want to mount an in wall gun safe between studs. Most of the wall mount gun safe options we’ve looked at are designed to mount between studs that are 16 inches apart, as measured from the center of the stud, or 15 inches between the edges. A few are smaller, and can easily be shimmed out.
Larger in wall safes are usually designed to fit between studs that are 24 inches on center, or 23 inches apart. You won’t find this kind of framing in newer homes, but it was a commonly-used standard in older homes. And houses built earlier than the 1930s commonly use irregular stud placements, which will almost always require some shimming or framing out to accommodate a safe.
Long story short, you need to know your stud spacing before you buy.
And that about covers it! We hope our reviews have helped you find an in wall gun safe that’s exactly what you need.
The Review
Best In Wall Gun Safe
Check out the ratings of the best in wall gun safes available.
Review Breakdown
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V-Line Closet Vault II
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V-Line Home Defense Shotgun Safe
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V-Line Home Defense Rifle Safe
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Mesa Safes Adjustable Wall Safe
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V-Line Quick Vault
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V-Line Quick Vault XL
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Protex FW-1814Z
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Perma Vault EW-1000
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American Security WS1214E5
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American Security WEST2114
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Barska AX12038
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