There are plenty of tough, sturdy safes out there, with features like welded hinge pins, heavy locking bolts, and mounting hardware or security cables to prevent someone from stealing the entire safe. But a safe is only as secure as its lock, and mechanical locks can be picked or tampered with. If you want the most secure lock possible, you want a biometric gun safe.
So we decided to find the best biometric gun safe on the market. When making our selections, we looked for a wide variety of shapes and sizes. After all, some people need a big, hefty fingerprint gun safe for their rifles, while others only need a small biometric pistol safe. No matter what your storage needs, we’ve got you covered.
Beyond looking for different sizes, we’ve also looked for heavy gauge steel, innovative storage options, and the ability to mount your safe securely to deter theft.
Best Biometric Gun Safes
The Browning M49 is a sturdy safe with 18 active chrome locking bolts.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 49 long guns and a dozen pistols
- Measures 44” wide x 26” deep x 60” high
- Weighs 1,105 pounds
- 10 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock accepts up to 20 fingerprints
- 18 chrome locking bolts
- Felt padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Fire resistant for 110 minutes at 1,700 degrees
- 4 adjustable internal shelves
- Includes door organizer with MOLLE webbing
The Browning M49 is a large gun safe that will hold up to 49 long guns, depending on what racking options you choose. It also features a built-in pistol barrel rack, and a door organizer with MOLLE webbing allows for even more storage.
This safe is constructed from tough, 10 gauge steel that can stand up to anything short of an industrial target saw. It arrives ready to mount, but make sure to invite a friend — or three — to help you install it. It weighs more than half a ton. And while that makes it a pain to install, it’s not going anywhere once it’s in place.
Pros:
- Heavy gauge steel construction
- Large capacity
- Adjustable internal shelves
- Excellent fire resistance
- Accepts 20 fingerprints
Cons:
- Heavy
- Very expensive
This safe offers exceptional resistance to fire and heat.
2. Browning M65
The Browning M65 accepts up to 30 fingerprints, making it ideal for police departments or hunting clubs.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 65 long guns and 6 pistols
- Measures 57” wide x 26” deep x 60” high
- Weighs 1,350 pounds
- 10 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock accepts up to 30 fingerprints
- 26 chrome locking bolts
- Fabric padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Fire resistant for 110 minutes at 1,700 degrees
- Modular internal shelves and racks
- Includes door organizer with MOLLE webbing and 6 pistol holsters
- Optional additional shelves, racks, and pistol racks
The Browning M65 is a very large gun safe, with enough capacity for 65 long guns and 6 pistols. But that’s just the standard factory configuration. You can add shelving to store accessories, or a pistol barrel rack for more pistol storage, at the expense of some rifle storage.
Like the M49, the M65 is very heavy. As a matter of fact, it outweighs its little brother by over 300 pounds. You may actually want to have your floor inspected before putting this much weight on it. Needless to say, no-one is going to walk off with this gun safe.
Pros:
- Heavy gauge steel construction
- Large capacity
- Multiple storage options
- Excellent fire resistance
- Accepts 30 fingerprints
Cons:
- Heavy
- Very expensive
With a large number of storage options, you can customize this gun safe to your heart’s content.
3. Browning SR49T
The Browning SR49T weighs just over half a ton.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 49 long guns and 6 pistols
- Measures 43” wide x 25” deep x 72” high
- Weighs 1,050 pounds
- 11 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock accepts up to 20 fingerprints
- 16 chrome locking bolts (10 active)
- Fabric padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Fire resistant for 100 minutes at 1,680 degrees
- 8 adjustable internal shelves
- Includes door organizer with MOLLE webbing and rifle rack
The Browning SR49T is a slightly lighter-duty version of the M49. It’s constructed from 11 gauge steel, which is still fairly thick, but not as beefy as the M49’s 10 gauge construction. The chrome locking bolts are very sturdy, but the 6 bolts on the hinge side aren’t active.
It makes up for the lighter construction by being a full 12 inches taller, providing extra space for ammunition, accessories, and other valuables that you want to protect. And let’s be clear, “lighter-duty” is a relative term. This safe still weighs in at over 1,000 pounds.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Adjustable internal shelves
- Good fire resistance
- Accepts 20 fingerprints
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
This safe has plenty of room for storage, with a full-width top shelf that sits above your rifles.
4. Browning M65T
The Browning M65T is the heaviest on our list, tipping the scales at over 1,500 pounds.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 65 long guns and 6 pistols
- Measures 57” wide x 26” deep x 72” high
- Weighs 1,510 pounds
- 10 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock accepts up to 30 fingerprints
- 26 chrome locking bolts
- Fabric padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Fire resistant for 110 minutes at 1,700 degrees
- Modular internal shelves and racks
- Includes door organizer with MOLLE webbing, pistol holsters, and a rifle rack
- Optional additional shelves, racks, and pistol racks
The Browning M65T is the tall version of the M65 we’ve already looked at, and has a lot of the same features, including 10 gauge steel walls and a modular internal storage system with several options for shelving and rifle racks. But the extra 12 inches of height provides room for a full row of shelves, further enhancing its capacity.
This safe can be programmed for up to 30 different fingerprints. If you’re shopping for a police armory or a hunting lodge, this lets you grant access to several individuals.
Pros:
- Heavy gauge steel
- Large capacity
- Modular internal storage
- Excellent fire resistance
- Accepts 30 fingerprints
Cons:
- Very heavy
- Expensive
This tall safe provides plenty of storage for your ammo and accessories.
5. Barska AX11652
The Barska AX11652 has a small footprint, ideal for storing a handful of guns in a small closet.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 4 rifles and 4 pistols
- Measures 9.8” wide x 8.6” deep x 52.17” high
- Weighs 66 pounds
- 14 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock accepts up to 120 fingerprints, with keyed backup
- 3 steel deadbolts
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- 1-year limited warranty
- Top storage shelf
The Barska AX11652 is a small, lightweight safe with a rifle rack that holds 4 long guns. There’s a small storage shelf above your guns, allowing you to store 4 full frame pistols, ammo, or accessories. It weighs only 66 pounds, so unlike a lot of rifle safes you can install it on your own.
That said, the steel is relatively lightweight, only 14 gauge, and the steel deadbolts are a far cry from the security of chrome locking bolts. This safe won’t deter a thief who’s specifically targeting your guns, but it will keep out your average burglar or inquisitive child.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Small footprint
- Accepts 120 fingerprints
- Affordable
Cons:
- Light gauge construction
- Not fire resistant
This affordable rifle safe is a good choice for any budget.
6. Barska AX11898
The Barska AX11898 weighs only 114 pounds, so you can install it by yourself.
Key Features:
- Holds up to 8 rifles and 6 pistols
- Measures 13.38” wide x 13.75” deep x 57” high
- Weighs 114 pounds
- 14 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock accepts up to 120 fingerprints, with keyed backup
- 8 chrome locking bolts (5 active)
- Felt padded interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- 1-year limited warranty
- 2 adjustable storage shelves
- Pistol rack on the inside of the door
The Barska AX11898 is a few inches deeper and wider than the ultra-compact AX11652, but it doubles its capacity, with two 4-gun racks for your long guns. Barska also added felt padding to the interior to prevent scratching, and mounted a small pistol rack on the door so you’ve got a better option for your pistols than setting them on a shelf.
Speaking of shelves, this safe has two of them, and both are adjustable. It’s safe to say, there’s enough space inside for all of your ammo.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Small footprint
- Accepts 120 fingerprints
- Lots of storage for the zie
Cons:
- Light gauge construction
- Not fire resistant
This safe holds 8 long guns, making it a good compromise between size and capacity.
7. Protex HZ-53
The Protex HZ-53 is one of the sturdiest pistol safes that money can buy.
Key Features:
- Holds multiple full frame handguns
- Measures 14 ⅞” wide x 14 ¼” deep x 21” high
- Weighs 106 pounds
- 12 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock accepts 30 fingerprints, with keyed backup
- 2 chrome locking bolts
- Fire resistant for 30 minutes
- Velvet-lined shelves
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Removable shelving
The Protex HZ-53 is the first dedicated pistol safe on our list, and it’s also the largest. With 2 adjustable, removable shelves, there’s enough space to store a few dozen pistols. If this is more storage than you need, keep on moving down the list; we’ve got plenty of smaller safes for you.
This safe is very durable for a pistol safe, with 12 gauge steel sides and chrome locking bolts instead of steel tabs. It’s also fire resistant for up to 30 minutes, protecting your guns in an emergency.
Pros:
- Fire resistant
- Heavy gauge steel
- Sturdy locking mechanism
- Accepts up to 30 fingerprints
- Large capacity
Cons:
- A little pricey
If you’re looking for a high-capacity pistol safe, this is a good choice.
8. Barska AX11224
The Barska AX11224 is a good choice if you and your partner both own a pistol or two.
Key Features:
- Holds 4 full frame handguns
- Measures 16 ½” wide x 14 ½” deep x 7 ¾” high
- Weighs 31 pounds
- 14 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock accepts up to 30 fingerprints, with keyed backup
- Carpeted interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- 1-year limited warranty
The Barska AX11224 is a 4-pistol safe that’s designed to mount to a bedside table, dresser, or desk. It accepts up to 30 fingerprints, making it a good choice for couples who want to share a single pistol safe. Weighing only 31 pounds, it’s easy to mount, and includes all the hardware you need.
That said, the frame is constructed from 14 gauge steel, which isn’t as heavy as we’d like, but is still sturdy enough to keep out your average burglar, as well as kids who are curious about what’s inside.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Can be mounted on a dresser or bedside table
- Accepts up to 30 fingerprints
Cons:
- Light gauge steel
This is a good choice for keeping your pistol collection close at hand.
9. Barska AX11556
The Barska AX11556 is a slim, lightweight safe that holds 2 full frame pistols.
Key Features:
- Holds 2 full frame handguns
- Measures 14 ¾” wide x 11 ¾” deep x 5” high
- Weighs 21 pounds
- 14 gauge steel construction
- Biometric lock accepts 30 fingerprints, with keyed backup
- Carpeted interior
- Pre-drilled for mounting
- Includes Mounting Hardware
- 1-year limited warranty
The Barska AX11556 is the slimmest safe we’ve looked at so far, and the first one on our list that’s slim enough to be a good choice for drawer use. It weighs only 21 pounds, so it’s easy to move and install, and it includes mounting hardware to secure it in place.
This safe accepts up to 30 fingerprints, making it a good choice for couples. However, it’s not as sturdy as many other safes, so a determined thief will eventually gain access. But you don’t buy a drawer safe to keep out a dedicated gun thief. You buy one to deter the average burglar and keep your guns out of your kids’ hands.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Slim profile
- Ideal for use as a drawer safe
- Accepts up to 30 fingerprints
Cons:
- Light gauge steel
This safe opens from the top, making it well suited for use in a nightstand drawer.
10. Protex FW-1814Z
The Protex FW-1814Z has a very sturdy ⅝-inch steel door.
Key Features:
- Holds 3 full frame handguns
- Measures 14 ⅛” wide x 3 ⅞” deep x 18 ¼” high
- Weighs 29 pounds
- ⅝” steel door
- Biometric lock accepts 30 fingerprints, with keyed backup
- 2 chrome locking bolts
- Velvet padded interior
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Spring-loaded door
- Sized for 16” on center studs
The Protex FW-1814Z is a wall safe, and is designed to mount directly between 16-inch on center studs. If you live in an older home with 24-inch studs or non-standard studs, you’ll need to build a small frame to allow you to mount it securely on both sides.
This safe has a ⅝-inch steel door, which is exceptionally sturdy. It’s spring-loaded, so it will open immediately when the chrome locking bolts click open. However, you’ll need to store your pistols upright, which can be awkward; there’s no way to lay them down inside the thickness of a 2×4-framed wall.
Pros:
- Sturdy design
- Mounts in your wall
- Accepts up to 30 fingerprints
Cons:
- Requires awkward gun positioning
This gun safe can be concealed behind a wall hanging for maximum discretion.
Bottom Line
In our search for the best biometric safe, we’ve covered a lot of ground. We’ve looked at some premium, heavy rifle safes, as well as several types of biometric handgun safe. We’ve looked at single-user safes, and safes that are designed to be programmed for multiple sets of fingerprints. And we’ve looked at a broad price range, so there’s something here for every budget.
One thing you should be careful of: some of these safes come with a variety of lock options. When you’re checking out, make sure to select the version with a biometric lock. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a mechanical or keyed lock that’s not what you were looking for.
We our biometric gun safe reviews have helped you find the perfect storage option you need for your firearms. Even if you ultimately end up going another direction, we hope you’ve learned something today, and become a more educated consumer.
Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and guides.
The Review
Best Biometric Gun Safes
Here's our review of the best biometric gun safes to help you decide which one is the most suitable for your needs.
Review Breakdown
- Browning M49
- Browning M65
- Browning SR49T
- Browning M65T
- Barska AX11652
- Barska AX11898
- Protex HZ-53
- Barska AX11224
- Barska AX11556
- Liberty HDX-250
- GunVault GVB2000
- GunVault MVB500
- Protex FW-1814Z
- The GunBox - Gunbox 2
Best Biometric Gun Safes DEALS
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