Let’s look at how to find the best gun safes under 500 dollars. It’s easier than you may think. We compared dozens of safes, by checking out the durability, security, capacity, cost, and convenient features. Only the best made our list. Do we feel bad for the ones that didn’t make the cut?
No, we didn’t. You do us a favor by reading our posts, and we take care of you by helping you make great decisions. That’s enough talk. Let’s find you the best affordable gun safe.
3 Most Recommended Gun Safes Under 500 Dollars
Stack-On GCB-1522
- Our Rating
- It’ll hold 22 scoped rifles or shotguns in its padded rests.
3-point locking system to be break-in resistant
Not fireproof
Stack-On FS-14-MB-E
- Our Rating
- About 30 minutes of fire protection. up to 1400˚ F
There are 2-way locking–1” steel live action locking bolts and up to 5 locking points.
Includes adjustable barrel rests that are extended to accommodate the added depth needed to store tactical weapons
Quicktec Larger and Deeper Gun Safe
- Our Rating
- Stores up to 125 Fingerprints
5-Point Steel Dead Bolt Locking System
Separate Inside Lock Box
10 Best Gun Safes for Under $500 on the Market:
Here are more details about our top picks and seven other cool gun safes that we think you’ll want to consider.
1. Stack-On GCB-1522 Steel 22-Gun Security Gun Cabinet
- High-capacity – Holds about 14 long guns plus several handguns
- One shelf for handguns, ammo and valuables
- 3-point locking system to be break-in resistant
- Can be anchored for safety and security
- Not fireproof
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
Here’s the best long gun safe under $500. It’ll hold around 14 long guns in padded rests, and there’s room for handguns and other things on the removable shelf. Use the included hardware to bolt it to your wall. It is a little top-heavy, especially when you stock the shelf.
It’s hard to break into. There are three locking rods that slide against the top, bottom and side of the door frame when you turn the key. There’s also a keypad for extra safety. Kids and adults alike will have a very hard time trying to get into this cabinet.
What Customers Are Saying
People who own many rifles and shotguns like that they can keep all of their long guns in one place and away from tiny, curious hands. They are often surprised that it weighs about 100 pounds. It looks a lot lighter online.
Pros/Cons
- Plenty of room
- Padded rests for about 14 long guns
- Anchors to wall – hardware included
- Strong lock is hard to pick
- Digital keypad for extra security
- Locking rods set directly against inside edge of door frame when locked – There are no bolt holes
2. Stack-On FS-14-MB-E 14-Gun Fire Resistant Safe
- Fire resistant for at least 30 minutes at up to 1400-degrees
- Programmable electronic lock for easy access
- Bypass key in case you forget combo or keypad is damaged
- Padded rests for 14 long guns
- Removable shelf for handguns and valuables
- Carpeted interior for protection from scratches and damage
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
Check this out if you’re looking for an affordable fireproof gun safe. It’ll protect guns and documents from a hotter-than-average house fire for a minimum of half an hour. You choose the code for the keypad, and you can give the code to as many people you want to. If you forget the code or can’t use the keypad due to fire damage, you just use the bypass key.
The regular price of this safe is pretty much higher than five hundred, but on the last sales, the price was lower that’s why we think this one is the best fireproof gun safe under $500. There are no others that match this kind of fire protection at this price.
What People are Saying
Those who own very long tactical guns or double-barrel shotguns like the wide barrel rests. Everyone likes the digital keypad. It makes them feel like they can get to their guns quickly if they ever need to. That’s a big plus for a gun safe. There have been reports of this safe protecting valuables, even paper documents, from damage during a fire. It really works.
Pros/Cons
- Fire resistant
- Stores oddly sized guns well
- Carpeted
- Quick access
- High priced, but you can get it on sales for under $500
3. Quicktec Larger and Deeper Gun Safe
- Three ways to open – Key, keypad or fingerprint
- Unauthorized access attempt alarm for peace of mind
- Silent mode for slick access in an emergency
- 3-point bolt system and tamper resistant door edges for security
- Holds five rifles with scopes
- Removable separately-keyed lockbox for handguns and valuables for convenience and extra security
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
This may be the best gun safe under 300 for you if you have five long guns or less. There’s a lockbox that you can use for a couple pistols.
To get in it, you either use the programmable keypad, one of the two included bypass keys or your fingerprint on the biometric pad. You can program the fingerprint pad for up to 125 people, so everyone in your family can have access to the safe.
If you ever have to get into it quickly in the dark, there is a silent mode option. That way, a burglar won’t hear that he’s about to be dealt with.
What People Are Saying
A key selling point seems to be the multiple unlocking options. It’s great to have that kind of flexibility when you want to let several different people have access to the safe. Everyone likes the lockbox as well. This extra bonus adds to the overall value of the safe.
Pros/Cons
- Access for multiple people
- Strong door and triple locking mechanism
- Includes take-along lockbox
- Can hold scoped rifles
- Not pre-drilled for anchoring
4. Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe
- Fits three handguns – Not just one like others
- Fully lined with foam for scratch resistance
- Spring-loaded door for quick and easy access
- Illuminated keypad makes it easy to open in the dark
- Can be anchored or cable-tied down to prevent theft
- Red interior door-activated light preserves night vision
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
You’ll like this one if you are concerned with self defense in the home. Imagine this:
You hear a noise. You press a few buttons on this safe’s keypad. The door immediately springs open. The inside is lit with a red light, so you easily grab your gun. Then you go take care of business. The whole process took less than five seconds.
There are four pre-drilled holes for bolting the safe down. Or you can use the strong cable. Either way, it would be hard for anyone to steal this safe. If you want to be able to get to your loaded handguns quick, take a good look at this one.
What People Are Saying
Customers who keep guns for home protection love this safe. They say it has everything they need. And it really does. People notice how much thought went into the design and engineering of this safe.
Pros/Cons
- Made for quick access in emergency situations
- Heavy-duty construction makes it nearly impossible to pry open
- Anchor point and security cable keep safe from being carried off
- Some people don’t like the idea of their gun being held by the coated rod inside the barrel
5. FCH Gun Safe Electronic 5-Gun Rifle Safe Large Firearm Safe
- Stores five long guns, even with scopes
- Separate lockbox can hold three handguns for added convenience
- Electronic keypad eliminates the need to hunt for the key when you need to get in the safe
- Upgraded packing and shipping materials for added security during shipping
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - We have upgraded package to avoid damages during shipment ,and we offer you a 30-day-warranty against any defects.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
Do you just need a basic and affordable gun safe for several long guns, and maybe a couple handguns or other smaller things? If so, you might be interested in this gun cabinet.
It offers protection from kids and will definitely slow burglars down. You can get in it in seconds, thanks to the programmable keypad. When all is said and done, this is a cool safe at a great value.
What People Are Saying
Some have complained that, although the door is pretty thick, the back, sides and top are only as thick as the sheet metal on a filing cabinet. This is true, but it is typical of any gun safe under $500. They’re made to make entry harder, not impossible.
Those who understand that reality like this safe. It’s easy to set up and move around when you need to, but it’s hard to budge after it’s anchored. People like that versatility.
Pros/Cons
- Small and easy to fit in most rooms or closets
- Anchor holes for added security
- Separate lockbox for more convenience
- Digital keypad simplifies things
- This manufacturer used to get a lot of complaints about damages during shipping, but they claim to have fixed this problem
6. Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Gun Safe AX11652
- Four rifle rests and a shelf for handguns and other valuables
- Three-point locking system for pry resistance
- Recessed door hinges can’t be dismantled from the outside
- Fingerprint lock opens in two seconds
- Approved by the Department of Justice for gun security
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
You may think that you can’t have a strong biometric gun safe if you’re on a tight budget. Well, now you can. The steel is thick, not just on the door, but in the walls as well. That’s good, because it would be much harder for a thief to cut or drill through it.
Anyone in your family can unlock this safe in about two seconds, if you scan their fingerprints into the system. That way, you can rest easier if you have to travel and leave them behind. They’ll be able to get to a gun if they need to in a hurry.
What People Are Saying
People often talk about the value of this safe. It’s hard to find a gun safe in this price range that allows access with a fingerprint. Many have also commented on the simplicity. It’s just a solid, functional, cheap and reliable gun safe without any unnecessary bells and whistles to add to the cost. Everyone likes that.
Pros/Cons
- Biometric scanner stores up to 120 fingerprints to allow family access
- 14-gauge steel construction is sturdier that most of this price
- Bypass key in case of biometric failure
- Great value
- This safe is light and can be easily carried away if not anchored
- The price is a bit higher than $500 but you can get it on sales even if you’re on a budget
7. INTERGREAT Rifle Safe Shotgun Safes for Home Quick Access
- Holds five rifles in padded rests and a couple handguns in the lockbox
- Three-point locking system with 20-millimeter bolts make prying almost impossible
- Cold-rolled steel cabinet resists cutting and drilling
- Removable lockbox is portable for carrying ammo and other stuff
- Pre-drilled anchor holes for fast and secure installation
- Digital keypad allows easy access
- Bypass key for the rare event of keypad failure
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
This is a good, cheap gun safe. What makes it so good is the tough steel cabinet. Cold-rolled steel is more expensive, but it is more resistant to attack by power tools.
It’s small enough to go in even a smaller closet, so you can hide it for even more security. Thieves can’t steal what they can’t find. The weight is a pro and a con. It makes it harder to set up, but it makes it harder to steal as well. Some people don’t even anchor this one down, but you should. You don’t want it to tip over.
What People Are Saying
The most common brag about this safe is the apparent toughness of the steel. Cold-rolled steel just feels tougher than other types of metal. Everyone likes the removable lockbox too. They like that they can just take it with them for portable protection of ammunition or even documents.
Pros/Cons
- Tough construction
- Quick access
- Fully padded interior
- This is a heavy safe. You’ll likely need help moving it and setting it up so you don’t hurt yourself
8. Stack-On GCDB-924 10-Gun Double-Door Steel Security Cabinet
- Three-point locking for added pry resistance
- Holds up to 10 scoped rifles
- Recessed hinges can’t be popped from the outside
- Store long guns on one side – Five adjustable shelves on the other for ammo and valuables
- Steel plate in center of where doors meet to prevent cutting of bolt
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
It’s not easy to find a double-door gun safe with this much storage capacity for under $500. That’s what makes this one so unique. Being able to open both doors allows you to see everything and have plenty of room to grab what you need. You don’t have that cramped feeling that you do with most other safes.
It’s secure, too. The one essential feature of double-door safes is resistance to cutting between the doors. This safe has a thick steel plate that closes the gap. It would take a long time to cut through it. There’s no keypad or fingerprint scanner. You have to have one of the two included keys to open it.
What People Are Saying
Those looking for an affordable gun safe were happy that they could get something so big without spending a bunch of money. They talk about how much room they have for not only their guns, but jewelry and other expensive things.
Pros/Cons
- Very tough construction
- Double door for easy access
- Extra security features, like recessed hinges and steel door plate, provide extra burglary resistance
- The key is the only way to access the safe. That may slow you down in an emergency
9. Rifle Safe Gun Safe Quick Access 5-Gun Shotgun Cabinet
- Holds up to five scoped long guns
- Five-point lock for the ultimate in pry resistance in this price range
- Very thick steel construction for attack resistance
- Can be opened with fingerprint, keypad or key
- Removable lockbox for important stuff
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
The star of this safe is the bolt mechanism. Three bolts provide very good protection from a pry bar. But this one has five. That makes for superior protection that is almost impossible to find in gun safes of this price. We like that kind of value.
It’s also versatile. You can program over 100 fingerprints for quick access. You can also program your own code into the keypad and give that code to anyone you wish. Of course, there’s also a bypass key for emergencies, like a dead battery.
What People Are Saying
People who have done a lot of research before deciding on this safe talk about the enhanced locking mechanism. They’ve noticed what we like to point out, which is that most gun safes under $500 only have three locking bolts. This one has five.
Pros/Cons
- Better pry resistance
- Heavy-duty steel cabinet
- Slim profile fits in most closets without shelves
- Removable lockbox
- The keypad’s backlight is rather dim. This may be good for older folks who are sensitive to glare in dark rooms, but it may be harder for others to see
10. Stack-On GCB-8RTA Steel 8-Gun Ready to Assemble Security Cabinet
- Very affordable
- Holds up to eight rifles
- Pre-drilled mounting holes for more secure installation
- Lightweight for one-person installation
- Only open with key
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Review
This safe doesn’t provide serious protection from a determined thief, but it’s not meant to. It’s designed to keep children away from your guns.
The steel is rather thin. That’s where much of the cost savings comes from. There’s also no keypad, so that saves some more. You’ll need a key to get inside. But that saves you from having to worry about dead batteries. There are no electronic parts here.
So there you have it. This is a good, cheap gun safe that will keep small hands off of your family’s guns. That’s important. Just keep in mind that it won’t do much to stop a thief with power tools and about 20 minutes to work.
What People Are Saying
The thing we hear most about this safe is its price. It’s the best gun safe under $100. But that doesn’t mean it’s cheaply made. It can provide protection from a quick, mild attack. It’ll also keep kids out. That’s the main reason customers have bought this one. They want to keep their guns away from their kids.
Pros/Cons
- Very cheap
- Compared to the price, the durability makes for a good value
- Light enough to be easily moved
- Can be anchored for stability and better protection from theft
- Doesn’t provide a high level of burglary protection
Factors To Consider When Buying A Gun Safe Under $500
Just because you’re on a budget, that doesn’t mean you have to get a piece of junk. You already understand the most obvious things, like capacity, durability and so on.
But these points are almost always overlooked by shoppers who are looking for a bargain.
Locking Mechanism
There should be at least three bolts that slide either into boltholes or behind the door frame. Boltholes are better, but the other kind will work if you’re on a very tight budget.
At the higher end of the under $500 price range, you’ll find some safes with five bolts. They offer better protection from pry bars.
Fireproofing
This is a rare quality in gun safes under $500. If you are looking for fire protection, you may have to settle for less burglary protection or inadequate space.
You should check the rating. Generally, safes make a claim about how long they will protect paper contents from an average house fire, which burns at 1,400 degrees.
The higher the rating, the better the protection is. Get one with at least 30 minutes of fire protection.
The Lock
You’re going to be faced with three choices: Key, keypad and biometric. Biometric pads allow you to scan the fingerprints of several, up to 120, people so they can get to a gun if they have to. Keypads let you program your own code so all you have to do is punch in a few numbers to unlock the safe. You can give the code to anyone you want to.
Keys are self-explanatory. Only cheaper safes omit all other ways of unlocking in favor of a keyed lock. But keys come with all safes as a bypass mechanism in case of battery failure. The obvious drawback to key-only locks is that anyone who happens to find the key can open the safe.
Gun Safes Under 500 Bucks – Frequently Asked Questions:
You have questions, and we have answers. Here are the most common questions we answered when we took a poll among people shopping for a good, affordable gun safe.
Do Regular Gun Safes Protect Against Fire?
They do not. They may keep the flames off of their contents, but they will not keep them from burning. The safe will get hot inside if there is a fire outside. If it gets hot enough, wooden rifle stocks and paper documents will ignite.
Do Gun Safes Under $500 Really Protect Against Burglars?
Yes, but only up to a point.
If you want something that a professional thief can’t get into, you’re going to have to spend a couple thousand dollars. Cheaper gun safes like these are meant to keep kids and unauthorized adults away from dangerous guns and important things that can’t get destroyed.
You can hide smaller gun safes, in closets or other out of the way places, for extra protection.
What If I Forget The Combination?
If you forget the combination to the digital keypad, which is the most common locking mechanism for this type of safe, you can use the bypass key to gain entry. Once you get into the safe, you’ll be able to reset the keypad and program a new code.
All of the safes we’ve looked at have bypass keys. Don’t buy one if it doesn’t have a key. If you do, and you forget the combo, you’ll have to destroy the safe to get inside. There’s no other way.
Conclusion
Stack-On offers two awesome safes for shoppers on a budget. One is the best fireproof model available, and the other is the best for people with over 20 guns. The Moutec one offers the best value, with its durable construction and bonus lockbox.
Those three are our top picks, but there’s no accounting for taste. You should look at everything that’s out there so you can get the best gun safe under $500. Our reviews offer a good one for just about everyone. Make sure you have a good understanding of all the ones we talked about.
That, along with the knowledge you gained from the FAQs and Factors To Consider, will give you the confidence you need to make a great choice. So, what are you waiting for? The prices are good right now. It’s the best time to buy.
