Top 10 Best Home Defense Gun Safe In 2023

All gun owners want to make sure their firearms are kept in a gun safe that ensures home defense. If you’ve recently acquired a gun or feel you need a more safe place to store your gun, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, we’ll go over our top choices to assist you in choosing the best home defense gun safe. We went through all kinds of alternatives, from small, portable options for handguns, to large, strong ones for rifles, and under-bed options here.

From this article, you will be able to find yourself the ideal gun safe for home defense.

Best gun safe for home defense: Comparison Chat

Best home defense gun safes reviews

1. Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe

When it comes to home defense gun safe nothing can beat Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe. It has been built with a 10 gauge of steel. With 12.5 inches chamber width, you can comfortably store two full-size handguns or pistols.

It comes with a gas strut that enables smooth, easy, and immediate safe opening and closure. The safe weighs around 23 lbs and has a height of 4.25”. This USA made handgun safe uses a Simplex Locking Mechanism that offers quick access without requiring battery

Update from the previous model: One of the problems of this safe was its Simplex Push Button Locking Mechanism which was easily breakable with a hammer and chisel. However, they have managed to solve the problem by providing a solid steel plate beneath the lock.

Best Alternative: If you want a similar safe having Simplex Lock, you can definitely go for V-line Brute Handgun Safe which is also USA-made and provides better security.

Pros

• Solid construction with 10 gauge steel
• Easy to set up and open
• No battery needed to operate this safe
• Easy mounting with pre-drilled anchor holes at the bottom
• Multiple layers inside

Cons

• A limited number of combinations
• Very heavy. So it’s not easily portable
• Easily breakable push button with a hammer and chisel (Solved the problem in recently updated models)

The safe also comes with 4 pre-drilled holes at the bottom ensuring easy mounting. The inside of the Fort Knox PB1 Handgun safe consist of several interior foam layers that provide the safe with extra padding.

This enables you to separate stored items. If you will be placing the safe on a smooth surface, you need to invest in an anti-skid material. Overall, this is one of the best pistol safes for home defense.

2. Awesafe Gun Safe

When it comes to popularity Awesafe Gun Safe is one of the most popular and best-selling gun safes currently available on the market. The storage capacity of this safe is relatively good. It can fit 2 standard handguns or a big pistol with extra mag and ammo.

They’re also a bigger version of this safe where you can easily fit two standard size guns with mag and ammo but for that, you’ve to pay a little bit more. The build quality of this safe is quite good but this may not prevent a determined thief.

However, this safe is good enough to protect children from unauthorized access. It does come with extra internal LED light which is sufficient to grab the guns in low light conditions. The safe comes with a gas strut that enables you to quietly access your handgun

This safe does also comes with 4 AA batteries, two backup keys, two anchor bolts, and an instruction manual. Once you received the safe, you should open it using backup keys, then insert the batteries inside the safe to activate the biometric and keypad.

One thing you should bear in mind is that, do not close the door putting the keys inside without setting batteries. In that case, you can not open the safe again. So, keep the backup keys outside the safe and preserved them in a secured place

Another great advantage of this safe is you can store up to 30 fingerprints which allow other family members to open the safe especially when you’re not in the home.

Best alternative: SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe could be the best alternative if you don’t want to purchase this safe.

Pros

• Fast access to your gun
• Well-padded on the inside
• Sufficient blue internal LED light to grab the handguns in dark
• Easy mounting with two pre-drilled holes at the bottom

Cons

• Locking system should have been better

One of the problems of this safe is that if you don’t put your finger correctly on the scanner a red light will be on. In that case, you have to wait two to three seconds to put your finger again to open the safe  

3. Moutec Biometric Handgun Safe

Our third pick for the best gun safe for home defense comes from one of the most well-known and highly rated gun safe manufacturers, Moutec. Moutec safes are well-known for their sturdy construction and creative designs. And, if you’re searching for a biometric gun safe, this is the finest model from the brand.

Weighing about 13 pounds, this gun safe is quite heavy and rather thick. Its reinforced solid steel construction makes it very sturdy. If you had to buy a safe solely based on sturdiness, we’d recommend this. It gets a 4.8 on a 0 to 5 scale, with 5 being the highest.

It is not only robust but also extremely durable, owing to its powder coating finish, which resists corrosion.

Unlike most gun safes, this one is equipped with top of a class biometric system. If you use this safe, you will be able to access your gun with a single fingerprint. It can hold up to twenty unique fingerprints and has a touch lifespan of over 1,000,000 times.

Although the fingerprint reader is great, it may take a while to register at times, and that’s why it gets a 4.7 rating.

However, these safes have a couple of other unlock points as well. It includes two physical keys and an electronic encryption system using passcodes.

Besides, it includes several other features that make it extremely easy to use. The backlit keypad is great if you have to retrieve your gun on short notice. Considering the LED function, slide mode, and all other extra features, this gets a 4.8 rating.

Pros

• Comes in a robust and rather long-lasting frame
• Offers three different unlock options
• Includes additional features like silent mode, extra battery box, and more
• Provides excellent value for money

Cons

• Sometimes fingerprint scanner takes a while to register 

Overall, this is an excellent gun safe with three different unlock options, including instant biometric access. You should buy this if you want to store one or two guns in a strong and user-friendly safe.

4. GunVault Nanovault 200 Nano Pistol Safe

The GunVault Nanovault 200 Nano Pistol Safe is a locking TSA-approved gun safe that is made of an 18 gauge steel metal. It will not stop a determined intruder but it will keep your gun away from kids and drunks. The safe will fit a full 1911 pistols and other full-size pistols with a maximum barrel of 5”.

The gun safe can be opened using a keyed entry, fingerprint scan, or a combo.  If you need fast and easy access in the dark, you may want to choose the keyed entry.

It is easy to access your gun and the safe is portable. It has a small cable that allows you to loop it around a metal bar. All you need to do is to wrap the cable around the frame of your seat before tucking the safe under the car seat.

Pros

• Portable
• Easy to program the locking system
• Compact
• Easy to access your weapon

Cons

• Not sturdy
• Small size

If you need a gun safe that is portable and easily accessible, you may want to consider the GunVault Nanovault 200 Nano Pistol Safe. While it’s not a high security safe, it will help you keep your gun away from those prying hands.

5. Stealth Handgun Safe

We all want to keep our firearms and valuables secure and out of the hands of kids. With this gun safe, you can rest assured that no one other than you will have access to your valuables.

From Stealth, this is an impressive model that can hold a total of 5 handguns, which makes it 5 out 5 in terms of capacity. You can lay two handguns flat at the bottom part and place three others vertically above those.

Now that you know you can fit all your handguns in this, you must be curious about its construction.

No one can get into this without the electronic encryption system or the high-security key override, thanks to the half-inch thick steel doorway, and the anti-pry hinges. It also has new welded lock housing, which makes it impenetrable, making it a 4.5.

Furthermore, this safe has been approved by the California Department of Justice to keep five guns, so you don’t have to take our word for it.

This Stealth gun safe has an electronic keypad with a 6-digit combination, as well as Audible Feedback and an extra quiet mode for maximum stealth. When you input the combination, the door swiftly opens, but there is a speed reduction that prevents the door from collapsing on anything. It gets a 4.2 based on its user-friendly features.

And lastly, this gun safe comes at a very low price despite its usefulness. It is certainly one of the best budget gun safes on the market.

Pros

• Can accommodate up to 5 handguns
• Has a strong build that makes it very long-lasting
• Comes at a very low price point
• Has a 6-digit combination mechanism that quickly opens the door

Cons

• Emits a loud beep when the unlock keys are pressed

If holding capacity and longevity seems important to you, and you’re on a budget, you should definitely get this option.

6. SnapSafe Lock Box

The SnapSafe Lockbox is a great safe for use in your home or car. The firearm safe is made of 16-gauge steel with a foam interior that protects your gun from scratches. You can secure the safe to a metal frame in your home, a car seat, or any other stationary object.

The safe is fairly sturdy. While someone with the right tools and enough time will break into them, it’s a good choice for keeping away children or the smash and grab intruders. The box comes with a 1500 lb cable that adds to its security.

Pros

• Portable
• Durable
• Foam padded on the inside

Cons

• Doesn’t offer the best level of protection

The safe is a good choice for securing a firearm. It meets the firearm guidelines of the TSA and therefore, you can use it on the airline. The safety box comes with 2 lockboxes and four keys. If you need a portable and lightweight gun safe, the Snapsafe Lockbox is an option you should consider.

7. RPNB Mounted Firearm Safety Device

If you need a well-designed, and practical firearm safe, you should consider the RPNB Mounted Firearm Safety Device. The safety device is easy to install as all you need to do is to place a plate against the area where you want to mount it, install 4 screws, and use a thumb nut to secure the lock.

While it isn’t strong enough to hinder an intruder with a crowbar, it can come in handy in protecting your gun from prying fingers. It is easy to program and open with your fingers. On the inside is a good amount of foam.

The programmable electronic keypad is made of PP material to enable you to operate it with a single hand. It also provides you with fast access to your firearm.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Easy to mount and set up
• Slim and compact
• Sturdily-made

Cons

• Mount is a bit flimsy

You can open the safety device using a keypad, key, or fingerprint reader. The slim vertical design of the safety box makes it possible to slide it under your nightstand, bookshelf, or desk.

8. Hornady Rapid Safe AR Gun Locker

If you need an efficient gun system that you can use to keep your short guns or tactical length rifles, you should choose the Hornady Rapid Safe AR Gun Lock.

The gun locker uses the patented RFID door technology that gives you quick access to your weapon. To use the RFID technology, you will only need to put the included wristband, decal, or key fob over the gun locker’s reader and it will open.

It also comes with a keypad that you can use when the RFID isn’t working. Unlike some lockers out there whose keypad will stop working after some time, the keypad of the Hornady Rapid Safe works perfectly well.

The gun storage is efficiently made to accommodate short guns and long rifles in four locking lugs. It has a lot of room in the interior to fit handguns, ammo, mags, and more.

Pros

• Ample storage space
• Quick access to your weapon
• Easy to install
• portable

Cons

• No interior light
• Produces a loud noise after unlocking

This gun locker is a good choice for storing handguns, ammo, and other valuables under your bed or the trunk of your car. It is one of the best home defense gun safes.

9. Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe AX11652

If you are in need of a safe to store long guns or rifles, this is another pretty good alternative. This home defense long gun safe is much like the previous one in terms of weight, capacity, price, and overall service.

But unfortunately, it is not quite as advanced in terms of its fingerprint scanning system or lock feature. In terms of its lock system, it gets a 4.1. But you can always use the emergency keys for optimal safety.

However, in terms of accessories and installation factors, this is at the top of the chart. It comes with AA batteries, an external battery, mounting gear, and other accessories. And, the safe itself comes with solid anchoring screws and predrilled apertures on the bottom and rear side.

Overall, it has a simple design and mechanism that anybody can use.

Although this home protection gun safe is not as great as the previous option, it is almost as price. This is where the question of value for money arises. Now, you have to check if the features offered by this model match yours. If you think it’s enough for you, then it will surely be worth the money.

Pros

• Has a super easy to use emergency key system
• Can hold a maximum of 4 big sized rifles
• Includes a removable shelf for user convenience
• Comes in a relatively smaller size for easier placement
• Includes all the necessary parts for installation

Cons

• Has a relatively weak biometric lock system
• Comes at a pretty expensive price point

All things considered, you should go for this model if you want a safe place for your rifles but don’t need one big enough to store 6 separate rifles. Since this is relatively smaller than the previous one, finding a place for it should be easier.

10. Moutec Large Electronic Rifle Safe

So far, we’ve openly discussed safes for handguns and standard-sized firearms. Now, we will look at a different kind of safe for your home. These are significantly heavier and must be secured in place.

Since it is a rifle gun safe, it can handle 5 to 6 rifles of approximately 50 inches in size, including ones with scopes. Furthermore, it contains a secondary lockbox. You may keep ammunition, handguns, cash, and critical documents in that safe box.

Now, this device is equipped with powerful biometric technology that can store up to 100 fingerprints. It also features a dependable lock mechanism. You may create your own personalized password that you can type on the electronic keypad to gain access to your firearms and other valuables.

It also includes a rapid action mechanism that allows for speedy weapon access in case of an emergency. Basically, you can have your firearms in your hands in under 3 seconds. The lock function has an aggregate rating of 4.6.

Furthermore, there is a secondary key that you may use if necessary.

This safe has a pretty good solid construction, which cannot be easily broken. Unless someone uses a specialized machine for that purpose, not one can access your guns except you and people with fingerprint access.

All things considered, the worthiness parameter of this safe gets a 4.7 rating.

Pros

• Offers both biometric access option as well as a separate key
• Has a dependable electronic system with 100 fingerprint retention capacity
• Can accommodate big sized guns and rifles
• Has enough space to store 5 to 6 rifles

Cons

• Weighs quite a lot

Regarded as the best home defense gun safe for long rifles, this one is certainly worth the money thanks to features like quick access, biometric technology, and a solid build.  

Best places for storing gun safe for home defenses

It’s advisable to store your gun safe in an area where you can easily access it. Ensure that it cannot be easily stolen. Some of these areas include:

Master bedroom.

The Master bedroom is an area that is difficult to come to. You might spend most of your time in this place. You probably store many things in this place so putting a big gun safe might be difficult for you if you haven’t got enough space. Therefore, it’s advisable to have a lightweight gun safe here.

Kitchen pantry

Here you can keep small gun cabinets as thieves will rarely go to the kitchen. If someone intrudes when you are in the kitchen, you will have quick access to the weapon.

Guest bedroom

For ensuring better home defense you should keep your firearms in a different place and a guest bedroom could be another good place to secure your firearms. If there is a closet in your guest bedroom, it’s a place you can keep a closet gun safe

Closet that close to front door

This is an area that most of the thieves probably ignore. It also offers quick access to the gun when someone gains access through the door.

How to Choose a Gun Safe for Home Defense?

Quick access

When it comes to choosing home defense gun safe quick accessibility comes first. You should pick a gun safe that is accessible within just 1-2 seconds. A biometric gun safe could be a great option as it allows users super quick access.

Build quality

Whether you purchase a gun safe for home defense or for any other reason, build construction is the most important. Try to acquire a safe that is built with 10 to 14 gauge of steel. The lower the gauge the better

Rifle safe vs handgun safe

Both safes are useful. If you own shotguns or rifles you must require a sophisticated shotgun safe and for handguns, you can choose a nightstand handgun safe. A handgun is the best option as you can place it in multiple locations and it is also cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Is a shotgun a good choice for home defense?

Yes.  A shotgun is a very good choice for those who ensure much more destruction per round compared to handguns.

What shotgun gauge is best for home defense?

12 gauge is recommended most of the time which is effective in close range. You can also use the 20 gauge model which is also popular

Should home defense gun be loaded?

Loaded gun preferable however don’t keep it unattended, try to keep it on a nightstand.

Which is better for home defense shotgun or pistol?

The pistol is good for better maneuvering and carrying. On the other hand, the shotgun is much more destructive. Also racking of the shotgun could intimidate the intruder and leave the place.

Final verdict

Whenever there is a threat to your home, time will be of the essence. You will, therefore, need to access your weapon as fast as possible. The first step towards doing that is by choosing the right gun safe for your family. If you are searching for a good gun safe, you can pick any one of the above options.