10 Best Handgun Safes of 2024 [Mechanical & Biometric]

When it comes to making firearms secure, one of the primary considerations is to select the best gun safe for the weapon you're putting under lock and key. Considerations such as safe size, locking and unlocking speed, and overall security rate high on the list.

In the world of handguns, we are dealing with one of the most volatile weapons systems just because these are easy to leave lying around, always of interest to the young eye, and tend to be the number one weapon involved in accidental shootings in the home.

Below are some suggested options for securing a handgun in the home, office, or vehicle in the best gun safe to meet your needs.

1. Gun Vault

As a multi-tasking handgun safe, the Gunvault GV3000C-DLX is a multi-functional safe that holds a weapon or two but also keeps valuables safe as well. These safe systems range from $189 to $628 depending on the size and model being considered.

This model measures 8.125 x 10.3 x 14 inches with a storage measurement of 5 x 9 x 12.5 inches. The safe is made of heavy gauge steel with a tamper-proof spring-loaded door.

The safe uses computer lock access. Following an invalid keypad entry, it is recognized by the lock system. This keypad is a “no eyes” system and carries a patent by the manufacturer. This system allows the owner to open the safe in low or no light situations with finger touch only.

These safes are considered among the best going in the industry according to the manufacturer. The shelving in the steel lock box is removable if a large item needs to be locked in the safe.

The unit is battery powered and comes with an AC/DC power adapter as well. This safe resists prying and is among the strongest built today. The safe is workable for vehicles and also the home or office.

2. BARSKA 

The safe is a DOJ approved storage system. The safe comes with 120 fingerprint biometric modules that are easy to use.

The safe retains an optional silent mode that allows quiet access for home defense situations. This safe is made of heavy steel with tamper-proof edges and pry-resistant, steel deadbolt locking systems. This safe can be mounted with pre-drilled screw mounts on the bottom of the steel case.

This safe carries a full one-year warranty.

3. Vaulter VT20i

This Bluetooth smart safe features an auto-open lid with a rechargeable battery system. This unit has some upgraded anti-theft protection features such as anti-pry bar safe, two-point anti-impact latches, and interior mounted hinges.

The unit is built of 15-gauge heavy-duty carbon steel and has a powder coat finish that makes it fit nicely into any home or office.

The quick access system allows the owner to move fast if a weapon is needed or for any other possible reason speed becomes a part of the equation. The safe's keypad is backlit for low or no light operation.

The safe is equipped with smartphone technology. You can easily go from on to off using special hotkey technology and still retain normal safe functions.

The battery system in the safe is chargeable and functions for four months. Recharging takes about two hours with the included USB charging kit.

4.  PRYMAX Biometric Gun Safe

Here, we have a budget-minded gun safe that keeps children away from guns and slows down the burglars trying to get into the safe. Remember this, at some point all safes can be opened. It depends on just how much hardware is required to do the job.

What I am saying is this:  In the home, stop the kids and slow the adults down. This biometric gun safe will do just that at a very reasonable price.

This fingerprint scanner allows up to 32 images to be stored in its memory. The safe has room for two smaller weapons or a single larger handgun. The safe's door features an auto-opening system for speed and access to a weapon.

The unit is built of 16-gauge steel and is pry-resistant. Note that I have indicated that the safe is resistant, but again, anything can be opened given enough time and tools.

The safe is designed for home use or in the vehicle. When the incorrect password is entered three times, the safe activates an alarm for one full minute. This detains an individual or at least allows someone to react to the situation. In other words, if junior gets creative, junior gets caught.

5.  Stack-On PDS-1500

Here we have a smaller safe that fits in a desk drawer or nightstand. This safe's locking mechanism operates with two AA batteries and features two live-action steel locking bolts with a concealed hinge mounting system.

The backlit fingerprint scanner accepts up to 20 different entries. The lock is an easy unit to program according to the manufacturer. This lock beeps when a key is depressed. This feature can be turned off.

The lock system uses a time out system after three incorrect attempts to open the safe have been detected by the electronic system. The safe has predrilled holes for permanent mounting in a vehicle or a space in the home.

The safe's combination can be quickly changed by using buttons on the inside of the door. The safe is California approved for weapons storage.

6.  Fort Knox FTK-PB Pistol Box Handgun Safe

Pushing up the price a bit but gaining in handgun safe features is a basic steel lockbox built by Fort Knox. This safe could be regarded as an upper price bracket item as it retains the label of being the strongest safe on the market. This safe exceeds the California state requirements.

We use this safe because California seems to go beyond and above all others regarding the specification for almost everything made or grown today.

The door has a gas strut installed to aid the user in opening the door. The lock is a simple, mechanical lock system. The user-friendly 1081 combination makes this pistol safe stress free to own and operate. Being a Fort Knox product, it features the same safety features for gun storage as the company's larger models.

This block of thick steel weighs in at 21.4 pounds and according to safe reviews is a buyer's favorite.

7.  GunVault SV500

This safe is advertised as impossible to open with any tools. The manufacturer states that regardless of the approach, it just can’t be done! The safe has very high strength locks.

When opened, an interior light is displayed to aid in locating items in zero to low light situations.

The box is built from 18-gauge steel which is two gauge units above most others on the market. A soft foam liner keeps valuable handguns from being scratched or damaged. A single 9-volt battery provides power for this unit.

This safe offers 12 million access code options.

8. V-Line Brute Heavy Duty Safe

V-Line builds a handgun safe that is called “Brute” because of its size. The safe measures 9.5 x 12.5 x 3.5 inches but that makes it workable versus tying up extra household space.

This quick access handgun box is built of 10-gauge steel and is powder-coated. The box looks good out in the open or in a vehicle.

Because of the way the edges are assembled, this safe is pry proof.

Over-sized solid steel deadbolts make up the safe's locking mechanism. A break free 360-degree rotation clutch knob ties the system together.

The door has a gas-assist for faster opening. The hinge welds on the box are continuous versus spot welded.

9. Hornady Rapid Gun Safe Premium

Hornady built the safe that I own. That is not a big deal except for the fact that I know this safe because I use it in my home and my vehicle on trips. Guns are my business. My safe systems are critical to keeping my program up and running.

Just like my carry service weapon, my safe has to be extra special.

The safe reviewed here features a dependable touch-free entry pad. This unit is activated by wristband, key fob, or sticker that instantly opens the spring-assist lid.

Up to five RDID tags can be programmed into the lock system. There is also a panic accessible key lock opening system if all should fail.

The child-resistant safe exceeds ASTM international safety standards. The unit is pry-resistant with a high level of lock strength. The safe also is also resistant to being dropped, picked, or sawed attack resistant. The sturdy hinges also resist any attempt to pry them open.

This safe is a solid steel box built from 14-gauge heavy steel. It features two internal hardened locking lugs. The power source on this safe is an AC battery.

The mobile security cable allows the safe to be secured in any location. The system meets TSA requirements for handgun safety in checked luggage. In my case, this is a very critical requirement indeed.

The safe has an interior measurement of 9" x 7.7“ x  2.2". It is a one handgun system.

Question? What is the very best handgun you own? Answer: The one you have in your hand.

10. Awsafe Gun Safe

This gun safe uses a fingerprint ID and a password lock. The safe is a one-gun system that measures 9.6” x 6.3“ x 2.4". The total weight of the unit is 11.4 pounds.

This biometric safe features a quick opening security system. The system logs 30 different fingerprints. The safe is pry resistant and has a solid steel door. The lid opens automatically when the combination is activated.

Using a gas strut, the lid opens on its own. The manufacturer states that this safe is 100% effective against a pry bar attacks.

Led lighting activates as soon as the lid moves to an open position. This unit is fully portable for home, office, or vehicle.

This unit retains a full one-year warranty to the original owner.

Please note that the reviewer has used only a couple of these products. Evaluations and recommendations are based on the manufacturer's information which may or may not be fully accurate.

Buyers are advised to do your research and select with care. American made and name brands are preferred by this researcher.

The distance to get assistance and other related help are closer to home even if the price is a bit higher. At times, easy access to customer service and peace of mind is well worth the cost.