As a responsible gun owner, one of your primary goals is to stop your guns from getting into the wrong hands. This is where gun safes come in. Plenty of us have dragged our feet on buying a gun safe
They’re too expensive, or choosing one takes too long, or it’s hard to find space for one in the house. In this post, I’ll show you several budget gun-safe options–storing your guns safely doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s dive right in and choose the budget gun safes for you.
Best Budget Gun Safes:
1. SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock
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If you need a compact, technologically advanced safe for a single handgun, this is one of the cheap gun safes you can buy. It opens using both a fingerprint scanner and a code, and it features an ultra-quiet opening mechanism. This makes it useful as a home defense safe since there’s no loud opening to catch the attention of an intruder.
It features a sleek, modern exterior and requires AA batteries. You also can purchase one with a two-gun capacity, which is helpful if you have multiple handguns or think you may purchase another. This option has an interior light to help you make sure you select the right gun.
This safe has been consistently praised by buyers. In particular, customers appreciate the fact that it can easily be mounted to a wall. Many note that, unlike the somewhat unreliable fingerprint scanners in some smartphones, the biometric lock operates flawlessly.
Pros
- A very secure locking mechanism
- Convenient wall mounting ability
- Doesn’t take up much space
Cons
- Not much space
- If batteries run out, they need to be replaced before you can open the safe
2. Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe Quick Access Electronic Pistol Security Box
This is a great safe for those looking for an affordable way to store multiple pistols–it can hold three hanging handguns and two stored flat. The hanging storage option is ideal when you need to access a gun quickly since they’re stored with the grip facing outward.
And while its default opening mechanism is spring-loaded, you can select an optional silent mode for when you need to quietly access a gun. This case also has a special pry-proof design, and it can be secured either with bolts or with an included security cable.
The result is an incredibly tamper-proof safe, especially considering its affordable price. This may well be the affordable gun safe for those with a handgun collection.
This safe is often highly praised by buyers–many have commented on the remarkable durability and high storage capacity. However, some have lamented that the position of the interior pistol hangers isn’t adjustable.
Pros
- High-security design
- Very affordable
- High storage capacity
Cons
- Limited depth
- Lack of adjustment capability means it may be harder to fit some guns
3. Stack-On GCB-900 Steel Pistol/Ammo Cabinet
Stack-On is one of the brands many people think of when they need a good cheap gun safe, and this model is no exception. It’s important to note that, while it’s secure and comes from a reputable manufacturer, this is a very basic safe.
It doesn’t feature the advanced security options of some higher-end safes, and it can even be used for storing valuables in general. The GCB-900 has a reinforced key-coded lock and includes adjustable shelves. It’s a good choice if you want to save money, and it also has enough storage to contain other valuables alongside your gun.
Customer reviews reflect the versatility of this safe–some purchase it to store ammunition only, some store guns, and some use it as a general-purpose safe. Most customers report that the lock is easy to operate and that the safe is very solidly constructed. However, a common complaint seems to be the included shelves–they are made of plastic and may flex or break if overloaded.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Can easily hold a few handguns and many boxes of ammunition
- Welded steel construction
Cons
- Plastic shelves aren’t durable
- No interior light
- Less secure than biometric/code safes
4. SnapSafe Treklite Combination Lock Box
Many people looking for a budget gun safe are looking for something to store their guns at home. But if you need to travel with your handgun in tow, you may be frustrated by the lack of portable options. the SnapSafe Treklite brings you big-safe security in a smaller package.
It’s made of polycarbonate, which doesn’t offer the same tamper-proof protection as welded steel. But when you need to take your handgun along in a suitcase, this is a much safer option than packing your gun unsecured. It meets TSA standards for firearm storage and has TSA-compliant locks.
Even if you don’t intend to fly with your gun, this portable safe offers affordable storage options–it’s one of the most affordable on the list by far.
Many customers praise this safe in reviews. In particular, many are impressed with its quality construction, especially given its low price point. Its lightweight is also a factor. However, many reviewers have rightly pointed out that the external hinge makes it easier to tamper with.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Travel-friendly
- Includes anchor cable for additional security
Cons
- Not a safe solution for in-home storage
- Can usually hold any one gun
5. Hornady Portable Lock Box for Guns and Valuables
If you regularly travel with your handgun in the car, finding the affordable car gun safe is a high priority. This case offers a more durable construction than many lighter portable gun cases, as it’s made of steel. It also features a pry-resistant band to deter would-be thieves from attempting to steal your pistol.
This safe has a keyed lock that is TSA-compliant, so you can safely transport a pistol while flying. The included security cable can resist up to 1500 pounds of force, so you can also secure it to stationary objects if necessary.
Buyers have rated this case as being one of the highest-quality ones available. Most reviews mention that, while the case is compact and can be easily hidden, it’s still made of strong, heavy-gauge steel. For many buyers, the affordable price point makes this portable safe a steal.
Pros
- Good balance of price and quality
- TSA-compatible locks
- Easy to conceal
Cons
- Not as much space as in larger safes
- Not an ideal choice if you need at-home storage
6. Younion Pistol Safe, Portable Travel Gun Safe
Finding the cheap car gun safe is often a journey, and this economical but quality safe offers a viable option. This safe also has a somewhat unique feature, it has heavy interior padding to reduce rattling and protect contents, but layers can be removed in case you need increased storage capacity.
It includes a key lock, but it isn’t TSA-compliant. This means it’s an affordable portable safe for those who don’t anticipate taking their gun on a plane. It also is made of durable but lightweight steel, so it’s tamper-resistant without being overly heavy.
Since it’s often hard to find an affordable portable gun safe that also is made of steel, this safe is popular among reviewers. However, some have commented that the lack of TSA-compliant locks is a downside.
Pros
- Lightweight and strong
- Affordable
- Adjustable padding and storage space
Cons
- Locks aren’t TSA-compliant
- Not a solution for very secure in-home storage
7. GunVault SV500 – SpeedVault Handgun Safe
If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to experience a home invasion, you know that being able to quickly access your firearm is necessary in these cases. This SpeedVault option has a digital keypad for quick access. But unlike most gun safes, this one eliminates the need to reach in altogether.
A quick-drop drawer releases your gun, so all you have to do is grab it by the grip. This feature makes it a strong contender for budget bedside gun safes.
This case’s innovative design and superior strength mean that it gets consistently positive reviews. However, some have noted that their safes drain 9V batteries quickly.
Pros
- Lets you access your gun quickly
- Very durable
Cons
- Only holds one gun
- One of the pricier options on the list
The Takeaway
While you can’t really go wrong with any members of this roundup, the Stealth Handgun Hanger is my top pick. With this safe, you get excellent construction and space for a growing handgun collection.
You also get both of these in a compact package for a fair price. Make sure you consider how many guns you need to store (and whether you plan on buying more), do your research, and take your time, and you’ll soon find the budget gun safes for you.
