Do you need a secure place to store your gun collection that you do not have to worry about? Are you unsure what a good gun safe requires to be the best? If so, then this is the perfect article for you. We have conducted reviews on some of the gun safes under $300, on the market, to help you narrow down your selection to the right purchasing decision for your individual needs.
This can be a difficult thing to do because gun safes come with several factors and attributes that you need to consider before making a purchase. Keeping this in mind, we have also provided a buyer’s guide and FAQ section that will further help you narrow down your choices. Let’s get started on finding the gun safe for your needs.
Best Gun Safes Under $300:
1. Best Choice Products Steel Electronic Storage Rifle Gun Safe for Firearms
Best Choice Products is a well-known manufacturer of various types of gun safes, and this is one of their most popular electronic storage safes for firearms. It is designed to not only keep your guns safe and secure but also your gun accessories. It is constructed from heavy-duty steel, which helps to ensure that whatever you place in this safe will be kept secure.
They also realized that some people have issues with electronic keypads, and if they ever mess up, then they are no longer able to get into the contents of their safe. As a precaution against this, they have also added a key set that will allow you to manually lock this safe and bypass the electronic keypad if needed.
Most consumers who were looking for a bargain agreed that this is a reasonably priced rifle safe. They ensure that it is made from heavy-duty steel, and it has a digital keypad with a backup key lock for manual locking.
Pros
- Designed to keep guns and accessories secure
- Designed from heavy-duty steel
- Digital keypad for electronic entry and key set for manual locking
Cons
- Poor customer service from a manufacturer
2. BARSKA Biometric Safe
BARSKA is classified as being one of the best manufacturers of gun safes, and this is one of their most popular models that uses biometrics to help secure the contents of the safe.
The comes with pre-drilled holes and the hardware that is required to help mount this safe safely to the wall, which helps to secure the safe in your home.
It has a 120-fingerprint biometric locking mechanism, and the structure is made from durable steel. This helps to keep the contents of your safe secure at all times. Plus, they have added 2 built-in pry-resistant steel deadbolts that add an extra layer of security to the safe.
Most consumers who have purchased this gun cabinet agree that it is one of the handgun safes for under $300. They like that it has a pry-resistant deadbolt and that the body is constructed from durable steel. However, some have expressed having a few issues with the fingerprint recognition software that this safe uses.
Pros
- Comes with pre-drilled holes and hardware to make mounting this safe easier
- Comes with a 120-fingerprint biometric locking mechanism
- Made from durable steel and has 2 built-in pry-resistant steel deadbolts
Cons
- Minor issues with the fingerprint recognition system
3. Stack-On GCB-900 Steel Pistol/Ammo Cabinet
Stack-On is a well-known manufacturer of gun cabinets, and this is one of their most popular models that is designed specifically for pistols and ammo. The cabinet is made from solid steel, and it uses a key locking system, which makes it easy to get in and out of, as needed.
Plus, it comes with three different shelves, which means that you can easily separate your pistols and ammo into different areas, as you want. However, this cabinet is not designed to hold larger guns, like shotguns and rifles
Most consumers who have purchased this safe agree that it is a gun safe for under $300. They like that it has three shelving options and that it is constructed from solid steel. However, some have expressed that this model is not as attractive as some of the other models that this manufacturer provides.
Pros
- Constructed from solid steel
- Uses key locking system
- Comes with three shelving options
Cons
- Not as attractive as some other Stack-On models
4. Viking Security Safe VS-52BLX Hidden in Wall Safe Biometric Safe Fingerprint Safe
Viking is well-known for providing quality wall safes, and this is one of their top models that has a biometric fingerprint locking system. The body is designed to be pry-resistant, which helps to ensure the security of the contents kept in the safe. Plus, it was designed to be easy to set and use, even if you are new to this type of biometric technology.
Many consumers have found this to be a quality gun safe for under $300. They like that it is easy to use and set up, and they liked the pry-resistant body, which helps to secure their collection. However, some have expressed a few issues with the shipping company that the manufacturer uses.
Pros
- Designed for easy setup and use
- Comes with a pry-resistant body
- Biometric fingerprint recognition
Cons
- Poor packaging and shipping company used by the manufacturer
5. Stack-On GCB-910 Steel 10-Gun Compact Steel Security Cabinet
Stack-On is well-known for manufacturing security cabinets that can be stacked together with other models that they design. This is one of their larger models, and it can hold up to 18 guns, it provides you the option of adjusting the shelves in the cabinet to make it easier to add things that you need to keep secure with your guns.
Finally, they have added foam padding to the bottom of the cabinet and on each shelf to help prevent any of the guns from getting scuffed up while they are being stored. It is just a nice bonus to the construction of this gun cabinet.
Most consumers who have purchased this cabinet agree that it is a good gun cabinet. They like that it can hold up to 18 rifles and shotguns, and they like that they can adjust the shelves to meet their individual storage needs. However, some have had issues with the delivery service used by the manufacturer.
Pros
- Capable of storing up to 18 shotguns or rifles
- Adjustable shelving options
- Foam padding on shelves and the bottom of the gun safe for the protection of the guns
Cons
- Issues with the manufacturer’s delivery service
6. American Furniture Classics 906 Five Gun Metal Storage Cabinet
American Furniture Classics is a well-known manufacturer of gun cabinets, and this one is designed to not only secure up to 5 long guns but also has a nice decorative feel to it.
To help protect your guns, this cabinet has a soft foam barrel rest and a carpeted floor that helps to prevent any scuff marks from getting on your guns. Plus, it comes with a 3-point locking system that helps to secure your guns easier.
Most consumers like that this is an inexpensive gun safe, but that it still provides a secure location for up to 5 long guns in their collection. However, some experienced minor damages to this model when it arrived due to poor delivery services provided by the manufacturer.
Additionally, if you are looking for a quality gun safe, check those gun safes under 1000$ recommended by security experts.
Pros
- Comes with a 3-point locking system
- Soft foam barrel rest with carpeted floor
- Holds up to 5 long guns
Cons
- Minor issues with safe arrival damaged in some way
7. Stack-On TC-16-GB-K-DS Tactical Security Cabinet
Stack-On has been providing quality security cabinets for its customers for many years, and this is one of its most popular security cabinet models. They designed it with four adjustable shelves, but it also has one shelf that can be fully removed, which provides you with much-needed space for larger guns.
Plus, they designed it so that you can adjust the barrel rest, as well, to ensure that all of your guns fit regardless of the barrel size. Finally, they have added a 3-point locking system to help ensure the security of your guns, which gives you peace of mind.
Many consumers agree that this is the cheap long gun safe that they have purchased. They like that it has adjustable barrel rests and adjustable shelves that will allow you to pick and choose how to organize your gun cabinet. However, some consumers have expressed that their cabinets arrived with dents due to poor delivery service.
Pros
- 4 adjustable shelves and 1 fully removable shelf
- Comes 3-point locking system
- Has adjustable barrel rests for added depth
Cons
- Minor issues with arriving with dents
8. First Watch HS40135508 8-Gun Electronic Safe
First Watch has been providing secure safes for its customers for many years, but this is one of its most popular electronic safe models. It was designed to be mounted to a wall, which helps to secure the safe. After all, if you were able to move it into your home, then a thief could easily remove the safe.
However, the wall mount, makes it more difficult to do this option. The outside has a re-programmable electronic keypad that has lock-out features to help ensure that you are always able to open the safe if something goes wrong.
Finally, they added an interior ammunition box that has a locking mechanism, which helps to ensure the security of your collection.
Many consumers have purchased this gun cabinet. agree that it is one of the most affordable gun safes, on the market. They like that it has a lockable interior ammunition box. However, some have expressed that the included instruction manual can be difficult to understand.
Pros
- Has a lockable interior ammunition box
- Can be mounted to a wall
- Re-programmable electronic keypad with lock-out feature
Cons
- Poor instruction manual
Factors to Consider
Attachment Options
When you are purchasing a gun safe, it is important to realize that if you were able to bring the safe in then a thief could easily leave with the safe, as well.
Therefore, you might want to look at a gun safe that can be attached to something in your home whether it is the wall, the ceiling, or the floor. This is important to help secure the contents of your safe.
Types of Locks
With gun safes, there are three main types of locking mechanisms: key locks, biometrics, and electronic locks. Each of these types of locks has its pros and cons.
The type of locking mechanism that you choose is a personal preference, but it is important to ensure that you know the differences between these types of locks.
Fire Proofing
If you are taking the time to purchase a gun safe, you should make sure that your collection will be safe, regardless of what might threaten it. Getting a gun safe that has fireproof capabilities might be a good idea.
This feature will help to ensure that your gun collection is safe even if there is a fire.
Misleading Information
A lot of manufacturers will add information about the locks, bolts, and hinges used on the safe, but these features do not mean anything if the overall safe structure is not sound.
Do not get caught up in extra details. You need to make sure that the safe’s main structure will be sound before you worry about the type of hardware that it provides.
FAQ
You might have a lot of questions about what you should look for when you are purchasing a gun safe. Here are a few commonly asked questions that you should consider when you are purchasing your gun safe.
Are there any legal requirements about how guns should be stored?
There are always legal requirements and guidelines that you have to follow when storing your gun collection, but some of these change depending on where you live. Before purchasing a gun safe, you should look up the guidelines and requirements to help ensure that the safe you purchase will meet them all.
What locking mechanism is the best for a home gun safe?
Each type of locking mechanism has its pros and cons, which can greatly change your preference. For instance, electronic locks can be easy to use, but they do run off of batteries, which can cause issues if you do not remember to keep your batteries charged.
Combination locks do not require any batteries to operate, but it can take longer to access the contents of your safe. Finally, biometric locks can speed up access to the contents of your safe, but the technology is still new and it could cause minor issues.
Is it better to have a safe with adjustable shelves?
Although this is not a requirement for a gun safe to be sound, it does help, especially if you have different-sized guns that need to be put in the safe. Plus, you will be able to adjust shelves for other contents like ammo, as needed.
Conclusion
After reviewing all of the above products and considering the different factors mentioned above, we have concluded that the gun safe for under $300 is the Best Choice Products Steel Electronic Storage Safe for firearms. This safe has everything that you will need to help ensure that your gun collection and accessories are secure. It is made from durable steel.
Plus, it has two types of locking mechanisms that allow you to pick and choose which one will best suit your needs. However, although we have recommended this safe, it is important to note that this is a general recommendation.
If you have special needs, this might not be the best choice for your purchasing decision. To be sure, you need to have a clear idea of what you want and need and make your final purchasing decision based on this information.