So you need a gun safe and you’ve got a budget of around $500 to spend, and you want the best, most secure safe for your budget?
When it comes to gun safety and security, there are really great safes that offer enhanced security features such as Biometric fingerprint scanning, and then there is the old lock and key style.
But what exactly can you get for $500?
In this article, we cover the 5 top rated gun safes on the market that deliver the most bang for your buck.
Let’s jump right to it.
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Gun Safes under 500 For 2020
- Verifi Biometric Quick-Access Handgun Safe
- Vaultek Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe
- GunVault SV500 – SpeedVault Handgun Safe
- Gearmart Fast Access 5-Gun Rifle Safe
- Viking Security Biometric Fingerprint Safe
5 Best Gun Safes Under $500 Comparison Table
[table id=54 responsive=scroll responsive_breakpoint=phone /]What Should You Look For In A Gun Safe in The $500 Range?
Security & Extra Features
There is a vast array of features that comes with each gun safe and they differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, product to product. So here are a few things that we like to look for when choosing the ideas gun safe.
Locking Type
We prefer Biometric fingerprint access over all others. You can forget retina scans and other space-age stuff on this budget. Fingerprint scanners are common in this price range and they work very well.
They provide quicker access than the standard lock and key models and should the batteries fail or the electronics go in your safe, they all offer a fail-safe backup key anyway.
Lighting
An interior LED light is a great feature to have on your safe. Sure you could just turn on the light to see what you’re doing but that may not always be the ‘brightest’ idea, especially if you have an intruder or just don’t want to wake up the others in the room/house.
Backup Access
As mentioned, it is imperative that you have a backup master key in order to access your guns should the more advanced locking/unlocking methods fail. All of the suggestions in the article have this feature.
Size
The exterior dimensions (listed for each product below) will dictate where you will e able to locate your gun safe. Most people opt for either bedside cabinet, under the bed or inside the closet.
For rifles, the garage, closet or storeroom is a better option. So be sure to pay attention to the external dimensions, but don’t forget about the interior too.
Depending on the thickness of the steel used, the interior size can differ greatly from the outside. So make sure your rifles/pistols etc will fit before buying.
Capacity
Of course, if you only have a single 9mm handgun then this isn’t something you need to worry about.
If, however, you’re looking to secure multiple weapons, ammunition, and accessories such as scopes, then you need to be sure your needs are accounted for.
We’ve listed the gun capacity of each safe by each product below.
1. Verifi Biometric Quick-Access Handgun Safe
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Weight: 22-lbs
Dimensions: 14.4″ (W) x 10.8″ (D) x 5.8″ (H)
Capacity: 2-3 Handguns
Locking Type: Fingerprint
Pros
- Full fingerprint security
- Can fit handgun plus other items
- 3-4 year battery life (can be replaced)
Cons
- Not rated as fireproof
This top-opening fingerprint safe by Verifi has been getting rave reviews for it’s enhanced security thanks to its fingerprint technology.
Most gun safes use partial print matching, which uses just a small section of your fingerprint, however, this safe uses the full print, which makes for a much more secure locking mechanism.
With 2mm, 14-gauge solid steel walls and 4mm 8-gauge steel door, this safe (whilst not fireproof) is certainly burglar proof.
There is also a backup key for access in an emergency should something go wrong.
2. Vaultek Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe
Weight: 16-lbs
Dimensions: 10.5″ (W) X 8.5″ (D) X 2.125″ (H)
Capacity: 2 Handguns + 2 Clips
Locking Type: Keypad
Pros
- Backlit keypad for easy opening
- Interior LED’s to see in the dark
- Portable and quick release to remove in a hurry
- Backup key
Cons
- Small capacity (2 Handguns)
- Not Biometric
A popular safe this time from the well-known brand Vaultek. This is a quick access handgun safe designed to fit 2-handguns and 2-clips.
So whilst not the largest of safes, often we find these are the best ones to hide in your home, away from prying eyes and from anyone who shouldn’t have access to your guns.
We really like the flexibility of this safe, with its built-in LED for seeing inside of the safe when it’s dark, to the quick release cable mechanism if you need to take your safe with you say in the car on your way to the range, etc.
3. GunVault SV500 – SpeedVault Handgun Safe
Weight: 7-lbs
Dimensions: 3.5″ (W) X 6.5″ (D) X 13″ (H)
Capacity: Single-Handgun
Locking Type: Keypad
Pros
- Quick access no-nonsense digital buttons and door
- Easy to mount and hide arounf the home/ofice
- Well-known brand and product
Cons
- Low capacity – single firearm
Another popular product from a brand you will have heard of. The SV500 by GunVault is designed to house a single firearm in a safe that can be mounted practically anywhere in the house or office. Perhaps under a desk, on the side of a cabinet or under the counter-top.
A no-nonsense quick access digital keypad gives you access your pistol via the drop-down drawer, which in my opinion offers one of the best designs for the most realistic events you will face in your home…an intruder.
4. Gearmart Fast Access 5-Gun Rifle Safe
Weight: 89-lbs
Dimensions: 13.6″ (W) X 13.4″ (D) X 57″ (H)
Capacity: 5 Rifles/Shotguns
Locking Type: Keypad and/or Key
Pros
- Large capacity
- Durable and solid constructions
- Comes full assembled ready for use
Cons
- Takes up considerable height (57″)
- Some buyers reported no additional lock-box, just a shelf
Now we’re getting to the big-boy gun safe cabinets that offer the ability to store multiple guns, rifles, and shotguns with ammunition, slings and whatever else takes your fancy.
This beast of a safe by Gearmart is constructed of solid steel and built to resist both hand tool and mechanical tool attacks.
You have the option of 2 locking methods, either using the smart digital keypad or manually with the supplied keys.
The other pro for this safe is that there is an additional ‘inner-safe’ that locks with a key and is designed for handguns and other valuable items.
5. Viking Security Biometric Fingerprint Safe
Weight: 27-lbs
Dimensions: 14″ (W) X 10″ (D) X 10″ (H)
Capacity: 2-Handguns + Ammo
Locking Type: Fingerprint
Pros
- Solid steel constructions
- Backup lock/unlock with key
- Anti-pry door locking bars
- Interior LEDs
Cons
- Low Capacity
- Heavier than similar models
Viking is arguably one of the big boys when it comes to safes. They made them solid, they make them secure and they are built by people who understand gun owners and our needs.
The VS-25BL is a 10″ x 14″ x 10″ Biometric fingerprint safe that is both pry-resistant thanks to its 20mm steel locking bolts, and also very versatile. Allowing you to store up to 32 different fingerprints, which is great for households and community/club use.
The addition of the felt flooring on the shelves and the interior LED lights make this a great option for those looking to store a couple of handguns in their home or office.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has helped you in your quest to find the right gun safe for your needs and that your $500 will now go that much further by choosing one of these top-rated models.