12 Best Car Gun Safe – Choosing The Right One For Your Needs

Many states require you to lock your gun in a safe. The law does not just apply to your home but also your car.

If you carry your gun with you in the car, you need the best car gun safe to ensure your firearm is protected at all times and that you’re not breaking any rules.

Many gun safes can be used in homes and cars alike. These are small and can easily be mounted in an inconspicuous part of your car, for instance, underneath the seat.

A hidden car gun safe is also important for keeping the gun out of the reach of children.

Types of Car Gun Safes

There are three types of gun safes available on the market to fix them in your vehicle to keep your gun secure and always with yourself. The models are listed below.

Console Gun Safe

As its name reflects, the console gun safe is designed to install in the position of a console. It becomes an effortless task for a driver to pull out their gun from the console gun safe when they feel a need for it. The driver can easily access their gun with only a single hand and doesn’t need to divert their attention from driving.

Cabled Gun Safe

The cabled gun safe also correctly reflects its name. These gun safes come with a cable that can be installed under the seat.  The cabled gun safe is easy to secure as one can attach the rope around the bar and be able to access it easily.

A Mounted Gun Safe

Mounted gun safes are similar to cabled gun safes. The difference between both types is the mounted gun safes come with pre-made holes inside the bottom part.

How to Install a Gun Safe by Attaching It With a Cable?

Attach the cables with your gun safe before installing them in your vehicles. For this, you will need to buy a cabled or a mounted gun safe. One can choose any of them as per their requirement as both types are beneficial at their place.

I will also discuss the advantages of these types of gun safes; first, let’s discuss the process of installing the cabled or mounted gun safes in your car.

Location

This method is the easiest and most convenient way to keep your best cheap gun safe in your car. One does not need to go through some engineering tasks. These types of gun safes come already with a cable.

In the first step, you just have to locate the accurate location in your car to install it. The desired location for installing a cabled gun safe will be at the bottom side of a seat.

Use Bars to Attach it With Them

As we said earlier, one does not need any engineering skills. After deciding the accurate location, just place it there and attach the gun safe with the bars that appear in the bottom part of the seat. By connecting your gun safe with bars, you can keep the safe secure.

Advantages of Attaching a Gun Safe With Cables:

The significant advantage of this method is one can move their gun safely from one car to another quickly. They just need to pull the cable out from the bars and install them in another car.

The cabled gun safe won’t damage your car anyhow. It is because the method doesn’t need any engineering task i.e., drilling. As we said earlier, you just have to attach it to the bars.

The method can be more beneficial if you have to install a gun safe in a rented car. It is because the technique is temporary, as you can take away your gun safe when you left the rented car.

How to Install a Car Gun Safe Permanently

The cabled gun safes are suitable to install for a temporary purpose. But when it comes to installing a gun safe permanently in your car, then the bolting method is the best option for you.

Can bolt down a gun safe in a particular location of their car to fix it permanently. Before going to discuss the whole process, let’s have a look at the tools which you will have to arrange for this task.

1. A Utility knife
2. A Measuring tape/ruler
3. Pencil
4. Take a kit of anchors and bolts
5. One needs a Socket wrench and level with a drill

The main tools required for this technique are a utility knife, measuring tape, a socket wrench, and a drill. One can purchase these tools easily from any hardware store, or it is better to borrow them from one of your friends.

It is because you will need these main tools once. The other tools like pencil, anchor kit with bolts, and level are useful to buy. The process of installing a gun safe through the bolting method is discussed step by step below.

1. Choose location:

In the first step, you have to choose a perfect place to bolt down your gun safe permanently. It can be any location as per your comfort where you can easily access it.

2. Draw lines with a pencil:

After deciding the location, now time to measure the area as per the gun safe dimension. You will have to use a pencil for drawing the lines on the selected site under the perimeter of your gun safe.

3. Cut the area:

Once you have drawn the lines accurately, now you have to cut the carpeted area by using a utility knife. It is because the gun safe will be installed here by bolting.

4. Check the measurement:

One can check their previous jobs by placing the gun safe back down on the area that you have cut down. One will be able to ensure that the holes are in the correct position.

5. Bolt the gun safe  

The final step is to bolt the gun safe through the holes that you have made in your car to install it. You will need a wrench socket to tighten the bolts of your gun safe.

Move the wrench socket clockwise until the bolts get properly tightened. Now the gun safe is permanently fixed in your car.

It is highly recommended to choose a location where you stay for a long time and install it in the vehicle that you are using daily.

Which Is The Best Location To Install A Gun Safe In Your Car?

When it comes to the best location for installing a gun safe in your car, then two areas are highly recommended. One is under the driver’s seat, and the second is to install near the trunk.

If you have hired a driver to drive your car, then under the trunk will be the best option for you to install a gun safe, It is because the area will be far away from the driver, and only you can easily access the gun safe.

On the other hand, if you have to drive your car by yourself, then it is good to attach the gun safe through cables with the bars under the driver’s seat.

 

Best Car Gun Safe To Travel With Your Firearm

The following car gun safe reviews will help you determine which safe is best for your handgun and your car. Each car is different, and so are the gun safes, so it’s important to look around before buying one. 

1. SnapSafe Lock Box with Combination Lock

 

Features:

This is an extra-large SnapSafe Lock Box that is perfect for use in the car. This measures 10 inches in length, 7 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth.

You can easily fit in a handgun and lock it with the combination lock. SnapSafe specializes in all things security-safe-related, from lockbox for your car to strong wires.

It’s a subsidiary of Hornady, which also produces some of the best safes. This gun safe for the car is made of 16-gauge steel, so it’s pretty tough.

The interior has a dense foam layer to provide the firearm some cushioning and protect it from scratches. You can remove these foam padding to make more space.

The SnapSafe Lock Box comes with a solid steel security cable. This cable can be used to tie the safe box to the seat in the car. It’s been tested to withstand 1500 pounds, so breaking it would be impossible for an intruder.

2. SnapSafe Lock Box with Key Lock

 

The SnapSafe Lock Box with Key Lock is a simple and affordable solution for carrying a large handgun in your car. This XXL-size handgun can easily house a large pistol or handgun.

This is a simple key-lock-operated handgun safe. You can tie it to your car seat using the security cable that comes with the lockbox. It’s quite sturdy as it’s made of 16-gauge steel.

The interior has a foam lining, which is removable. In terms of size, this key lockbox is 11.5 inches in length and 8.5 inches in width, whereas the depth is 2.5 inches.

Even though it’s fairly large, it does not weigh a lot, only six pounds. You can easily travel with it, especially in your car.

3. Bulldog Cases Car Safe

The Bulldog Cases Car Safe is the best car gun safe as it’s both mountable and portable. This can be used as an under-seat gun safe using the bracket that comes with it.

In fact, you can mount it anywhere you want in your vehicle. In addition to mounting brackets and hardware, it also comes with a security cable.

So if you want to use it as a portable gun safe, you can just tie it with the security cable. This cable is made of high-quality materials and measures three feet long.

This gun safe box features a simple key lock. However, once the safe is locked, you cannot remove it from its bracket. This way, the safe stays where you mount it.

The interior of the safe has a soft lining. With the lining, the interior measures 7 inches in length, 5.25 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth. The safe is made of heavy-duty steel, finished with a black matte powder finish.

4. SnapSafe TrekLite Gun Safe

 

The SnapSafe TrekLite Gun Safe is not only great as vehicle gun storage but can also be carried on a plane. This features a TSA combination lock and complies with TSA requirements.

As a result, you can check in your firearm in this safe. This can fit under your car seat easily. You can use the security cable to tie it to the seat or another stationary object.

As for capacity, you can easily fit in a full-size 1911 handgun. The TrekLite Gun Safe is one of the most lightweight gun safes, as it just weighs 1.4 pounds.

This is made of polycarbonate, which is impact-resistant and not heavy like steel. However, it still provides protection similar to that of steel.

The combination lock is a four-digit lock that is easy to program. You get a lifetime warranty from SnapSafe for material defects in the gun safe.

5. GunVault Microvault Digital Pistol Safe

The GunVault Microvault Digital Pistol Safe for car features their signature biometric lock. GunVault pistol safes do not use one, but four of your fingers for access to the firearm.

This makes these gun safes extremely secure and reliable. The biometric lock of the MicroVault gun safe is powered by a 9V battery.

However, there’s a manual lock and key too for access in emergencies and when you first get safe. You can register many fingerprints for access to the gun safe.

This features a tamper-resistant locking mechanism and a security cable to tie it down when you leave the car.

The safe box is made of 20-gauge steel, but it’s not heavy at all (four pounds). Soft foam lines the interior of the safe box to protect your firearm.

6. SentrySafe PP1K Portable Gun Safe

The SentrySafe PP1 Portable Gun Safe comes with a carrying handle that makes it very easy to travel with. You also get a tether cable to secure the safe box to a stationary object in the car, hotel, and at home.

This is a sturdy, high-gauge steel safe box with ample room for a handgun inside. The lid opens on the top, giving you quick access to the handgun. The door is pry-resistant, so no one can get in without the key.

The PP1K features a simple key lock that comes with two keys. The interior space of the safe measures 9.8 inches x 7.3 inches, with a depth of 3 inches.

This should be enough for one firearm and extra mags as well. This is a bit heavier than your average vehicle safe, weighing 6.5 pounds.

7. Hornady Rapid Gun Safe 98210

The Hornady Rapid Gun Safe 98210 is the best car gun safe for those who have a little more splurge. This is exclusively designed for placing in the car and can fit in almost every car or truck.

The safe features a patented bladder system that fits anywhere in the vehicle. The 93210 model safe is operated by RFID tags. You can program up to five tags to access the safe.

The top lid opens instantly as it has a spring assist. In addition to the quick-access RFID technology, you also have a keypad and manual key locks.

This truck gun safe can also be attached to a stationary object using the cable. Made from 14-gauge steel, the body is lined with foam.

Hornady has tested the safe with multiple tests to make it child-resistant and pry-resistant. You will receive two RFID stickers, RFID key fob, RFID wristband, a pair of barrel keys, security cable, and 12V car adaptor to charge the safe. You can also put in four AAA batteries.

8. The Club LB200 Lock Box

If you’re looking for a truck gun safe, the Club LB200 might just be the perfect option for you. Its simple design paired with solid steel construction makes it great for use in the truck, or any car, for that matter.

Although it looks a bit bulky, it can easily fit under your car set. The lock on this security vault for guns is a manual key lock. You can tether it using the accompanying braided steel security cable.

The interior capacity is enough for a handgun, extra mags, cash, passports, etc. You put in all your valuables in this while traveling.

The Club is a trustable brand name as they produce all sorts of locks. This is a pretty basic lockbox but one that is high quality.

The cover, which engulfs the safe box completely, makes sure no one can tamper or break into the safe.

9. Younion Pistol Safe

The Younion Pistol Safe is a simple, user-friendly lockbox for hiding handguns in a vehicle. This is a key-operated safe box, so there’s not much going on in terms of the locking mechanism.

That said, its simplicity makes it easy to use. The size is just appropriate for any small handgun. It would not take up much space in your home or your luggage.

This also means you can easily hide it under the seat of your car by securing it with a cable. The inside has a four-layer protective foam to keep the gun safe from scratches and abrasion.

The 16-gauge steel body portable safe is pry-resistant. This is also one of the most affordable options for vehicle gun safes.

Buyer’s Guide

As soon as you type car gun safes, you will come across hundreds of products. However, you only need to keep in mind a few things to find the vehicle gun safe.

Size of the Gun Safe

The first thing you need to look out for is the capacity of the gun safe. The external dimensions are helpful, but the interior measurements will help you determine whether your firearm will even fit in it.

If you plan on putting some extra mags or other stuff like cash or passports, make sure the safe has ample capacity. Also, keep in mind that the interior often has padding, so that ultimately reduces the capacity, although not so significantly.

Your Car

You also need to consider your car when buying a gun safe. First of all, you need to decide where you plan on putting the safe. For instance, you can install a gun safe for the truck in so many places.

However, with a car, you do not have so much space. If you plan on mounting the gun safe permanently, then that’s another story.

On the other hand, you can always choose a portable car gun safe and attach it to the seat frame using a cable. There are plenty of choices and solutions, but the important thing is to keep your car in mind before buying the safe.

Type of Lock

This is up to your discretion, which type of lock you prefer in your gun safe. The vehicle gun storage would have quick access, which is crucial when it’s an emergency.

That said, a lot of people prefer simple key locks or mechanical locks like those on the Fort Knox pistol box. This is because they are simple and easy to operate.

Biometric locks and RFID tags are the quickest to open. If you work in a line that requires you to access your handgun quickly, you may want to go for these locks. Also, with battery-backed locks, you want to make sure you have a backup option.

FAQ

Can I leave a loaded gun in a hot car?

This is a common misconception or at least a cause of confusion for gun owners that ammunition may get damaged or go off in a hot car.

This is not the case until your car is actually on fire. Even if you live in the South where the temperatures can reach triple digits in the dead of summer, your firearm will not go off on its own in a hot car.

However, you should make sure that it’s in a safe box whenever you leave it in the car.

What is the best place to keep the gun in a car?

There are several places in your car where you can keep your gun, some more obvious than others. A lot of people keep their pistols in the glove compartment.

Make sure it’s in a lockbox so that no one can access it. Car safes that are mounted under the seat remain a popular choice for concealing a firearm in the car.

This way, the handgun is not visible and can only be accessed by the gun owner, with the key to the safe. Both these options are not without their flaws as burglars usually go for the glove box, console, or check under the seat.

Some gun safes can be installed on the interior of the car, so they do not stick out and conceal the firearm.

Conclusion

The best car gun safe can make sure your firearm is safe from children and burglars. Also, you have it within your reach in time of need.

Make sure you are following the laws of the state you are driving in whenever you carry your gun. These portable car gun safes can also be used to transport the gun via air, provided it complies with TSA requirements.