According to NationwideChildrens.org, nearly 1300 children in the US die from unintentional shootings every year.
The estimates, more than 22 million children are living in homes with at least one gun, while most of the victims are young boys.
Keeping firearms freely around is dangerous for your family, which is why extreme care is essential while storing weapons.
If a gun is responsible for protecting your family’s life, then it is equally crucial to ensure the safety and security of firearms.
The best gun safe under 500 dollars budget can provide you with prime characteristics. Such as quick access, impressive locking system feature, and anchoring components.
Moreover, increasing the longevity of your firearm and keeping children at bay from using your gun, are a few merits of buying a gun safe.
Quick List of Best Gun Safes Under $500 Today
- Stack on Security Cabinet – Best Overall Gun Safe Under $500
- Barska Biometric Safe – Best Long Gun Safe for the Money
- Homak 10-gun Security Cabinet – Extra Tall Gun Safe Under $500
- Stack-on Gcg-910 – Steel Security Cabinet Under $500
- SnapSafe Under Bed Safe – Best Thin Gun Safe Under $500
- First Alert 2087DF Waterproof – Best Fireproof and Waterproof Safe Under $500
- Paragon Electronic-5 Safe – Best Large Home Safe Under $500
- GunVault SV500 – Best Handgun Safe for Home Under $500
- V-Line Quick-Access – Best Budget Gun Safe Under $500
- First Alert 2092DF-BD – Fireproof Safe With Combination Lock Under $500
Best Gun Safe Under 500 to Provide Safety and Security to your Firearm
To help you with choosing between the best, this review article will provide comprehensive details about the best affordable gun safe to suit your particular requirements:
1. Stack On Gun Cabinet – Best Overall Gun Safe Under 500
This cheapest gun safe has the capacity to hold two tactical weapons as well as fourteen shotguns or rifles.
Stack-on cabinet, licensed by the California Department of Justice, is designed to provide comfort and usability to all gun enthusiasts.
The safe is made of high-quality steel. Moreover, the body and door of the cabinet are 16 and 18 gauge thick, respectively.
This cabinet makes use of a cylinder lock and double-bitted keys, thereby providing you with three-point-locking systems.
Adaptability is one of the impeccable things about this safe. You can increase storage capacity by making several adjustments and can accommodate and stack your handguns, rifles, accessories, and ammunition.
Since it weighs only 90 pounds, you can either wall mount or floor mount for additional security.
Features
- Lock: Key
- Material: Iron
- Weight: 44.1 Kilograms
- Dimensions: 118 x 21 x 55 inches
Good Sides:
- Superior security system.
- Lightweight and moveable
- Easy to install
- Comes with barrel holders to keep firearms upright
- DOJ approved
Bad Sides:
- Does not seal-off dust.
- Cannot store more than 2 tactical weapons
- Not fireproof
2. Barska Biometric Lock – Best Biometric Rifle Safe Under 500
It is one of the best gun safe under $500, available for less than USD 250. This biometric gun safe allows the users to quickly (usually within seconds) retrieve their handguns with a touch of a finger.
Barska’s safe has the capacity to hold three rifles, but it barely keeps two. The safe contains an optical scanner to scan fingerprints.
Also, it requires four AA batteries that should last for 2 years. The Department of Justice approved safe can remember up to 120 different fingertips.
This biometric gun safe under 500 is made with solid-steel walls, three pry-resistant, built-in steel deadbolts locking systems, and tamper-resistant edges.
Pre-drilled holes enable you to anchor the safe at any place. Mounting is essential before using because this safe is tall and narrow in size, and it can tip forward.
Features
- Lock: Electronic, Key
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Weight: 50.2 Pounds
- Dimensions: 15 x 12.6 x 18.9 inches
Good Sides:
- Quick access during an emergency
- Higher security level
- Built with high-quality solid steel
- Comes with a silent mode option
- Provides two backup keys and a battery
- Contains a removable shelf
- DOJ approved
Bad Sides:
- Small capacity
- Neither fireproof or waterproof
- Always require battery backup
- Delay in fingerprint recognition
3. Homak 10-gun Security Cabinet – Extra Tall Gun Safe Under 500
This cheap gun safe is considered amazing due to its innovative design. This firearm cabinet has a height of about 57 inches, making it the tallest on the market today.
1.5 mm cold steel is the material used in the construction of this safe, which makes it durable.
Cabinet’s interior has a shelf built from metal for arranging your ammo and guns. However, its topmost shelf is non-removable. Moreover, the cabinet’s bottom is completely padded to avoid rifles from getting scratched.
This 70-pound cabinet has a door with a complete and uncut piano hinge, making it secure and robust.
One of the best features of this gun cabinet is that it has an HMC high-security tubular-locking system with more than 100 combinations of key codes.
Features
- Lock: Key
- Material: Heavy 1.5mm cold steel
- Weight: 240 pounds
- Dimensions: 33.75 x 24.25 x 57 inches
Good Sides:
- High-quality construction.
- Unique and striking design
- Large secure storage space
- Built with robust and durable steel plates
- High-security locking mechanism
Bad Sides:
- Non-removable shelf
- The Gun rack is assembled from plastic
- Not easily portable
4. Stack-on Gcg-910 – Steel Security Cabinet Under 500
This Stack-on security cabinet, one of the best budget gun safe, is designed to provide you comfort and convenience. Approved by the Department of Justice, this safe is of high quality and can store up to ten shotguns or rifles.
A non-adjustable shelf at the rear end of the cabinet allows you to store long guns in the front.
Also, a cabinet’s bottom is completely padded with insulating foam to keep your valuables damage-free. It has predrilled mounting holes and a superior steel 3-point locking system for extra security.
Features
- Lock: Electronic, Key
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 37.48 Pounds
- Dimensions: 16.93 x 16.54 x 22.83 inches
Good Sides:
- Easy to install
- Portable
- High-quality material
- Easy wall or floor mounting
- Foam-padded bottom
- DOJ approved
Bad Sides:
- Neither water nor flame resistant.
- May not store ten firearms
5. SnapSafe Under Bed Safe – Best Thin Gun Safe Under 500
This best affordable bed gun safe has a striking design with great functionality. Heavy-duty, 14-gauge, steel is used to construct this safe; thereby, providing impeccable durability.
Pre-drilled holes have made the permanent installation process easy for you. It contains a big slide-out door to keep your handguns and other various belongings, for instance, jewelry, documents, tablets, and laptops protected.
A sturdy 5-foot cable gives extra security after anchoring it to a stationary object. You can easily place this safe under your furniture, in your car, or in any vehicle.
Features
- Lock: Electronic, Key
- Material: 14-gauge heavy-duty steel
- Weight: 1 Pound
- Dimensions: 53.5 x 29 x 12 inches
Good Sides:
- Not a bulky safe
- High-quality construction
- Has manual key and electronic access
- Trouble-free installation process
- Has multi-purpose capacity
Bad Sides:
- Low space capacity
- Forcefully turning the knob may unlock the safe
6. First Alert 2087DF – Best Fireproof and Waterproof Safe Under 500
Another best gun safe under $500 reviews – first alert 7DF is a fire-resistant and waterproof gun safe that can protect all your valuables for an hour by reducing the internal temperature up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, it maintains the temperature of the safe internally by keeping the temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
This lab-tested model has been given an award of UL classified 1-hour fire rating. Thus, verifying that it can protect your important documents, passports, jewelry, household stuff, and digital media such as CDs, DVDs, memory sticks, and external hard drives from fire damage.
This waterproof safe will remain dry even if it’s fully submerged in water. Safe’s interior has removable and adjustable shelves with a key rack for quick access. It’s anti-theft and underhand hinges provide optimal security.
Features
- Lock: Electronic
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 124.8 Pounds
- Dimensions: 19.3 x 18.6 x 23.8 inches
Good Sides:
- Fire and water-proof
- Sustains temperature for 1-hour
- Suitable for storing electronic gadgets
- Has a 5-year warranty
Bad Sides:
- Smaller size
- Comes without a handle for carrying
- Weak construction; made from plastic
7. Paragon 7501 Gun Safe – Best Large Home Safe Under 500
Paragon handgun safe is made from 18-gauge steel, and it weighs 120 pounds. Heavy-steel material and concealed hinges have made this product theft-resistant.
It can hold six long guns, handguns, and ammo. Looks perfect and it may be the best gun safe under 500, right? Wait, there is more.
It has a separate interior-locking system for storing ammunition and handguns. The lock system is very easy to program.
Thus, making it easy for you to change codes infinitely. The safe also requires 2AA batteries, which usually come with this model.
Features
- Lock: Electronic, Key
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 117.5 Pounds
- Dimensions: 14 x 13.75 x 57 inches
Good Sides:
- High-quality construction.
- Easy-to-use
- Includes two free keys
- Separate interior-locking system
Bad Sides:
- The lock may open easily
- The cabinet may tip over due to its lightweight
8. GunVault SV500 – Best Handgun Safe for Home Under 500
This cheap gun safe possesses several features as that of an expensive one. You can anchor it anywhere you prefer in the house.
It also features interior light to remove darkness from the cabinet’s interior.
This product has an eye-catching design and a drop-down drawer to quickly access the firearms. In addition, it has a user-friendly keypad with a sensor and biometric-locking system. This safe also comes with two emergency keys.
Features
- Lock: Electronic, Key
- Material: 18-gauge Steel Housing
- Weight: 7 Pounds
- Dimensions: 2.25″ x 5.75″ x 8.5″
Good Sides:
- Inexpensive
- Striking design
- Interior-lighting system
- Back-up keys
- Quick-access digital keypad
- High-strength locking mechanism
- 5-year warranty
Bad Sides:
- Smaller size
- Low storage space
- Not fireproof
9. V-Line Quick-Access Keyless Gun Safe – Best Budget Gun Safe Under 500
V-lines’s handgun safe is robust but small. You can store two long guns; however, you can face difficulty if guns are wide. You can easily store a handgun and a rifle.
The safe’s construction is done with steel. Moreover, the application of a powder-coated finish protects the material.
The mechanical lock is the best feature of this model as it is programmable. Also, you can make changes to the push-button combinations.
Besides mechanical locks, it also has additional top and bottom locks at the door for greater security.
Features
- Lock: Key
- Material: Metallic-Fiber
- Weight: 10.91 Pounds
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 12 x 42 inches
Good Sides:
- Sturdy construction
- Keyless high-grade lock
- Two additional locks
- Easy to wall-mount
Bad Sides:
- Lightweight
- Limited space
10. First Alert 2092DF-BD – Fireproof Safe With Combination Lock Under 500
This 1.31 cubic feet fireproof and waterproof safe safeguards all your precious belongings from fire, water, and theft. It has a digital lock for you to program your 3-to-8 digit password.
The safe has four live-locking door bolts for greater security and two emergency keys to easily access your valuables.
This model can withstand internal temperatures up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, it maintains the internal temperature of the safe by keeping the temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, this lab-tested safe is UL classified. The rating ensures it can protect your relevant documents, passports, jewelry, important household stuff, and digital media such as CDs, DVDs, memory sticks, and external hard drives from fire damage.
Features
- Lock: Combination, Electronic, Key
- Material: Resin
- Weight: 93 Pounds
- Dimensions: 18 x 17.5 x 19.63 inches
Good Sides:
- High-quality construction
- Easy-to-use
- Water and fire-proof
- Sustains temperature
- 5-year warranty
- Lighted keypad with two emergency keys
Bad Sides:
- Exterior is plastic
- May leak oil
- Batteries may last for a few months
Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing the best gun safe under 500 dollars, you should keep the following factors in mind:
Right Size
To buy the right size of gun safe, determine by measuring the free space where you want to store the firearm at an easy-to-reach and secure place.
Make sure to purchase a safe bigger than your rifles and handguns because, over time, your assortment of weapons may increase according to your needs.
Also, search for those models which have removable or non-removable shelves to store your other valuable possessions.
Design
Gun safes come in a variety of designs. You have to go through all the options that are available before reaching a final decision.
Some safes have a wall safe and hidden safe, or some provide additional security, thereby making some safes extra feasible.
You need to look into the construction and design and choose the best safe as per your requirements.
High-Quality Construction
A poorly-built safe will not protect your valuables and weapons from theft or fire. An essential factor for safe is its quality design and high-quality construction.
The gun safe built with 7-gauge steel or thicker will provide better protection and safety against fire and thieves.
Security System
You can find multiple safes with a different locking systems, which may be confusing. These include mechanical locks, fingerprint locking systems, 6-point locking systems, 3-point locking systems, combination, and keypad locking systems.
Most of these locks provide optimal security. In most cases, battery-powered and electrical locks are UL verified and provide you with extra security. However, keep in mind, that they are not electromagnetic resistant.
Consequently, a passcode of a combination lock should be an easy and memorable one. Also, keep your fingers sweat-free while using a biometric safe.
Quick-access
Next, the best affordable gun safe should allow you quick access to your handguns in emergencies. Moreover, look for features like extra backup keys, lighted keypads, and barrel holders when buying one.
Easy Anchoring
To keep children or thieves from reaching your gun safe, it is essential to mount the safe in a secure and safe place.
Moreover, several best safes under $500 come with predrilled holes that make it easy for you to anchor them in a wall, floor, closet, or any other place you want.
Warranty
Purchasing a gun safe is a significant financial investment. Just like you consider other factors while buying a safe, a warranty is also a crucial factor.
You should know how long your manufacturer offers a warranty in case if something happens.
Gun safes are not fancy gadgets that have frequent malfunctions; nevertheless, breakdowns may occur, and a warranty is something you should consider frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Brands Are Reliable For Buying A Cheap Gun Safe?
Some brands provide top-rated gun safes; However, you should mostly rely on warranties, features, and product specifications. A list of a few brands is as follows:
- Barska
- Stack-on
- Browning
- GunVault
- Fort Knox
- Sentry safe
- ioSafe
- Steelwater
- Winchester
How Much Time Will It Take To Open A Handgun Best Gun Safe Under 500 Dollars?
It usually depends upon the locking mechanism, but you can open most of the firearm safe within 10 seconds.
Which Gun Safe Is Considered Fireproof?
At 451 degrees Fahrenheit, anything made from paper, for instance, money and important documents, will burn.
Thereby, purchase those safes that have at least an hour fire rating to safeguard your valuables and provide safety against fire.
How Often Do You Have To Change Your Batteries In An Electric Lock?
It relies on how good the battery is and how frequently you use your lock on your safe. Moreover, if your electric lock is not working correctly, then the best remedial measure is to change your safe’s battery.
For How Long A Firearm Safe Can Bear An Attack?
It depends upon the construction and the attacker’s method. The usage of basic tools, for instance, wrenches, small hammers, pry-bars, or screw-drivers, will allow the gun safe to resist an attack for 3 to 5 minutes.
If the attacker uses specialized tools, then it will be able to hold an attack for about 2 minutes.
How Can You Select A Fireproof Safe?
Choose those safes that have a UL rating. Also, the safe must protect for more extended periods against fire.
In most cases, the best fireproof safe keeps your content safe even for an hour if exposed to fire.
Does Weapon Safe Require Dehumidifiers?
Yes, your firearm safe needs a dehumidifier to protect it from erosion, which mainly occurs due to dampness.
Do You Have To Pay Taxes For The Gun Safe You Own?
It depends on which state you reside in. In several countries, you do not have to pay taxes for your weapon safe; thereby helping proprietors to purchase a safe for their firearms.
Also, in most states, safes are tax-exempt because of mass shootings and mass violence. It will also help to shield weapons from the kids who are facing psychological issues.
Are Firearm Safes Electromagnetic Pulse (Emp) Safe?
EMP is an electromagnetic heartbeat. If your weapon safe has an electronic lock, any occurrence of EMP will not let your lock work; thereby not allowing you to access your safe.
In that case, you can use backup keys or numeric keypads, as many safes usually come up with this security backup options.
Conclusion
Don’t treat the weapon as your own. Do not easily put unarmed weapons into the reach of children and other irresponsible people without any oversight.
If handguns, shotguns, or rifles are in your possession, you must lock them up correctly. It will provide a barrier for any incorrect use between the intruder and your weapons.
In our review, we have mentioned the best gun safe under 500 dollars with different and unique functions. There is versatility in the selection of the safe.
You can select a small, large, waterproof, or fire-resistant safe, according to your requirements and needs.
Choosing a weapon safe is entirely at your discretion. Going through this apprehensive review it will help you to make a decision in selecting the safes that will safeguard your precious and essential belongings and will give you peace of mind and comfort.
References
Overview of Gun Laws by Nation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overview_of_gun_laws_by_nation
Gun Safety With Kids in the House: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/gun-safety-kids
Gun Safety Guidelines: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/police/safety-information/gun-safety
