Responsible firearm ownership begins with secure storage. Finding a reliable gun safe that fits your budget and provides quick, authorized access is crucial for safety and peace of mind. The market is filled with options, but not all safes offer the same level of protection, speed, and convenience.
Our expert team has rigorously tested a range of popular models to identify the best gun safes available for under $300. This roundup focuses on key factors like construction strength, locking mechanisms, capacity, and ease of use, helping you make an informed decision for your home, vehicle, or office security needs.
Our Top Picks for Affordable Gun Safes
- VAULTEK VS20 Bluetooth 2.0 Smart Handgun Safe
- Security Biometric Fingerprint Safe, Steel Lock Box
- VAULTEK Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe
- SentrySafe Gun Safe with Digital Keypad Lock
- Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifles Safe
- Stack-On Small Drawer Safe with Electronic Lock
- Hornady Rapid Safe Keypad Vault with RFID
- Fort Knox Original Pistol Box (PB1)
- awesafe Upgraded Size Gun Safe with Fingerprint
- SnapSafe Lock Box with Keyed Lock
VAULTEK VS20 Bluetooth 2.0 Smart Handgun Safe
The VAULTEK VS20 represents the cutting edge of smart handgun security. Its updated Bluetooth 2.0 technology allows for a highly interactive experience directly from your smartphone, letting you manage the safe and monitor access logs within range. For those concerned about digital security, the Bluetooth function can be easily toggled on or off without affecting the other access methods.
This safe is designed for rapid, reliable access. The auto-open lid and responsive LED lighting, which includes an interior light and a proximity-sensing keypad, make retrieving your firearm intuitive even in complete darkness. Power is supplied by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to six months on a single 2.5-hour charge, ensuring your safe is always operational.
Security Biometric Fingerprint Safe
For those who prioritize high capacity and robust physical security, this biometric safe is a strong contender. Constructed with heavy-duty 11-gauge steel on the door and 14-gauge steel on the body, it features three live-door bolts and pry-resistant concealed hinges for superior protection against forced entry. Its substantial 37.7-pound weight adds to its stability.
With 1.8 cubic feet of internal space and an adjustable double-layered shelf, this safe offers remarkable versatility. It can securely hold not just handguns, but also important documents, jewelry, and other valuables. The inclusion of two removable handgun holders, each capable of storing two pistols vertically, is a particularly useful feature for firearm owners seeking organized storage.
VAULTEK Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe
The VAULTEK Essential Series PRO VE is a full-size handgun safe built for users who need to store multiple firearms. Its interior is spacious enough to hold two handguns along with extra magazines. The safe is easily mountable to a nightstand or can be secured in a vehicle using the included hardware or security cable, providing flexibility for various scenarios.
Durability is a key feature, with a tough 14-gauge carbon steel construction and a corrosion-resistant powder coat finish. Advanced anti-theft protection includes anti-pry bars, bolstered interior hinges, and dual anti-impact latches that keep the safe securely locked even under stress. Quick access is achieved through the automatic opening lid and an illuminated keypad.
SentrySafe Gun Safe with Digital Keypad Lock
The SentrySafe QAP1E is a trusted and straightforward option for securing a single handgun. It is California DOJ certified, meeting specific safety standards for firearm storage. The solid steel construction and a pry-resistant door provide reliable strength and security for your firearm.
This model is designed for quick and quiet access when it matters most. A gas strut instantly and silently opens the door, allowing for single-handed retrieval of your handgun. For entry, it uses a simple digital keypad, with override keys provided as a backup to ensure you are never locked out.
Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifles Safe
For owners of long guns, the Barska Biometric Safe offers a dedicated storage solution that is also California DOJ approved. With 1.83 cubic feet of space, it provides ample room for rifles, ammunition, and various accessories, helping you keep everything organized and secure in one place.
The primary access method is a biometric fingerprint scanner, which allows for rapid entry. A particularly useful feature is the optional silent mode, which enables discreet and quiet access to your firearms without drawing attention. The interior includes a removable shelf, allowing you to customize the storage layout to fit your specific needs.
Stack-On Small Drawer Safe with Electronic Lock
The Stack-On Drawer Safe is designed for discreet, space-saving storage. Its compact form factor allows it to fit perfectly inside a desk, nightstand, or cabinet drawer, making it an ideal choice for offices, bedrooms, or dorm rooms where space is limited and concealment is preferred.
Despite its small size, it doesn’t compromise on security. The safe is built with welded 16-gauge solid-steel construction, concealed hinges, and two steel live-action bolts to help prevent break-ins. Access is simple via an electronic keypad, with backup keys included for emergency entry should you forget the code or the batteries fail.
Hornady Rapid Safe Keypad Vault with RFID
The Hornady Rapid Safe stands out with its versatile touch-free entry options. The primary method uses RFID technology, allowing you to open the safe instantly by simply waving an included RFID tag in front of the reader. This is complemented by a user-programmed access code and a mechanical key for backup.
Built from durable 14-gauge steel with a thick lid, this vault is designed to be tamper-proof. It is an excellent choice for bedside placement, providing quick and dependable access to your handgun while preventing accidents and misuse. The safe includes predrilled holes for bolting it down to a secure structure, adding an extra layer of theft prevention.
Fort Knox Original Pistol Box
The Fort Knox PB1 is renowned for its simplicity and mechanical reliability. Instead of electronics, it uses a proven mechanical lock that will never require batteries and is immune to electronic failures. This safe is California DOJ certified and built with incredibly robust 10-gauge steel construction.
The heavyweight door is assisted by a gas strut, which opens it quickly and smoothly for immediate access. The focus of the Fort Knox design is on sheer physical strength and the dependable performance of its mechanical components, making it a favorite for those who prefer a no-frills, ultra-durable safe.
awesafe Upgraded Size Gun Safe with Fingerprint
The awesafe Gun Safe offers multiple access methods for maximum convenience and redundancy. It features an upgraded smart biometric scanner for immediate access, a rapid-fire backlit keypad, and manual keys. This safe has passed the international UL1037 certification, verifying its security standards.
Its upgraded size provides capacity for two standard handguns and extra ammunition. For ease of use in low-light conditions, it includes a gas strut for instant, quiet opening and an interior LED light for increased visibility. This combination of features makes it a very capable and user-friendly option for bedside security.
SnapSafe Lock Box with Keyed Lock
For a highly portable and fundamental security solution, the SnapSafe Lock Box is an excellent choice. Its simple keyed lock mechanism provides a straightforward and reliable way to secure a handgun without any complex electronics or programming. This makes it ideal for travel or for situations where basic, no-hassle security is sufficient.
The compact and lightweight design allows it to be easily transported in a vehicle, luggage, or a backpack. While it offers a lower level of security compared to heavier, bolted-down safes, it provides a vital layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access, especially when you are on the move.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gun Safes Under $300
Finding a reliable gun safe without spending a fortune is a common goal. I have tested many models, and I can tell you that the sub-$300 market is full of options, but they are not all created equal. Your primary goal at this price point is balancing security with practical features. You are not getting a bank vault, but you are absolutely getting a critical layer of protection to keep firearms away from unauthorized hands, especially children. The first thing I always check is the locking mechanism. Electronic locks offer quick access, which is great for a home defense scenario, but they require batteries. Mechanical dial locks are incredibly reliable and don’t need power, but they are slower to open. Think about your primary use case to decide which trade-off works for you.
Next, pay close attention to the construction. The gauge of the steel is a big deal. A lower number means thicker, stronger steel. In this budget range, look for a body constructed from at least 12- or 14-gauge steel. The door is just as important; some models have a thicker plate or additional reinforcement to resist prying. Don’t just trust the marketing about “hardened steel” – look for the actual specifications. The locking bolts are what physically secure the door. More bolts are generally better, and thicker bolts are much harder to attack. A safe with four 1-inch thick steel bolts will offer significantly more resistance than one with two ½-inch bolts.
Capacity is another area where manufacturers can be creative. When a safe is advertised as a “10-gun safe,” that often means under ideal conditions with no scopes or accessories. In my experience, you should mentally cut that number in half for a realistic count. Also, consider the interior. Does it have soft, non-marring liners to protect your firearms’ finishes? Are the shelves adjustable or removable? Can it accommodate handguns, ammunition, and important documents? Finally, consider how you will secure it. A lightweight safe can be carried off by a thief. All the safes I recommend have pre-drilled holes in the bottom so you can bolt them down to a floor or wall stud. This is a non-negotiable feature for real security. By focusing on these key areas—locking type, construction, realistic capacity, and anchorability—you can confidently select one of the best gun safes under $300 that fits your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gun safes under $300 actually secure?
Yes, but with a clear understanding of their purpose. A $300 safe is not designed to stop a determined thief with unlimited time and tools. Its primary, and most valuable, function is to provide a significant barrier against unauthorized access by children, guests, or casual handling. They prevent smash-and-grab style thefts by being bolted down and requiring time and noise to breach. For the vast majority of responsible gun owners, this level of security is a massive and essential improvement over storing a firearm in a nightstand or closet. Think of it as a crucial safety tool for your household, not a fortress.
What is the most reliable type of lock for a budget safe?
This depends on your priority. For pure, no-fail reliability over decades, a mechanical dial lock is the winner. It has no batteries to die, no electronics to fail, and is largely immune to magnets. The trade-off is speed; it takes longer to open. Electronic keypad locks provide very fast access, which is ideal for a home defense situation. However, you must be diligent about changing the batteries once a year. I have also tested biometric locks in this price range, and while they have improved, they can sometimes be slower or fail to read a fingerprint under stress. For a balance of speed and cost, a good electronic keypad is a solid choice.
Can I fit a rifle with a scope in these safes?
You can, but it will use up more space than a rifle without one. This is why the manufacturer’s “gun capacity” is often misleading. Many affordable safes come with adjustable shelves or rifle racks that can be configured to create extra clearance for a scoped rifle. When you are looking at the interior dimensions, pay special attention to the depth and the height between shelves. You need enough room for the scope to clear the shelf above it or the back wall. In many cases, you may need to remove a shelf entirely, which reduces your storage options for other items.
How important is it to bolt down the safe?
It is absolutely critical. Any safe under $300 is light enough for a person to pick up and carry away. All the physical security of the lock and steel walls becomes pointless if a thief can simply take the entire unit. Every quality safe in this category comes with pre-drilled holes in the bottom and sometimes the back. You need to securely bolt it to a concrete floor or solid wall studs in a discreet location. This simple, often overlooked step transforms your safe from a portable box into a fixed security fixture. It is the single most important installation step after you decide on its placement.
Will a fireproof safe under $300 protect my guns?
You will find models marketed as “fire-resistant” in this price range, but manage your expectations. A true, high-end fireproof safe is expensive. A budget fire-resistant safe is typically rated for 30 to 60 minutes of protection at temperatures around 1200°F. This can be sufficient for a small, contained house fire, giving firefighters time to respond. However, the internal temperature can still rise high enough to damage wooden stocks, scopes, and other sensitive components. For protecting paper documents or digital media from a fire, these safes are a good value. For irreplaceable firearms, consider it a helpful layer of protection, but not a guarantee. Our expert testing for the 10 best gun safes under $300 in 5 considers fire rating as a bonus feature, not a primary security metric.