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Top 5 the Best Biometric Gun Safe of All Time

by John Hager - Last updated

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Best Biometric Gun Safe

If you own a gun, then you will most likely look into buying the best biometric gun safe. Everyone who keeps a firearm in their home should practice gun safety. This is especially true if you also have young children in your home. A responsible gun owner will appreciate all of the reasons why it is crucial to secure your firearm from children, intruders, and burglars.

In a hurry ? 

Barska AX11224 Biometric Safe is our top pick

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There is nothing wrong with owning a firearm and keeping it in your home. What is wrong however, is to leave it unattended and out in the open for anyone to access. This is especially true for young children as well as intruders. Let’s not forget that stolen firearms are used everyday in crimes all around the country as well.

If someone knows that you own a handgun, rifle, or shotgun, then they might be tempted to try and steal it. This is why it is a good idea to keep all of your guns in a safe. A safe is a great way to keep the guns ready, yet protected.

If you keep your guns in a safe, then you can keep them loaded and ready for any problem. People who keep their guns under the bed, in a drawer, or any unsecured place, will often times keep the bullets separate from the gun. The time that it takes to reach the ammo and load the gun can cost you your life in the event of an armed robbery. When you are under stress, the last thing you want to do is have to load a gun. It is better to simply keep it locked in a safe and ready for use.

Top 3 Best Biometric Gun Safe on the market

Top 5 Best Biometric Gun Safe reviews

Current commercial-grade fingerprint recognition technology is still, relatively speaking, in it’s infancy. That’s the reason why you’ll have a tough time finding large, multi-rifle gun safes that employ biometric technology – it simply has not been tested thoroughly enough (nor improved upon) for the more reputable manufacturers such as AmSec to produce gun safes with fingerprint or iris recognition.

You’ll also notice that the best biometric gun safes will cost, on average, 70% more than a similar gun safe with a digital or combination lock. The reason is, again, the relative freshness of bio-recognition technology on the commercial market, so the electronics required to produce these safes are more expensive than you’d expect.

With the above in mind, we followed strict guidelines when preparing our biometric gun safe reviews, and these include the following:

  1. The lock had to be dependable. Many cheaper fingerprint-recognizing safes are of poor quality, and they might only open once every 5 scans. You definitely don’t want to face one of those 4 out of 5 failed scans when faced with an emergency situation. All of the biometric safes we’ve reviewed were thoroughly tested by more than one person to ensure that the lock can be depended on.
  2. The safe had to have a hefty design. Make no mistake: the smaller safes (those designed for just a few handguns) and which usually weigh less than 60 lbs. CAN be accessed by an intruder. All they need are some power tools or even just a regular pry bar (in the case of the smallest biometric safes), and they can get inside in a matter of minutes. When we say “hefty,” we simply mean that the safe will make it next to impossible for a random, unprepared burglar to get their hands on your guns. Please keep in mind that for the above to hold true, the safe must be bolted to the wall or floor.
  3. Door orientation. Some biometric safes open from the front, while other models open from the top. Depending on your needs, one of these might be more appropriate than the other. A top opening safe is a great choice if you would like to keep it inside a drawer, for example. We made sure to include a few such quality safes for your convenience.
Are The Best Biometric Gun Safes Worth Your Money?

That depends.

A biometric lock can be opened faster than the average digital code or combination-lock safe. As such, it’s a great idea to get one if quick and reliable access to your guns is an important issue. As we already mentioned, the best fingerprint-recognition safes are quite hefty and durable despite being somewhat small, so they will do a great job at preventing both your children and random assailants from accessing your weapons.

On the other hand, if your goal is to store a very expensive gun collection, a biometric safe is probably not a good idea. Models available currently on the market (as of 2013) are quite small and hence if a thief were to put his mind to it, he WILL find a way to gain access to your guns, and it probably won’t take him long nor that much of an effort to do that (assuming he knows what he’s doing and comes prepared with the right tools). If your goal is primarily keeping your guns as safe as possible, then regular, larger safes with digital keypads will be a better option.

Finally, the smaller biometric gun safes are neither fire nor water rated, so in case o a home fire or a flood the contents will likely get damaged or outright destroyed. Please refer to our biometric gun safe reviews to find out if a particular model is rated for any of the above.

In short: if your goal is having quick access to your gun(s) for home or business security, and/or if you want to make sure your kids can never get their little hands on your firearms, a quality biometric gun safe will do the job just fine. If  on the other hand you want comprehensive anti-burglary designs, with the capacity to protect your guns from a fire or flood, then you will do yourself a favor by browsing through the far wider selection of regular, larger-capacity, heavy-duty digital or combination gun safes. 

#1. Gunvault GV2000C-DLX Multi Vault Deluxe Gun Safe

Multi Vault Deluxe Fingerprint Gun Safe is constructed of rock solid materials of 16 gauge steel on the exterior with soft foam on the interior protecting your gun and valuable from harm. Featuring a no eyes keypad provides a great quick lighting for easy access in the dark. Secure reliability is the GV2000C-DLX top priority delivering the best of the best in a fingerprint gun safe. Precise fittings enable intruders to not gain access to the contents of this biometric gun safe with a biometric lock.

Product Features and Specifications

  • Weighs 14-pounds
  • Easy to program over 12-million user selectable access codes
  • Foam lining inside to protect the firearm or other valuables 

Weighing in at a mere 14 pounds, the GV2000C-DLX delivers rock sold construction and a high strength biometric lock mechanism for performance and reliability every time.

Fool proof security with precision fittings make this biometric gun safe virtually impossible to be tampered with.

Access will be terminated with the built in computer blocks if repeated invalid keypad entries has been done.

There is also a tamper indicator which alerts you to any entry attempts deemed invalid. A motion detector with an audio alarm will help guard the fingerprint gun safe against direct tampering.

There is also an audio low batter warning helping you safeguard against an unexpected loss of power on this fingerprint safe.

A great feature is the interior courtesy light able to see you valuables or gun in the dark. A power jack adapter connection for an external source of power is also available. The Gunvault GV2000C-DLX Multi Vault Deluxe Fingerprint Safe delivers a removable interior shelf so you are able to store more than one gun or bigger treasures.

Top security features are in this durable high quality biometric lock giving you peace of mind that your valuables are safe and sound every day. Learn buttons make programming simplified with tens of thousands access codes to choose from are featured with this fingerprint safe.

At a low and affordable price, the Gunvault GV2000C-DLX Multi Vault Deluxe Biometric Gun Safe delivers strength and high quality workmanship in its construction and precision fittings. The night light in the interior is a great feature for that just in case of emergency situation in the dark. Measuring 10.3” wide by 14” long by 8.2” high makes this fingerprint gun safe easy to place in the perfect location. 8AA batteries should normally last a year before replacement. The 16 gauge steel housing with foam liner will protect your treasures and keep them safe and sound with this fingerprint safe.

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#2. Barska AX11620 Mini Biometric Safe

Biometric Safe is a fingerprint safe requiring no combinations to remember. Its compact size measuring 12” high by 8” wide x 7.75” in depth is easily stored just about anywhere. Weighing only 12.5 pounds, portability is made simple to move to different locations. Featuring a side door and pre-drilled holes allows the biometric safe to be mounted safely into a wall and operates on 4 AA batteries. Your valuables will be kept safe and sound with the Barska AX11620 Mini Biometric Safe with a fingerprint lock.

Product Features and Specifications

  • Compact biometrict fingerprint safe
  • Pre-drilled holes allow the safe to be mounted into a wall, onto a shelf or counter top
  • Can hold up to 30 fingerprints of registered users 

This compact biometric safe with fingerprint lock can be hidden anywhere in the home or business. Your fingerprint is the key being recognized by the precision fittings. The fingerprint lock mechanism is state of the art only opened by recognition on this fingerprint gun safe.

Up to 30 users are easily stored in its memory to gain access to the contents. This biometric gun safe will keep your treasures secure at all times and intruders will not be able to open due to the technology of fingerprint gun safe recognition.

Two emergency back up keys are included in the box just in case of an emergency situation.

The faceplate is removable to reveal the back up key in case the batteries need replacement.

A protective floor mat ensures that nothing will be scratched or harmed.

The Barska AX11620 Mini Biometric Safe delivers quality workmanship in construction with precision fittings and is an excellent fingerprint safe with a compact design. The biometric lock mechanism is a motorized deadbolt fingerprint lock is nearly impossible to gain access to the valuables stored inside keeping them safe from harm.

The fingerprint lock will only recognize the stored fingerprints so no one will be able to open to give you peace of mine in security features. No combinations to remember as your fingerprint are the combination. Mounting in a wall is made simple and the hardware is included in the box. A one year manufacturers warranty completes the package.

The Barska AX11620 Mini Biometric Safe is a nice fingerprint safe for a home owner to keep their documents and valuables safe and secure. The fingerprinting lock is state of the art technology making access to the contents very simple. The two back up keys for an emergency situation comes with the biometric safe for a worry free environment. The AX11620 is portable and light enough to be moved any where to change locations. For a low price you can have a great biometric gun safe that is durable and reliable to store your valuables with no worries featuring a fingerprint lock. This gun safe has a 5 out of 5 star rating for quality and features.

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#3. Barska AX11224 Biometric Safe

Biometric Safe opens with the touch of a finger and stores up 30 fingerprints in its memory. With its compact design, this fingerprint safe features a keypad for simple and secure access to your stored treasures with fingerprint gun safe recognition and biometric lock. Two emergency back up keys are included with the AX11224 delivers two solid steel locking bolts for security with technology and a high performance appeal. Mounting hardware is included in the package for a simple installation in just about any location.

Product Features and Specifications

  • Compact safe with unique fingerprint pad for easy, secure access
  • Opens with the touch of a finger; stores up to 30 fingerprints
  • Stores important documents, valuables, jewelry, and more
  • Includes mounting hardware and 2 emergency backup keys
  • Measures 16.5 x 7.75 x 14.5 inches (W x H x D); weighs 31 pounds 

This larger size safe weighs 31 pounds with exterior dimensions of 16.5 by 7.75 by 14.5 inches is perfect for all your documents and valuables keeping them safe and sound.

It operates on 4 AA batteries and included emergency back up keys.

The Barska AX11224 Biometric Safe is a fingerprint gun safe with fingerprint lock recognition making for an easy access to the contents at any time.

Biometric state of the art technology in a biometric lock makes this fingerprint safe very versatile. Pre-drilled holes for an easy mount are included.

There is plenty of room in this fingerprint gun safe to store just about anything that is valuable.

In the event of a low battery, the Barska AX11224 Biometric Safe comes with two emergency back up keys. This tamper proof safe will deter intruders trying to access the fingerprint gun safe. Thieves will have an awful time trying to gain access to this fingerprint gun safe.

It operates with only 4 AA batteries that normally will last up to one year before replacement is needed. Temporary users are also allowed if the user chooses to permit their fingerprint recognition.

Durable construction goes into each Barska AX11224 Biometric Safe with precision fittings. If you are looking for a reliable and secure fingerprint safe, the AX11224 may be the one for you.

Quality construction is featured with the Barska AX11224 Biometric Safe with essential emergency back up keys. It does not possess an interior light or no eyes keypad, however the workmanship in the steel biometric lock bolts are a nice feature. Mounting hardware comes with each AX11224 in the box and a one year warranty is in effect upon purchase. Overall, the Barska AX11224 Biometric Safe is reliable and versatile and perfect for storing valuables and documents in a secure fingerprint lock box. It is reasonably priced for the consumer and a nice value for the price to own a fingerprint safe to store your valuables safe and sound. Online there are a variety of reviews to set your mind at ease prior to purchasing this safe.

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#4. Barska AX11556 Top Opening Biometric Fingerprint Safe

Fingerprint Gun Safe is a top opening drawer safe with fingerprint safe control. Up to 30 different fingerprints lock recognition of users is allowed. The biometric lock features an admirable security system to keep intruders for gaining access to the contents. Two emergency access keys are included along with mounting hardware. Measuring only 14.5” long by 11” wide and only 2.5 inches high makes the Barska Opening Biometric Fingerprint Safe easy to mount or hide. The biometric lock is secure at all times.

Product Features and Specifications

  • Top-opening biometric drawer safe
  • Fingerprint control can store up to 30 users
  • Pre-drilled holes allow safe to be mounted into the floor, a shelf, or counter top
  • Two solid steel locking bolts; motorized deadbolt lock
  • Includes protective floor mat, emergency back-up keys, and mounting hardware
  • Inner Dimensions: 14.5 by 11 by 2.5 inches (L x W x H)
  • One-year limited warranty
  • Outer Dimensions: 14.75 by 11.25 by 5 inches (L w X x H) 

Featuring two solid steel fingerprint lock bolts and a motorized deadbolt biometric lock, the Barska Opening Biometric Fingerprint Safe delivers total security features.

A hydraulic door system makes the opening simplified to gain easy access of your valuables being stored.

This fingerprint gun safe is able to store easily in a desk drawer to conceal where it is.

Total fingerprint control with up to 30 users if needed is featured.

The Barska Opening Biometric Fingerprint Gun Safe is made of steel and weighs 21 pounds. The door thickness is 3/16 of an inch with a body thickness of 1/16 of an inch.

It operates on 4 AA batteries.

For one of the safest and most secure safes on the market, this biometric safe is worth the money to keep your jewels, documents and anything safe and sound. You will rest easy knowing that the Barska Opening Biometric Fingerprint Safe with its integrated fingerprint gun safe recognition will maintain the security level of your important documents and valuable. It comes with a one year limited manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Pre-drilled holes make mounting easy in just about any location any where.

The Barska Opening Biometric Fingerprint Gun Safe is a great home security for your documents and valuable. The two solid steel locking bolts and motorized deadbolt lock will keep your items very safe. Two emergency back up keys comes with the safe along with mounting hardware. For the money it is a nice fingerprint gun safe. There is no interior light included to view your items in the dark. The top opening is a nice feature of the Barska Opening Biometric Fingerprint Safe. This biometric safe is a nice size that fits into just about anywhere making convenience very simple to gain access to the contents. This fingerprint gun safe delivers durability and reliability you can count on at an affordable price in a fingerprint safe.

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#5. LockSafe PBS-001 Biometric Pistol Safe

The LockSAF PBS-001 Biometric Gun Safe is constructed with 9 gauge steel and 3mm steel making this safe top notch in security features. Its key less system with a fingerprint lock mechanism delivers easy access to the stored contents. Verification of a fingerprint is needed in order for the fingerprint lock mechanism to trigger and open the door. For a small gun safe, the LockSAF PBS-001 Biometric Gun Safe is ideal to keep your firearm safe and secure at all times. The thickness of the walls deters intruders from carrying this amazing safe. It comes with two emergency keys to gain access if needed as a back up.

Product Features and Specifications

  • Manufactured with 9 gauge/3mm steel with a weight of 22lbs
  • 4 pre-drilled mounting holes; includes (1) 9V battery and (2) Mechanical keys
  • Non-volatile memory for up to 10 fingerprints
  • Foam padding
  • 30 day customer guarantee and 1 year limited warranty 

This biometric fingerprint safe by LockSAF delivers superior workmanship in fingerprint lock recognition technology with its state of the art mechanisms.

The verification window reads your fingerprint once programmed for easy quick access opening the biometric lock.

Up to 10 fingerprints are able to be stored in its memory.

It measures 14” x 10.2” by 4.6” so there is a lot of room for your firearms and valuables. There are 4 pre-drilled holes making mounting easy in any location.

Weighing 23 pounds for simple portability and requiring a 9 volt battery which is included in the contents.

The LockSAF PBS-001 Biometric Gun Safe is guaranteed for one year against defects giving you peace of mind in your purchase.

The interior features foam padded so no damages will occur when placing your firearms or valuables inside. The identification feature of the biometric gun safe is ideal security in the home or business for peace of mind while you are away or asleep.

In case the 9 volt battery needs replacement, a back up key is present to gain access to this safe.

The biometric lock is quietly opened with no alerts in case there is an intruder is present.

This biometric safe is reliable and dependable every time with no hassles what so ever.

The LockSAF PBS-001 Biometric Gun Safe is perfect for a home owner or business with its amazing feature of a fingerprint lock. Easy access to the contents by the fingerprint recognition works every time. It is made of durable quality materials and superior workmanship giving the owner peace of mind that all items are secured. While other safes deliver a high amount of fingerprints to be stored, the 10 fingerprints you are allowed is truly all that you need. A back up key is present in case the battery was not replaced to gain access simply and easily. Mobility and portability to relocate the biometric safe is effortless. At a reasonable and affordable price, the PBS-001 is an amazing value for the money to keep your items safe and secure for a good nights rest.

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Best Biometric Gun Safe Buying Guide

Every firearm owner knows the importance of protecting their investment. Whether preserving an antique gun from the elements or simply safeguarding your collection from theft, the need for secure firearm storage is universal. Gun safes have been used for decades; but some don’t provide quick and easy access, leading to debate about their overall usefulness- especially in emergency situations.

For this reason, owning a biometric gun safe, sometimes called a fingerprint gun safe, has become incredibly popular in the last decade. Biometrics- the electronic use of physiological characteristics to identify individuals- have revolutionized locking systems. Items like computers, cars, and buildings have improved security with the addition of a biometric lock. By combining a fingerprint recognition feature with a gun safe, quick access to a weapon in any situation is only a second or two away. A biometric safe can give a gun owner the best of both worlds: the security of a safe with the accessibility of a fingerprint lock.

Biometric safes are available in a variety of sizes, from shoebox to medium-sized to 38-inch standing models. The buyer should evaluate their storage needs based not only on the number of guns they own but the types; obviously, rifles and shotguns require more storage space. A quality biometric gun safe will have removable shelving and a fabric or foam liner to prevent scratches. Some safes can be wall mounted, while others are designed for table-top or floor use. Almost every biometric safe is constructed of heavy gauge steel. Varying degrees of thickness, as well as models with hidden hinges, are widely available. The storage capacity, location, and construction material of your desired fingerprint safe will help you determine which model is right for your needs.

A fingerprint gun safe is almost always battery-operated. The reliability of the manufacturer, as well as that of the biometric lock, should be taken into consideration before making a purchase. Another component of a quality biometric safe is the option for multiple owners to be scanned into the memory of the fingerprint lock, a must-have feature for homes or businesses with more than one user or carrier. With a general battery life of approximately six months, a fingerprint safe with an emergency power backup is a good idea for owners who don’t expect their safe to see much use. Finding a constructor who includes security keys is a necessity in case of an electronic biometric lock failure. A variety of warranty options are available for practically every fingerprint gun safe, and should be weighed as part of the overall purchase package.

With prices ranging from just over $100 up to and exceeding $1000, a biometric gun safe doesn’t have to be a major investment. And the quality of a fingerprint safe isn’t necessarily reflected by its price. A few minutes of internet research can help to determine the reputation of most manufacturers and save a customer from buyer’s remorse down the road. Many established gun safe makers have added fingerprint lock technology in the last few years, giving the customer the assurance of a tradition of quality products.

The need to protect your firearms isn’t going to go away, but the technology available to safeguard them has definitely improved in the last few years. Choosing a biometric gun safe can be overwhelming, but with a little time and diligence, every firearm owner can find one that suits their needs. 

Critical Security Tips For Biometric Safe Owners

Even the best biometric safe won’t do you any good if you don’t take a few critical steps to ensure optimal performance.

Test The Lock Before You Bolt The Safe Down

Always test the safe thoroughly, including programming your fingerprints, trying to access the safe with each finger, and making sure the lock opens and closes properly – before you bolt it down. The last thing you want is to bolt down the safe in a hurry only to find out that you’ve received a faulty unit that needs to be replaced, and then you need to unbolt it. You may even decide to return the safe and buy a new one from a different manufacturer, which may require drilling new holes – in which case you are left with a few ugly holes from the previous installation and they will need to be filled.

Program As Many Fingersprints As Possible

Picture this: you are in your bed in the middle of the night, and suddenly you hear what you believe is an intruder breaking into your home. You quickly get up, and can feel your adrenaline levels and blood pressure rising. There’s a thousand thoughts going through your head at the moment, the most important of which is making sure that, no matter what, none of your family members are harmed.

With all these thoughts in your mind, you quickly approach your biometric gun safe and scan your finger, while simultaneously playing out the various scenarios of what might happen next in your head. Your racing thoughts are suddenly interrupted by two quick beeps and the dreaded red flash, indicating that your fingerprint has not been recognized. Panicking, you scan your finger again in a hurry, and the same thing happens. It’s now been 10 seconds since you approached your safe, you still haven’t retrieved your gun(s), and you can only imagine what the intruder(s) might be doing.

What went wrong? Most likely, you scanned the wrong finger.

You see, many biometric gun owners will only scan one or two of their index fingerprints. This is all great, but it only works as long as you are consciously aware that you need to scan an index finger to get the gun safe opened. During a situation like the one described above, it’s absolutely normal for you to get so distracted that you end up scanning a different finger than you normally do.

Moral of the story? store all ten of your fingerprints. If your biometric gun safe only allows for 10 fingerprints to be programmed, and you want someone else to have access to your guns as well, then at least make sure to program your thumb, index, and middle fingers – on both hands. These are the most likely fingers you’re going to be scanning during an emergency. Ideally though, you want all ten fingerprints to be saved in the memory, which is why we recommend that if more than one person is supposed to have access to the contents of the safe, you should get a model that allows for more than 10 fingerprints to be programmed.

Use Different Fingertip Angles

Sometimes, especially when in a hurry, you might accidentally place your finger onto the scanning surface under a different angle than what is saved in the memory. This will likely result in safe not recognizing you and hence the door will stay shut. To solve this, it’s always a good idea to store a few different angles of your fingerprints, particularly on your index and middle fingers.

Wipe Away The Scanning Surface

We strongly recommended that you keep a cloth next to your safe and use it to wipe the fingerprint scanning surface each time you access the safe. If this is not done, it’s possible for your fingerprint to be “lifted” off the scanning surface (by using scotch tape, for example), and then an unauthorized person could use that to access the contents of your safe.

Alternatively, and if the above seems like too much of a hassle, you can do the following: after closing the safe, use any of your non-scanned fingers (or the backside of any of your fingers, if all your fingertips are programmed) to smudge the scanning surface, even if gently. This will destroy the integrity of the body oils left on the scanning surface from the last scan, hence making it impossible to lift your fingerprint.

Test, Test, Test

This goes for any gun safe, though it’s particularly important for biometric gun safes as they are somewhat different from what we are used to operate on a daily basis; we are all familiar with digital keypads, but fingerprint scanning is, for most of us, a new technology.

After installing and programming your fingerprints, attempt to open the safe at least 5 times with each fingerprint that you’ve programmed, and make sure everything is working properly. Make sure that you learn to keep your fingertips completely flush with the scanning surface and also that you are pressing down with enough force for the print to be readable by the scanner.

Once mastered however, accessing a biometric gun safe is far quicker and safer, particularly in a fight-or-flight situation, where our bodies typically behave completely different from what we’ve come to expect. Inputting a digital access code can be a problem if not perfectly internalized; scanning a fingerprint, however, is a “brainless” operation.

Go For The Reputable Brands

While price isn’t always an accurate indicator of quality, it most definitely is in the world of gun safes. Unknown brands use low-quality materials in the manufacturing of their products, and while they boast of excellent customer support, you’ll have a hard time reaching them when you actually do need assistance.

The top biometric gun safe manufacturers on the market today are:

  • Barska
  • GunVault
  • Viking Security
  • Winchester Safes
  • LockSafe
  • American Security (AmSec)
  • Stack-On
  • Protex

Stick with those, and you will significantly reduce your chances of purchasing a “dud.” 

Best Biometric Gun Safe Reviews – Summary

We hope that the above has been useful, and that our guide and biometric gun reviews will help you keep your family, business, and guns safe and healthy. Should you have any questions, be it regarding the particular models we review here, or in terms of installation, programming or general maintenance, please leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you with the right answer.

Best Handgun, Lager, Biometric Gun Safe 2020 Reviews

Best Handgun, Lager, Biometric Gun Safe 2020 Reviews

by John Hager - Last updated

Owning a gun is the right of any law-abiding citizen, but with that right comes the responsibility to purchase, use, and store any gun in a safe and conscientious manner. To that end, storing a gun or gun collection is one of the most important aspects of gun ownership, and every responsible owner must choose from a variety of gun safes which one is right for him or her.

There is a lot of disparity between available gun safes, and in order to make the most informed choice, gun owners must consider all available safes.

Read more: Best Biometric Gun Safe reviews

Whichever safe a gun owner chooses, it will offer peace of mind that guns will only be used when intended. Gun safes are an excellent and economical way to make sure a gun is never discovered and used by anyone who is not the registered user. Read our review about the best gun safe before you buy one.

Top 3 Our Pick for Best Gun Safe In 2020 Reviews

  1. >> Gunvault MV500-STD Microvault Pistol Gun Safe
  2. >> Stack-On PDS-500 Drawer Safe with Electronic Lock
  3. >> Gunvault SpeedVault SV500 Gun Safe

Why do you need a Gun Safe?

Whether you have bought your gun to defend yourself or for sport, proper storing of guns is a must for all gun owners. Being a responsible gun owner starts even before purchasing your gun. Careful planning is important before even contemplating what kind of gun you want.

Even though your gun is your responsibility, other people may still have access to it once unattended. Usually, when you purchase your gun, it would come with its own protective case. A protective case is only protects the gun from outside factors like corrosion, water, and dust. It’s also used for storage convenience. However, it does not guarantee complete safety as the usual handgun protective cases do not have the means to secure the gun for the exclusive use of the owner.

If you have purchased a gun for the safety of your family, you probably would think that it would be best if you store the gun in your nightstand or on a nearby drawer. It somehow makes sense since a gun stored in the nightstand makes it very accessible, and you can get to it whenever an intrusion is in progress. However, placing your gun in an unsecured location like a nightstand is a potential disaster – since the nightstand is one of the first things that intruders or burglars look for in a home invasion. Your ticket to safety may be the one to seal your doom. It’s situations like these that make Gun Safes very important.

gun safe reviews

Owning a gun does not guarantee your safety. If other people can get to your gun, then the whole idea of protecting yourself and your family becomes moot. Making sure that you’re the only one who can access your gun AND that you can access your gun whenever you need to is crucial. Guns may be misused by other people – not just the intruders, but also the people in your household. The misuse of a gun can be catastrophic. That’s why people who own guns need gun safes – to make sure that access to the gun is limited.

There are many types of gun safes – some are just basic locking cabinets, some have more advanced authentication features, and some who have extensive protection measures against theft and external factors like fire and water. Picking out a gun safe is dependent on what you need the gun safe for. If your primary concern is to limit access, then a locking cabinet may suffice. If you have additional concerns over the security of the gun, then a two-factor authenticated safe or a biometric safe may be more suitable to your needs. If your concern is to protect your gun from outside factors and from theft, then you can go for a heavy safe with thick, reinforced material.

Make sure that your gun is secure and that you can get to it whenever you need to. Responsible gun ownership starts at home. Owning a gun brings a sense of added security, but it also brings a ton of responsibility. 

Gun safe: Mechanical vs Digital Locks

Gun safes’ security is basically delivered by its thick metal sheets and lock. Without one or the other, storing your items inside would be pointless. Some traditional gun safes still have the mechanical combination lock, which most users say is more reliable than its digital counterpart. In this article, we would compare the pros and cons of a mechanical lock and a digital lock.

Mechanical Lock

Mechanical locks are very sturdy, and can stand the test of time. A well-built mechanical lock rarely has issues with its locking mechanism or the safe, in general. Of course, mechanical locks also have their downsides. We’ve seen in movies that mechanical locks can be cracked with someone with an expertise in cracking safes. While this is entirely possible, it’s easier done on the movies than in real life. Cracking a safe without the use of a drill may require hours at a time. Combination dial locks may prove to be difficult, especially when the code disappears with someone who passed away, or the combination lock is simply forgotten. If this happens, one has to enlist the help of a professional locksmith that specializes in cracking combination codes to make use of the safe once more. The difficulty to crack the codes is exactly why people still stick to mechanical lock gun safes. It’s safe, secure, and can probably outlast your lifetime. However, certain markings on a mechanical lock make it very easy for someone to spy on your combination code. Some models now have measures to prevent onlookers to see the combination dial, and the numbers would only be visible at a certain angle.

Electronic/Digital Locks

Electronic and Digital locks are convenient alternatives to mechanical locks. Instead of turning the dial, digital locks only require a key code. This method of entering a code is very convenient for those who have trouble using mechanical dials. This is also popular for those who have problems with their eyesight and cannot accurately enter a combination in a mechanical dial. It is also easy to change the combination code in a digital lock as compared to its mechanical counterpart. However, there are certain problems with electronic and digital locks. When electronic locks are used over time, some cheap models have their keypads worn out, revealing which numbers was commonly pressed, thus giving a clue to its combination code. This is one of the most common problems when using Digital locks. One other problem with digital locks is its reliability. Electronics are bound to succumb to wear and tear eventually, and when they do get worn out, chances are, you’ll need a professional locksmith to open your safe, and your electronic safe would require another locking mechanism installed. Digital locks may not be as reliable as mechanical dial locks, but some individuals prefer the quick access convenience of a digital lock over the durability of a mechanical dial lock. Accessibility is important for gun safes, especially when the need to defend yourself arises – every second will count, and very few would ever have the nerve to accurately spin the dial for the correct combination code. 

Top 5 Best Gun Safe Reviews

#1. Gunvault MV500-STD Microvault Pistol Gun Safe Review

Gun safety is a huge issue and you can face some serious legal consequences if your pistol is lost or stolen. If you are looking for a handy gun safe for the guaranteed safe keeping of your pistol, then there are few products that could prove to be more of value than the Gunvault MV500-STD Microvault Pistol Gun Safe. The product can not only deliver reliable security with its durable build, but would also provide complete control and convenience at any given time.

Overview

Gunvault MV500-STD Microvault Pistol Gun Safe is a firearms storage device with a battery powered locking system. The locking system of the gun safe is the patented No-Eyes touch-sensitive learn button keypads, programmable to up to 12 million unique combinations. The investment on MV500-STD is secured by a 1 year limited warranty, while it is also approved for use by the California Department of Justice.

Design and Appearance

The Microvault series of Gunvault features a case like opening mechanism. The steel exterior is black with a smooth finish and carries the touch-sensitive learn keys prominently placed on the center of the safe. The design of micro sized pistol gun vault is suitable for easy portability and perfectly fits a 0.45 caliber 1911 style pistol. With the dimensions of 11 x 8.5 x 2.25 inches, it weighs just 4 pounds and is very easy to carry from one place to another. Furthermore, it is just the right size to fit a pistol. You should check the size of your pistol before finalizing which variety would be the most suitable for you.

Reliability

This Gun Safe delivers remarkable security through its electronic mechanism. The gun safe is a reliable device as it is equipped with an electronic lock, with a conveniently placed keypad for a quick access response. The exterior is forged out of heavy gauge steel which is shock proof and adequately protects any attempts to break down the structure of the safe. The vault is pretty reliable allowing the user to choose between 12 million possible lock combinations, making it very difficult for anyone to misuse your handgun or other possessions. The product features the patented Gunvault No-Eyes keypad, which would keep anyone but the owner guessing what the combination could possibly be. Do make sure that you get used to the combination for emergency situations, but there is always the backup key to your rescue in case something goes wrong.

Ease of Use

Given the portable nature of this gun safe, it offers great flexibility of installation. The gun safe comes with a pre-drilled anchor point that could easily fix it to a drawer, a wall or inside a vehicle. The gun safe is very easy to use due to its simple and compact design. You can set up your access code within a minute of first use and can rely on its locking mechanism to offer quick access on demand.

Design Functions

The design of the pistol vault is conceived to precisely fit the dimensions of 1911 style pistols. The No-Eyes feel buttons are central to the exterior design. The interior of the pistol safe is lined with foam to protect the equipment or another objected stored inside. The exterior has a smooth finish to it that immediately tells you that you are looking at a quality product, while the interior is lined with foam to protect the equipment inside.

This US made gun safe not only offers an attractive and solid design but also provides reliable security for the safety of your firearms and other small belongings. With the length of just under 2 feet and light weight, Gunvault MV500-STD Microvault Pistol Gun Safe is a valuable and inexpensive choice for enhancing the security of your personal items. Whether you are a gun novice or a seasoned collector, this handy piece of gun safety storage could prove useful to you in any case.

#2. Stack-On PDS-500 Drawer Safe with Electronic Lock Review

Whether you are worried about the safety of your firearms that you keep for personal protection or just do not want anyone exploring your personal items, a drawer safe could be just what you would want at an arm’s length. What could be more convenient than having an inexpensive yet strong drawer safe to keep your valuables in good custody?

Overview

Stack-On PDS-500 Drawer Safe with Electronic Look is a battery operated gun and multipurpose safe with two live action steel locking bolts. The construction of the drawer safe features concealed hinges for enhanced security. The drawer safe provides secure but accessible storage for your precious belonging right next to the spot where you spend most of your time. The product comes with back up keys and pre drilled mounting holes and hardware for installation. The product is covered by 1 year of limited warranty and is approved for use by California Department of Justice.

Design and Appearance

The design of the PDS-500 Drawer Safe is modern and utilitarian, with a neat finish on the exterior. The structure of the safe is forged out of solid steel, with the body painted black and the pry resistant plate steel doors with a modernistic metallic appearance. The drawer safe comes with all the pre-drilled holes and screws you need for the perfect installation in your desk drawers. The dimensions of the safe are 11.6 x 8.6 x 4.2 inches and it weighs a little less than 13 pounds.

Reliability

an electronic keypad with millions of possible lock combinations making it a sophisticated and formidable hurdle for intruders. There always is some time involved in unlocking the safe when an electronic lock is involved, but familiarity with the process should speed up the ritual in no time. Furthermore, the 3 years of limited warranty should adequately safeguard your investment. The safe comes with 4 AA batteries in the delivery box, which can really last a long time, so you can be at peace with that aspect of maintenance. However, mechanical backup to every electronic safety measure is indispensable, which is why the product comes with 2 override keys.

Ease of Use

A great advantage of the PDS-500 Drawer Safe is that it is very easy to use. Setting the code is very simple and straightforward and you would be able to get everything in place within a minute of installation. However, the location of installation always remains to be a strategic decision and could play a good part in the product experience.

Design Features

The PDS-500 Drawer Safe features pre-drilled mounting holes and screws at the bottom for the purpose of installation in the drawer. The overall steel body and the pry resistant plate steel door ensure that the safe remains a solid defense against any possible intrusion. Furthermore, the concealed hinges and the double live action locking bolt improve the security of the safe even further.

The keypad is very well placed and easily accessible, allowing you to take your gun out without wasting much time, if you are familiar with the movements you have to make. The storage space could probably be a slightly low point of the product, but while it cannot store an arsenal, it can perfectly house a 0.45 caliber pistol without any glitches. The interior features a removable padded foam that the user can adjust as per the requirement but the interior walls itself do not offer padded surfaces. You would still have plenty of space to lock more of your favorite and precious belongings that can fit this foot long fixture in your desk.

Conclusion

Stack-On PDS-500 Drawer Safe with Electronic Lock offers you just the characteristics that you would want in a quality product to offer the necessary safety for your desk. The safe is just about the right size if you do not want a lot of space occupied on your desk and it can very easily store a handgun for immediate access. There should simply be no compromises in terms of security measures and when you can get such quality for a very reasonable price, it gives PDS-500 drawer safe the edge that you are looking for.

#3. Gunvault SpeedVault SV500 Gun Safe Review

Quick access to firearms is everything when it comes to personal safety in case of an intruder attacking. Wouldn’t you prefer to simply retrieve your handgun smoothly within a few seconds to be on your guard?

And for that purpose, are you looking for an out of the box security solution that would be easy to hide and hard to guess? Taking security measures is about staying one step ahead of the curve. This is something that Gunvault SpeedVault SV500 gun safe might be able to offer you.

Overview

Gunvault SpeedVault SV500 gun safe is a security storage device with biometric electronic lock and a version with quick access no-Eyes learn keys. The device features 18-gauge steel construction and features a fast activation drop down drawer. The user would find it easier to approach the device for operation from a higher angle, though the design offers multiple mounting options as per the convenience of the user. The device comes with both biometric and electronic touch keypad locking versions. The gun safe is approved by the California Department of Justice.

Design and Appearance

One of the most unique aspects is its utilitarian design which is central to its function. The drop down drawer offers quick access to the gun, while the keypad is conveniently placed to complement the angle of attack of the user. The gun safe has a smooth black finish and its design concentrates on easy and quick access. The 18-gauge steel construction makes the gun safe impenetrable to shock or any other manipulation for accessing the stored contents.

The design and appearance of this gun safe only add more value to a very useful security device. SpeedVault SV500 is only suitable for handguns. The dimensions of the gun safe are 13 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches and it weighs a little more than 8 pounds.

Reliability

First and foremost, Gunvault SpeedVault SV500 relies on biometric security and an electronic combination locking access in its two locking styles. However, this convenience requires powering the device with a 9V battery, included in the package. It hardly needs mentioning that the backup override key also comes with the safe. The biometric aspect of the safe significantly adds to the convenience, accessibility and security value of the safe and is able to store fingerprints of up to 120 individuals for access. This feature keeps your handgun one step further from unwanted access. Furthermore, it is perfect for individuals who usually have a hard time memorizing lock combinations and passwords.

Consumers have particularly appreciated for its safe security features. Unlike a number of substandard gun safes, there is no way to work around the formidable defenses of SpeedVault SV500.

Ease of Use

One of the greatest advantages is its sheer ease of use. You do not have to install the safe anywhere. However, mounting is always safer and the safe provides multiple mounting options and hardware for the purpose. You can just set your code and you are good to go to not only keep your gun safe, but also for immediate access at an arm’s length. The instant utility and the quick access and retrieval of the gun are the key factors on why this product is so popular.

Design Features

The unique design of the SpeedVault SV500 gun safe is highly functional in nature and has an effect on how you would install it in your space. Not everyone may fancy its latch mechanism, but it takes safe retrieval of your firearm to another level. As a matter of fact, the drop down drawer latch opening is actually reminiscent to the movement of the gun hammer. Furthermore, this gun safe has the option of muting the beep on the keypad, which offers the consumer greater control over the experience.

Reviews for Gunvault SpeedVault SV500 Gun Safe are overwhelmingly positive. There are a limited number of Gunvault SpeedVault SV500 Gun Safes out in the market and they are up for grabs. However, that does not mean at all that you cannot get a reasonable and competitive price for it. But if you like the design, seizing it sooner than later would be a wiser investment decision.

#4. Gunvault GV2000S Multi Vault Standard Gun Safe Review

A convenient and quickly accessible gun safe is indispensable for a responsible gun owner. Not only does this concern legal protection, but also the safety of the entire family in many ways. However, it is never worth the trouble if the safe is not reliable and offers poor storage options. And often the budget becomes the hurdle in materializing the right investment. This is why many consumers see the Multi Vault series from Gunvault as an excellent security solution.

Overview

Gunvault GV2000S Multi Vault Standard Gun Safe is a firearms security storage device with a drop down latch opening design. The gun safe features the patented Gunvault learn button keypad which enables operation without the need of looking at the buttons due to the unique touch. The safe also features built-in computer security that blocks access on multiple invalid entries. The gun safe operates by the virtue of a 9 volt battery and comes with pre-drilled anchor points for mounting. The product is covered by 1 year limited warranty and is approved for firearms storage by California Department of Justice.

Design and Appearance

The design and appearance is not any different to the rest of the multi vault series, characterized by the partitioned interior storage space. The 16-gauge steel square box construction has a black exterior finish. The exterior strategically places the four touch pad digits just to the top of the safe over the latch opening, allowing for easier access. The dimensions of the safe are 15 x 10.5 x 8.2 inches with a weight of 9.7 pounds.

Reliability

The features that make this Gun Safe a reliable firearms storage option are its strong construction and quick access. The latch door operation works instantly with the back up key as well as with the No-Eyes learn keys, which is a more sophisticated locking system than it seems. The precision fitting of the gun safe allows no room for pry opening using hand tools, which makes your firearms and other valuables immune from theft. Furthermore, a built-in computer controls the locking system that blocks access on repetitive invalid entries. The batteries last considerably long and are relatively easy to maintain. This gun safe also features a tamper indicator, which would indicate any signs of abuse and manipulation.

Ease of Use

What makes GV2000S Multi Vault Standard Gun Safe easy to use is its quick access No-Eyes learn keys, which not only effectively recognize your code, but also have the self-learning capacity to adjust with your habitual motion. Despite the partitioned internal storage space, there is adequate room for a lot of multi purpose storage. You can easily keep more than one handguns in this gun safe. The gun safe is very easy to install in various locations. Furthermore, you can turn the audio instructions and warnings on or off at will.

Design Features

The prime design feature that would attract consumers to the Multi Vault gun safe series is the partitioned interior storage. While this design feature perceivably reduces a single storage space, it utilizes more space of the gun safe in its entirety. This design is arguably more efficient than an unpartitioned variety such as the Mini Vault series from Gunvault, depending on your needs. The interior of the gun safe features foam lining to prevent scratches and damage to the stored items. Furthermore, GV2000S Multi Vault Standard is very convenient in terms of mounting options.

Gunvault GV2000S Multi Vault Standard Gun Safe is a handy piece of security storage equipment which delivers far more value than its price. Gunvault GV2000S Multi Vault Standard Gun Safe is slightly heavier but much cheaper than the other variations in the Multi Vault family. It lacks the interior light and motion detector but if you can easily live without those features, there is no reason to pay a considerable cost to go for the other models.

#5. BARSKA Mini Biometric Safe Review

Personal and family safety, safekeeping of valuables, firearms abuse, accessibility problems and theft protection. There could be so many worries on a single person’s mind. Add financial restraints to that and you have an even bleaker picture of the challenges you face. What you are looking for is a quality product that could offer you all those solutions for a price you can afford and volume that you can easily manage personally.

Overview

BARSKA Mini Biometric Safe is a compact security storage device for firearms and other valuables which relies on 2 solid steel locking bolts. The multi-purpose safe features a prominent biometric thumb access scanner and allows up to 30 fingerprints stored in it. The operation of the lock is obviously electronic and therefore, 4 AA sized batteries which power the device are included in the package. The product is approved for firearms storage by the California Department of Justice and is covered by one year limited warranty.

Design and Appearance

The design of this safe is compact, simplistic and sleek. The black exterior has a smooth finish, while the interior is just large enough to hold a 0.45 caliber handgun. The exterior of the safe features a centrally placed massive metallic bolt dial, which conveniently contains the biometric thumb scanner. The dimensions of the safe are 12 x 8 x 7.5 inches with a light weight of 12 pounds. The package features 4 AA-size batteries for operation, as well as emergency back up keys.

Reliability

This Safe is pretty reliable as its structure and its accessibility further add to the value that it delivers. With its solid steel double bolt locking, it is not a safe that anyone can crack using ridiculous hand tool techniques. The Biometric locking system works flawlessly and smoothly, saving the rightful owner any agony that is associated with not being able to open their own safes. The batteries last longer than you would expect and you always have the security of backup keys if something goes terribly wrong. However, expect the Biometrics locking system on this device to work smoothly and it can hold fingerprints of up to 30 unique individuals to share access.

Ease of Use

Among the greatest benefits are its sheer convenience, accessibility and ease of use. It is just remarkable how easy the biometric technology can make security tools to work with. You do not need to remember a lock combination or even a code of a couple of numbers to open your safe and to be sure that anyone unauthorized would not be able to break in. Even the lousiest person with locks would find using this product a walk in the park. Furthermore, the size and weight of this compact safe is also very convenient. This safe is not difficult to install at all and its dimensions also help in hiding it when necessary. Choose the location of installation wisely.

Design Features

The safe offers quite a space inside for storage as per the requirements of the consumer. The inner dimensions of the safe are 11.5 x 7.5 x 5.75 inches, offering enough space to keep your handgun as well as a number of valuables that easily fit these dimensions. Floor mat lines the interior space which helps in protecting stored handgun and other valuables from scratching and damage. The steel structure of the safe is pretty solid, but you cannot expect it to be the strongest safe in the world considering its functional restraints. The size of the safe makes it a versatile security storage option, fit for installation anywhere. The product comes with pre-drilled mounting holes and anchor points for installation.

If perfect is an exaggeration, then BARSKA Mini Biometric Safe is undoubtedly an excellent solution for personal safety and security, balanced by remarkable ease of access. The consumer reviews for this product are overwhelmingly positive, which is a testament to the value it is able to deliver. It’s a surprise that this handy safe is not more popular than it already is.

Gun Safe Buying Guide

Getting a gun safe may be quite troublesome if you don’t know what to look for. Some gun safes are just downright outrageous for some gun users, but the outrageous features are usually what’s necessary to store your guns securely. Here are some pointers for you to think about when you buy your next gun safe:

Check the safe’s standards against tampering

– Contrary to popular belief, most safes can be cracked or opened by brute force. Drilling is one of the most common ways to open a safe. Usually, a household safe – whether it’s a gun or valuables safe, are not immune to drilling. Low-grade safes can easily be cracked by a simple power tool, and thus, does not offer ample protection to store something as delicate as a gun. Some safes have relockers to make it much more difficult to crack a safe. Safes with relockers cannot be cracked without hours and hours of drilling. Choose the gun safe with the appropriate safety features against burglaries. Ask your sales person about the number of relockers on the gun safe. More relockers mean that it would take much, much longer for someone to break into your safe.

Check the safe’s safety specs

– A safe’s security is not measured by its overall size and weight. When choosing a safe, it’s important to investigate the thickness of the walls and its propensity for being breached. Ask how thick EACH wall is. Some shady sales people only tell you the thickest part of the safe. Always get into the specifics of any safe that you buy, as some safes have a reputation for being easily broken into.

Purchase a safe that is bigger than what you need

– Choosing a safe that only houses all of the guns that you currently own may be a bad idea. Your collection may grow to such size that buying a gun safe that would just fit all of what you currently own may not be good enough. Buy a gun safe that is large enough to store your other valuables as well. Think of a gun safe as an investment. Gun safes rarely deteriorate over time. Spend your money with the features and protection that you need. The money that you spend on a gun safe is not ill-spent as gun safes are fairly easy to resell because its quality doesn’t change over time.

Get Fire and Water resistance for your safe

– When you purchase a gun safe, you’d be more than likely to use your safe for other valuables as well. Protect your guns and other valuables by getting a safe that is fire and water resistant. Studies show that your valuables, like your guns, are more than likely to be destroyed by fire rather than being stolen.

When choosing a safe, it’s important to do your research. It’s for your security, after all. Look at different brands to choose the right combination of security and value for you and your family. Gun ownership is a responsibility that rarely comes cheap. Think of your gun safe as a necessary investment that puts worries about your guns to rest. 

Gun safe Safety tips

While gun safes are purchased to make itsafe for you and your family, there are some safety precautions that you need to know when storing guns inside your safe. Mishandling the contents of a safe means a potential for disaster and ultimately defeats the purpose of having a safe in the first place. Here are some reminders for keeping your gun safe secure.

Do not leave all of your weapons loaded in a safe – If you have a gun collection, leave just one weapon loaded in your safe and keep ammunition stored separately. The loaded weapon is your means to defend yourself in the event of a home invasion or burglary. Leaving all of your weapons loaded in a safe means that you’re putting yourself in harms way when there are more loaded weapons in your house in the event of a burglary. Remember which weapon you kept loaded and which part you kept your weapon. Practice opening your safe quickly and be prepared if in case you would need to use your loaded gun. If you want, keep the gun that you’re most familiar to loaded so you can respond quickly in an emergency situation.

Do not leave ammunitions loose in the safe – For added security, create a different lock for your ammunition. If all but one of your guns are unloaded, burglars would spend more time looking for a loaded gun or looking for your ammunition to use it against you. Keeping ammunition on a different locker is also like separating the lock from the key. One can’t use one without the other.

Do not leave powder inside the safe – Highly combustible material inside an airtight chamber is a potential for disaster. Powder ignited inside a gun safe has the potential markings of a bomb. Static charges inside a safe may ignite the powder creating a rapid expansion of gases inside your safe, turning your safe into a giant bomb. Also, in the event of a fire, superheated containers may explode due to powders being ignited inside.  Powder is not harmful on its own. Store your powder in a separate, but secure container that’s free from sunlight, moisture and static electrical charges.

Remove the wooden pallet – Safes are pretty challenging to move, that’s why wooden pallets are installed underneath to assist in the transport. However, do not forget to remove the wooden pallet underneath because that only makes it easier for others to MOVE the entire safe. Do not rely on just the sheer weight and thickness of your safe. Remember, most safes can be cracked or drilled open. Some may take longer time to crack or drill, but eventually it would be broken. Make sure that your gun safe is bolted down and secured.

The usual gun safety techniques must also be applied even when storing your guns. Your gun ownership responsibility does not end when you store your guns in your safe. The safety of the people around you is not just the responsibility of a gun owner. It’s everybody’s responsibility as a citizen.