Guns keep you safe. However, the guns should be kept safe, as well. This is because once novice users or kids get hold of a gun in any way, it can be deadly. So, having a gun safe at home can safeguard both the guns and the people around you.
Does that mean you need to spend a fortune on gun storage? Of course not! If you know how to look out for, you can easily find the best gun safe under 1000 bucks only! To make it easier for you, we have listed down 10 of the most useful gun safes that cost less than $1000.
Are Gun Safes Bad For Guns?
Generally, gun safes are safe havens for guns. You can safeguard your guns from the reach of your children and even intruders in your house. Apart from that, gun safes come with soft padding inside that can also keep the guns scratch-free. However, if you resort to cheap gun safes in the market that don’t promise good quality, you may put your guns at risk. Such as, it may be easy to break or burn and cause damage to your gun. So, if you are separating a good budget for it, it’s going to be safe for your guns.
How Did We Make This Article?
It wasn’t an easy job listing down 10 rifles from hundreds. Our team of 4 did this impossible job of scanning through the market to find the best options. We went through 80+ safes in the market. In this endeavor, we had to read 120+ customer reviews and 12+ expert analyses. After spending 42+ hours, we have picked up the 10 gun safes in this review.
1 Min Quick Summary – Best Gun Safe Under 1000
Running out of time? Here is a quick summary to revise what we have found.
Editor’s Pick: Steelwater Gun Safes New and Improved Steelwater
Keep your valuables safe and sound with 12-gauge steel and 1875-degree F fire resistance.
Best Lightweight For Rifles: Barska Quick and Easy Access Biometric Rifles
“With only 62-pound weight, this 14-gauge heavy-duty steel structure keeps your valuables safe.”
Best For Storage: Moutec Large Biometric Rifle Safe
This one comes with ample storage of 7 rifles at a time which can solve your storage problem forever.
Best Compact Design: Mesa Safe Company Model MBF1512E
With a compact design in place, the safe can survive burning up to 2 hours in a row.
Best For Durability: Steelwater AMSWFB-685 2-Hour Fireproof and Burglary Safe
Although it comes with a heavyweight figure, this nightstand gun safe can ensure no burglar can break it through!
Best For Pry-Resistance: Barska New Fireproof Fire Vault Rifle Gun
This safe is designed especially with pry-resistance in mind and it is quite impossible to pry it open.
Best For Lighting: Steelwater SWSD20GUN-EMP 60 Minute Fireproof
The LED light inside illuminates the interior quite well for easy visibility.
Best For Handgun: Stealth 14 Gun Safe EGS14
With wide storage inside, you can store almost 14 handguns inside this safe.
Best For Fingerprint: Moutec Biometric Rifle Gun Safe
This biometric safe can unlock within 2.5 seconds after you put your finger on the scanner!
Best Budget Pick: FCH Gun Safe Electronic 5-Gun Rifle Safe
Made from alloy steel, this unique safe is pretty well-suited for safeguarding guns at a very affordable price.
Table of Content:
Here is a quick table of contents for what we have discussed. Click on the link to go to the topic from here.
Comparison Chart:
Want to know how these guns differ from one another? Here is a quick comparison chart for you to decide.
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Editor’s Pick
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New and Improved Steelwater Heavy Duty |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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Best Lightweight For Rifles
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Barska Quick and Easy Access Biometric Rifles |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
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Best For Storage
|
Moutec Large Biometric Rifle Safe |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
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Best Compact Design
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Mesa Safe Company Burglary and Fire Safe with Electronic Lock |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Durability
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Steelwater AMSWFB-685 2-Hour Fireproof and Burglary Safe |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Pry-Resistance
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Barska New Fireproof Fire Vault Rifle Gun Keypad Lock Safe Cabinet |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
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Best For Lighting
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SWSD20GUN-EMP 60 Minute Fireproof 20 Long Gun Safe |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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Best For Handgun
|
Stealth 14 Gun Safe EGS14 High Security Electronic Lock |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best For Fingerprint
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Biometric Rifle Gun Safe |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Best Budget Pick
|
FCH Gun Safe Electronic 5-Gun Rifle Safe |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Top 10 Best Gun Safe Under 1000 Bucks Reviews 2021
So, here it goes! The following products are what we found to be the most useful gun safe under 1000 bucks. Read till the end to find your suit!
1. Editor’s Pick: Steelwater Gun Safes New and Improved Steelwater
To start it off, Steelwater Gun Safe is the first choice we have. Basically, this one is a well-built steel structure that can safeguard a good number of guns. To clarify, it can hold up to 16 long guns inside.
Then again, the construction of it comes from 12-gauge superior steel, which gives you an idea of how strong this one is. Also, the ¼-inch reinforced bolts make it even stronger when you mount it. In addition, the double-layer fireboard on different parts of it takes the security to a whole new level.
Further, speaking of fireboards, this one is a true-fireproof safe. Although you don’t want this to happen, the safe can withstand fire for up to an hour. That tells you how efficient its fireproofing system is.
Moreover, the safe is considered pretty well-secured even by the standards of the California DOJ. Then again, it exceeds the standards in some cases to be on the safer side. Not to mention, it’s one of the top gun safes under 1000 bucks for a reason.
Also, apart from that, the interior of the safe is fabulous. You can see the lighting powered by an LED bulb when you open it up. No matter how dark it is around you, it is always brighter inside.
Technical Details:
- Outside Dimensions: 59″ x 28″ x 18″
- Interior Dimensions: 55 3/4″ x 25 1/4″ x 14 5/8″
- Usable Interior Dimensions: 55 3/4″ x 25 1/4″ x 12 5/8″
- Weight: 453 lbs.
- Construction: 12-gauge steel
- Fireproofing: 60 minute
- Temperature Withstanding: 1875-degree F
2. Best Lightweight For Rifles: Barska Quick and Easy Access Biometric Rifles
Barska has been a reliable name in the gun safe industry for a long time now. Obviously, it comes with a number of well-built safes to gain that popularity. The Biometric Rifles Safe is one of those, to be specific.
Basically, this DOJ-approved safe is for storming a number of guns, including shotguns and rifles. To clarify, you can store a few handguns and up to 4 rifles in it pretty easily. Then again, altering guns can alter the number of guns and rifles.
Further, the safe comes with biometric safety. Such as a fingerprint scanner on this machine. Although most safe’s fingerprint scanner works pretty slow, this one comes with a fast response time of 2.5 seconds only.
Moreover, the construction of the safe is pretty impressive. Made from 100% steel, the walls and inner edges of the safe are tamper-resistant. Then again, the 3 built-in bolts made from steel can also prevent pry-opening efforts.
Furthermore, to safeguard your guns inside, the safe has a soft floor mat. So, you can rest assured that no dent or scratch will take place on the guns’ exterior. Above all, this safe is a classic one that offers maximum protection at an affordable cost.
Technical Details:
- Metal Thickness: 14 Gauge
- Locking Module: Biometric
- Exterior Dimensions: 8.63″ x 9.75″ x 52.13″
- Interior Dimensions: 6.3″ x 9.7″ x 51.75″
- Weight: 62 lbs
- Storage: 4 rifles
- Biometric Scan time: 2.5 seconds
3. Best For Storage: Moutec Large Biometric Rifle Safe
Another top-class safe for storing your rifles is the Moutec Large Biometric Rifle Safe. Regardless of the size and dimension of this safe, you can easily fit up to 7 rifles in it. In addition, you can also put a few handguns inside, as well.
Not to mention, the safe comes with 3 different locks. Firstly, the safe has a biometric locking system. Secondly, it has a keypad system that can save passwords to open it up.
Then again, if none of the above locking methods work, you can always resort to the backup key. To clarify, the backup key can open it up no matter what the situation is. So, yes, you never get stuck with your guns inside.
Further, the safe is made from superior 14-gauge durable steel. Then again, the door of the safe is crafted with 11-gauge carbon steel. What’s more, is the front door’s thickness of 1.75 inches, which is pretty durable and thick!
Furthermore, the safe comes with a number of pre-punched mounting holes in it. To rephrase it, you can easily mount the safe to any wall and floor with a few bolts that come right with the package. So, it’s pretty easy to maintain anywhere in your house.
Technical Details:
- Dimension: 57.2 x 15.7 x 11.8 inches
- Material: 14-gauge steel
- Door Construction: 11-gauge carbon steel
- Front door thickness: 1.75 inches
- Lock: 3
- Storge: 7 rifles
- Proximity Sensor: Yes
4. Best Compact Design: Mesa Safe Company Model MBF1512E
If you need anything compact to store your handguns or pistols, then MBF1512E from Mesa Safe is going to be a good choice. Basically, this safe is an easy-to-use regular safe that can even store documents and other valuables in it. Also, it has two shelves inside for this reason.
Then again, speaking of shelves, the two shelves inside are not fixed. To rephrase it, the shelves can be removed from the main safe to make more room inside. So, you can easily fit more guns than you could usually fit.
Further, no matter what you do, remove the shelf or not, the storage inside is always going to be 1.7 Cu. Ft. To clarify, you can always have room for a number of pistols and ammo inside. In addition, you can also keep your valuables in it.
Moreover, this safe comes with superior fire-resistance. To clarify, the burning rate of this safe
is pretty impressive. In other words, it can easily withstand a fire for at least 2 hours in a row!
Furthermore, this type of protection doesn’t come out of nowhere. Since the door thickness is 4-1/2 inches, you can easily tell how strong this safe’s outer wall is. Couple that with overall steel construction and matte finish; you get the idea of its rigidity.
Technical Details:
- Dimension: 18.75 x 17.25 x 20 inches
- Material: Durable steel
- Weight: 139 pounds
- Lock Style: Padlock
- Finish: Matte
- Burning Time: 2 hours
5. Best For Durability: Steelwater AMSWFB-685 2-Hour Fireproof and Burglary Safe
On number 5 of our list for the best safe under 1000 dollars is a versatile one. To clarify, the AMSWFB-685 is a multipurpose safe. For instance, you can keep your guns in it, as well as valuable documents and jewelry. For a Nightstand gun safe, this one is a perfect choice.
Additionally, you have a huge space inside to keep at least 5 handguns inside. Another key point in this safe is that it has a removable shelf inside. Not to mention, when you take it apart from the safe, you get way more storage than normal.
Further, the safe is built with superior-strong steel. Then again, the locking bolt of the safe is 1 ¼ inch chrome-plated one. So, you can rest assured that all your guns or valuables inside are in safe hands.
Moreover, the safe is fireproof to a great extent. How? Well, for example, it can be burnt for 2 consecutive hours without any damage. To clarify, it can withstand temperatures up to 1850-degree F!
Furthermore, to grant you proper access inside the safe, the door can be opened at 180-degree. You can conveniently put and take out your valuables from the storage. Then again, it comes with a few pre-drilled holes to mount it on the floor.
Technical Details:
- Outside Dimension: 27″ x 21″ x 20
- Interior Dimension: 21″ x 15″ x 13″
- Material: Durable steel
- Weight: 330 pounds
- Capacity: 2.37 cubic feet
- Locking Bolts: 1 ¼ inch chrome-plated
- Burning Time: 2 hours
6. Best For Pry-Resistance: Barska New Fireproof Fire Vault Rifle Gun Keypad Lock Safe Cabinet
Another champ from Barska is the Fireproof Keypad Lock safe. Overall, the safe is a true safe-haven for your guns without a doubt. The superior steel construction and solid steel bolts do indicate that the guns are totally sound inside.
Further, the total space inside the safe measures about 3.45 cubic feet, which is pretty wide and spacious, to be exact. You can easily keep multiple handguns and a shotgun inside. Also, having a pry-resistant door makes it even safer inside.
Then again, speaking of pry-resistance, the door is reinforced to make sure no external force can open it up. In addition, there are 6 solid-steel locking bolts in it that ensure the maximum safety for your guns. In other words, it’s approved by DOJ for a reason!
Further, the safe can withstand pretty hot burning, as well. Specifically speaking, you can put the safe under fire for about half an hour without any problem. However, the burning temperature shouldn’t be more than 1400-degree F.
Furthermore, the safe has a few removable shelves in it. Obviously, if you remove one or two, you can conveniently make a bit more room inside for better storage. Overall, this one is a top-class safe for general safekeeping of handguns.
Technical Details:
- Dimension: 20 x 20 x 30 inches
- Weight: 169 pounds
- Fire resistance: 1400-degree F
- Storage: 3.45 Cubic feet
- Burning time: 30 minutes
- Bolts Count: 6
- DOJ Approved: Yes
7. Best For Lighting: Steelwater SWSD20GUN-EMP 60 Minute Fireproof 20 Long Gun Safe
If you are worried about storing your multiple long guns, this should be your solution. To be specific, you can keep 20 long guns inside this safe. Basically, there are two different chambers inside that can store 10 guns each, so you get to arrange the guns well.
What’s more, the safe is made from super-durable 14-gauge steel. Couple with that, all four sides of the safe come with ½ inch locking bolts. As a result, you get a superior pry-resistant entrance that can’t be broken.
Then again, the construction comes with a fabulous fireproof mechanism. To clarify, the safe can withstand up to 1875-degree fire without any issues. In addition, you got an hour to put off the fire as it can hang on there for 60 minutes.
Further, the interior of the storage is pretty impressive. The lighting inside is especially illuminating. Thanks to the LED lights, it illuminates the entire interior the moment you open the door.
All in all, this safe is made to last and fight the fire. Even though we have seen its fire withstanding capacity, the reason for it is its fire-fighting construction. To clarify, the walls, ceilings, door jams, and floor are double layered with fireboards for this very reason.
Technical Details:
- Dimension: 59″x28″x18″
- Weight: 408 pounds
- Construction: 14-gauge steel
- Fire resistance: 1875 degree F
- Burning time: 1 hour
- LED light: Yes
- Fireproofing: Double layer fireboard
- Bolt size: ½ inch
8. Best For Handgun: Stealth 14 Gun Safe EGS14
A safe is not only a safe haven for guns but also for accessories, as well. Provided that you are using the Stealth 14 Gun Safe, you can easily get what we are talking about! To clarify, this gun safe comes with additional accessories-storage apart from regular guns.
For example, if you open the door, you will notice the inner part of the door has a mobile door panel. This is there for you to keep your gun accessories in it to keep everything handy. In addition, the mobile panels come with multiple storage bags for separate safekeeping.
Further, this CA DOJ-approved gun safe is built with 14-gauge superior steel for both the housing and the door. Also, there are 6 different lock bolts for better protection against pry-open efforts. Furthermore, the safe exhibits an impressive level of fireproof-feature.
To clarify, it can withstand up to 1200-degree F temperature. That being said, if it catches fire, it won’t be damaged for up to 30 minutes of burning. So, you can get how strong and sturdy the built-quality is.
Then again, the storage can accommodate 14 different shotguns in it. Also, if you want to mount it on the floor, you have provision for that, as well. Simply use the pre-drilled holes to bolt it down with 4 bolts only.
Technical Details:
- Dimension: 17 x 20 x 55 inches
- Weight: 230 pounds
- Material: 14 gauge steel
- Storage: 14 guns
- Withstand heat: 1200-degree F
- Burning time: 30 minutes
- Certified by: CA DOJ
9. Best For Fingerprint: Moutec Biometric Rifle Gun Safe
We are heading towards the end of our reviews for the best gun safe under 1000 dollars. At this point, we have the Moutec Biometric Rifle Gun safe on our list. Basically, this one is a biometric rifle safe that comes with a super-strong safety system.
To clarify, it is crafted with heavy-duty steel, which is tamper and impact-resistant. Then again, the inner parts of the safe are also made from similar strong steel materials, including a separate lock box. Then again, speaking of the lockbox, this one is an additional storage box inside to store bullets and other accessories.
Basically, you can put 5 to 7 rifles inside the safe. However, no more than 50-inch long rifles can fit there. So, you have to take your rifles’ height into consideration before making a purchase decision.
Further, the safe can be locked and unlocked through 3 different methods. Firstly, you can lock it with your fingerprint. Secondly, unlike most common safes in the market, this one works pretty fast. To clarify, the unlocking speed is only 2.5 seconds! Finally, you have a keypad locking system in it, as well.
Moreover, the safe can be opened with a silent mode applied. This means when a burglar enters your house, you can be discreet in opening the safe. So, you can get the gun out without the intruder knowing!
Technical Details:
- Outer Dimension: 14”x 13.8” x 57”
- Inner Dimension: 56.5″ x 13.4″ x 12.4″
- Construction: 14 Gauge
- Storage: 5 rifles
- Weight: 88 pounds
- Fingerprint memory: 100
- Code Memory: 2
10. Best Budget Pick: FCH Gun Safe Electronic 5-Gun Rifle Safe
We wrap up our quest for the best gun safe for 1000 bucks with the FCH Gun Safe Electronic Safe. Basically, if you are looking for a rifle safe with a lightweight profile, you can bet on this one! To clarify, it comes with only 74 pounds of weight which is pretty low for this kind of safe.
Although it’s lightweight, the safe comes with heavyweight construction. It’s crafted from superior alloy steel to make sure it’s hard to break or dent. Then again, you can find 0.86-inch solid lock bolts that prevent any type of breaking attempt.
Further, as for the storage, you can keep 5 rifles at a time in this safe. Alternatively, you can place a few handguns as well. Since there are support frames inside, you can place any guns pretty easily.
Moreover, there’s a small lockable box inside the shelf for more storage of accessories. Although the shelf is not removable, you can conveniently use it to keep bullets and other tiny accessories in it. Then again, this one is also made from superior alloy steel.
Technical Details:
- Outer Dimension:13.78″W x 11.8″D x 57.1″H
- Inner Dimension: 12.8″W x 9.4″D x 47.2″H
- Material: Alloy steel
- Storage: 5 rifles
- Lock Bolt Thickness: 0.86 inch
- Support Frame: Yes
How To Secure A Gun Safe In An Apartment
Securing a gun safe in your apartment is not an easy task, to be honest. But here are a few options you can use.
Get A Heavy Gun Safe:
Try to buy a gun safe that is heavyweight or large enough for anyone to steal it. Thieves will have a tough time carrying the load of the safe if they plan to steal it. In addition, you can also make sure it’s not dropping down, either.
Bolt on The Wall:
Alternatively, you can bolt the safe on your wall instead of your floor. If you are renting an apartment, you must bolt it on the wall. That’s because most landlords don’t allow bolting on the floor.
Bolt to A Steel Slap:
Again, you can bolt the safe to a steel slab, as well. A steel slab will give a thief a hard time in breaking it. So, you can ensure better safety.
Final Verdict
So, that was all we had in our best gun safe under 1000 bucks review. We hope you have finally found your choice from our discussion. If you are still wondering which one to move for, we recommend you to go for the Steelwater SWSD20GUN-EMP.
This one comes with heavy-duty steel construction with fireproof boarding inside. Plus, you get up to an hour of burning time to make sure your guns are safe and sound inside. So, if you are to bet on a safe, this one should be it.
Jhon Adam
Hi, I am Jhon Adam, I am an ex-military and now I run a business where I sell security tools, arm protection gadgets, gun vaults, scopes for the rifles, and other related accessories. Because of this business, I have to deal with so many clients who felt insecure about their security tools. Like it is quite risky and dangerous to let the personal protective gun in an insecure way. Because they don’t have gun safe vaults. Some people facing difficulties with their hunting rifles scope or etc. Every day they come to my shop they come with a new problem.