Budget-Friendly Gun Safes: Top Picks Under $500

The Truth About “Gun Safes” Under $500: Most products in this price range aren’t technically safes—they’re security cabinets or gun lockers. Understanding these distinctions helps you shop smarter and set realistic expectations.

Before diving into specific products, it’s crucial to understand what you’re actually buying. The gun safe industry uses terms loosely, and “safe” doesn’t always mean what you think it does.

The Three Main Storage Categories

Reality Check: Everything under $500 falls into the “Security Cabinet” category, regardless of marketing claims. That’s not necessarily bad—it just means understanding what you’re getting.

Product Ratings and What They Actually Mean

RSC (Residential Security Container) Ratings

RSC-I Rating:

• Test Standard: Must resist entry for 5 minutes using basic hand tools
• Real World: Stops opportunistic burglars and children
• What You’ll Find: Most quality cabinets under $500 meet this standard
• Bottom Line: Adequate for most home security needs

RSC-II Rating:

• Test Standard: Must resist entry for 10 minutes using more advanced tools
• Real World: Deters more determined criminals
• What You’ll Find: Rare under $500, usually starts around $800+

What about Fire Ratings?

Important: Most safes under $500 have NO fire rating. If fire protection is critical, plan to spend $800+ or use a separate fireproof document safe.

Steel Gauge: What Those Numbers Actually Mean

Understanding steel thickness is crucial because thicker steel equals better security.

Good to Know: The door is usually thicker steel than the body. A cabinet might have a 14-gauge door but 16-gauge body—the body is your weak point.

Locking Mechanisms Decoded

Electronic Keypads

• Pros: Fast access, no keys to lose, multiple user codes
• Cons: Battery dependent, can fail over time, vulnerable to EMP
• Best For: Primary home defense, frequent access
• Budget Reality: Basic keypads are reliable; avoid the cheapest options

Biometric Scanners

• Pros: Fastest access (1-3 seconds), works in dark, high-tech appeal
• Cons: More expensive, false rejections, requires backup entry
• Best For: Bedside or quick-access situations
• Budget Reality: Technology has improved dramatically; budget options now work well

Traditional Key Locks

• Pros: Never fails, no batteries, lowest cost, time-tested
• Cons: Slow access, keys can be lost/copied, not ideal for emergencies
• Best For: Long-term storage, maximum reliability
• Budget Reality: Still the most secure option at this price point

Interior Features That Matter

Adjustable Shelving

• Why It Matters: Maximizes space efficiency
• Budget Reality: Most cheap safes have fixed foam slots
• Upgrade Path: Add aftermarket organizers

Carpet/Foam Lining

• Why It Matters: Prevents scratches and rust
• Budget Reality: Basic foam is standard; quality varies
• Red Flag: No interior protection at all

Dehumidification Prep

• Why It Matters: Prevents rust in humid climates
• Budget Reality: Few safes come with built-in systems
• Solution: Add aftermarket dehumidifier rod ($20-40)

Installation Requirements

Mounting Types

What “Capacity” Really Means

Manufacturer Claims vs. Reality:

• “10-Gun Safe” = 5-6 rifles with scopes
• “22-Gun Cabinet” = 12-15 practical rifles with accessories
• “Pistol Shelf” = Usually fits 2-4 handguns maximum

Pro Tip: Divide manufacturer capacity by 2 for realistic expectations with modern firearms and optics.

Common Marketing Terms to Ignore

• “Military Grade” → Meaningless marketing term
• “Burglar Proof” → Nothing is burglar-proof
• “Fire Safe” → Check for actual fire rating and duration
• “Commercial Quality” → Verify with actual specifications
• “Bank Vault Steel” → Banks use much thicker steel than any home safe

Below is my list of the best budget gun safes. I list the best choices in terms of value, performance, design, and cost.

Click on the name to head to the product page, read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to the list of safes.

1. Best Overall: Barska Quick Access Biometric Safe

What we liked:

• Super quick access via electronic lock
• Stores up to 100 individual fingerprints
• Biometric sensor is reliable and consistent
• Top shelf provides additional storage
• Multi-point locking system

What we didn’t:

• Lightweight means it needs to be bolted down
• 4 rifle storage is more like 2 with optics

In addition to its impressive safety features, the Barska Quick Access safe’s primary entry mechanism is a biometric fingerprint scanner which gives you access to your firearms in about 2.5 seconds, which is hard to find in gun safes under $500.

Its convenient size makes it easy to store in a closet or other out-of-the-way location.

This means your firearms are both stored safely and easy to get at when time is of the essence.

Specifications:

• Price: $
• Capacity: 4 long guns
• Entry: Biometric sensor
• Material: 14 gauge steel

Dimensions:

• Depth: 8.6″
• Width: 9.5″
• Height: 52″ inches
• Weight: 62 pounds

Nice features like a backup battery

It was also one of the only long gun safes we tested that comes with a backup battery – to ensure access even in the event of a power outage, which is critical with a biometric gun safe. Of course you get a backup key – but no one wants to search around for a key when time is of the essence.

Plus, its 14 gauge steel body and multiple mount points (floor and rear) mean that it can stand up to abuse and remain secure over the long term. The shelf above the rifles accommodates handguns, ammo, and other items that make sense to be stored together.

Stands up to long-term use

One of our experts has had this safe for more than 3 years – he uses it every morning and evening – and reports zero issues with the sensor reading and responding appropriately. I personally use this for storing my rimfire rifles and have used it for years on a single battery. The finger sensor is consistent, and even with a misread you can quickly reposition your finger to get a clear read and pop it open.

2. Best Large Gun Safe: Stack-On 22-Gun Security Cabinet

What we liked:

• Surprising amount of storage capacity
• Solidly heavy
• The keyed lock is consistent and kid-safe
• Price

What we didn’t:

• Keyed entry only means no quick access
• Not a safe as much as a secure storage cabinet

The larger cousin to the 10-gun Stack-On cabinet, the Stack-On GCB-1522 offers much more storage capacity. This safe does not offer a biometric scanner or keypad – so it’s not a quick-access kind of cabinet or going to be very fire-resistant.

Specifications:

• Price: $
• Capacity: 22 long guns
• Entry: Physical key
• Material: 16 gauge steel

Dimensions:

• Length: 18″
• Width: 21″
• Height: 55″
• Weight: 86 pounds

This is designed to store your firearms, ammo, handguns – and whatever else you want given its footprint – safely at well under the $500 mark. The keyed lock system functions as reliably as any standard lock and key, and given the price point, you get a lot of room for not much investment.

Heavy & secure

At 80+ pounds probably more than anyone would want to try to shoulder out of your home – and it looks intimidating – which should help to discourage would-be thieves.

Of course, bolting it down would make it immobile – and it comes with both mounts and hardware to do so.

This Stack-On is one of the better ways to get a lot of capacity in a budget long gun safe.

3. Best Small Gun Cabinet: Stack-On Sentinel 10 Gun Cabinet

What we liked:

• Price
• Easy to use
• Sturdy
• Wall and floor mountable

What we didn’t:

• Not a safe
• Light enough to be carried off
• No quick access capabilities

The Stack On GCWB-10-5-DS is a good, affordable alternative to either of the above options if you are willing to give up both quick-access/biometric options and storage capacity. There’s no keypad – just the physical key – but it still offers decent storage for a limited long gun collection.

The lack of quick-access makes it a poor choice for anyone who needs that feature, but it’s an otherwise capable cabinet—especially if you need to store smaller rifles like a 22LR or a pistol-grip shotgun. Otherwise, the Stack-On GCB-910 is sturdily built, has solid mounting options, and includes an overhead shelf that accommodates a handgun, a limited amount of ammo, and maybe a few accessories.

Specifications:

• Price: $
• Capacity: 10 long guns
• Entry: Physical Key
• Material: 16 gauge steel

Dimensions:

• Depth: 13.5″
• Width: 17″
• Height: 53″
• Weight: 61 pounds

Lighter & less robust, but inexpensive

The steel isn’t as think like some other options, but it does have good door hinges and (somewhat inexpensive) foam barrel rests on the interior. This locker – don’t call it a safe – is a lightweight storage option that will house 10 long guns (probably 5 with optics) and keep them safely away from children, but it’s not a safe in the way most people would expect.

This is the smaller cousin to the above 22-gun Stack-On cabinet and is very similar with the exception of storage capacity. Given that it’s light – around 60 pounds – bolting it down is definitely the way to go.

All-in-all if you want to ensure your firearms are well away from guests and children but either don’t want or can’t invest in a proper safe, this cabinet will do the trick.

4. Best Keypad Option: Gearmart Fast Access Safe

What we liked:

• Multiple entry mechanisms
• Keypad offers fast entry
• Solid door lock bolts
• Solidly heavy at 86 lbs
• Internal lockbox
• Responsive manufacturer
• Multi-point locking system

What we didn’t:

• No biometric option
• Door has better construction than the bod

The Gearmart 5-Gun Electronic Rifle Safe is a fantastic safe for people interested in more than a physical key entry mechanism but not looking for a biometric option.

This was one of the few affordable long gun safes that met all of our criteria: a mountable gun safe with decent build quality under $500 that also offered an electronic keypad entry mechanism. It’s a solid cabinet that’s hard to defeat by force and the electronic keypad gives one access to their firearms much more quickly than a key – not to mention you can’t misplace the keypad.

Specifications:

• Price: $
• Capacity: 5 long guns
• Entry: Keypad & Physical Key
• Material: 16 gauge steel

Dimensions:

• Depth: 12″
• Width: 14″
• Height: 57″
• Weight: 86 pounds

Offers a battery indicator & 4 door lock bolts

It also offers nice features like a battery indicator on the keypad – so you’ll know when it’s time to change the battery before it’s too late, as well as an internal lockbox, which provides additional security for things like personal documents or valuables (assuming you have no other option for storing these kinds of things – we recommend a safety deposit box of fireproof box for these.)

The door has 4 lock bolts that are almost an inch in diameter, so it’s a sturdy and secure option in the sub-$500 range

In addition, the keypad has a memory feature which prevents you from having to re-enter your code if the safe’s batteries die which is more of a convenience than anything but still a nice touch.

Beyond the safe’s features, the company behind the product is very responsive – they have responded to customer concerns about flimsy packaging causing damaged product shipments and since that change, the feedback about damaged shipments has all but evaporated.

5. Biometric Budget Pick: Quicktech Large Gun Cabinet

What we liked:

• Biometric entry mechanism
• Larger internal storage space
• Locking internal box
• Heavy & secure

What we didn’t:

• Single-walled sides
• Should be bolted in place for maximum stability

If a biometric entry mechanism is a must have for your gun safe (but so is staying under $500) we recommend the QuickTec Biometric Quick Access 5-Gun Safe.

This safe doesn’t offer the same steel gauge as the Barska, but it does provide more internal storage space and more weight at 89 lbs. It also has an internal lockbox which makes it a great option for those interested in smaller storage capacity with biometric entry.

Specifications:

• Price: $$
• Capacity: 5 long guns
• Entry: Bio, Keypad & Physical Key
• Material: Single-Walled Steel

Dimensions:

• Depth: 14″
• Width: 14″
• Height: 57″
• Weight: 89 pounds

5 door lock bolts & more internal space

The door features 5 locking bolts, which is more than other safes in this class and closes securely.

The interior has rifle mounts to help keep your rifles organized and is covered in carpeting to prevent scratches and dents. Our testers were surprised with the weight of the unit – as well as the internal size – which made it easier to get 4-5 guns in it than some of the smaller options.

The QuickTec safe performed admirably in our tests: the biometric feature opened consistently as did the keypad and locks. We also appreciate the dual keypad sound modes – one of which is mute – which prevents alerting others that you’re entering the safe.

While many safes in this class are more cabinets than true safes, the features QuickTec offers make it a compelling product in the sub-$500 market.

Gun owners looking for simple gun storage. biometric entry

Parents or grandparents with a small firearm collection. Gun cabinets and safes aren’t really optional if you’ve got kids around but – as with all things parenting – you have to ensure you’re budgeting appropriately. Often if your only goal is to keep children out of your firearms a simple, sub-$500 gun safe or cabinet is all you need. In these situations, there’s no requirement for quick entry or whiz-bang features – just a place that can lock your firearms away from little hands and uninvited guests.

We’ve used a variety of these safes and cabinets over the years, and these are the considerations that we have learned to look out for.

Placement & Location

As with anything heavy and expensive – make sure you have the room for it! If you’re placing this new budget gun safe in your closet verify the vertical and horizontal space available.

Look for things like cabinets, shelves, and inset depth before committing to receiving a 100lb box at your front door (or you find out you’ll need a plan b for the location once it’s assembled.)

Entry & Locking Mechanisms

As mentioned above – at this price range you really have to decide what the most important feature is to you – and that may be something like quick access.

If that’s the case, you’ll want to focus on biometric long gun safes. If capacity is at the top of your list, look for safes with a standard physical key or possibly a keypad, but the inclusion of a biometric sensor tends to drive up the price of even lower capacity safes.

Pre-drilled holes for mounting

“Some of the safes in this price range have smaller footprints and heavy doors. This means it’s really best to anchor them in place (this is also great for theft deterrence), so look for pre-drilled holes and ensure your placement location can also accommodate anchoring the safe.

If not, you might want to scope out a location that has both the room you need and decent spots for anchors.

Safe Accessories

While you can certainly find a gun safe for under $500 – what you might not get is a lot of bells and whistles.

These budget safes and cabinets aren’t full-on storage systems like some higher-end options, so you’ll have to think through how you can maximize the capability of your budget gun safe with things like handgun hangers, door storage, or a dehumidifier. These extend the functionality of your safe and can be pretty inexpensive.

Each of these budget safes offers a different set of benefits, but our top pick is the Barska Quick Access Biometric Safe. We loved the security of the back-up battery and it touched on all the important criteria for the sub-$500 gun safe:

• Quality build
• Reliable entry systems
• Multiple entry mechanisms
• Mountable

There are quite a few options out in this category of gun safes, but we hope this article steers you in the right direction. If you have any questions or feedback please drop us a line. If you’re in the market for a safe – check out our guide to the best gun safes, bedside gun safes, and ammo safes.

For additional info check out the NRA family’s take on how to select a gun safe.