10 Durable Gun Safe Under 500 Reviews – Top Choices for You (2020)

Ranked as one of the most popular, budget-friendly gun safes, the SV500 is designed to keep your handgun safe. First off, it boasts a high-strength lock mechanism which is virtually impenetrable with any hand tool.

Perhaps its 18-gauge steel body is to thank for this. If you have no idea what this kind of steel is like, then it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a rock-solid, constructed piece of metal. This is heavy-gauge steel which is meant to offer top-notch security at all times.

To add onto safety, this gun safe also comes with backup override keys. This is an extremely important feature as it ensures you can access your safe with no qualms even in case of an EMP attack.

Its interior is not only padded with interior foam but is also adequately illuminated with a courtesy light. This light activates immediately you open the safe. The feature comes in handy in ensuring you’re able to view your valuables in the dark, safely and discreetly.

But what happens to the light when there’s a power blackout?

You might be wondering. Well, the good news is that the Gunvault SV500 comes with a 9-volt battery. This is an ever-reliable alkaline battery which keeps the safe going even when put to use in a place with no power supply.

So, we’ve said that this safe is practically impermeable to any attempts to tamper with it – but is it fire and burglary-proof?

Well, the only way the manufacturer could provide an answer to this question was by providing a 5-year full warranty on this vault.

So, if in case this vault falls below your expectations, the manufacturer is fully ready to be held accountable for that. And if the reviews that different users have posted about the SV500 are anything to go by, this safe offers a pretty good deal.

The way you store your handgun is bound to change for good if you give this safe a shot. Not that it’s huge or even that its batteries are super-powerful but it certainly is worth its weight in gold. Indeed, the SentrySafe QAP1BE dangles a myriad of user-friendly features to its potential owners.

For instance, it comes with built-in biometric access. Its biometric lock comes with a fingerprint scanner which is designed to provide advanced protection.

But what if you hear burglars at your door and would like to open the safe without alerting them of your next move?

Well, the good news about this handgun safe is that it’s designed to operate quietly and discreetly. It has a gas strut which does an incredible job of opening the doors silently. Most importantly (and for added safety) its door is designed to offer single-handed access. That alone enhances user-experience and makes your life a tad better.

It is one thing for a safe to come with all the bells and whistles but if it fails to offer adequate security, then you’re better off not going for it.

So, how does the SentrySafe Pistol Safe fare in this regard?

Well, first off, it comes with a pry-resistant door and a heavy-duty steel exterior. To top it all up, this unit is designed to be painlessly easy to mount either on the head of your bed or the wall. You can even spray-paint it to make it look exactly like any other appliances in your home.

On top of that, you also get an electronic lock which is optimized to operate as a zero-feedback silent entry lock. But in case the electronic system fails (maybe if the battery runs low) an override key is provided as a backup. 

Known for being light-weight but secure, the MV500 stands out with its generous interior storage space. Although the safe is quite compact, it offers enough space for one pistol, a magazine, and several bullets.

Perhaps the reason for its light-weight is the fact that it uses 20-gauge steel as opposed to 18-gauge which is common among its competitors. The main advantage of it being of light-weight is that it is quite portable. You can even pack it up in your RV as you head out for that picnicking or bugging out mission.

Yet another unique attribute of the MV500 is that it is designed to work with a no-eyes keypad. This is a rather unique and secure keypad which can easily be customized to suit your unique needs. All you need to do is create a unique code using different digit combinations with over 12 million variations being provided.

For added user-friendliness, the safe comes with a handy audio feedback feature. This feature confirms the correct keypad entries. However, if you’d like to operate the safe stealthily, you’d only need to disable this mode of operation.

The fact that this safe is battery-operated means it is also highly portable. But above all, unlike other gun safes of its caliber, this one comes with a tamper indicator. The indicator alerts you of any invalid attempts to access the safe. Above all, there’s a built-in computer in place which prevents further tampering when there are too many invalid entries made.

If you are on the market for a portable gun safe for safeguarding your ammunition and firearm, the First Alert 5200DF is a product worth checking out. Weighing just 4 pounds while measuring just 3.5” x 9.3” x 11.5”, it offers a great combination of portability and safety. In fact, it will fit in many convenient locations around the house.

As far as the construction of this home gun safe is concerned, it features durable 18-gauge steel housing that offers your firearms solid protection from all the elements to ensure long-lasting performance. The safe is also powder coated to protect your weapons from rust and corrosion. As if that’s not enough, it is fitted with a foam-lined interior that provides your gun a soft bed to rest on to avoid getting scuffed.

But you know what else?

The safe is equipped with an electronic keypad for maximum security of your pistol or handgun during storage. The keypad allows you to set a three to eight digit passcode with a “no-see” feature so that other people don’t get to see it. However, the safe can easily be accessed via the two emergency override keys included.

What’s more?

The safe’s door features a spring-loaded locking function for quick access to all your contents, especially, during an emergency. On top of that, it includes a 1,500-pound steel cable for securing it to a safe place. As a matter of fact, you can also mount it to a shelf, your car trunk’s floor or the closet via the pre-drilled holes by bolting it. 

The STEALTH Handgun safe is best suited for people who possess up to five handguns. It features three steel rods that hold three guns at the ready and two extra handguns flat. But here is the best part; the rods are coated using heat shrink tubing to protect your firearms from scratches and any damage.

Included with this gun safe is also a free high-strength cable to ensure optimal security of your weapons. In addition to this, it comes equipped with anti-pry tabs along with a solid locking latch that makes it nearly impossible for intruders to pry it open. This leaves you feeling confident knowing that your kids cannot have access to your handguns.

But wait, there’s more. The safe boasts two-piece steel door with a thickness of 3/8” making it insanely hard for thieves to tamper with. However, to ensure quick access to your contents once you enter the correct combination, the door is spring loaded. What is more, it features a welded steel-lock construction to prevent the release mechanism from being tampered with by anything.

Featuring durable steel construction, the STEALTH Handgun Safe is not only resistant to hacking and prying but also drilling. Its interior, on the other hand, is made of high-density protective foam to ensure you don’t scratch or damage your firearms. Located at the back of the safe is an interior shelf that is capable of holding one large clip or two small ones.

And another thing, the safe comes with an electronic keypad that allows you to enter a six-digit combination passcode for fast access. Similarly, it boasts red interior lighting once you manage to open the door so you can clearly see your contents, especially in the dark. 

Next up is another cheap home gun safe that is designed with both the comfort and usability of every gun enthusiast in mind. Like the rest of the safes in this guide, the Stack-On GCB-910 is approved by the California Department of Justice to meet their standards for safely storing guns.

Designed to hold up to 10 rifles or shotguns with a maximum height of 52 inches, there is no doubt that this cabinet is best suited for people with several firearms.

And you know what?

It has a removable top shelf made of steel construction to allow for additional storage. In addition to that, at the back of the safe is a shelf so you can store longer riffles in the front conveniently.

Additionally, the cabinet features welded steel construction which guarantees long-term durability while ensuring superior protection, especially against drill attacks. And to give it a nice appearance, it is coated with a baked epoxy black finish that gives it a classic look.

Beyond that, the Stack-On GCB-910 cabinet includes a three-point locking system crafted from high-quality steel along with a double-butted key lock that is coded for added theft deterrent. As if that’s not enough, it is fitted with a large locking plate behind the door frame to ensure optimal security of your guns.

To top it off, the cabinet spots a flush mount at the bottom plus pre-drilled holes for easier fastening and mounting either to the floor or the wall. Most importantly, it comes with barrel rests to help you keep your riffles in place. 

If you are on the look-out for a gun safe under 1000 bucks, this GunVault FV2000C-STD should probably be on your list. Featuring patented No-eyes keypad, the safe is designed with simplicity and convenience mind. The keypad ensures lightning quick access to your hunting guns and other valuables even in the dark.

Any interesting features here?

The device comes programmed with over 12 million access codes that are user selectable for gun safe quick access. As if that’s not enough, when you enter the correct passcode, there is an audio feedback to confirm instantly.

However, you can disable the audio feature for silent mode operation. In addition to this, it is incorporated with a computer designed to block access in case of repeated invalid passcode entries.

One thing that fascinates most about this home gun safe is the amount of space it provides for your valuables. As it turns out, it is fitted with a removable interior shelf that allows you to store your small valuables like passport and jewelry along with multiple pistols.

What’s more?

It is powered by a 9 Volt Alkaline battery for easy portability and optimal security.

Made of 16-gauge steel housing, the GunVault FV2000C-STD boasts rock-solid construction to provide you with the highest level of security for your firearms. To top it off, its interior is outfitted with soft foam to prevent rattling and protect your valuable items from damage. And for your peace of mind, the manufacturer offers you a five-year warranty for fire and burglary.

Finally but most importantly, the safe includes a low battery indicator to let you know any time your battery is running low. This ensures you have adequate time to replace it. 

With the VAULTEK VT20i safe, you can take comfort knowing that your handgun is well protected from burglars or your children. It is fitted with anti-pry bars alongside two-point latchets to prevent a forceful break-in and impacts. On top of that, the safe boasts biometric fingerprint scanner with the ability to store up to 20 user IDs. The scanner features a high-resolution sensor to ensure accurate and quick access.

But here’s the interesting thing; its exterior shell is constructed with 16-gauge carbon steel to provide your firearms solid protection from all elements. Further, it is coated with a durable powder finish to prevent corrosion while ensuring long-lasting performance. Additionally, the safe includes a heavy-duty 4-foot steel security cable for added theft deterrent.

Another interesting feature of the VAULTEK VT20i is its rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that is capable of lasting for months on just a single charge. In addition to this, it only takes 2.5 hours to recharge it using the included micro-USB charging cable or AC power adapter.

For added user friendliness, it features a Smart App that enables you to track safe usage, check for possible tampering, adjust interior LED, view battery status and unlock the safe when within range. Most importantly, the safe is equipped with adjustable interior LED light and a backlit keypad for ease of use in low light conditions. 

The Stack-On TC-16-GB-K-DS is yet another great safe worth checking out if you are in need of a cabinet that offers your firearms adequate protection. While it does not incorporate any fancy features like a biometric fingerprint reader or electronic keypad, it does offer its owners an amazing level of security.

First of all, it is fitted with a three-point locking mechanism along with a double-bitted key cylinder lock that is coded to ensure maximum security of your belongings. And another thing, the safe is approved by the California Justice Department for meeting their strict safety standards.

What’s more?

The cabinet is designed to accommodate two tactical weapons and approximately 14 standard shotguns or rifles. But here is the best part; it features adjustable barrel rests to securely hold the tactical weapons in place.

To top it all up, the tactical storage section can be transformed to shelving so you can store pistols, ammo and other items. Last but not least, it includes three removable half shelves and one full-width shelf made of durable steel. 

Keeping your guns safe and secure requires one to invest in the best kind of technology possible. Luckily with the advent of biometric technology, you need not worry about dealing with cumbersome manual locks. Once you receive your new safe, all you’ll require to do is register your fingerprints and enter a backup PIN code.

The PIN code acts as a backup access tool. This is unlike in other safes which come only with an electronic lock or a manual override key. With the PIN code, all you’d need to do is use it in case the machine fails to detect your fingerprints or if you request the assistance of someone whose biometrics aren’t programmed in the safe. The exterior of the VS-20BLX is made from 20-gauge steel.

 Just how good is this kind of steel?

Well, to break it down for you, this is the kind of steel that can withstand laser cuts in addition to being pry-resistant. On top of that, we find that it is seamlessly welded with military precision for a scratch-resistant finish.

Its interior is 100% carpeted which effectively protects your precious guns from damage. And to make sure the unit remains in place even if burglars try to steal it, it comes with locking deadbolts. These are motorized and also motorized by two anti-pry insertion sections – ultimately providing you with added safety.

Good guns cost quite a few bucks. Besides that, there’s sentimental value attached to gun ownership and as such, you don’t want to end up losing your precious rifles and pistols to thieves. A well-made safe helps brings all these concerns to an end. Truth be told, if guns end up on the wrong hands, the already worrying issue of gun violence might get out of hand.

Besides the safe itself, different accessories exist. All these are meant to ensure you get the most out of your unit. For instance, you can always find anchor kits on sale and these are mainly used for mounting the safe. Some safe users prefer to invest in a danger sticker – this can come in handy when you want to send out a warning message to any person who might not have an idea that gun safes are for storing dangerous weapons.

For an added layer of safety, an investment in a safe cover might prove necessary in keeping the unit discrete. It is also worth noting that some safes do not come with mounting gear. Once again, you can always turn to outlets that sell gun safe accessories for mounting brackets. The same case applies to safe lights and power adapters.

Other handy accessories include dehumidifiers, security cables, replacement locks (should be replaced by certified professionals), dusters, lock lights; mounting brackets, pistol hangers, as well as storage magnets.

Remember, in order to get the best accessories, you may need to liaise with your safe manufacturer. For instance, safety locks would be best if bought directly from the manufacturer so you’re sure they’re compatible with your safe’s design.