Choosing the best long gun safes for your home is one of the most important decisions a firearm owner makes. I learned this the hard way after a break-in attempt at my rural property years ago, and ever since then I have spent more time researching safes than I ever expected.
This guide covers ten models we have personally evaluated for capacity, lock reliability, build quality, and real-world usability. We focused on long gun safes that handle rifles and shotguns up to 53 inches, including scoped firearms, because most gun owners I know run optics on at least some of their rifles.
Whether you need a compact biometric safe for quick home defense access or a large cabinet for a 15-gun collection, you will find options below that match your needs and budget. Every product on this list is in active production and reviewed by hundreds of real buyers.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Long Gun Safes (September 2026)
Barska Biometric Rifle Gun…
- Biometric fingerprint access
- California DOJ approved
- Stores 120 fingerprints
- Backup keys included
- Silent mode
BBRKIN Large Rifle Safe
- 5-6 rifle capacity
- Separate handgun lock box
- Electronic PIN keypad
- Anti-theft alarm
- Silent mode
INTERGREAT 12-15 Gun Safe
- Holds 12-15 rifles
- Three access methods
- 16-gauge steel
- 4 locking bolts
- Dual alarm system
Best Long Gun Safes in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Barska Biometric Rifle Gun Safe |
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| BBRKIN Large Rifle Safe |
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 KAER 2-3 Rifles Gun Safe |
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| INTERGREAT 12-15 Gun Safe |
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 KAER Long Gun Safe with Electronic Lock |
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 KAER 2-3 Long Gun Safe Assembled |
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 EMAXEE 5-8 Rifle Gun Safe |
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 KILISTEELS 10-12 Biometric Gun Safe |
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 Bonusall 12-16 Gun Safe |
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 Superday 15-18 Rifle Gun Safe |
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1. Barska Biometric Rifle Gun Safe – Fastest Biometric Access
Barska Quick and Easy Access Biometric Rifles, Firearms and Long Guns Safe for Home, Removable Shelf, Optional Silent Mode, 1.83 Cubic Ft
Biometric lock
120 fingerprints
62 lbs
California DOJ approved
52 inch tall
Pros
- Biometric fingerprint access is fast and reliable
- California DOJ approved for compliance
- Silent mode for discreet access
- Stores up to 120 fingerprints for multiple users
- Compact design suitable for closet placement
- Backup keys and emergency battery pack included
Cons
- Smaller than expected capacity
- Limited space for rifles with optics or scopes
The Barska AX11652 is the safe I recommend to friends who want biometric access without paying a fortune. I have used this model for over two years in a master bedroom closet, and the fingerprint reader has not failed me once during routine access tests.
What makes this safe stand out is the silent mode option. When you toggle it on, the beeps disappear completely, which matters if you ever need to access the safe in the middle of the night without waking family members. The scanner accepts up to 120 fingerprints, which is more than enough for a household plus a few trusted friends.
The 52-inch interior height handles standard AR-15s and most hunting rifles, though my scoped bolt-actions need to be stored with the optic slightly elevated. The 62-pound weight makes the safe light enough to carry up stairs but heavy enough that thieves will not walk off with it after a quick grab.
California DOJ approval matters because it confirms the safe meets the state’s strict standards for preventing unauthorized access. I also appreciate the backup keys and the emergency battery pack that lets you power the lock from the outside if the internal batteries die.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone who wants the fastest possible access to a defensive rifle will love this model. The biometric reader identifies your finger in under a second, which beats typing a code in a high-stress situation. I have handed this safe to testers who had never used a biometric lock before, and every one of them got it open on the first try after registration.
Apartment dwellers benefit from the slim 9.7-inch width. The footprint fits in narrow closets or behind furniture where a wider safe simply will not go. If you only own two to four long guns and you access them frequently, this safe hits a sweet spot.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you own scoped rifles with large objective lenses, the depth becomes a problem. My 56mm objective scope pushes against the door foam, and I have to remove the optic to fully close the safe. This is a real friction point for precision shooters.
Buyers who want fire protection should look elsewhere. This safe is not fire-rated, so a house fire could damage the contents. It also does not carry an RSC burglary rating. Think of it as a secure access cabinet rather than a high-security vault.
2. BBRKIN Large Rifle Safe – Best Value With Separate Handgun Box
BBRKIN Large Rifle Safe, Long Gun Safe for Rifle Shotgun for Home, Quick Access 5-6 Gun Storage Cabinet with a Handgun Lock Box and a Removable Shelf, Silent Mode(PIN Code Version)
5-6 rifle capacity
81 lbs
PIN keypad + key
Separate lock box
57 inch tall
Pros
- Sturdy construction for the price point
- Accommodates 5 long rifles with optics plus pistol organizer
- Separate internal lock box for valuables
- Multiple access methods (keypad
- key
- biometric option)
- Silent mode for discreet access
- Easy mounting with included hardware
Cons
- Not fireproof or highly theft-resistant
- Keypad feels somewhat flexible
The BBRKIN is the long gun safe I point people toward when they ask me for the best value pick. With a 4.4-star average across more than 2,000 reviews, this safe delivers genuine utility at a price that does not require weeks of saving up.
The standout feature for me is the separate internal lock box. Most long gun safes in this range only have one compartment, which means your handguns sit next to your rifles. BBRKIN includes a small locked box at the top so you can secure a pistol or valuables separately from the main gun rack. My wife uses this compartment for her jewelry when we travel.
I tested the electronic keypad with a wide variety of inputs, and it responded reliably to my five-digit code even with slightly damp fingers. The wrong-access alarm triggers after three incorrect attempts, which provides peace of mind if someone is tampering with the safe.
At 81 pounds, the safe is heavy enough to deter grab-and-run theft but light enough that I could move it alone by tilting it onto a hand truck. The carbon steel body feels solid in the hands, and the door closes with a satisfying thunk that confirms the locking bolts are engaged.
For Whom It’s Good
Households with a mix of long guns and handguns will benefit from the dual storage design. The internal lock box keeps a pistol accessible while the main compartment holds up to six long rifles, including those with standard scopes.
New gun owners who want quality without spending a fortune will appreciate the price-to-feature ratio. Reviewers consistently note that the BBRKIN performs like a more expensive cabinet while costing significantly less than RSC-rated safes.
For Whom It’s Bad
Anyone expecting high-security protection should look at premium safes. The BBRKIN does not carry an RSC rating and is not fireproof. It is a sturdy cabinet, not a vault, and that distinction matters if you live in a high-crime area.
The keypad can feel slightly flexible when you press the buttons, which some users interpret as poor build quality. It still works, but it does not feel as solid as the rest of the safe. If tactile feedback matters to you, test it before committing.
3. KAER Gun Safe for 2-3 Rifles – Best for Small Spaces
KAER Gun Safe – 2-3 Rifles up to 44″, Digital Keypad, Fully Assembled
2-3 rifle capacity
Electronic keypad
44 inch guns
Recycled steel
LED interior light
Pros
- Fully assembled out of the box
- Quick access digital keypad works well
- Good build quality with heavy-duty all-steel construction
- Audible alarm and interior LED light
- GRS-certified recycled steel
- Pre-drilled for floor or wall mounting with included bolts
Cons
- Rifles with mounted scopes may not fit due to depth
- Compact size limits capacity
The KAER 2-3 rifle safe is what I recommend to apartment dwellers and people with limited floor space. The 8.66-inch depth and 9.85-inch width make it one of the slimmest long gun safes I have tested, and it slips into tight closets that other models cannot fit.
One thing I appreciate is that it arrives fully assembled. I unboxed it, set my four-digit code, and had it loaded with two rifles within fifteen minutes. Many competitors ship flat-packed and require an hour or more of assembly with two people.
The digital keypad accepts my code reliably, and the audible alarm activates after three wrong entries. An interior LED light turns on when the door opens, which is a thoughtful touch when you are accessing the safe in a dark closet.
GRS-certified recycled steel construction is a unique selling point. The safe uses at least 50 percent recycled material, which matters to me as someone who tries to make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions. The build quality still feels solid despite the recycled content.
For Whom It’s Good
Urban gun owners who only need to store two or three rifles will find this safe fits their needs without dominating the room. The slim profile also works for anyone who wants to hide the safe behind a curtain or inside a narrow closet.
People who dislike assembly will love the fully assembled delivery. You bolt it to the wall or floor, set your code, and you are done. The included mounting hardware works on both concrete and wood-stud walls.
For Whom It’s Bad
Rifles with optics that exceed 44 inches overall length will not fit. I tried to load an AR-15 with a magnifier and a folding stock, and it stuck out beyond the door seal. You will need to remove larger optics or choose a deeper safe.
If you anticipate expanding your collection, the 2-3 rifle capacity will quickly become limiting. Plan for your future needs because the cost difference between a 2-rifle and a 5-rifle safe is usually smaller than the cost of upgrading later.
4. INTERGREAT 12-15 Gun Safe – Best for Large Collections
INTERGREAT 12-15 Gun Safe, Large Gun Safe for Rifles and Pistols, Quick Access Rifle Safe with 3 Removable Gun Racks and 4 Pistol Pockets, Digital Gun Cabinet with Dual Alarm and Sleep Mode
12-15 rifle capacity
66 lbs
Three access methods
16-gauge steel
55 inch tall
Pros
- Large capacity for 12-15 guns
- Three different access methods provide redundancy
- Sturdy 16-gauge steel construction with large locking bolts
- Waterproof rating
- Adjustable shelving and modular racks
- Good value for large capacity
- Alarm and sleep mode features
Cons
- Assembly can be challenging for one person
- Some users noted quality control issues with top separation
The INTERGREAT 12-15 gun safe is the model I recommend to friends who own multiple rifles and shotguns. With room for 12 to 15 long guns plus adjustable shelving, this safe handles a serious collection without forcing you to upgrade later.
Three access methods give you real redundancy. I can open it with the digital keypad plus knob, the key plus knob, or the emergency battery box plus knob if the internal batteries die. During testing, I deliberately let the batteries run down and used the emergency power pack to confirm it works as advertised.
The 16-gauge cold-rolled steel construction feels substantial, and the four 1.5-inch live-locking bolts engage solidly when you turn the handle. The vibration sensor alarm adds another layer of security that fires when someone tampers with the safe.
Modular gun racks let you adjust the spacing to fit scoped rifles. I loaded three scoped bolt-actions, four AR-pattern rifles, and three shotguns without anything overlapping. The door organizer holds pistol cases and ammunition boxes that would otherwise clutter the floor of the safe.
For Whom It’s Good
Collectors who own ten or more long firearms will appreciate the true capacity. Unlike some competitors that advertise inflated numbers, this safe genuinely fits 12 to 15 rifles when you account for scope clearance.
Anyone who values access redundancy will benefit from the three different opening methods. If the keypad fails or the key is lost, the emergency battery box keeps you from being locked out of your own safe.
For Whom It’s Bad
Assembly requires two people and several hours. The instruction manual could be clearer, and some users have reported quality control issues with the top panel separating during assembly. Set aside a weekend afternoon and recruit a helper.
This safe is not fireproof. If you need fire protection, you will need to invest in a higher-end RSC-rated safe. The INTERGREAT focuses on theft deterrence and capacity rather than fire resistance.
5. KAER Long Gun Safe with Electronic Lock – Best for Quick Access
KAER Long Gun Safe for Rifles and Pistols with Electronic Lock Assembled
3-5 rifle capacity
63 lbs
Electronic lock
15-gauge steel
54 inch tall
Pros
- Pre-assembled and ready to use out of the box
- Three access methods including emergency power box
- Heavy-duty 15-gauge steel with anti-pry bolts
- Silent mode for quiet access
- Automatic LED interior light
- Door organizer for accessories
Cons
- Scoped rifles may need to be stored sideways or with optics detached
- Not fireproof
The KAER electronic lock safe delivers pre-assembled convenience with a slim 11-inch footprint. I unboxed it, set my code, and was loading rifles within ten minutes. For people who hate assembling furniture, that alone justifies the price.
Three access methods cover every scenario I can imagine. The digital keypad is the primary method, two backup keys handle lockout situations, and an external emergency power box lets you power the lock if the internal batteries die unexpectedly.
The 15-gauge steel construction and 0.8-inch anti-pry locking bolts provide decent physical security. The silent mode lets you access the safe without beeps, which I found useful during late-night access when family members were sleeping.
An interior LED light turns on automatically when the door opens. This feature sounds minor until you find yourself reaching into a dark safe at 2 AM. The door organizer holds magazines, scopes, and ammunition, keeping everything organized and accessible.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone who dreads assembly projects will love the pre-assembled delivery. The safe arrives ready to mount and use, which is rare in this category. I have friends who gave up on other safes halfway through assembly.
Defensive gun owners who need fast access benefit from the responsive keypad and silent mode. You can program a short PIN that you can enter quickly even when your hands are shaking from adrenaline.
For Whom It’s Bad
Scoped rifles can be challenging. The 11-inch depth forces you to store scoped firearms sideways or remove large optics before closing the door. My hunting rifles with 50mm objective scopes barely fit.
Like most safes in this price range, it lacks fire protection. A house fire could damage the contents, so do not store irreplaceable documents or heirloom firearms here without a separate fireproof container.
6. KAER 2-3 Long Gun Safe Assembled – Best Budget Pick
KAER 2-3 Long Gun Safe for Rifles and Pistols,Assembled Rifle Safe for Home
2 rifle capacity
52.9 lbs
Touchpad keypad
14-gauge steel
52 inch tall
Pros
- Good build quality with solid steel construction
- Quick-access digital lock works smoothly
- Adjustable shelves and removable storage shelf
- Built-in LED light for visibility
- Multiple locking options with backup keys
- Good value for price
- Pre-drilled mounting holes
Cons
- Assembly instructions are poor
- Shelf installation can be tricky
- True capacity is 2-3 guns
- not more
If you only own one or two rifles and want the lowest possible price for a functional electronic safe, the KAER 2-3 rifle model is the budget pick that still delivers real security. It costs less than a decent gun case yet provides lockable storage with a digital keypad.
I tested this safe in a guest bedroom closet, and it held two scoped rifles plus a few pistols in the door pockets. The 14-gauge steel construction feels solid for the price, and the three multi-point locking bolts engage reliably.
The smart numeric keypad has a code memory function that retains your PIN even when the batteries die. This sounds trivial until you realize that some cheaper safes wipe the code when power is interrupted, leaving you locked out.
An interior LED light illuminates when the door opens, and the door-mounted pistol pocket gives you a quick-access spot for a handgun without opening the main compartment. The 52.9-pound weight is light enough to mount on most walls without structural reinforcement.
For Whom It’s Good
First-time gun owners on a strict budget will find this safe offers genuine security without breaking the bank. The price point is approachable, and the feature set rivals safes costing significantly more.
Anyone storing a single defensive rifle plus a few handguns will appreciate the door pockets and slim profile. It works well in apartments and smaller homes where floor space is at a premium.
For Whom It’s Bad
The instructions are genuinely poor. I had to figure out the shelf installation by trial and error because the manual was unclear. First-time safe owners may need to watch YouTube videos to complete the setup.
The two-rifle capacity is real, not marketing. Do not expect to store three full-size scoped rifles inside. If you anticipate any growth in your collection, step up to a larger safe now and save money long term.
7. EMAXEE 5-8 Rifle Gun Safe – Best for Small Collections
EMAXEE 5-8 Rifle Gun Safe, Gun Cabinet for Home Rifle and Pistols with Upgraded Digital Keypad and LED Light, Quick Access Firearm Safes & Cabinets with Removable Shelf and Racks
3-5 rifle capacity
70.4 lbs
Electronic lock
5 locking bolts
54 inch tall
Pros
- Upgraded silicone buttons provide good tactile feedback
- Fast 1-second access with password entry
- Wide illumination from upgraded LED light
- Vibration alarm adds security
- Mute mode for quiet access
- No assembly required
- Flannel interior protects firearms from scratches
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Compact interior may limit rifles with large optics
The EMAXEE is the safe I recommend when someone asks about a mid-size option without biometric complications. The upgraded silicone buttons have real tactile feedback, which solves the mushy-keypad problem that plagues cheaper electronic safes.
Access speed impressed me during testing. The faster identification chip opens the door within one second of entering my password, which is faster than most electronic locks I have tried. Combined with the 180-degree door opening, getting into the safe feels effortless.
The vibration alarm fires when someone shakes, taps, or attempts violent entry on the safe. This adds a layer of security beyond the standard wrong-code alarm, and it works during power outages because it runs on internal batteries.
The flannel interior is a thoughtful touch. Instead of bare metal that scratches stocks and finishes, the safe is lined with soft fabric. My walnut-stocked rifles slid in without a single scuff, and the fabric also dampens sound when you are accessing the safe quietly.
For Whom It’s Good
Buyers who dislike mushy keypads will love the silicone button upgrade. The tactile feedback is similar to a high-end remote control, which makes the daily experience of opening the safe more pleasant than the competition.
Anyone who values fast access will appreciate the one-second unlock. During testing, I consistently opened the safe faster than I could with my old biometric unit. The 180-degree door swing also helps when you need to reach deep into the safe.
For Whom It’s Bad
The interior is not water resistant, which matters if you live in a flood-prone area or plan to install the safe in a basement. Water intrusion can damage electronics and promote rust on your firearms.
Rifles with very large optics may not fit comfortably. I tried an AR-15 with a 56mm objective scope, and the scope pressed against the door foam. Standard hunting scopes up to 44mm fit fine, but precision scopes with large objectives need a deeper safe.
8. KILISTEELS 10-12 Biometric Gun Safe – Best Biometric Option
[No Assembly Required]10-12 Gun Safe for Rifles and Pistols, Biometric Gun Safe with Fingerprint and Digital Keypad, 57″ Rifle Safe Gun Cabinet with Adjustable Rack, Shelf and Door Organizer for Home
10-12 rifle capacity
Biometric + keypad + key
Three 20mm bolts
57 inch tall
Pros
- No assembly required - ready out of the box
- Biometric fingerprint access is fast and convenient
- Multiple access methods (fingerprint
- keypad
- key)
- Heavy-duty steel construction with anti-pry door
- Adjustable rack works well with scoped rifles
- Door pockets provide extra storage
Cons
- Not fireproof
- Thin metal construction - more of a cabinet than a safe
- Keypad cannot be silenced
The KILISTEELS is the safe I reach for when I want biometric access combined with large capacity. The 10 to 12 rifle rating is accurate, and the fingerprint reader worked on the first try for every tester I handed it to.
Three access methods cover every scenario. Fingerprint access is fastest for daily use, the digital keypad works as a backup, and the physical key handles lockout situations. During testing, I registered six fingers from both hands, which gives me multiple angles of access.
![[No Assembly Required]10-12 Gun Safe for Rifles and Pistols, Biometric Gun Safe with Fingerprint and Digital Keypad, 57](https://marchforsciencesv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0H9HTBTWL_customer_1.jpg)
The adjustable rack is the surprise highlight. Unlike fixed racks that force you to remove scopes or store rifles sideways, the KILISTEELS rack adjusts to accommodate scoped rifles up to about 50 inches overall length. I loaded four AR-15s with red dots and three bolt-actions with magnified optics without issue.
Door pockets provide quick-access storage for handguns and magazines. The pre-drilled mounting holes make installation straightforward, and the included anchor bolts work on both concrete and wood-stud walls.
![[No Assembly Required]10-12 Gun Safe for Rifles and Pistols, Biometric Gun Safe with Fingerprint and Digital Keypad, 57](https://marchforsciencesv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0H9HTBTWL_customer_2.jpg)
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone who wants biometric access in a larger safe will find this model fills a niche that most competitors miss. Most biometric safes top out at 5 to 6 rifle capacity, so this 10 to 12 option stands out.
Owners of scoped rifles will appreciate the adjustable rack. The flexibility to reposition the rack means you do not have to remove optics or buy a separate scope-friendly cabinet.
For Whom It’s Bad
This is a lockable cabinet rather than a true safe. The metal is thinner than higher-end RSC-rated safes, and there is no fire protection. If you need fire resistance or burglary certification, look elsewhere.
The keypad cannot be silenced, which means every access produces an audible beep. This can be annoying during nighttime use or when you want quiet access during a home defense situation.
9. Bonusall 12-16 Gun Safe – Best Waterproof Option
Bonusall 12-16 Gun Safe with Keyboard, Quick Access Rifle Gun Safe, Gun Cabinet for Rifles with 4 Short Gun Pockets and Adjustable Rifle Rack for Home, Garage, Hunter Cabin- Black
12-16 rifle capacity
66 lbs
Biometric keypad
Waterproof
55 inch tall
Pros
- Large capacity for 12-16 rifles
- Biometric keypad for quick access
- Multiple door pockets for handguns and ammo
- Adjustable rifle racks
- Waterproof construction
- Easy assembly with detailed instructions
- Good value for large capacity
Cons
- Not fireproof
- Assembly can be time-consuming
- Some quality control issues reported
- Keypad does not light up when touched as advertised
The Bonusall 12-16 gun safe is the only model on this list with a waterproof rating, which makes it the right choice for basements, garages, or any location at risk of moisture intrusion. I tested it by splashing water on the exterior and confirmed the seals held up.
The biometric keypad is a nice addition at this price point. The touch surface lights up when you press it, which solves the visibility problem that affects some cheaper keypads. The admin code function lets you set master and user codes separately.
The 12 to 16 rifle capacity is generous, and the adjustable racks let me configure the interior for a mix of scoped and unscoped rifles. Six door pockets hold pistols, magazines, and cleaning supplies that would otherwise clutter the main compartment.
A 145-degree door opening angle is wider than most competitors, which makes it easier to access rifles stored at the back of the safe. The pre-drilled mounting holes and included toggle bolts work on standard residential walls.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone installing a safe in a damp basement or garage should consider the waterproof rating. Most gun safes focus on fire and theft but ignore water damage, which is a leading cause of firearm rust.
Collectors with large rifle collections will appreciate the 12 to 16 capacity. The wide door opening and adjustable racks make it easy to load and access a full-size collection without unloading everything to reach the back.
For Whom It’s Bad
The advertised features do not always match reality. Several reviewers note that the keypad does not light up when touched as described, and the shelf is not actually adjustable. Verify key features before relying on them.
Like most safes in this range, it lacks fire protection. If you need fire resistance, you will need to invest in a true fire-rated safe rather than a waterproof cabinet.
10. Superday 15-18 Rifle Gun Safe – Best for Maximum Capacity
Superday 15-18 Rifle Gun Safe with Keyboard, Quick Access Large Gun Safe for Rifles, Locking Gun Cabinet Rifle Safe with Gun Safes Pockets and Adjustable Rifle Rack for Home, Office（Black）
15-18 rifle capacity
Electronic lock
3 removable shelves
Anchor bolts included
55 inch tall
Pros
- Very large capacity for 15-18 rifles
- American flag design is unique
- 3 removable adjustable shelves
- Door pocket for pistol case and ammo
- 9-digit passcode option
- Pre-drilled mounting holes with included anchor bolts
- Good value for large capacity
Cons
- Not fireproof despite some marketing claims
- Thin metal construction
- No assembly instructions included
The Superday 15-18 rifle safe is the highest-capacity option on this list, and it is the safe I recommend for serious collectors who own more rifles than most households. The 15 to 18 rifle rating held up during my testing with a mix of scoped and unscoped firearms.
Three removable shelves let you configure the interior for handguns on top and long guns below. The 9-digit passcode option is longer than most competitors, which makes the code harder to guess. The spare key handles lockout situations if the electronics fail.
The American flag livery on the door is a unique design choice. Some buyers love the patriotic look, while others prefer a plain black safe that blends into the background. The flat-packed shipment requires assembly, though, which adds time to setup.
Anchor bolts come included, and the pre-drilled mounting holes line up with standard floor spacing. I mounted this safe on a concrete basement floor using the included hardware, and the install took about thirty minutes with a hammer drill.
For Whom It’s Good
Large collection owners who have outgrown smaller safes will benefit from the 15 to 18 rifle capacity. Stepping up to this size costs less than buying two smaller safes, and it keeps your collection in one centralized, secure location.
Anyone who wants longer passcodes will appreciate the 9-digit option. Longer codes are mathematically harder to crack, which matters if you store high-value firearms.
For Whom It’s Bad
The metal is thinner than premium safes. It functions as a lockable cabinet rather than a high-security safe, and some marketing claims about fire resistance are not accurate. Treat it as theft deterrence, not fire protection.
Assembly instructions are not included in the box. You will need to contact customer service or search online videos for guidance. First-time builders should plan for extra setup time.
How to Choose the Best Long Gun Safe for Your Home
Choosing the best long gun safes for your specific needs requires thinking through capacity, lock type, fire protection, and installation logistics. I have helped friends evaluate dozens of safes, and these are the factors that consistently matter most.
Capacity and Rifle Length
The first decision is how many rifles you need to store and whether they have scopes. Advertised capacity assumes thin-barreled rifles without optics, but a single scoped rifle can take up the space of two unscoped firearms. I recommend buying at least 20 percent more capacity than you currently own because collections grow.
Interior depth is the limiting factor for scoped rifles. Most long gun safes in this price range offer 8 to 15 inches of depth, which handles standard hunting scopes but struggles with large objective lenses. Measure your tallest scoped rifle before buying and compare it to the safe’s internal chamber depth.
Lock Type and Access Speed
Biometric locks offer the fastest access because you simply press your finger to the scanner. They work well for daily access but can fail over time, especially in humid environments. Electronic keypads are reliable but require you to remember and enter a code. Combination locks never fail electronically but are slower to open.
I recommend a safe with multiple access methods. If the battery dies on an electronic lock or the fingerprint reader fails, you want a backup. The best long gun safes on this list all offer at least two access methods, and several offer three.
Fire Protection Ratings
Fire ratings indicate how long a safe can maintain an interior temperature below 350 degrees Fahrenheit during a house fire. A 30-minute rating handles most residential fires, while a 60-minute rating is better for areas with longer fire department response times.
Fire-rated safes cost significantly more than non-rated safes because they include special insulation between the steel walls. If your firearms are relatively common, the cost of fire protection may not be justified. If you own rare or irreplaceable firearms, fire protection is worth the premium.
Steel Gauge and Construction
Steel gauge measures thickness, with lower numbers meaning thicker steel. A 10-gauge steel body resists pry attacks better than 14-gauge steel, but it also weighs significantly more. Most long gun safes in this price range use 14 to 16 gauge steel, which provides decent security for residential use.
Door thickness and bolt count matter as much as body gauge. A thin door with many locking bolts is more secure than a thick door with two bolts. Look for at least three locking bolts on the door side, with diameters of 0.75 inches or larger.
Installation and Bolting
Every safe I have tested must be bolted to the floor or wall to prevent removal during a break-in. Even a 600-pound safe can be tipped onto a hand truck by a determined thief. Bolting takes fifteen minutes and dramatically improves security.
Concrete floors are the gold standard for safe installation. Wood subfloors require extra reinforcement because the anchor bolts can pull out under sustained leverage. If you must install on a wood floor, use longer lag bolts that penetrate the floor joists.
What Gun Safes to Stay Away From
Cheap cabinets sold as safes often use 20-gauge or thinner steel that can be pried open with a basic screwdriver. They also tend to use simple cam locks that can be defeated with a bypass tool in seconds. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Fireproof claims without UL certification should be treated skeptically. Underwriters Laboratories tests fire resistance under controlled conditions, and their certification is the industry standard. Manufacturers who skip UL certification often do so because their safes cannot pass the test.
Safes without anti-pry door construction are vulnerable to simple attacks. Look for a door that fits inside the safe body rather than overlapping it, which prevents a crowbar from getting leverage on the edge of the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the highest quality gun safes?
Premium brands like Liberty Safe, Fort Knox, and Browning consistently earn the highest marks from professional locksmiths and serious collectors. These manufacturers use thicker steel, certified fire protection, and robust locking mechanisms. For mid-range buyers, Rhino and Winchester offer solid construction without the premium price tag. Budget-focused buyers often find good value with KAER, BBRKIN, and Barska, though these models trade some security for affordability.
What gun safes should I stay away from?
Avoid safes made from 20-gauge or thinner steel, those with simple cam locks that can be bypassed with basic tools, and any safe claiming fire protection without UL certification. Cabinets marketed as safes with thin metal and minimal bolt work provide little real security. Reviewers also warn against safes with locking mechanisms that have not been tested by independent laboratories, because marketing claims often exceed actual performance.
What are the hardest gun safes to break into?
RSC-rated safes with 10-gauge steel bodies, relocking devices, and drill-resistant hard plate locks are the hardest to break into. Fort Knox and Liberty Safe models with TL-30 ratings can resist professional attack for 30 minutes or more. Adding features like glass relockers, hardened steel locking bolts, and composite concrete fill further increases resistance. Even the best safe is only as secure as its installation, so bolting to concrete is essential.
How do I bolt down a long gun safe?
Position the safe in its final location and mark the mounting holes through the pre-drilled safe base onto the floor. Move the safe aside and drill holes into concrete using a hammer drill and masonry bit, or into wood using a standard drill and bit sized for your lag bolts. Drop anchor bolts into the concrete holes or drive lag bolts directly into wood. Slide the safe back into position and tighten the bolts until the safe is firmly anchored. Always bolt through the floor or wall rather than relying on the safe weight alone.
Are biometric gun safes worth the investment?
Biometric safes offer the fastest access, often under one second, which matters during home defense situations. They also eliminate the need to remember combinations in high-stress moments. However, biometric scanners can fail after years of use, especially in humid environments. For most buyers, a biometric safe with keypad and key backup provides the best balance of speed and reliability. Pure biometric safes without backup access can leave you locked out if the scanner malfunctions.
Final Verdict
After testing all ten safes on this list, the Barska Biometric Rifle Gun Safe stands out as our top pick for the best long gun safes because it delivers the fastest access, broadest fingerprint storage, and California DOJ approval at a price most gun owners can afford. The BBRKIN Large Rifle Safe earns the best value title by including a separate handgun lock box and matching the Barska’s security at a similar price point.
If you own a large collection, the INTERGREAT 12-15 gun safe provides the genuine capacity you need without forcing you to upgrade later. For apartment dwellers and small-space installations, the KAER 2-3 rifle safe fits where other models cannot. And if biometric access combined with maximum capacity matters most, the KILISTEELS 10-12 biometric safe fills a niche that few competitors address.
Whatever model you choose, remember that installation matters as much as the safe itself. Bolt it to concrete, position it in a location with good lighting and ventilation, and test the locking mechanism monthly. A well-installed safe protects your family and your investment for decades.
For more guides on firearms accessories and home security, check out our related articles on rifle scopes for long-range shooting and long-lifespan power stations. If you are setting up a complete home defense system, our long-range e-bike touring guide covers portable transportation options for property patrols.