Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
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Every gun enthusiast knows how important it is to keep your guns safe. If you don’t, then not only are you at risk of losing one of your most valued possessions, and the safety of yourself and those around you can be compromised. One of the best ways to keep your guns safe is investing in the best cheap gun safes.
Bulldog Cases Pistol Vault, 12"X9"X4", Digital Lock, Standard Top Open Drawer Safe, Black BD1030
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There are many different gun safes, ranging from small gun safes for one or two handguns to large walk-in safes that can keep dozens of rifles and shotguns. These gun safes vary in price, with some companies charging several thousands of dollars for a single safe.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best cheap gun safes, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best Cheap Gun Safes
We have reviewed some of the best cheap gun safes on the market to help guide you in your search. All of these safes come at extremely affordable prices and can fit in any budget, whether you’re on a shoestring budget or looking for the best value buy out there.
5 Best Cheap Gun Safes (Ranked And Reviewed)
Specifications
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Material:
Steel
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Dimensions:
11.8 x 8.7 x 4 Inches
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Finish:
Matte
Bulldog Cases Standard Digital Top Open Vault is a great option if you are looking for a gun vault that offers a rugged design and high-end features for a cheap price. Bulldog cases have been in the security business for over 20 years and specialize in designing vaults to withstand harsh conditions, such as constant use or climate. One of the high-end features of this gun vault is the electronic keypad. The reason why a digital keypad is such a high-end feature for a cheap gun safe is that most other safes feature either a biometric fingerprint scanner or an old-school mechanical dial which can be easily broken into by burglars.
Another great feature of the Bulldog Cases Standard Digital Top Open Vault is that it can also be bolted down for extra security. This simple feature allows the owner to anchor their safe securely to either a desk, table, or shelf so that even if the safe were somehow pried open, there would still be no access to the guns inside. The solid steel construction of this vault also guarantees that your gun is secure in case of an earthquake or if someone were somehow able to break into the safe. The combination of these high-end features with the rugged design makes this one of the top cheap gun vaults on the market today.
Positive
- Extremely secure due to digital keypad
- Rugged, heavy-duty steel construction for maximum security
- TSA approved so can be taken on an airplane
- Easily bolts down to furniture or wall to offer extra security features
Negatives
- May not be the most visually appealing design
2. Snapsafe Trek Lite Tsa Combination Lock Box
Specifications
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Material:
Polycarbonate
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Dimensions:
10.75 x 7.5 x 3 Inches
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Weight:
1.6 Pounds
The Snapsafe Trek Lite Tsa Combination Lock Box is another great option for those looking to buy a cheap gun safe. Finding a gun safe that can keep your firearms secure but still fit comfortably in your suitcase, drawer, or car seat is no easy task. To solve this issue, Snapsafe has designed its safe to be lightweight and packable. Although this safe is incredibly light, it still features a durable impact-resistant polycarbonate construction that can withstand the wear and tear of travel while also keeping your guns safely inside should you run into any trouble during your travels.
This gun locker is TSA approved, which means that airport security will have no issues with quickly checking your bag should you have to travel by plane. Another great feature of this safe is the 10,000 different user programmable combinations that come with it. This allows you to keep track of your own personal combination, so in case you ever forget it or need to change it, there won’t be an issue. The foam interior makes sure that whatever you place inside the safe will not be damaged from being jostled around during travel.
Positive
- Lightweight and packable
- Durable impact-resistant polycarbonate construction
- Programmable 10,000 different user combinations
- Foam interior protects firearms from damage during travel
Negatives
- Might be too small for long rifles
3. Gunvault Nanovault 200 Keyed Safe
Specifications
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Material:
Alloy Steel
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Dimensions:
13.6 x 9.3 x 2.3 Inches
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Weight:
2.7 Pounds
The Gunvault Nanovault 200 Keyed Safe is one of the best cheap gun safes on the market as it has all of the features and benefits one would expect from a larger, more expensive safe. One of the main advantages of buying this safe is that you can store your firearms in the interior top and bottom lined with 1/2 inch thick foam. This ensures that your firearm will be protected from any scratches or scuffs should you need to transport it quickly during an emergency. As for the outside of this safe, it is built with 18-gauge steel construction which not only ensures that your safe is sturdy and durable but also guarantees that it will be able to keep your guns locked up tight and secure even if someone were to try and break into the safe.
Another great feature of this safe is the keyed lock which gives you more options as to how you want to access your firearm. A simple key lock such as this one allows for quick and easy access in the case that there were an emergency, but it also prevents burglars from accessing your guns should they somehow break into your home. Due to its compact design, you could easily place this safe behind your desk at home or in your car should you need to keep it hidden. Weighing in at just 9.5 pounds, the Gunvault Nanovault 200 is also extremely portable which makes it easy for you to bring with you on any extended trips that you might be taking.
Positive
- Safe interior for advanced protection against scratches or scuffs
- 18-gauge steel construction guarantees strength and security
- Keyed lock allows for instant access in emergencies
- Compact, portable design is easy to transport
Negatives
- Somewhat small safe so may not fit larger guns easily
4. SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns
Specifications
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Material:
Alloy Steel
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Dimensions:
10.5 x 7 x 4.5 Inches
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Weight:
8.38 Pounds
The SnapSafe Portable Lock Box for Guns is another great option if you are looking to buy a cheap gun safe. It has all of the features that one would expect from a larger, more expensive safe but without the hefty price tag of its competitors. One of the main advantages of buying this safe is that it can be placed in a drawer, under your desk, or even in your car which makes guns easily accessible if you have to bring them with you. The 16 gauge steel housing is built to be pry resistant which means that if someone was to try and break into your safe, it will remain secure. In terms of the safe itself, it features a key lock and a cable lock that allows for quick and reliable access should you need quick access to your firearm during an emergency.
It also comes with two keys so that both you and your spouse can easily access the safe if need be. The durable rubberized foam interior protects your firearm from scratches or scuffs, while still providing you with enough flexibility to place different items inside of the safe should you need to take certain ones on your travels with you. The foam padding also ensures that any shift in weight will not cause the safe to be knocked off a surface in the event that you chose to place it under your desk or in a drawer.
Positive
- Durable steel construction with pry-resistant housing
- Rubberized foam interior protects your firearm without scratching it
- Comes with two keys for quick access
- You can store it to the bottom of drawers or can be secured under desks
Negatives
- Will not hold firearms with additional accessories on them
5. Bulldog Vaults Magnum Top Load LED Digital Vault
Specifications
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Material:
16-Gauge Steel
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Dimensions:
13 x 10.5 x 3.5 Inches
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Weight:
5.5 Pounds
The Bulldog Vaults Magnum Top Load LED Digital Vault is another great safe that you can buy if you are looking to keep your firearms secure and out of the hands of thieves. This digital vault contains an LED light that comes on whenever you open the lid to illuminate whatever is inside, which is great for those looking to store their gun in the dark. The interior LED light can be turned on or off via a switch inside of the safe, but even when it is on, the light does not emit any rays that could potentially damage your firearm’s mechanisms or components. As for the exterior safety features, this safe is built with a soft egg-crate foam that is lined inside of the lid which protects your firearm from scratches or scuffs.
The top lid also has two powerful springs that are designed to keep it securely locked in place so you can be sure that it will not accidentally open if dropped or knocked over. This safe comes equipped with an extra strong locking mechanism that is engineered to offer secure access and a low battery indicator light will flash red if the batteries inside the safe are running low. The heavy-duty steel security cable included with this safe gives you an added level of protection as well since it ensures that no one can simply carry your safe off, which means they would have to break into it first.
Positive
- Soft egg-crate foam protects firearm from damage
- Extra strong locking mechanism prevents unauthorized access
- LED light illuminates your firearm when you open the lid
- You can secure it to desks or other surfaces
Negatives
- Light is not very bright to work with in the dark
What To Consider While Buying The Best Cheap Gun Safes?
If you’re buying a gun safe for the first time, chances are that you don’t want to spend several hundred dollars just to ensure that your firearms stay secure. Most of the safes listed in this article can be purchased for under $200 which makes them an excellent choice if you are working with a tight budget. However here are some factors you should consider when buying a cheap gun safe.
Material
No matter what type of safe you are buying, the material that it is made out of should be one of your main concerns. Cheaper safes are usually lighter weight meaning they can be pulled off their shelf more easily. Therefore if you plan on storing it in a safe location where no one would have to move it, then this might not be such a big deal. If you plan to place it in a drawer or move it around your home, then you might want to consider the weight of the safe and how easy it will be for someone to carry off.
Size
Another thing that you might want to keep in mind is the size of the safe. If you are buying it for one specific firearm then you might not need as much storage space as if you were to buy a larger safe that could hold multiple firearms. For home safes, it is normally recommended that they have at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides so that the size of the individual guns inside the safe is not so large. However if you are buying a smaller safe for your car or truck, then this is less of an issue since the space is more limited.
Locks
Another thing to consider when deciding on the best cheap gun safes for your needs is how it secures your firearms once they are inside. The most economical safes use a key lock or a dial lock in order to keep them secure. If you want an added layer of protection, especially if your safe is going to be moved around frequently, then you should consider buying one that uses a digital lock to provide additional security. Electronic locks are easier for gun owners since they do not require constant maintenance like the key locks will. An electronic lock also makes it easier to share the safe with other people since you can allow more than one person to access your firearms.
Types of Safes
There are three basic types of gun safes that you will find available on the market. These include biometric locks, Key Locks, and Electronic locks. Biometric safes are some of the more expensive options for home or car safe storage however they are very popular because they offer additional protection over key or electronic safes. They work by scanning your fingerprint and use this information to open the safe so only you have access to it. Electronic locks are also a popular option since they can be programmed with a code or keypad combination in order for multiple people to access your firearms. Key safes are the most economical, however some gun owners argue that they do not provide the same level of security as biometric or electronic locks.
Features
The best cheap gun safes are not designed to have all of the bells and whistles that some people might expect. However there are certain features you should look for when deciding on an appropriate safe. The biggest feature most gun owners will want is a rack or shelf that can be adjusted or moved around in order to store their firearms safely.
Price
Finally, you should consider the price of the best cheap gun safe that you are considering purchasing. Depending on what your budget is, this may help narrow down which ones are right for your needs.
FAQs
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Although there are still ongoing debates as to which is the best choice, electronic locks offer users increased convenience since they do not require constant maintenance.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Although there are many different materials that can be used to make a safe, steel is generally the best choice for gun safes since it provides plenty of support and durability.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Since how large of a safe you will need depends on what types of firearms you are trying to store, the best idea is to check out the dimensions of your guns and select a safe that has plenty of storage for them.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Although they are not as secure as more expensive models, most of the best cheap gun safes will still provide superior protection against unauthorized access.
Conclusion
When you are looking for the best cheap gun safe that will meet your needs, consider the size that you will need to store your firearms, what types of locks are available and how much it will cost. We have also reviewed some of the best cheap gun safes available for purchase on the market today. Thanks. For more information, please refer to this article.
Our Research Process
Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
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