Best Small Gun Safes
A Comprehensive Guide
There are many small gun safes available in the market for those who require something more mobile and with easy storage. These small gun safes add to the collection of guns without taking up much space or compromising on security measures. With the best small gun safes, you can always have quick access to your gun when required without compromising on safety.
In the market, there are numerous options available for small gun safes under 200$. We have prepared a list of the best small gun safes for those who want to buy the best quality at the most affordable price.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best small gun safes, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best Small Gun Safes
5 Best Small Gun Safes (Ranked And Reviewed)
1. Bulldog BD1182 Book Safe Brown
Specifications
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Brand:
Bulldog Cases
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Lock Type:
Combination
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Weight:
0.47 Kilograms
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Chamber Width:
10.5 Inches
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Dimensions:
7.75 x 10.5 x 2.5 Inches
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Color:
Brown
The Bulldog BD1182 Book safe is a small safe in the shape of a book safe. It has a combination lock and is made from steel. The steel has been finished in brown, which provides the book safe with a perfect look to place anywhere without attracting attention. It would make for an excellent hiding place to keep your valuables and firearms safe and secure. You can set the combination lock to any given combination, and it is very easy safe to use. This book safe is made from good quality steel, making the product durable and robust. The interior of the book safe has foam padding, which protects your valuables from getting damaged during transport or storage.
It also comes with a three-wheel combination lock that keeps your valuables safe from intruders and unauthorized persons. You can use it as a bedside safe and keep your firearms away from the hands of children. It gives an illusion of an actual book that makes it very discreet when placed on a bookshelf. You can keep this small safe in any corner of the room without attracting attention from anyone. It is also light in weight and has a compact design that makes it easy to transport. The exterior has dimensions of 10.5″ x 7.75″ x 2.5″ while the interior is at 6.7″x 9.3″ x 2″. It can easily store most standard handguns, documents, jewelry, and other valuables.
Positive
- Made from steel
- Interior padding for protection of valuables
- Combination lock for security
- Lightweight and compact for easy usage
Negatives
- It is a diversion safe but not with a strong lock
2. Lockdown Compact Security Vault
Specifications
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Brand:
Lockdown
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Lock Type:
Key
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Weight:
2.9 Pounds
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Dimensions:
5.75"W X 8.5"H X 2"D
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Material:
Steel
Lockdown Compact Security Vault is a product of Lockdown company that manufactures a wide range of security equipment, including safes, locks, and many others. This safe has been manufactured in compliance with the TSA requirements. It also has the California DOJ approval. The Lockdown compact security vault is a small safe in a compact design. It has solid steel construction and weighs just about 2.9 pounds, making it very easy to transport from one place to another without any hassle. This small pistol safe provides safe storage against theft and unauthorized access by keeping your valuables and firearms safe and secure. You can use it to keep your firearm safe from the reach of curious children.
It comes with a key lock system that provides security against thieves. It is a lightweight yet robust and durable product. This small gun safe is designed to make it easy for anyone to use and can be used as mobile security for keeping your firearms safe. It comes with a heavy-duty 1500-pound steel cable. This small gun safe body is made from 19-gauge steel, providing extra protection against thieves and unauthorized persons. It has dimensions of 5.75 “W x 8.5 “H x 2” D, which allows you to store small weapons, jewelry, etc. It is perfect for keeping handguns, documents, maps, passports, keys, and personal accessories safe and secure.
Positive
- High-quality steel exterior construction
- TSA approved, and California DOJ approved
- Lightweight and compact design
- Perfect for carrying along on the go
Negatives
- It has a small storage space which may not be enough for many items
3. Snapsafe Treklite TSA Combination Lockbox, X-Large, Black/Gray
Specifications
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Brand:
SnapSafe
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Lock Type:
Combination
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Weight:
1.6 Lbs
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Alarm:
Anti Theft
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Item Dimensions:
10.75 x 7.5 x 3 Inches
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Color:
Black\Gray
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Material:
Polycarbonate
The SnapSafe Treklite combination lock box is the most effective and reliable safety measure for protecting your firearm when you travel. It offers advanced security and convenience in a small safe package weighing only 1.6 pounds. This small gun safe offers a superior level of security against theft and unauthorized access to your firearms or other valuables. It features a high-quality 1500-pound steel cable that allows you to lock the safe to any fixed object securely. The TSA-approved, four-digit dialing combination padlock offers advanced security and comes with 10,000 user-programmable codes.
It is constructed of impact-resistant polycarbonate and provides exceptional toughness and advanced protection. This small gun safe is efficiently designed so that anyone can use it with ease and comfort. It is perfect for carrying along with you on your travels without hassle. Its secure storage capacity is decent enough to hold full-sized handguns and other items, so you do not have to worry about carrying multiple small safes when traveling. It has a foam-lined interior that protects your firearms and other valuables while traveling or at home.
Positive
- It is durably constructed of impact-resistant polycarbonate
- Foam lining protects firearms/valuables from scuffs, scratches, or moisture
- A highly portable small gun safe for daily use
- It comes with a steel cable for additional protection
Negatives
- The hinge is not very durable and may break with force
4. SnapSafe Drop Box Keypad Vault, Electronic Keypad Handgun Safe
Specifications
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Brand:
SnapSafe
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Lock Type:
Electronic, Key
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Weight:
7.8 Lbs
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Chamber Width:
7.5 Inches
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Dimensions:
13.5"H x 7.5"W x 3.6"D
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Color:
Black
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Material:
16-Guage Steel
The SnapSafe DropBox is a compact, easy to use, and durable, quick access handgun safe that mounts under a counter or desk or on the side of a nightstand. It comes with pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. It offers programmable keypad combination codes for quick access and security. This small gun safe has numerous mounting orientations, and installation is easy and simple. You can have it up and running in just a few minutes. It has a protective foam liner that safeguards from scrapes and scratches, giving you ease of mind when your handgun is stored in this small gun safe. The vault has a tamper-resistant drop-down door and can be installed with a mounting bracket that comes included in the package.
The rechargeable battery compartment is also simple and easy to access and use. The California Department of Justice recognizes it as an approved Firearm Storage Device (FSD). This small gun safe weighs only 7.8 lbs and measures 13.5 “H x 7.5 “W x 3.6” D, so you can easily carry it around with yourself wherever you go. It does not take up much space and is perfect for people looking for small gun safes for their compact handguns. The SnapSafe DropBox has audible and visible low battery indicators, key lock override, fast action drop-down door to make your access simple and easy. It is an excellent product and one of the best small gun safes that you will find on the market.
Positive
- Pre-drilled mounting holes make it easy to install
- Protective foam liner safeguards your handgun from scrapes and scratches
- It has a tamper-resistant drop-down door
- It has advanced digital keypad technology for quick access
Negatives
- You cannot use it on the go
5. Hornady Rapid Safe 2700KP Guns Safe
Specifications
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Brand:
Hornady
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Type:
1911 Pistols / 4-Inch Revolvers
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Color:
Black
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Exterior Dimensions:
12.7 x 8.7 x 2.9 Inches
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Material:
14-Gauge Steel
Constructed of heavy-duty 14 gauge steel and designed for instant access when seconds count, the Rapid Safe is the smart way to secure handguns and valuables at home or away. The RFID activated model features a key override in case of battery failure. The RAPidSafe 2700KP offers fast and reliable access with a touch-free silent entry. There are three methods of entry into the safe. You can activate the safe with your programmed RFID (radio frequency identification) wristband, key fob, included stickers, and the Rapid Safe’s spring-assisted lid automatically opens for quick entry to your handguns and valuables.
It offers single-handed access to your weapon. The user can program up to five different RFID devices into the safe. For secondary access, the Rapid Safe 2700KP also features a backlit keypad that allows the user to access by punching in their security code. You can use the safe’s key lock if the batteries fail. The Rapid Safe is the safe and ready touch-free pistol box that gives you fast and secure access to your handguns and valuables at home or away.
Positive
- It provides you quick access to the handgun inside
- It has highly secure RFID technology with anti-theft protection
- It comes with an AC power supply for easy use
- It is pry-resistant and child-safe
Negatives
- It can be a bit expensive
What To Consider While Buying The Best Small Gun Safes?
Size
Size is important and should be considered down to the smallest detail. You want to make sure that you are buying a gun safe that will fit your needs, which means it has to be small enough for your purposes. It should not take up too much space in your room, but at the same time, it should not be too small. It has to be the right size.
Weight
The weight is another thing to consider if you plan on moving it around often or at all. Some safes have wheels attached, but others do not. If you move around a lot, consider looking for one that is smaller and weighs less. It is easier to move things around when they are lighter. Weight plays a vital role in small gun safes since you want them to be light enough so you can carry them with you wherever you go without too much trouble.
Type of Access
Think about which type of lock you prefer. There are digital, manual, or electronic handgun safes. You can consider the pros and cons of both, but ultimately it is up to you what you think will work for your particular needs. Electronic locks allow you to enter a code or swipe an RFID (radio frequency identification) card across a small area. You can also get biometric lock systems with fingerprint scanners, but those tend to be a bit more expensive than standard digital lock systems. A biometric fingerprint scanner uses a small area where you have to place your finger and wait for the machine to recognize it. Mechanical locks require you to use a key or spin the dial around until it unlocks. They are much less expensive than their counterparts, which is why many people will seek them out for this simple reason.
Budget
Before purchasing, decide how much you can spend on a gun safe. Since there is a varied price range for small gun safes, you should not buy one that is too expensive or too cheap either. You have to make sure that you are getting a quality product that is your money’s worth. Safes with advanced security features or biometric scanners tend to have a higher price tag.
Features
Ensure that the gun safe you are buying does not lack significant features. For example, is it fireproof and waterproof? While most small gun safes do not have these features, some do. Having these two features will make your purchase more worth it, and it will ensure better anti-pry protection for your firearms inside. You do not want to buy a gun safe that lacks features.
Material
You should get a safe made out of high-quality materials to ensure reliability. A gun safe made of cheap material will not last a long time, and it might get damaged easily or even break too quickly. Steel is one of the most common materials used in making gun safes. A heavy-duty steel safe will last for a long time, and it can protect your firearms better. However, if you are looking for something that is not too thick to fit in smaller spaces, then you should go for an aluminum or composite gun safe instead.
Ease of Use
Make sure that the gun safe you are buying is easy to use. If you cannot open the safe when you need to, then there is no point in having it in the first place. Look for a small gun safe that is easy to set up and program. Most safes come with in-built batteries and keys, so they should be reasonably simple to use.
Reviews
Buy from a company whose products have been tried and tested, so they have a good track record. Check customer reviews to find out what other people are saying about a particular company and its products. You have to consider a lot when buying small gun safes, but if you plan properly, you should not have any problems finding the right one for your needs.
FAQs
Important Note:
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.
The most common materials used to make small gun safes are steel and aluminum. Steel is more durable than other materials, but it can be heavy. Aluminum is lighter but not as reliable.
Important Note:
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.
Some people use them to store money and other valuables other than firearms, so they are versatile. You can also use them to keep important documents safe from water damage.
Important Note:
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.
To decide which small gun is safe to get, you need to know what you want from it. You also need to consider how much space you have and your budget. Consider features such as weight and material before making your purchase.
Important Note:
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.
Yes, they are reliable, and they can protect your firearms from theft. However, since most small gun safes do not have the same amount of protection as larger ones, such as fireproofing and waterproofing, you should not depend on them completely.
Important Note:
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.
It varies from one gun safe to the other. The manufacturer will have an estimated weight and what type of firearms can fit inside. You need to make sure that the weight it can hold is more than the weight of your guns.
Important Note:
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.
This will depend on your budget and how much you want to spend in the end. Gun safes have varying prices, from around $30 to more than $300 for a small gun safe. Make sure that you get a quality safe at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
After carefully reading through the article, you are now more knowledgeable about the best small gun safes available in the market. You have gained insight into different types of small gun safes, the materials needed for a better safe, and how to choose one. You can refer back to this article when you need information regarding firearm protection. With the proper knowledge, you will be able to buy a small gun safe from your money and keep your firearms safely locked away from potential thieves. You can also check our best bedside gun safe guide or best hidden wall gun safes guide for more information. Thank you for reading.
Author Profile
- 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.
