If you’re look for a list of the 7 best budget rifle safes then you’ve come to the right place. In this article I’m going to review some great options to store rifles and pistols. We will discuss some of the important features you’ll want to consider to store your valuable firearms. Keep reading for more.
Readers of this website know that I’m a big proponent of everyone’s right to own firearms. We all have the right to defend ourselves and our loved ones. However, it’s important to realize that firearms are dangerous tools. They need to be locked up to keep children and other people who should not have access away from them.
In fact, some states mandate that firearms be locked up if children are present. I think this is one of the few times that the government is actually making good sense! You’ll find the full list of the 7 best budget rifle safes below.
7 Best Budget Rifle Safes
- BBRKIN 5-6 Gun Storage Cabinet
- Hornady RAPiD Safe AR Locker
- Wasatch 18 Gun Safe
- Kodiak Rifle Pistol 51 Gun Safe
- Steelwater 16 Gun Safe
- Remington Express Gun Safe
- Stealth Premier 50 Gun Safe
Before we get into the key features you may want to look for in a gun safe, I want to mention that these safes and lock boxes are affiliate links. That means that if you purchase something after clicking on the links, then a portion of the sale goes to us. It costs you nothing extra, and it helps keep the lights on here. I’ve also listed links that have the best prices for each option.
In the next section we’ll review some of the important features you’ll want to look for when deciding which rifle or pistol safe to purchase. Now, let’s discuss the options you should be looking for in each price range.
Key Features for the Best Budget Rifle Safes
The most important feature you need to consider when buying a rifle safe is storage capacity. Obviously, a bigger safe will store more rifles, but will generally cost more. The smallest options on this list will store 2 long guns, where as the largest capacity safe can store over 50 long guns.
The next most important decision you need to make, when shopping for a rifle safe, is what level of security do you actually need? If you’re looking for something to lock firearms away from little ones, then you can get buy with a lock box or storage cabinet.
Rifle lock boxes are generally metal cabinets, with a sturdy locking mechanism, that are designed to prevent unauthorized access. That is all they provide. They aren’t waterproof or fire rated.
A true rifle safe will provide protection from theft, with anti-tamper features, and more secure construction. Many of these safes will provide fire protection for more than one hour. They will also be quite heavy and difficult to carry off.
Regardless of wether you pick a lock box or safe, it’s important to install it securely. You don’t want it to fall over, or be stolen with your valuable items inside, while you’re on vacation.
Some of the best gun safes have nice to have features like interior lighting, USB connections for charging, and more.
Now that we’ve covered some of the key features you might want to consider for your long gun safe, let’s take a look at the products in detail. Don’t forget to join the email list below, so you can get the latest articles sent directly to you.
7 Best Budget Rifle Safes
In this section we will review all 7 of the best budget rifle safes. We will start with the most affordable options and work our way up to the most protective, heavy duty safes. As you’ll see, I’ve include several safe brands of various sizes.
I will include links to each safe. I recommend checking them out for more specific details, especially pricing. You’ll find that you can get better deals periodically throughout the year. All prices will be listed at the time of this writing. Now let’s get to the first option.
BBRKIN 5-6 Gun Storage Cabinet
The BBRKIN 5-6 Gun Storage Cabinet (Amazon Affiliate link) is one of the highest rated weapons lockers on this list. As of this writing, it has nearly two thousand ratings, averaging 4.3 stars. Like the name implies, this is a gun cabinet, not a safe. It can store 5-6 rifles, depending on the size.
This safe can store weapons with a maximum length of 50 inches, as well as accessories and ammo on the removable shelves in the top portion. Another nice feature is that the topmost compartment is actually a separate lock box, which provides an added layer of security. This can also act as a separate handgun safe.
This storage cabinet has an electronic lock, with a manual key back up, for quick access. It also has an alarm that sounds after three wrong PINs are entered. This can be turned to silent mode if you prefer.
For mounting you have the option of using three prepunched holes in the back, and two in the bottom. I would highly recommend bolting this down, as it could be picked up and carried away otherwise.
As of this writing the cabinet retails for right under $250, not including a $50 delivery fee. This is by far one of the best budget rifle cabinets for the money currently on the market. Next we’ll talk about a great option for those that need to store a rifle in a compact location.
Hornady RAPiD Safe AR Locker
The Hornady RAPiD Safe AR Locker (Amazon Affiliate link) is a great option for those that only need to store a few long guns, or pistols. This AR locker is meant for rapid access, and can be used in your house or vehicle. For those wanting to use it in their vehicle, it comes with a security cable to keep thieves from walking off with your guns. After all, vehicle gun safes need to stay put too!
Hornady has done a great job of providing numerous options to rapidly access your firearms. You can use the provided RFID bracelet, or key fob to open the door. Other options include a key pad PIN entry, or the tried and true back up key.
This rifle locker can store guns with a maximum length of 40.5 inches. Moreover, it can be mounted vertically or horizontally, with the pre drilled mounting points.
The AR RAPiD safe is also very popular on Amazon with 599 ratings, averaging 4.4 stars. As of this writing you can pick it up for right under $400, with free shipping. If you need an easy access option for vehicle or home use, then this is a good deal for a compact gun locker. Next we’re going to talk about our first true rifle safe.
Wasatch 18 Gun Safe
The Wasatch 18 Gun Safe (Amazon Affiliate link) is one of the most affordable gun safes on the market. This is the first of the fireproof gun safes on the list. It’s rated for 1400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. It’s also water proof to 2 feet of water for 72 hours. This makes it a great option to store valuables that can’t be easily removed in the event of an emergency.
Like other options on this list, it has an electronic keypad, with a backup key. It features 3 active 1.5 inch locking bolts, and 2 dead bolts. The exterior steel is 2mm or 12 gauge in thickness, with an exterior length of 55 inches.
It’s important to note that this heavy duty construction means that it does come with a weight penalty. This unit weighs 284 pounds. The door also has the ability to open a full 180 degrees, making accessing your firearms easier. Just make sure you’re mounting it with sufficient clearance if you need to open the door this wide.
Like other gun cabinets, this safe has a mounting kit included. While it might be difficult to carry off, I would still recommend mounting it securely. A few bad guys could carry this off if left unsecured.
As of this writing you can find it for several hundred dollars off retail on Amazon. It’s currently selling for right under $650, with free shipping. This might be the best deal on this list. Next we’re going to talk about a larger option for those with more firearms to store.
Kodiak Rifle Pistol 51 Gun Safe
The Kodiak Rifle Pistol 51 Gun Safe (Amazon Affiliate link) is the best value option for those that need to store a lot of long guns. Kodiak states that it can store 42 long guns, and 9 pistols. You can see that it comes with several shelves, as well as a door organizer.
It’s rated for 30 minutes of fire protection at 1400 degrees F. It has no water resistance rating but does feature heavy duty 14 gauge steel construction. It’s exterior dimensions are 55x29x20 inches, allowing for ample storage.
This safe is certainly no lightweight, coming in a 390 pounds. It also has several security features, augmenting the locking mechanism, like anti drilling reinforcement. This is the right gun safe for good security and a lot of storage.
As of this writing you can purchase this safe for under $1100. Amazon also lists this as a free delivery item. I hope you’ve been following some of my weightlifting programs, because you’re going to need to be strong to get this sucker into place!
Next, let’s talk about one of the best budget gun safes, in the mid sized range.
Steelwater 16 Gun Safe
The Steelwater 16 Gun Safe (Amazon Affiliate Link) is a very sturdy safe. It’s rated for 60 min of fire at an incredible 1875 degrees F. The door contains ten 1.5 inch thick steel locking bolts. Similarly, the internal locking mechanism has ballistic protection. Good luck breaking into this safe!
Even though this safe is listed as 16 guns, you should expect to store closer to 8-10 long guns with accessories mounted to them. The safe also comes with a pistol door storage organizer.
I like that this gun safe comes with automatic lighting, and a dehumidifier from the factory. This is a excellent choice for those that want a more secure option with longer fire rating, for peace of mind.
As of this writing you can pick it up for right under $1200, with free shipping from Amazon. This is a great option for those that want a secure safe with some nice additional features.
Remington Express Gun Safe
The Remington Express Gun Safe is the first of the large gun safes. It’s rated to hold 24 long guns and 4 pistols. It is incredibly well sealed, rated for 7 days in 2 feet of standing water. Moreover it has a one hour fire rating at 1650 degrees F.
The Express gun safe has 12 gauge steel construction with 12 locking bolts. It also has automatic LED lights that come on when the door is opened. Like other safes, it has an electronic keypad lock with manual key back ups.
This safe does have one interesting feature that you won’t find on other, cheaper options on this list. It has dual electrical outlets, with two USB ports built in. This is great for those that want to keep electronics stored inside, that need to be charged.
This safe also comes with a great warranty that covers, fire, theft, natural flood, and other defects. They will even pay for shipping for your new safe! That’s important, as this dude weighs 667 pounds.
As of this writing you can purchase this Remington Express safe for $2170. I think the Express is a great option for those that have to worry about floods or other natural disasters. Now let’s get to our final option on the list.
Stealth Premier 50 Gun Safe
The Stealth Premier 50 Gun Safe (Amazon Affiliate link) is our largest and most secure option on this list. It’s 70 inches tall, and rated to hold 50 rifles and pistols. It’s built of 1/4 thick, 10 gauge steel, and weighs a hefty 930 pounds.
The Premier 50 is rated for 90 minutes at 1200 degrees F, keeping the internal temperature under 350 F. You can also order this safe with a traditional dial mechanical lock if desired.
As far as additional features, it comes with a nice MOLLE door organizer, as well as deluxe leather lined long gun storage rack. The Stealth 50 has a prewired electrical outlet, with dual USB ports. This allows for additional lighting or running a larger dehumidifier.
This safe is your best option if you have very long rifles. Because its over 70 inches tall, it will fit most very long hunting or tactical rifles.
As of this writing you can purchase it for right under $3100 with free delivery from Amazon. You’ll certainly need several people to move this gun safe into place, given it’s near half ton weight. Next we’ll talk about my short list of best options for long gun safes.
Best Budget Rifle Safes: Discussion
One thing that is important to remember is that you shouldn’t just buy the safe for the number of firearms you currently own. If you like to collect rifles and long guns, then you should probably plan on purchasing a safe that you can expand into.
The best budget option for most people on this list is going to be the the BBRKIN gun cabinet. It’s a secure choice that is small enough to put just about anywhere.
For those that need a fire and waterproof option, they should take a hard look at the Wasatch 16 gun safe. It’s way under a grand, and is quite secure.
For most budget minded gun owners who want to have plenty of storage room I think the Kodiak is the best bang for your buck. It’s very secure and can store a ton of firearms. Now let’s finish this article up.
Final Thoughts
For those who are seriously considering purchasing one of these best budget safes, I would urge you to think about the logistics the purchase. Even though many of these safes have free shipping, they’re only going to drop it off at your door. They won’t be putting it where it needs to go.
At a minimum, you’ll need a dolly and a friend to help with most safes on this list. For the larger options you might be best served looking for some movers.
Similarly, don’t just measure your space and forget about the door opening width. Many of the safes have wheels that stick out a few inches. If you mount it adjacent to another wall then you might barely be able to open the door!
I hope you found this best budget rifle safes article helpful. If you have any comments or questions put them below. Don’t forget to join the email list, for more awesome articles.
Any links to Amazon, Brownells, Buds Guns, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Optics Planet, or other manufacturers are affiliate links. That means that we receive a small referral fee if you purchase from them after clicking on their link. It costs you nothing, and helps keep the lights on here. Read this for more info. None of these products were paid for recommendations. Thank you for the support. It helps keep the lights on here.
