Gun safes come in all kinds of configurations, and in this review, I will look at the more expensive models that provide both capacities as well as added security.
Essentially, there is not much to really brag about when developing a safe, it has to have three basic features, and these are:
- Impregnable container; where the materials used are thick and tough and can withstand any attempt to drill, burn or corrode.
- Leverage proof Hinges; where the door is connected by hinges that even when reached through the frame do not impede on the door's security.
- Crack-proof Lock; where the locking mechanism is sturdy, incorporating either mechanical or electro-mechanical mechanisms, in some instance also biometric keys when you talk about biometric safes.
In this review, we have picked out the best safe locks you can buy for under $2,000, and they all passed the three-feature test, where they are all impregnable, secure and reliable providing you with good money for value, and secure housing for your weapons.
What's On This Page?
Here’s a list of top-rated gun safes under $2000:
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1. Stack-On E-24-MG-C-S Elite 24-Gun Security Safe with Combination Lock
- Can Convert areas to shelving for storing ammo, pistols or...
- 3-point locking System with key coded cylinder lock
- Includes adjustable barrel rests that are extended to...
- Model number: E-24-MG-C-S
This is a solid classic design safe, with a body thickness of 13-gauge steel, and can withstand fire temperatures of up to 1,400o for up to 30 minutes. This model can hold up to 24 long rifles, and the whole unit weighs in at 492lbs.
Security measures include 8 locking bolts on four sides, each bolt is 1 ½” thick, and the internal dimensions are 56.32" X 24.07" X 16.97."
This model comes with a door storage system integrated into the design. There are removable zippered bags, so you can store gear and documents for quick release.
There are four adjustable shelf units for better compartmentalization.
The opening mechanism is a three-spoked steel handle, and a three-number combination lock, it also comes with fastening accessories for securing the safe in place when installing.
Bottom Line
This is a great keyless safe that provides ample storage space and easy accessibility while providing maximum security against tampering and forced attempts to open it.
t also has that classic design, making this a nice addition to any safe room.
2. LockSafe Biometric Pistol Safe
- Manufactured with 9 gauge/3mm steel with a weight of 22lbs
- 4 pre-drilled mounting holes; includes (1) 9V battery and...
- Non-volatile memory for up to 10 fingerprints
- Foam padding
- 30 day customer guarantee and 1 year limited warranty
This is a small gun safe, but with biometric locking features, hence the price. The body is made of 9-gauge and 3mm steel. There are four mounting holes already drilled into place, and the biometric lock comes with 1 x 9v battery.
There is also a mechanical key lock as well, so this is a double locking mechanism. The biometric unit can store up to ten fingerprints in its memory.
The safes dimensions are 10.2” x 14” x 4.6,” and it weighs 22lbs.
Bottom Line
If its size that matters, and you need something small but really tamper-proof, then nothing beats this biometric gun safe. Hide it in a drawer or in a concealed compartment and only your programmed fingerprints will open it.
3. Mesa Safe Company MBF6032E 14.4 Cubic Foot 30 Rifle Gun Safe with Digital Lock
- Padlocks, Lockout/Tagout & Security Equipment
- Country of manufacture: United States
- Manufacturer: MESA SAFE COMPANY
This is a classic design, solid gun safe. Large and dependable. This model comes with a 12-gauge all steel body and provides up to 30 minutes of fire resistance at 1,750oF.
The MBF6032E can store up to 20 rifles, and its internal measurements are 55.5” x 28.5” x 14.25”, providing 14.4 cubic feet of capacity. The whole unit weighs in at 670lbs.
The locking mechanism includes 5 x 1” diameter steel locking bolts and three 1 ½” diameter hinges. The locking mechanism is a punch proof electronic lock that can be programmed for a time delay.
The safe's interior is lined with carpeting and has adjustable shelves, as well as pre-drilled dehumidifying holes and also comes with four pre-drilled locking holes for securing the safe into place when installing.
Bottom Line
This is another classic safe design and provides every means of protection. Even if the hinges are tampered with, the door is secure in place, and its resistance to the heart is admirable.
4. Steelwater Heavy Duty 39 Long Gun Fire Protection for 60 Minutes AMLD593924-blk
- NEW and IMPROVED E.M.P proof digital keypad with a high...
- NEW!!! High Quality UL Listed Outlet with (3) 110...
- 12 gauge body and composite door- Height 59" x Width 39" x...
- PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING: Undeliverable to New York...
- SEE MORE IN-DEPTH DETAILS ON THIS PAGE BELOW...
This is an amazing safe, it’s the Steelwater AMLD593924, and it comes with a long list of features that make it one of the best value for money safes there are. The body is 12-gauge steel with a 5 1/8” thick composite constructed door with 3 layers of fireboard.
The walls come with 2 layers of fireboard, and the overall weight of this model is 689lbs, and it can withstand 1 hour of fire at 1875°F.
The interior dimensions are 55 ½” x 36 1/4” x 20 5/8", and it can hold up to 39 rifles.
The locking mechanism includes 18 x 1½” diameter solid steel locking bolts, an extra 7 inactive bolts on the hinge side, and 4 side bolts for extra protection.
The wall plates are both drill and ballistic proof, and the gear is driven locking system is resistant to prying, punching, and drilling. The internal locking mechanism has a spring reloader that will activate when the lock is punched out.
The handle is 5 spoked steel, and the door will expand when heated to prevent the fire from reaching the contents.
There are 4 predrilled securing holes for installation, and the interior comes with grey upholstery, and a gun rack split into three sections. The interior includes seven adjustable and removable shelves.
The electronic combination lock comes with an AC outlet and a USB charging port. The locking mechanism is two modes, which means you can lock the safe with a passkey, but cannot unlock it without a mechanical key.
Bottom Line
This is one of the best gun safes around for the price you pay. It provides maximum security in every form.
The fireproofing is second to none, and its security features would make a bank safe feel envious. If its absolute security you require, this is the ultimate safe to buy.
5. Blue Dot Safes Second Amendment Fire-Resistant Gun Safe
- LOCKS. All safes come standard with U. L Listed lock Made in...
- upon request DRILL RESISTANT LOCK HARD PLATE. Each Blue Dot...
- RELOCKER. Blue dot's bolt work Systems are all equipped with...
- ANCHOR HOLES. Each comes standard with anchoring holes for...
- PAINT AND FINISH. All Blue Dot Safes are finished with a...
This is the Blue Dot Second Amendment Gun Safe that comes with exceptional features. It comes with a 12-gauge steel body and a 4-way locking system.
The model size determines whether you have 10 or 18 locking bolts. This safe will withstand a 1700ºF fire up to 1 hour.
The locking mechanism includes a 5/16" thick proprietary drill-resistant lock plate and ball bearing enhanced hinge bolts. This unit uses a digital keypad for extra security measures.
The interior dimensions are 55-3/16" x 32-1/4" x 20," and its volume is 35,5963” and the interior is covered with grey carpeting. There are three small shelves, and one large one and four pre-drilled anchoring holes through the floor. This safe weighs in at 650lbs.
Bottom Line
Second Amendment safes are known for their great value for money and high-quality design. This safe provides ample security without going off the board. It’s a standard safe at a very acceptable price.
6. SentrySafe Executive Safe - Black
- Exterior Dimensions: 37 3/4"H x 21 11/16"W x 19 1/2"D
- Interior Dimensions: 36 9/16"H x 20 1/2"W x 14 5/32"D
- Capacity: 6.11 cu. ft. 10571 cu. in.
- May be bolted to floor or wall (hardware included)
The sentry safe uses two locking mechanisms for extra security. This safe is a steel 12-gauge body with fire board installation providing 30 minutes of 1,400oF resistance, as well as being water resistant for up to 72 hours.
This model comes with pre-drilled anchor holes for securing during installation. The safe is water and fireproof and weighs 217lbs.
The double locking mechanism uses a digital 1-8 key lock code as well as a mechanical key. There are 5 live locking bolts and 4 dead bolts for extra security.
The interior dimensions are 35.7”x 19.4” x 11.7”and is lined with soft carpeting, the overall storage capacity is 4.71 cubic feet.
Bottom Line
If the double locking mechanisms that do it for you, then this is your choice. It’s a medium-sized safe with a mechanical and digital locking mechanism providing you with absolute security. The overall features are great, although this is not a safe for rifles, only for pistols and ammo.
Mandatory Gun Safe Features
Owning a gun comes with responsibilities, sure, you have a constitutional right to own a gun, but you also have a personal responsibility to assure that the gun is secured when not in use.
When you buy a gun-safe, there are a number of features that you have to factor in, and these include buying the right sized safe as well as the right type of safe for the area you live in.
Size: Always buy a safe that is bigger than what you originally need. This is based on experience, most gun owners will eventually add another weapon and buy more ammo over time, and then the safe can become too small for all the additions.
Fire: Make sure your gun safe is fireproof, and prefer to go for a more secure option, don’t cheap out on this factor, buy the better versions since you never know when a fire will occur. Note, not “if” but “when.”
Gauge: Make sure the safe is no less than 10-gauge, preferably more, this means it will be layered and harder or even impervious to most standard forms of attack.
Locks: It's always best to buy a safe with two locking mechanisms I don’t believe in only one form, and definitely not only an electronic form. Start off with a dual mechanical and digital locking mechanism for maximum security.
I know this might sound old-school, but prefer to buy a safe that comes with a mechanical key too, you don’t want to be in an emergency situation where the digital lock is down due to various reasons and no way to open the safe.
Water: if you live in a flood-prone area you must buy a water resistant safe. This is even more important than a fireproof safe.
Securing: Always make sure your safe can be secured via pre-drilled anchor holes so you can set it securely into the floor or wall.
Alarm: This is not really a mandatory add-on, but if you already invest in an electronic lock mechanism, have it come with an alarm, so if attempts are made to open it, it will set off the alarm, and that can alert you to tampering.
Some downsides to electronic locks
Batteries: They wear down, and this is not just a matter of cost but to nuisance value.
Security: A three code lock has only got 999 combinations, if your thief has time, he/she will open the combination.
Hacking: The more complicated electronic locks can be hacked with the right hardware.
Kid Proofing Your Safe
If you have a combination lock, make sure the combination is secured in a remote location. Do not write it down or keep it near the safe.
Also, do not use family numbers, try to come up with an abstract number combination that has nothing to do with your family.
Keys, kids know more than you think, they know where everything is stored and hidden, and if they have extra curiosity, will go and look for ways to open the safe that would make the Pink Panther blush.
Make sure that the keys are not kept in an easy to access place. Secure them only where you can reach them easily, but make sure it is hidden from prying eyes.
Do not give anyone your code or key; this is a gun safe, guns have a tendency to call people. Don’t give anyone at all a key or code, no one.
If the safe is home safe for more than your weapon, then, of course, your partner will have access too. Just remember, the same rules that apply to you apply to your partner too. Make sure they know the rules.
Conclusions
To be honest, I don’t mechanical locks are the best, but sometimes not enough. That is why a combination of locking mechanisms is best. However, do not buy a digital lock without a mechanical way to open the door.
If you can go the extra furlong, buy a biometric lock, it's much more personal and secure than a digital code. In fact, its near hack proof, unlike a code.
Whatever you decide, just make sure you stick to the mandatory requirement we laid out here.
Featured Image: yourhomesecuritywatch.com
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