Are you a sucker for firearms? If yes, then you understand the need to take care of your guns and ammo. Even when you are on the road but want to bring your gun with you, you should keep it safely locked away. Only you should have access to it, and when it comes to your weapons, you should never take things lightly.
The best car gun safe will allow you to tuck away your firearms even when you are taking a drive with your family and friends. Nobody, and absolutely nobody, can take the weapon out of the safe unless you open it yourself. This is especially important if there are small children in your car.
Remember, guns are not something to play with, and you, as the owner, need to be responsible for it. The rules are strict regarding weapon carry, and in some states, you cannot have your gun in the car unless it is inside a safe. But would you trust just about any safe to store your guns? Definitely not!
In this article, we will give you a quick rundown of some of the best gun safe for car that you can buy on the market to keep your weapons safe and protected.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Rated #1
| Top Rated #1 |
| Check On Amazon | |
Best #2
| Best #2 |
| Check On Amazon | |
Top Build Quality and Quick access
| Top Build Quality and Quick access |
| Check On Amazon | |
Budget Friendly
| Budget Friendly |
| Check ON AMAZON | |
Good customers reviews & Budget safe
| Good customers reviews & Budget safe |
| Check On Amazon | |
Popular & Good Quality
| Popular & Good Quality |
| Check On Amazon |
Top 10 Best Car Gun Safes Reviews
Nitpicking is in your best interests when you are looking for the best vehicle gun safe. If you are not well-versed on all the top models out there, it can be difficult to make the right decision when choosing your product. Thankfully, you can rely on us to guide you through it.
In the following segment of the article, we will take a critical look at ten of the best portable gun safes that you can buy to get the most out of your investment.
- Rugged protection with a BUILT-IN LOCK SYSTEM. Integrating Vaultek’s precision...
- TOUCH ACTIVATED KEYPAD. A unique backlit LED capacitive keypad provides entry of the...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND RUGGED. Advanced non-metal polymer construction is engineered to be...
Let us start off our reviews with this sleek and stylish travel safe by the brand Vaultek. It features a lightweight, compact design weighing just around 2 pounds in total. Since it meets all the regulatory standards of TSA guidelines, you can even take it with you as checked luggage.
The locking system in the safe is fast, and the keypad is responsive. It features a backlit LED keypad to take all your inputs and unlocks with the right combination of numbers. With a simple press, the unit locks and keeps the interior items secure and safe until you take them out. For added security, the device also comes with a built-in anti-impact latch technology.
The device is also extremely durable, despite its lightweight structure. In fact, the safe is rated at IP 65 when it comes to water-resistance. Additionally, the unit is airtight and dustproof. Even if you drop it in a river, it will float and keep the interior dry, which is perfect for your firearms.
This gun safe runs on 9V battery and has a decent uptime. The battery activates the keypad features; however, you can still use it as a weather-resistant case without it. It also features an anti-lockpicking system to prevent using the master key should you lose it. All you have to do is to enable the keylock, and you are all set.
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- Perfectly weatherproof
- The key lock is a nice addition.
- Anti-impact latch for additional security
Cons
- It does not come with a security cable to anchor it.
- Hornady Vehicle Gun Safe – Secure your duty-size or smaller handgun while in transit, or...
- RFiD Gun Safe – Patented RFiD technology delivers the fastest access to your handguns...
- Easy to Install – This Hornady safe mounts between console and seat without any...
Next up, we will take a look at premium, quick access safe by Hornady. The brand is as good as it gets when it comes to security, as they offer you a great portable solution to safely keep your firearms. The device runs on four AAA batteries and can also use a 12V car adapter for its power requirements.
Made using high-quality 14-gauge steel, the unit can stand up to blunt force with relative ease. The premium foam padding on the interior ensures that your firearms or other belongings will remain the same and scratch-free. With this unit, you can be sure that your items are protected even when you are not near it.
The package includes RFID wristbands with which you can open it up without even touching it. Up to five RFID tags can be assigned, which means you can share it with people who you want to have access to the interior portion. Additionally, you also get a key fob and sticker to instantly open the lid of the safe.
As another alternate form of entry, you get a keypad where you can input your desired access code. The package also includes a 1500-pound rated cable to fasten it into place. If you would prefer to bolt the unit down, you can go for it thanks to the pre-drilled mounting holes on the bottom.
Pros
- Easy and convenient access
- Extremely secure
- Multiple access can be granted.
- Additional keypad options
Cons
- The quality of the lock could be better.
- Hornady Lock Box – Store your firearm and valuables with confidence. This large locked...
- Heavy and Sturdy – This Hornady safe is made from 16 gauge steel. Comes with a heavy...
- Ideal for Travel – The gun lock box provides pistol storage and security for concealed...
It looks like another product by Hornady made its way onto our list. It is an affordable option who want to get some moderate amount of security without spending too much. Granted, it does not offer you the best of protection; for the price, it cannot get better than this.
This is a simple lockbox that comes with two keys. The keys are your only way to get in and out of the box, so it is essential to keep them in check. However, the keys are round-shaped, so it is harder to lockpick. Even if people somehow gain access to the safe, it will take them a long time to unlock it, which is enough to discourage them from even trying.
It comes with a durable 16-gauge heavy-duty steel construction that resists prying. Because of the interior padding, your items will be securely stored. You also get a 4 feet long cable with your purchase to anchor the box in place. The cable can handle up to 1500 pounds of force easily.
The box has enough interior space to fit most 4-inch barrel pistols and revolvers without any issue. You can even store a few extra ammunitions if you want. For the price, you want your safe to be functional without compromising on safety. This unit is a perfect choice in that regard.
Pros
- Highly affordable car safe
- Comes with a spare key
- High-quality security cable
- Premium foam padding
Cons
- Small interior space
- Portable gun safe provides secure storage for one standard handgun while traveling;...
- Built with a carrying handle for easily transportation and a tether cable to attach gun...
- Gun safe is constructed with solid steel and a pry resistant door for strength; California...
The next unit on our radar is none other than the PP1K portable safe by the brand SentrySafe. It is a low-profile unit that takes up little space inside your car. Although it is extremely space-saving, you are a bit limited in storage options. However, to hold a single small firearm, this device is a perfect choice.
Do not let the small stature fool you. The safe features solid steel construction and includes a pry-resistant door. Any forceful breaking attempt will take hours, if not days, which will give you plenty of time to catch the thief in the act. Additionally, the safe comes with a strong and durable cable to hold it in place.
The locking mechanism in the unit is quite straightforward. You get two round-headed keys and a key lock system to use it. So, you can keep one on you and one as a backup at home in case you lose the master key. However, since the entire security of the safe depends on who has the key, you should be careful with it.
In addition, the safe comes with a carry handle to the side to improve upon its portability feature. If you are planning to use it as only a car safe, the feature might not be that useful. However, if you want an on-the-go safe, this is one of the finest units for that purpose.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Sturdy construction
- Convenient carry handle
- Includes a strong tether
Cons
- Tight interior space
- Security, Everywhere You Want It – Store and protect your handguns, passports, sensitive...
- Heavy Duty and Sturdy – This SnapSafe Lock Box features heavy duty 16-gauge housing and...
- Ideal for Travel – The metal gun case provides handgun storage and security for...
If you want a decent interior space but do not compromise on the portability and safety of your car safe, you cannot go wrong with this device by SnapSafe. This extra-large safe is capable of holding your small firearms in addition to some jewelry, cash, or other belongings securely when you are on the road.
Made using 16-gauge heavy-duty steel, the exterior of the safe is very sturdy and durable. It resists any blunt force or prying which dissuades people from trying to rob it. Thanks to the strong 1500 pounds rated security cable, you can securely tie it up to your car and not give it a second thought.
The unit features a simple three-digit combination lock. As you know, this locking mechanism is one of the safest out since it is easy enough to unlock if you know the code, and hard to crack if you do not. As long as you do not give out the code yourself, you have nothing to worry about regarding the safety of your gun.
Furthermore, the interior of the unit comes with premium padding to protect your items from scratches or any other forms of damages. You can even remove the pads if you want a bit of extra storage space. Thanks to this option, it is one of the most flexible car safes that you can find on the market.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Large interior space
- Removable padding
- Strong tether included
Cons
- Locking quality could be improved.
Any avid gun-lover knows the quality of a Fort Knox safe. Most people have one at home to store their collection of firearms. Well, with this handgun safe by the brand, you can get the same level of protection and performance when you are out on the road.
Often revered as one of the strongest handgun safes in the market, the unit is truly a powerhouse. Made with solid heavy-duty ten-gauge steel, anyone trying to break into the safe would have a really bad time. As long as the burglar does not bring a hydraulic press to steal your gun, you should be well covered.
If you are into combination locks, then you would surely love this unit. The simplex lock in the unit incorporates a unique system of combination inputs that require you to dial in five numbers to open it. You do not have to worry about any batteries as the entire process is mechanical.
Although it is a portable safe, it is by no means lightweight. It weighs a whopping 22 pounds, which speaks a lot about its build quality. So, if you want to strictly keep it in your car, this is a great little unit. But make sure you do not forget the combination since it does not have a backup system for access.
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Heavy-duty construction
- Unique locking mechanism
- Large interior space
Cons
- Does not have a backup way to open
- Quickly attaches to seat mounts in your car
- Fits under most vehicle seats for easy access and secures with a braided steel cable...
- Perfect for securing valuables in a vehicle, hotel, camp site, RVs, offices, and more
If you want a quick and easy way to securely carry your firearm in your car, then this low-profile safe by Winner International might be just for you. It is not much to look at, and at a glance, you might even overlook it, but when it comes to security, it makes no compromise.
Construction-wise the device features a strong and durable blend of aluminum and steel. The upper lid slides out, making it extremely easy to gain access to your belongings as soon as you want. Additionally, you get a braided steel cable to anchor the safe to the bottom of your car seat.
The locking mechanism is as straight-forward as it goes with this portable vault. It features a strong key lock system and gives you two sets of keys to work with, one of which is the master key while the other one is a spare. Make sure to hold the keys near you as they are the only way to get into the safe.
Space is also not much of an issue with the product. You can easily store your handgun, some ammunition, and even a few small items such as a passport or wallet inside it. There is a felt-coat molding on the interior to ensure your items are protected and do not feel the stress of a bumpy road.
Pros
- Convenient and lightweight
- Simple locking mechanism
- High-quality anchor cable
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
Does not have enough padding on the inside
- FAST & DEPENDABLE TOUCH-FREE ENTRY: RFID activated by wristband, key fob or sticker that...
- CERTIFIED CHILD-RESISTANT: Exceeds ASTM International safety standards for child and pry...
- HEAVY-DUTY, TAMPER PROOF CONSTRUCTION: Exterior housing is made of thick 14 gauge* steel...
The fact that three of our top ten recommendations are by Hornady should be enough to give you an idea of the quality of this brand. With this rapid car safe by them, you get a refresher course at what you can expect when you invest in their product.
Firstly, let us take a look at the construction quality. Featuring high quality and heavy-duty 14-gauge steel, this unit is truly meant to take a beating. It also comes with two locking lugs on the internal to further prevent anyone from trying to break in without permission.
RFID access is a quick and efficient way to operate the safe. Practically, you do not even have to touch the safe to open it. All you need to do is wave the RFID wristband that you get with your purchase in front of the sensor, and it recognizes you as the authorized user instantly.
Because of the electronic system of the locking mechanism, you need to use a battery with the unit. However, you can still use it if the battery runs out thanks to the conveniently attached key lock mechanism. Although a bit on the pricier end, it is one of the most versatile car safes that you can purchase.
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- Two different locking mechanisms
- Includes five RFID wristbands
- Premium build quality
Cons
- Not very affordable
- Gun Safe : If you have young children who don't understand the potential danger of...
- Rapid Pop Open Door : This pistol cabinet allows for quick access in case of emergency. It...
- Tough & Rugged : Expertly crafted using 16gauge powder coated steel construction, the RPNB...
Next up, we have the RPNB car safe that features an interesting design that looks stylish and futuristic. Boasting a sleek black design with blue led around the keypad, it gives a sense of elegance that is not easily found elsewhere. The price is also quite reasonable considering the quality of the unit.
It uses heavy-duty 16-gauge steel as its primary crafting material. The powder-coated finish of the unit feels premium and well-designed. Just one look and you would instantly be able to recognize the critical attention to detail in every aspect of the device.
Despite the over the top look, the unit is actually quite easy to operate. It uses basic pin input to gain access to the interior. The lid is spring-loaded, which means it pops open instantly when you give the right code. As an additional safety measure, the device locks up for five minutes with wrong inputs.
All the basic mounting accessories for the device are included in your purchase, which is a nice thing as it allows you to set it up as soon as you get your hands on it. Since it is an electronic lock, you need to install batteries for it to work. The interior of the safe comes with foam padding to protect all your belongings.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Quick-acting lid
- Premium foam padding
Cons
- No apparent cons
To wrap up our list of reviews, we will take a look at an amazing portable safe by the brand Stealth. If you are old-school and have more confidence in mechanical locks, then this might be the right choice. And considering the massive interior space, you will never run out of place to keep your weapons or additional items.
The device features a heavy-duty ten-gauge steel construction, so the durability is not an issue with it. TO further enhance its strength, you get 3/16-inch steel wrap around the door, and two 3/8-inch steel lugs. It also features two deadbolts made with solid steel and a chrome locking bolt.
Keeping the durability aside, the security system of the unit is also top-notch. It features a Simplex combination lock system, which is completely mechanical. This means you do not need to worry about running out of battery. It is a great feature for people who want to buy a safe and not worry about replacing batteries every few weeks.
The device also features a carry handle on the top to allow you to move it easily. Furthermore, the safe also comes with pre-drilled holes on the bottom to help you mount it easily. Thanks to the high-density foam padding on the interior, your belongings will remain safe and spot-less.
Pros
- Efficient mechanical lock
- Premium build quality
- Does not require a battery
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not very affordable
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Car Gun Safe
Now that you know which the best products are, you should also know some of the best features to consider. It will help you identify your particular requirements and narrow down on the perfect unit suitable for you. If you want to make the most out of your purchase, it is essential for you to understand these aspects.
Here are a few factors that you should know about when you want to buy the best vehicle gun safe.
Size
The first thing to consider when buying a portable gun safe is to take a look at its size. Since the unit is meant to stay in your car and hold small firearms, it obviously cannot be too bulky. However, this does not mean your product has to be a tight squeeze, either.
Ideally, you would want your vehicle gun safe to hold both your small arm and some ammunition. Depending on your requirement, you could even opt for units that can hold other small items such as passports and driver’s license. You can even go with bigger cases, but it defeats the purpose of being portable.
Construction Quality
The purpose of the safe is to keep the interior secure. So, they must be well-made and structurally strong. However, with low-end models, this might not always be the case. Cheaper and more budget-oriented models skimp out on the construction quality, which ultimately defeats the purpose of buying it.
Check the strength of the materials of the safe before you buy it. You need to make sure it can stand up to the abuse. If the safe can be broken by simple using blunt force, then there really is no point in getting it. The heavier the gauge of the steel, the better security you get out of it.
Locking Mechanism
The most important feature of a car safe is its locking mechanism. It may vary from one manufacturer to another as there are many different means available these days. We will give you a quick overview of different locking mechanisms to help you decide which one suits you better.
- Biometric locks
Biometric locks are one of the most popular mechanisms in a car safe. It is essentially a fingerprint scanner that is great for when you want to quickly open your safe since it eliminates the use of keys or inputting the unlocking code. However, this form of lock is not always reliable.
- Electronic locks
Electronic locks use a numerical code to give you access to the interior of the safe. It is quick, efficient, and extremely user-friendly. Furthermore, it is quite reliable as long as you do not give out your access code to other people. This type of safe relies on batteries as it requires power to function.
- Keyed locks
Next, we have the keyed locks, which, as the name suggests, requires you to use a key. The key can be either a traditional key or a round-shaped key, depending on the model you are using. Although it is a safe and reliable locking mechanism, you cannot quickly access the inside of the safe.
- Padlocks
Padlocks are also another common locking mechanism in car gun safes. This type of lock is very reliable, but it takes a while for you to install it or open it. They also generally require more space to work with, so if your car does not have enough space, it might not give you the best experience.
- Mechanical combination locks
Finally, we have the mechanical combination locks that require you to align three digits. Even though you cannot use more than three digits, breaking into this type of safe is extremely hard. With three numbers, you can come out with a thousand different combinations, so this type of locking mechanism is quite safe and secure.
Mounting Mechanism
Another thing that you must consider when you want to buy a portable vehicle safe is its mounting mechanism. Generally, you have two different options when it comes to mounting, cable mounting, or bolted. Both has its advantage and weaknesses, so weigh it carefully against your requirements.
- Cable mounting
This mounting mechanism uses a strong, stress-tested cable to attach the safe to your car. It does not take away from the portability of the unit and can work with almost any type of car easily. However, some people do not like it as the cable is generally not as secure as bolting it down.
- Bolted
A bolted car safe is technically more secure as it is attached directly to the vehicle’s fabric. The main issue with this type of mounting is the space requirement. It demands a lot of ground space, which might not be available in every situation.
Regardless of which type of mounting system you choose, you need to ensure that it is installed properly.Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to use a vehicle gun safe?
Ideally, yes. There are two main reasons to buy a safe to store your guns when you are in your car. For one thing, it shows that you respect the law. The law regarding concealed carry can vary in different states. But a common rule is that you can never carry your firearms inside places like churches or schools.
In those situations, you can keep your weapon in your portable safe instead of leaving it on the seat of your car. The gun will both be protected and away from unauthorized people. Besides with a portable safe, you can even carry your weapon in a flight as checked baggage.
2. Which locking mechanism is the best in a car gun safe?
When it comes to portable safe, you have many options to choose from. You can go with biometric security to something as simple as a lock and key. The most important thing is to be comfortable with the locking mechanism that you want to buy.
Comfort is the key here, and if you struggle to open the safe every time you need access, it just defeats the purpose. The security that this device provides is not dependent only on the type of locks but also on build quality and design. So when you are buying a gun safe, make sure you get one with a locking mechanism that is not too intimidating to use.
3. Can I legally carry a car gun safe?
Yes, you can. It will be illegal if you are carrying a weapon without a license or permit. However, carrying only a car gun safe without a gun is not a crime. And if you are permitted for concealed carry, you can even carry your gun inside the safe legally.
Final Thoughts
A portable gun safe can bring a lot of improvements in how you handle and store your firearm. It teaches you the importance of keeping your weapons out of unauthorized hands and also gives you a way to take your gun with you on the road.
We hope our article on the best car gun safe could help you figure out your perfect product.
Last Updated on by Larry K. Brown
Larry is a professional Shooter and his hobby is shooting and Hunting! He has been shooting for the last 6 years and he loves using many types of guns while outing as well. Based experiences with a different type of Guns and Hunting related products. He is sharing his opinion about various Guns so that a beginner can get started right way. Find him on Facebook.
Happy reading!
