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Gun Safe Ratings and Reviews: Handgun Safes

In Gun Safes by Consumer FilesLeave a CommentLast Updated: April 21st, 2021

Gun Safe Ratings and Reviews: Handgun Safes

WINNER

Barska AX11556

SentrySafe QAP1BE

SnapSafe Lockbox

Fort Knox PB1


Finding the right gun safe for your needs can be tricky. Reading the product descriptions is a great place to start, but doesn't really give you an unbiased opinion. That's why it's a good idea to find and analyze some good gun safe ratings and reviews. To help you out, we poured over the best gun safe reviews and ratings to give you a list of the four best handgun safes out there (for a list of top of the line long gun safes and cabinets click here). Each of these compact gun safes has a rating of 5 stars from at least 71% of the reviews.

We looked at that percentage combined with how many total reviews there were to make sure that each gun safe was also a solid product. This list is also in order of which had the best ratings and reviews, so while they are all great gun safes, they are in ranked order. 

Top Pick - Barska Top Opening Biometric Fingerprint Safe 2024

Features

The Barska Top Opening Biometric Gun Safe was designed for use in a desk drawer and features a top opening lid that allows easy access to the interior of the safe. The biometric lock on the gun safe can store up to 30 different user fingerprints, with an expected battery life of up to two years. The external measurements are 14.75 inches by 11.25 inches by 5 inches.

The all steel construction is combined with a hydraulic door system that allows the safe to open easily. This gun safe does come with two backup keys, four AA batteries, and mounting hardware to securely and permanently mount this gun safe.

What People Are Saying...

This gun safe currently has over 350 reviews. Of those reviews, 86% gave this gun safe a ranking of four or more stars. Most of the reviews commented on the heavy duty construction for this gun safe. The biometrics were stated as being very good and reliable, with no one reporting any issues with fingerprint recognition. One reviewer also stated that he loved the larger size of this gun safe as it allowed him to store his full-size .40 with a laser in addition to a 9mm and a three-inch stack of important documents. There were few complaints and most were on superficial features, such as wishing there was a battery life indicator or volume control. Rarely, there were wiring problems reported, but most buyers said they were able to correct the problems themselves.


Biometric Pistol Safe by Sentry Industries Inc. QAP1BE

Features

The SentrySafe Biometric Pistol Safe is a slim gun safe measuring 6.6 inches by 9.7 inches by 2.2 inches. This means there's plenty of room inside for a full-size semi-automatic handgun. The lock is primarily biometric and can store two fingerprints. There is also the option of using the four button keypad or one of the backup keys if quick access isn't needed.

The outside of the gun safe is made of heavy duty 12 gauge steel while the inside features thick foam padding. This padding effectively keeps your handgun from rattling about, even if you shake the gun safe. Compression gas struts add an element of stealth to the already zero feedback of the buttons and lock. The gas struts also hold the pry resistant door open so that you can easily retrieve your handgun.

What People Are Saying...

At the time of this review, this gun safe had nearly 800 reviews on Amazon.com with 89% of those reviews ranking this gun safe four or more stars. Many buyers stated they loved the construction of this gun safe and that the three options for unlocking the safe are a great feature. There were also positive comments on the reliability of the biometrics and how quickly the gun safe opened. That it could hold two small handguns with an extra magazine was also a strong point. The only real complaint was on the feel of the buttons. They are rather soft and squishy, with no tactile feedback when pressed. Some buyers found that this made them feel uncertain if they had actually pressed the button and entered the proper code. However, this was the only complaint stated with most buyers loving this gun safe.


Handgun Lockbox by SnapSafe - Gun Safe Reviews And Ratings

Features

This Snapsafe Handgun Gun Safe is slim and perfect for holding your everyday carry gun. Its slim design and light weight allow it to comfortably fit in a briefcase or backpack and it comes with a steel security cable to allow you to securely keep your gun locked in your vehicle. This gun safe also meets the TSA airline firearm guidelines, allowing you to use it while flying.

It weighs only 2 pounds and measures 9 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches by 1 3/4 inches. The interior features 1/2 inch of memory foam on both the bottom and underside of the lid, providing a secure fit for your handgun. This 18 gauge steel gun safe has a key lock, coming with two keys.

What People Are Saying...

With nearly 350 reviews on Amazon.com, this gun safe is holding a solid ranking of four or more stars from 90% of all reviewers. The construction of this gun safe was cited as being very sturdy. It was also stated as being a more cost effective alternative to a similarly styled safe by another company, and that the quality and performance were comparable. A few reviews stated that while the gun safe itself was great, the included security cable wasn't as sturdy and most reviewers reported getting a stronger security cable.


Original Handgun Safe by Fort Knox

Features

This Fort Knox Original Handgun Safe is made of heavy duty 10 gauge steel. If features a no-nonsense pushbutton mechanical locking device. This is a great feature as you'll never have to worry about changing batteries. The door is also an impressive 3/16 of an inch thick and wraps around the body of the gun safe to protect against tampering and forced entry. Gas struts make it easy to open the door and the struts will hold the door open for you to easily access your handgun.

The interior features egg carton style foam provides protection to your handgun from scratches or rattling around. There are four predrilled mounting holes located on the bottom so you can mount this gun safe to a shelf, within a drawer, or on the floor. It comes with a free 13.5 inches Dean Safe Pistol Sock.

What People Are Saying...

While this gun safe has significantly fewer reviews, it has a ranking as solid it is with 97% of the 35 reviews ranking it four or more stars. Most of the reviews stated that the strong construction of this gun safe and careful attention to details made it well worth the money. Many buyers also loved that the lock was mechanical, giving them the peace of mind that they would always be able to access their handgun in an emergency. One buyer was also very impressed that although there are only five buttons, you can press more than one at a time which gives you more combination options. The only negative comment was on the fact that after entering the combination, you have to turn a knob for the gun safe to open.


Gun Safe Ratings and Reviews Conclusion

Looking at gun safe ratings and reviews will usually give you the best idea on the quality of any gun safe and make you discover amazing gun safes that perfectly meet your needs, but that you may have otherwise dismissed. We hope our article has given you valuable information to consider before your next purchase.


Sources and Official Brand Websites:

SentrySafe  |  SnapSafe  |  Barska  |  Fort Knox | Smart Gun Laws


Gun Safe Ratings and Reviews: Handgun Safes was last modified: April 21st, 2021 by Consumer Files