Best Rifle Safe of 2026: 8 Long Gun Safes for Every Budget

The best rifle safe for most homes in 2026 is the KAER Electronic Long Gun Safe: it arrives pre-assembled, holds three to five rifles up to 53 inches, and gives you a keypad, two backup keys and an external emergency power box, so a dead battery does not lock you out. If you want fingerprint entry, the Barska Biometric Rifle Safe is our biometric pick and the only safe on this page whose listing carries California DOJ approval.

For a growing collection, the Kodiak KBX5629 is the big-safe pick: 14-gauge steel, a UL Listed electronic lock and a manufacturer fire claim of 30 minutes at 1400F, in a 390-pound body that is far harder to carry off than any cabinet. The other five picks cover narrower needs, from scoped AR-15s to a slim two-rifle cabinet for a closet and a battery-free mechanical case. Read the roles below, then check interior height and depth against your longest rifle before you order.

Quick picks

• Best overall for most homes: KAER Electronic Long Gun Safe
• Best biometric rifle safe: Barska Biometric Rifle Safe
• Best for large collections: Kodiak KBX5629 42-Gun Safe
• Best mid-size fire-rated option: Wasatch 18EGW 18-Gun Safe
• Best for scoped AR-15s: KAER 13-16 Gun Biometric Safe
• Best slim fingerprint cabinet: KAER 4-5 Gun Biometric Rifle Safe
• Best for two rifles on a budget: KAER 2-3 Gun Rifle Safe
• Best battery-free quick access: V-Line Quick Access Long Gun Safe

Rifle safes compared

How we chose

We did not put these safes through lab tests or keep them at home. Our picks come from research: we read each Amazon listing and product description line by line, compared stated dimensions against typical rifle lengths, looked at what each lock offers as a backup when the primary method fails, and noted which claims are specific (a stated fire time and temperature, a UL Listed lock, a bolt diameter) and which are vague. Owner feedback summaries were thin or missing for every model on this list at the time of writing, so we do not describe owner themes here; check recent reviews on each listing before you buy.

We also checked recall information. Several biometric safes from other brands have been recalled because their fingerprint readers could let unauthorized users open them, so we exclude those brands and explain more in our biometric gun safe recall guide. Finally, we favored listings that spell out mounting hardware, backup entry and interior layout, because those details decide whether a safe actually works in your closet.

1. KAER Electronic Long Gun Safe: Best Overall for Most Homes

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This KAER cabinet hits the sweet spot for a first rifle safe. The listing gives real numbers: 54.33 inches tall, 11.8 inches wide and 11.02 inches deep, about 63 pounds, with 4.08 cubic feet of space for three to five rifles up to 53 inches long plus four or five handguns. That height clears most full-length hunting rifles and shotguns, and the removable shelf and door organizer give magazines and accessories a place that is not the floor of the safe.

Access is where it earns the top spot. You get a digital keypad, two spare keys and an external emergency power box, so drained internal batteries do not trap your rifles inside. The seller also lists a silent mode for quiet night access, an interior sensor light, and an alarm that temporarily locks out the keypad after repeated wrong codes. It is built from 15-gauge steel with 0.8-inch locking bolts, which is cabinet-class rather than burglary-safe class, so bolt it down using the four pre-drilled holes.

It ships fully assembled, a real advantage over the KAER 13-16 below. At the time of writing it sat in the $200 to $300 range; check the current price on Amazon. Full details are in our KAER electronic long gun safe review.

• Pros: three entry methods, pre-assembled, clear dimensions, silent mode and interior light
• Cons: 15-gauge cabinet steel, no fire rating listed, slim depth limits bulky optics

2. Barska Biometric Rifle Safe: Best Biometric Rifle Safe

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If you want to open a long gun safe with a finger rather than a code, the Barska is the most widely reviewed option here. The listing says it stores up to 120 fingerprints, has a silent mode, a removable shelf and a five-point steel locking system, and holds up to four rifles. Backup keys and a backup battery are included, which is the minimum any fingerprint safe should offer.

It is the only product on this page whose listing states California DOJ approval, which matters if you live in California or simply want a safe that has been through that state’s firearm safety device process. The listing also mentions room for accessories alongside the rifles.

What is missing is detail: the listing we reviewed gives no exterior or interior dimensions, steel gauge or weight, so confirm interior height and depth on the current listing before you assume your rifle fits. At the time of writing it sat in the $300 to $500 range; see today’s Barska price. Our full Barska biometric rifle safe review covers the access methods in more depth, and the best biometric gun safes guide compares it with smaller fingerprint safes.

• Pros: California DOJ approval listed, large fingerprint memory, silent mode, five-point lock
• Cons: dimensions, steel gauge and weight not stated in the listing, higher price than KAER cabinets

3. Kodiak KBX5629 42-Gun Safe: Best for Large Collections

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The Kodiak by Rhino Metals is a different class of product from the cabinets on this page. At 56 inches high, 29 wide and 22 deep and about 390 pounds, it is a true safe body rather than a locker. The listing describes 14-gauge steel, a UL Listed electronic lock, anti-pry design, a hardened armor plate and a spring-loaded relocker that is meant to resist drill attacks on the lock.

Fire protection is claimed at 30 minutes at 1400F, with fireboard in the walls, ceiling, floor and door plus an intumescent door seal that expands with heat. External hinges let the door swing a full 180 degrees, and the interior is upholstered with an adjustable shelf and a door organizer with nine pistol pockets.

The “42-gun” number is the maker’s maximum count; scoped rifles and wide stocks take more room, so expect to store fewer in practice. Plan delivery and placement carefully at this weight, and check floor load if you are going upstairs. At the time of writing it sat in the over $1,000 range; check the Kodiak listing for the current price, and read our Kodiak KBX5629 review. Our fireproof gun safe guide explains how to read fire claims like this one.

• Pros: heavy 14-gauge body, UL Listed lock, relocker, stated fire claim, 180-degree door
• Cons: the price tier, weight makes moving and stairs a project, real capacity well under 42 with optics

4. Wasatch 18EGW 18-Gun Safe: Best Mid-Size Fire-Rated Option

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The Wasatch fills the gap between a thin cabinet and a 390-pound safe. Its listing states 55 inches high, 17 wide and 20 deep with 9.9 cubic feet, a fire rating of 1400 degrees for 45 minutes and a waterproof claim. It uses three 1.5-inch active locking bolts and two dead bolts, with external hinges that open a full 180 degrees and interior door storage.

The backlit electronic lock includes an alarm function and a backup key. The 20-inch depth is noticeably deeper than the KAER cabinets, which helps with scoped rifles. The “18-gun” figure, like most gun counts, assumes slim rifles packed tightly; at 17 inches wide, a realistic load of scoped rifles is smaller. The listing does not state steel gauge, weight or the details behind the waterproof claim, so check those before buying.

At the time of writing it sat in the $500 to $1,000 range; view the Wasatch 18EGW on Amazon. See our Wasatch 18EGW 18-gun safe review, or compare others in this tier in the gun safes under $1,000 guide.

• Pros: stated 45-minute fire claim, large active bolts, deeper interior, 180-degree door
• Cons: steel gauge and weight not listed, keypad-and-key only, waterproof claim lacks detail

5. KAER 13-16 Gun Biometric Safe: Best for Scoped AR-15s

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This is the KAER to look at if you own scoped rifles or AR-15s. At 55.12 inches tall, 20 wide and 15 deep it is much roomier than KAER’s slim cabinets, and the seller specifically says it fits scoped rifles such as the AR-15 and M4. The interior is modular, with detachable shelves, adjustable gun racks, three movable mesh panels and triangular partitions, so you can set it up around your own mix of long guns and handguns.

Access methods are fingerprint (up to 30 prints), a 3- to 12-digit PIN, two emergency keys and a battery box. The listing describes a 14-gauge door and 22mm solid locking bolts, plus silent mode and an alarm that triggers a child lockout after repeated wrong attempts. Two cautions: it needs assembly, and the listed 11 cubic feet is larger than the exterior dimensions allow, so treat that capacity number with skepticism and rely on the inch measurements. The 13-to-16 rifle count also assumes slim guns.

At the time of writing it sat in the $200 to $300 range, strong value for its size; check the current KAER 13-16 price. Read our review of the KAER 13-16 gun biometric safe for more.

• Pros: fits scoped ARs per seller, four access methods, flexible interior, 14-gauge door
• Cons: requires assembly, inconsistent capacity figure, no fire rating listed

6. KAER 4-5 Gun Biometric Rifle Safe: Best Slim Fingerprint Cabinet

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This cabinet shares the slim footprint of our top pick, 11.8 inches wide, 11 deep and 54.3 tall, but adds a fingerprint reader. The seller lists interior dimensions of about 11.61 inches wide and 8.66 inches deep, which is the number that matters: bulky optics or wide stocks may need to go in sideways, so measure before you commit.

You get three ways in: a one-touch fingerprint sensor, a PIN of up to nine digits, and two emergency keys, plus an emergency battery pack. Four anchor bolts are included for mounting, and a removable shelf adjusts to your rifle length. KAER’s own advice is to keep the keys and emergency power outside the safe, which is good practice for any electronic lock.

The listing does not state steel gauge or weight. At the time of writing it sat in the $200 to $300 range; see the KAER 4-5 listing. Our KAER 4-5 biometric rifle safe review goes deeper, and our biometric vs keypad comparison can help you decide if the fingerprint reader is worth it over the keypad-only top pick.

• Pros: fingerprint plus PIN and keys, small footprint, anchor bolts included
• Cons: shallow interior, steel gauge and weight not listed, no fire rating

7. KAER 2-3 Gun Rifle Safe: Best for Two Rifles on a Budget

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If you only need to secure a pair of long guns, this is the least expensive way onto this list. It measures 52 inches tall, 9.85 wide and 8.66 deep and weighs about 52.9 pounds, with a built-in rack for two rifles up to 44 inches. KAER is candid that scoped rifles have to be turned sideways to fit, and 44 inches rules out many full-length shotguns and hunting rifles, so this suits carbines and shorter long guns best.

The listing describes 14-gauge cold-rolled steel, three 20mm locking bolts, a keypad with code memory that survives battery loss, a key backup, and a 50-second lockout after three wrong codes. Three small interior lock boxes hold handguns or valuables, and the door uses external hinges that open 180 degrees. Pre-punched holes on the back and bottom plus expansion bolts make wall or floor mounting easy.

At the time of writing it sat in the $100 to $200 range; check today’s price. Our KAER 2-3 gun rifle safe review has the full breakdown, and the best gun safes under $200 guide lists more options at this budget.

• Pros: lowest price tier here, 14-gauge steel, internal lock boxes, easy mounting
• Cons: 44-inch length limit, scoped rifles go in sideways, keypad and key only

8. V-Line Quick Access Long Gun Safe: Best Battery-Free Quick Access

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The V-Line takes a different approach: a lockable steel case instead of an upright cabinet. The Amazon title lists a 42-inch case in 16-gauge steel, and the description says it is made to hold most AR-type rifles with accessories. Its primary lock is a genuine Kaba Simplex five-button mechanical lock, so there are no batteries to fail, and the seller notes 1,081 possible codes. Two additional keyed locks add another layer.

Front and top opening plus pre-drilled quarter-inch holes let you mount it upright or flat, on a wall or floor, inside a closet, behind a door, or in the back of an SUV. The listing says it is made and assembled in the USA. It is a quick-access case for one rifle rather than a storage safe for a collection, and the listing gives no interior dimensions or weight; check those on Amazon.

The price varies by seller, so check the current V-Line price. Read our V-Line quick access long gun safe review, and see the quick access gun safes guide for other fast-open designs.

• Pros: mechanical lock needs no batteries, flexible mounting including vehicles, US-made per seller
• Cons: single-rifle case, 16-gauge steel, limited specs on the listing

How to choose the best rifle safe

Cabinet or safe: decide the job first

Most rifle safes under $300 are steel cabinets in the 14- to 16-gauge range. They do a good job of keeping children and casual hands away from firearms, but they are light enough to carry away if not anchored. Heavier safes like the Kodiak and Wasatch add thicker bodies, bigger bolts and fire claims. If theft and fire are your main worries, budget for the heavier class; if access control is the goal, a well-mounted cabinet is often enough. Our gun cabinet guide digs into that lighter category.

Fit and capacity

• Measure your longest rifle with the optic and any light or sling attached, then compare it to interior height, not exterior height.
• Check interior depth: slim cabinets around 8 to 9 inches deep often force scoped rifles in sideways.
• Treat gun counts as a maximum for slim, unscoped guns. A safe sold as 18-gun or 42-gun will hold far fewer AR-15s with optics.
• Leave room for growth; a too-small safe is the most common regret. Our gun safe size guide walks through the math.

Lock types and backups

Keypads are fast and familiar; fingerprint readers are quicker in the dark but depend on enrollment quality and clean, dry fingers; mechanical push-button locks like the Simplex on the V-Line need no power at all. Whatever you choose, confirm the backup: keys, an external battery terminal, or both. Keep backup keys outside the safe and away from children. For a deeper look at reader reliability, see are biometric gun safes reliable.

On biometric safes, check recalls before you buy. Awesafe, Bulldog (biometric models), Machir and MouTec biometric gun safes were recalled because the fingerprint reader could let unauthorized users, including children, open them. None of those brands appear on this page; our recall guide has more.

Mounting and placement

Every safe here lists pre-drilled holes or included anchors. Bolt a cabinet to the floor or wall studs; an unanchored 50- to 60-pound cabinet offers little theft protection. Choose a spot away from moisture and consider a dehumidifier for long-term storage. Our guide to bolting down a gun safe covers anchors for concrete and wood floors.

Power and batteries

Electronic locks run on batteries, so note where the battery compartment is and whether the safe offers an external power option, as the KAER models do. Replace batteries on a schedule rather than waiting for a low-battery warning.

Price tiers

Under $200 buys a compact cabinet for two rifles. Between $200 and $300 you get larger cabinets with fingerprint readers and more interior options; see our best gun safes under $300 list. The $300 to $500 range adds established biometric options like the Barska, covered further in our best gun safe under $500 guide. Above $500 you start paying for weight, bolt size and fire claims. Prices move often, so always check the current price.

Watch: Sawtooth Tactical looks at whether a KAER rifle cabinet can stand in for a big, expensive gun safe. The video may cover a different KAER model than the ones listed above, so match specs to the listing.

One last reminder: storage and child-access laws vary by state; check yours before choosing where and how to store your rifles. For handguns and other categories, start with our best gun safes overview.

Best Rifle Safe FAQ

What is the best rifle safe for the money?

For most homes, the KAER Electronic Long Gun Safe offers the best balance of price and features: it is pre-assembled, holds three to five rifles up to 53 inches, and has a keypad, two backup keys and an external emergency power box. If you need room for scoped rifles, the KAER 13-16 Gun Biometric Safe offers more space in the same price band, though it needs assembly.

What is the best gun safe for an AR-15?

Look for interior depth as much as height, because optics and pistol grips add bulk. The KAER 13-16 Gun Biometric Safe is marketed for scoped AR-15s and is 15 inches deep, and the Wasatch 18EGW is 20 inches deep. Slim cabinets around 8 to 9 inches deep often require turning a scoped rifle sideways, which cuts capacity.

Is a biometric rifle safe a good idea?

A fingerprint reader can be faster than a keypad, especially in low light, but it should always come with a backup such as a PIN, keys or external power. Enroll the same finger several times and keep fingers clean and dry. Avoid recalled brands, including Awesafe, Bulldog biometric models, Machir and MouTec, and check our recall guide for details.

What is the best rifle safe for two rifles?

The KAER 2-3 Gun Rifle Safe is built for exactly that, with a rack for two rifles up to 44 inches and three small interior lock boxes. It is slim at under 10 inches wide, so scoped rifles need to go in sideways. If your rifles are longer than 44 inches, step up to the KAER Electronic Long Gun Safe, which takes rifles up to 53 inches.

Do rifle safes need to be bolted down?

Yes, for most models. Cabinets in the 50- to 60-pound range can be carried away if they are not anchored, so use the included bolts or pre-drilled holes to fix them to the floor or wall studs. Heavy safes like the 390-pound Kodiak are harder to move, but anchoring still adds security. Follow the manual and use anchors suited to your floor.

Are cheap rifle safes fireproof?

Usually not. None of the KAER cabinets or the V-Line case on this page list a fire rating. The Kodiak KBX5629 claims 30 minutes at 1400F and the Wasatch 18EGW claims 45 minutes at 1400 degrees, both in higher price tiers. If fire protection matters to you, confirm the stated rating on the listing and consider how long a fire might burn where you live.

FindsCheaper is reader-supported: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We research listings, manuals and owner feedback; we do not accept payment for placement. Prices, coupons and availability change, so check Amazon for the current details. Store firearms safely and follow your state’s storage laws.