Best Car Gun Safe – 2022 Top Picks

The best car gun safe is one that keeps your firearm safe until it’s needed. With a car safe, no one can access your weapon unless you open it yourself. This is particularly important if you ever drive with anyone else in the car like family or friends.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall
  • Strong tether included to attach to the lockbox
  • Heavy-duty construction with 16-gauge steel
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  • Constructed with durable 18-gauge powder-coated steel
  • Roomy interior to fit many firearm sizes
  • Spring-loaded locking door mechanism allows quick access
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  • Best value for the money
  • Tamper-proof construction
  • 3-foot steel security cable is rated for 1500 lbs.
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  • Portable case with a secure built-in lock system
  • Touch activated keypad
  • Lightweight characteristics with superior strength
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  • Fast & dependable touch-free entry
  • Made with durable materials and long-lasting design
  • Anti-tampering mechanism built into the device
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What Size of a Car Gun Safe Do I Need?

Most car gun safes available today will be big enough for any of the common handguns of any caliber to fit inside, such as a .38 Ruger, which is around 6.5 inches, or a Glock 17, which is approximately 7.3 inches long. 

If you need something more significant for a larger gun, such as a revolver (which may be 10 inches or more), or a folding stock AR-15, be sure to look at the dimensions of the safe before buying. In this situation, buying a larger safe is necessary to ensure the firearm can fit inside without issue.

What to Look for When Buying a Car Gun Safe

When purchasing a car gun safe, there are a few things to consider and look for. 

The Size

You need a gun safe that will hold the firearm you have and plan to carry. You also need something you are comfortable using. For example, if you are not comfortable with modern technology, such as biometrics or RFID, choose a safe that does not offer this feature.

The Materials

You also need to look at the gauge of the steel used to manufacture the car gun safe you are considering. The higher the gauge is, the thinner the steel. For example, a safe made of 10-gauge steel is about 0.14 inches thick. However, a twenty-gauge sheet of steel is about 0.38 inches thick. Also, lower gauge steel means the car gun case will be heavier which will impact your MPG over time.

The Security Features

As you look at the available car gun safe, you should also consider the opening method (briefly discussed above). For example, do you want traditional lock and key, combination, RFID, biometrics, or something else? Keep in mind that the more tech-advanced the opening mechanism is, the higher the price of the car gun safe, which may exceed your budget for the purchase. The other thing to keep in mind is that the speed in which you can access your gun may be the difference between life and death. That is to say: Gun safes aren’t exactly something you want to cheap out on.

Review of Car Gun Safes

Now that you know what to look for, it is time to dive in and learn more about the top options available. Keep reading to find out more about our picks for the best car gun safe available today.

Top Pick

Snap Safe Lock Box by Hornady

 

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

According to recent buyers, the safe offers decent interior space without compromising on the safety or portability of the car gun safe. Thanks to the extra-large design, it is possible to hold your small firearm, along with cash, jewelry, or other belongings you want to keep safe while on the road.

Why It Stands Out to Us

The 16-gauge heavy-duty steel design ensures this safe can stand up to anything. It is resistant to prying or blunt force, which will help dissuade anyone from trying to steal it. We also like the 1500 pound-rated security cable you can attach to your vehicle, which provides a “set-it-and-forget-it” design.

We appreciate the three-digit combination lock, which is one of the safest options available today. Only those who have the combination can get into the lock and access the firearm or other items inside. We also found the padding beneficial, as it can protect everything inside from scratches and other types of damage.

Bottom Line

When it comes to car gun safes, the SnapSafe lockbox is a flexible option that provides the high-level of security and peace of mind you are looking for.

Runner Up

First Alert Portable Handgun Safe

First Alert Portable Handgun Safe, Small Multicolor, 5200DF

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers of this car gun safe agree that it features a smart, well-made design that provides a healthy balance between accessibility and security. You can feel confident that unauthorized individuals will not be able to access your firearm when you use this gun safe. The hinge features spring load assistance, which means you can open the safe quickly in an emergency.

Why It Stands Out to Us

We believe that some of the most essential elements of any car gun safe include accessibility and portability, which this gun safe delivers on. For example, you can quickly and easily access the contents inside with the set code, and the safe weighs just four pounds, which means it will not require too much effort or space to take along on any road trip. While it is lightweight, the safe does not compromise with security, making it a smart option for any savvy consumer.

Bottom Line

First alert has manufactured several gun safes, and we agree that this is one of the top options available today. It offers the essential features you want and needs in a single pistol safe. The security features are also top-notch, ensuring you get the peace of mind desired when purchasing this type of safe.

Best Budget Option

Hornady Lock Box for Guns

Hornady Alpha Elite Portable Lock Box for Guns and Valuables – Includes 2 Keys and 4 Foot Steel Cable – Thick 16-Gauge Steel, an Ideal Car Lock Box or Truck Safe – Black, 10.25 x 8 x 2.75 Inches

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report 

According to most buyers, this car gun safe is an affordable option that provides a moderate amount of security for your budget. While it does not offer the highest level of protection compared to some of the other options available, you will be happy with the purchase you make if you want something affordable and secure.

Why It Stands Out to Us

While this is a simple lockbox, it offers the security you want and need. The manufacturer also had the foresight to include two keys, just in case the first is lost. Even better, the keys are round, which makes it difficult for anyone to lockpick. Even if someone gains access to this safe, it will be extremely challenging and time-consuming to open without the key.

We also appreciate the 16-gauge heavy-duty steel construction, which is fully resistant to prying. Thanks to the interior padding, you can feel confident anything you store inside will not be scratched or damaged in any way.

Bottom Line

The gun safe has plenty of interior space to fit most four-inch barrel revolvers and pistols with no problem. It is also possible to store ammunition inside if desired. You get a functional safe that provides the peace of mind you want and need for a low price.

Vaultek LifePod Secure Waterproof Travel Case

VAULTEK LifePod Secure Waterproof Travel Case Rugged Electronic Lock Box Travel Organizer Portable Handgun Case with Backlit Keypad (Covert Black)

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

According to owners, this gun safe provides a more durable and high-quality option than the other TSA approved safes available. While it is just two pounds, the robust polymer design ensures that it resists all types of force to keep your gun safe, secure, and out of the wrong hands.

Why It Stands Out to Us

We have found the Vaultek LifePod is one of the best security cases for your guns available on the market today. It offers several innovative features and ensures that your gun is safe from any nefarious individuals who may try to steal it. Even if the battery dies, an integrated USB slot provides power to the electronic elements that will last for up to one year.

Even better, the low price makes it a smart option for anyone, and it makes a great gift. The lightweight design makes it possible to store away in any vehicle, even if you have limited space available.

Bottom Line

As a TSA approved, lightweight car gun safe, you won’t find something better. It is offered at an affordable price and provides the high-security level you want and need for your gun.

Hornady RAPiD Gun Safe with RFID Instant Access for Guns

Hornady Rapid Vehicle Safe – Gun Safe for Cars and Trucks, Safely Stow Gun in Vehicle – RFID Safe for Fast, Multiple Method Entry – Car Gun Safe Conforms to Vehicle Shape Without Modifications

PROS

CONS

What Recent Buyers Report

According to users of this car gun safe, you can easily open the safe using one of the three options – a wristband, key fob, or decal – which makes it a versatile and flexible product for anyone. It is also possible to program RFID tags, providing even more security. Most users who love technology prefer this gun safe because of these innovative security features.

Why It Stands Out to Us

Like many of the other car gun safes that made our list, one of the top features of this option is the durable and robust 16-gauge steel used for manufacturing. Additionally, the locking mechanism is extremely durable. It was designed from ¼” steel.

The installation process is quick and easy, thanks to the pre-mounting holes present on the gun safe. If you want to use it inside a home or structure, rather than in your vehicle, this is possible, too. We also like the fact that this safe will run on AC power or batteries, which means you can always get into the safe when necessary.

Bottom Line

When it comes to safety and security, along with high-tech features, you won’t find a safe that delivers more than this option. If you are looking for a car gun safe that will provide the peace of mind you want, this is one to consider.

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Car Gun Safe

Investing in a quality and durable car gun safe is a step that any responsible gun owner should take. Remember, firearms are dangerous – especially if they fall into the wrong hands, such as children. Using a car gun safe, you can feel confident your firearm is safely locked away in a location where you can access it.

Even better, with the car gun safe, you can keep your firearm with you as you travel, providing the protection needed in emergencies. All this is possible without worrying about someone using or accessing the gun when they should not. The gun safes designed to use in your vehicle are lightweight, compact, and durable, making it possible to take your gun from place to place without having to take up too much space in your vehicle.

Finding the right gun safe is essential because this is going to provide you with all these benefits. Thanks to modern design techniques and innovative technology, it is possible to find gun safes that offer all the features you want and need and that provide you the high level of security and safety you are searching for.

Final Thoughts

If you purchase a firearm, you have invested. Not only have you spent money on this purchase, the possibility of someone being injured by your gun is high if you do not take steps to secure it – and you’d be financially liable. By choosing one of the high-quality, durable car gun safes on this list, you can feel confident that your investment is protected and that the safety and security of others are intact. Being informed and knowing what options are available will help ensure you get the security needed from the car gun safe you choose. 

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.