The main reason why most people own a firearm is to keep them safe and a gun that is miles away from when you need it is going to be useless. Hence, many like to keep their gun nearby, such as keeping it in the car. Although having a gun near you while you travel can help keep you safe, there’s always a risk that someone may steal your firearm. This is especially true when your vehicle gets stolen. So, how do you ensure that your gun does not get in the wrong hands? The best way to do this is by getting a quality gun safe for the car.
The best car gun safes will allow you to securely store your guns, probably under the car seat, even when you take a drive with your family and friends. Nobody will have unauthorized access to the safe unless you open it. This is very important if you have small children on board.
In today’s article, you’ll find some of the best car gun safes out on the market to suit your needs. However, if you looking for other gun safes, click here. As we go through the list, remember to check out their features such as the size, type of lock, what kind of gun it can hold, and the safety measures in place to better determine if there is what you want in car gun safes.
| Gun safes | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Bluetooth Pistol Safe | Most Recommended Option 1. Biometrics Scan Lock | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Snapsafe Combination Lock Box | 1. Combination Lock Type 2. Removable padding for extra space 3. Interior padding | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Bulldog Cases Car Gun Safe | 1. Deluxe Key Style Lock 2. Comes with three-foot security cable 3. Interior cushioning | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | GunVault NV200 Vehicle Gun Safe | 1. Key Lock 2. TSA-approved 3. 18-gauge steel construction | 9.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Fort Knox FTK-PB Pistol Box Handgun Safe | 1. Simplex push-button mechanical lock 2. California DOJ approved 3. Tamper-proof hinges | 9.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | SentrySafe PP1K Portable Pistol Safe | 1 Key Lock 2. Solid steel construction 3. Certified by California DOJ | 8.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | GunVault MV500-STD Microvault Pistol Gun Safe | 1. Keypad Lock 2. 20-gauge steel construction 3. 1-year warranty | 8.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | First Alert 5100K Small Gun Safe | 1. Key Lock 2. Powder coated 18-gauge steel construction 3. Low profile design | 8.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | SnapSafe Lock Box | 1. Key Lock 2. 16-Gauge steel construction 3. TSA-approved | 8.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Gunbunker GS-1 Vehicle Gun Safe | 1. High quality 16-Ga steel construction 2. Large capacity 3. 2-year warranty | 8.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
Benefits of Using a Vehicle Pistol Safe
Purchasing high-quality vehicle weapon safes can offer more benefits than you could imagine. Here’s a list of several more important uses:
- Respect the law
- Different states have different laws on concealed carry weapons. However, most local authorities do not allow the carry of weapons in certain places such as churches, schools, and federal buildings. So, if you happen to need to enter one such establishment while you’re carrying, you can store your weapon in a portable safe to eliminate this problem.
- Keep your weapons and important documents safe
- Obviously, this is a high priority for gun owners who need to keep their dangerous weapons from children and the occasional burglary attempts. While it’s true that even the best safe can be breached, it does take a considerably long time to do so.
- Suitable for Air Travel
- You’re not allowed to carry a gun with you on the plane but having a TSA-approved safe will let you bring your favorite weapon with you onboard the plane via checked-in luggage.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Best Car Gun Safes – A Buying Guide
Before we head down to our list of the best car gun safes available, you should first understand the factors that you should consider to help you identify your particular requirements and narrow down on the best unit for you. If you want to make the most out of your purchase, then it is essential for you to understand these few aspects in car gun safe:
Size
Before buying a portable gun safe, you’ll need to first look at its size. Unlike your bedside safe, this is important because you cannot fit a regular size safe. Considering the fact that the gun safe is meant to stay in your vehicle and hold small firearms, you should make sure that the car gun safe is not too bulky without being too tight either.
Ideally, you should get a car gun safe that has enough space to hold both your gun and some ammunition. You might even opt for slightly larger units that can hold other important items such as passports and your driver’s license.
Construction
The best car gun safes are well-made and structurally strong to keep the interior secure. Some cheaper models tend to skimp on construction quality, which ultimately defeats the purpose of buying it. That’s why it’s essential for you to check the strength of the materials of the car gun safe before you buy it.
You need to make sure that the material is able to resist abuse and avoid one that can simply be opened by using blunt force. It is always advisable to get one with steel construction and remember the heavier the gauge of the steel, the better security you can get out of it.
Locking Mechanism
One of the most important security features of a car safe is its locking mechanism as this may vary from one manufacturer to another. Here’s an overview of the different locking mechanisms to help you decide which suits you better.
Biometric Locks
This is a fingerprint scanner that works great for when you need quick access to the safe since it eliminates the use of keys or manual input to unlock the code. While this is one of the most popular mechanisms in a car gun safe, it is not always reliable.
Electronic Locks
This type of car gun safe uses a numerical code to give you access. It is quick, efficient, user-friendly, and quite reliable as long as you do not give out your access code to other people. However, this type of safe will need to rely on batteries as it requires power to function,
Keyed Lock
As the name suggests, a keyed lock car gun safe will need a key – it can either be a traditional key or a round-shaped key, depending on the model. Although this type of locking mechanism is safe and reliable, it does not provide quick access to the side.
Padlocks
Padlocks are a common locking mechanism in vehicle gun safes that are also rather reliable. But they do take more space to work with and will take some time to install or open it.
Mechanical Combination Lock
Mechanical combination locks require you to align three digits. Even though you’re limited to only three digits, breaking into this type of safe has proven to be extremely hard as the three digits can come up with a thousand different combinations.
Mounting Mechanism
The mounting mechanism is yet another aspect that you should consider when buying a portable vehicle safe.
Generally, there are two types of options: cable mounting or bolted. Both come with their own respective advantages and disadvantages, so make sure you weigh them carefully against your requirements.
Cable Mounting uses a strong, stress-tested cable to attach the safe without taking away the portability of the unit. While this type of mounting mechanism works with almost any type of car easily, some do not like it as the cable does not seem to be as secure as bolting it down.
Bolted
A bolted car safe is much more secure than getting it attached directly to the vehicle’s fabric. However, the main issue with this type of mounting is that it demands a lot of groundwork, which might not be ideal for some.
Anchorage
Portable vehicle safes are usually not overly large and heavy, making it easy for burglars to break into it and remove your safe from the car. That is why you should ensure that the safe is anchored in the trunk of your car or in your car’s console.
Top 10 Best Car Gun Safes in 2021 Review
1. Gunbunker GS-1 Vehicle Gun Safe
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.36 x 1.2 x 5 inches
- Up to 2-year warranty
Made of 16 gauge powder-coated steel, the Gunbunker GS-1 is a heavy-duty safe that can be mounted horizontally or vertically. Its interior is even lined with protective foam to ensure your handguns do not get scratched during transport.
The GS-1 gun safe’s lock can be opened by two high-security dimple keys. Gun owners also have a choice to secure the safe with a security cable or use screws to mount it into your car, making it a very solid option against burglars and thieves.
The safe’s spring-loaded door will even stay close when the safe is unlocked, ensuring easy access.
You would like this product if:
You want a unit to deter criminals. This best car gun safe is made from high quality 16-gauge steel construction that will work to protect your firearms from seasoned burglars or thieves.
You want a model with enough capacity. The car gun safe has a large enough interior capacity to fit a handgun plus some additional ammo mag beside it.
You want a model that can prevent scratches on your firearm. This car gun safe features interior foam padding to ensure your firearm is scratch-free.
You might not like this product if:
You want a unit to store longer guns. Although this is a good car gun safe, it is a little short and can barely hold a Shield.
2. Snapsafe Combination Lock Box
Specifications
- Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 2 in (ext, L)
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Material: Heavy 16-ga steel
- Lock Type: Combination
This is yet another portable pistol safe that is constructed out of heavy-duty 16-Ga steel and it even comes with a 1500 lbs security cable for increased safety. In place of dimple keys, the Snapsafe lock box requires a 3-digit combination to open.
Furthermore, the combination lock box car gun safe has a decent interior space that is capable of holding your small weapons in addition to some jewelry, cash, or other belongings that you stored securely. The interior of the unit even comes with premium padding to protect your items from scratches while on the road. However, you can also remove this padding to a bit more storage space for you.
You would like this product if:
You want easy access to your firearms. Since this gun safe does not require keys to open it, you can easily gain access to your gun safe without much trouble.
You want a larger capacity. Other than providing a spacious interior, the padding can also be removed to make room for extra storage space.
You want a model that can prevent scratches on your firearm. This best car gun safe includes interior cushioning to ensure your weapon is scratch-free.
You might not like this product if:
You want a unit with fixed cushioning. Unfortunately, the removable padding also means that the foam from the safe’s lid tends to fall out when you lift the lid.
3. Bulldog Cases Car Gun Safe
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7” x 5.25” x 2”
- Lock: Deluxe Key Style
Moving on to another one of the best car gun safes on our list, here’s one that comes with a key lock, mounting bracket, and 3’ security cable. Aside from giving you the possibility to install it anywhere in your vehicle, this heavy-duty model has an all matte black powder coat finish paint design to look discreet yet attractive.
The steel material used to make this safe is extremely strong and durable to make it incredibly hard and difficult to penetrate or break open. Inside, you’ll find scratch-resistant materials to keep your weapons and other valuables scratch-free and undamaged during transport. Other than that, the gun safe even has enough space to fit a Glock 26 perfectly and even accommodate 2 extra magazines to give you access to plenty of ammunition.
You would like this product if:
You want a product with a key lock. This gun safe has a key lock that works flawlessly to grant you easy access to your firearms.
You want a versatile model. The best car gun safe comes with a three-foot security cable to let you attach to any fixed or sturdy object of your choosing. It also has a bracket installation option should you prefer to mount this safe.
You want a unit that can prevent scratches on your firearm. This car pistol safe includes interior cushioning to ensure your firearm is scratch-free.
You might not like this product if:
You want quick access to your firearm. This gun safe requires a key to be unlocked, which could be a little tedious and take some time to open.
4. SentrySafe PP1K Portable Pistol Safe
Specs
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 3.0 in (interior)
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Material: Solid steel construction
- Lock: Key
The next unit on our radar is the PP1K safe by SentrySafe. This is a low-profile unit that takes up very little space in your vehicle. Despite the small stature, you can still comfortably store a full-size revolver or pistol in the car gun safe with some room left for ammo and other small valuables.
In terms of construction, this pistol safe features solid steel construction and pry-resistant technology into the safe’s door and hinges to prevent any forceful breaking attempt. The gun safe is even certified by California DOJ to their gun safe standards, meaning you can be assured that you are purchasing a high-quality product.
As for the locking system, you get two round-headed keys and a key lock system to use it. One set for you to keep on you and another as a backup at home. In addition, the gun safe also comes with a carry handle on its sides to improve its portability feature, making this a great on-the-go safe.
You would like this product if:
You want a portable unit. This low-profile gun safe has a lightweight and compact build with a convenient carry handle to let you move it around.
You want a model that is reliable. The gun safe is certified by the California Department of Justice according to their gun safe standards to ensure you get a quality product.
You want something that can prevent damage to your firearm. This car gun safe comes with foam interior cushioning to ensure your firearm is scratch-free.
You might not like this product if:
You want quick access to your firearm. This gun safe requires a key to be unlocked, which could be a little tedious and take some time to open.
5. GunVault NV200 Vehicle Gun Safe
Specs
- Dimensions: 1.5″ x 6.25″ x 9.25″
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Lock: Key
The GunVault Nanovault 200 is constructed out of 18 gauge steel and is one of the most popular car gun safes available on the market. The gun safe even comes with a key-operated lock and 1,500-pound security cable to make it efficient against burglars.
On top of that, it even comes in a variety of sizes, from fitting one to five pistols to best suit your needs. It also has a very thin steel frame build to make it a great lockbox choice if you want to slide it under your car seat. This also means that you don’t have to worry about any pesky installation unless you want to secure it to something.
Another great thing about this firearm safe model is that it meets TSA’s security guidelines for firearms, meaning you can rest easy knowing you can bring this unit up with you while you fly. However, this is a simpler model that opens by lock and key. So, you’ll want to make sure you have a copy of your key nearby or in a safe place in case you lose your master key.
You would like this product if:
You want to take it along with you when you travel. This model is TSA-approved and small enough, so you can bring it in as checked luggage on your next air travel.
You want a low-profile safe. The portable gun safe features a slim design to fit the interior of a vehicle or a suitcase.
You want a sturdy and well-built safe. Made from 18-gauge steel, this handgun safe will deter seasoned felons.
You might not like this product if:
You want quick access to your guns. This gun safe requires a key to be unlocked, which could be a little tedious and take some time to open.
6. GunVault MV500-STD Microvault Pistol Gun Safe
Specs
- Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 2.2 in (exterior)
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Material: 16-Ga steel
- Lock: Keypad
Next on our list is yet another gun safe model from GunVault, the MV500 is a lightweight option that weighs only five pounds, making this a compact and portable safe option for storing pistols and revolvers. GunVault is a reputable manufacturer of the best car gun safes, and they’ve been in the business since 1990.
This portable handgun safe is made from heavy-duty 20-gauge steel construction, with a tough and sleek-looking black finish with no convenient purchase points available for someone to pry the case apart. The company has even added an extremely tough and resilient locking mechanism onto the pistol safe. The No-Eyes Keypad locking system lets you program and stores a secret number of combinations with over 12 million possible access codes for you to pick from to securely store your gun.
However, the gun safe also includes backup override keys in case you accidentally forget the combination or if the battery runs out before you’ve had a chance to replace it. Aside from the sturdy steel construction and secure locking mechanism, the GunVault gun safes have a large enough space for you to store a full-sized handgun with some spare ammunition.
The GunVault MV500 gun safe has pre-drilled holes in place for you to thread a supplied heavy-duty steel security cable through and attach it firmly into your vehicle or any other desired location. Additionally, the gun safe manufacturer offers customers a one-year limited repair or replacement warranty to protect you from manufacturing defects.
You would like this product if:
You want a model that is sturdy and well-built. Made from 20-gauge steel with a resilient locking system for you to keep your gun, this handgun safe will deter seasoned criminals. It also comes with a 1-year warranty by the manufacturers.
You want something versatile. The pistol safe features pre-drilled holes to let you attach it to any fixed or sturdy object of your choosing with a steel security cable.
You want something that can prevent scratches on your firearm. This car gun safe comes with interior foam lining to ensure your firearm is scratch-free.
You might not like this product if:
You don’t want something that relies on batteries. This gun safe requires batteries for you to enter the safe with the keypad. You’ll need to keep the override key close by in case the battery dies.
7. Fort Knox FTK-PB Pistol Box Handgun Safe
Specs
- Dimension: 4.25 x 12.5 x 10.4 in.
- Lock: Simplex push-button mechanical lock
Any avid gun-lover will be familiar with the quality of a Fort Knox safe as most people will have one at home to store their firearms collection. The FTK-PB handgun safe is a portable model by Fort Knox that offers you the same level of protection and performance when you’re out on the road.
The Fort Knox pistol handgun safe is often revered as one of the strongest gun safes in the market and is truly a powerhouse that is made with solid ten-gauge heavy-duty steel to give anyone trying to break into the safe a really hard time, as long as they do not bring a hydraulic press or bolt cutters to steal your gun.
Other than a solid 10 gauge steel construction, this safe features a simplex combination lock that incorporates a unique system of combination inputs that require you to dial in five numbers to open it. Fortunately, you don’t even need to worry about any batteries as the entire process is mechanical.
Despite it being a portable safe, this Fort Knox model is by no means lightweight. Weighing at a whopping 22 pounds, this is definitely a heavy-duty steel model that speaks volumes about its build quality.
One downside to this car portable handgun safe is that you will be forced to mount or keep this safe in a place with clear access from the top. Moreover, the manufacturer has even come up with four pre-drilled holes in the bottom, making it rather difficult for you to bolt the safe into your vehicle.
You would like this product if:
You want something with a combination lock. The model features a Simplex combination lock with 1081 user combinations.
You want something reliable. The gun safe exceeds the California Firearms Safety Device Requirements to ensure you get a quality product.
You want something sturdy and well-built. Made from 10-gauge steel and tamper-proof hinges, this handgun safe will deter seasoned felons.
You might not like this product if:
You have a small car. The design of this car safe requires clear access from the top, meaning there are limited places where you can mount or keep this safe in place in your vehicle.
8. First Alert 5100K Small Gun Safe
Specs
- Dimensions: 1 x 9 x 7 in (exterior)
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Material: Powder-coated 18-gauge steel
- Lock: Key
This portable safe from First Alert features an 18-gauge steel construction with a black powder-coated finish to make it formidably strong for both protection of your gun and valuables, as well as the longevity of use. Inside, you get a protective foam interior to alleviate any potential scratches on your weapon of choice.
The First Alert 5100K model also comes with a 1,500-pound steel test security cable that lets you attach the car safe to your car trunk, center console, glove box, or under the vehicle seats. Despite its smaller stature, this firearm safe will be able to hold a compact pistol with two to three magazines without any issues.
This portable safe is also TSA-approved, meaning you can bring it with you along onto a flight without any worries. But of course, you’ll need to have the locked container checked-in along with your luggage and must be empty of ammo.
First Alert’s safe also comes with mounting holes and a steel cable for you to easily mount the unit in your vehicle.
You would like this product if:
You want to take it along with you when you travel. This model is TSA-approved, so you can bring it in as checked luggage on your next flight.
You want something sturdy and well-built. Featuring 18-gauge steel construction and powder-coated steel for added security, this firearm safe will deter seasoned criminals.
You want something portable. This low-profile pistol safe has a lightweight and compact build to fit almost anywhere in your vehicle and luggage bag.
You might not like this product if:
You want larger storage capacity. Although this safe is large enough to fit a compact and a couple of magazines, it will not be able to fit any handgun larger than a compact.
9. SnapSafe Lock Box
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.75 in (ext, L)
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Material: 16 gauge steel
- Lock: Key
Made with heavy-duty 16-gauge steel for you to keep your gun, this vehicle firearm safe even comes with thick protective foam inserts to keep your handgun and ammunition from moving around during transport and to keep them scratch-free.
SnapSafe’s Keyed-Lock lockbox is a great choice if you’re after a simple, slim pistol case to keep your firearms close by. The lockbox also comes with a 1,500-lb rated solid steel security cable to keep the safe secure in your car even if someone tries to unmount it.
The lock box features an easy-to-operate steel key lock and two identical keys to ensure you do not get locked out of the box. The safe is also approved by the California Department of Justice to meet its strict firearms safe standards.
Another thing we love about this model is that it is large enough to fit two compact pistols with come ammunition. It also adheres to TSA travel regulations for you to bring along with you when you travel by plane.
You would like this product if:
You want to take it along with you when you travel. This model is TSA-approved, so you can bring it in as checked luggage on your next flight.
You want something sturdy and well-built. Featuring 16-gauge steel construction and 1,500-lb steel security cable, this firearm safe will deter seasoned felons.
You want a larger capacity. This model has a spacious interior to fit up to two compact pistols plus some ammo.
You might not like this product if:
You want high-quality foam interior cushioning. Unfortunately, the interior foam padding may be a little thin and feels rather cheap.
10. Vaultek VT20i Biometric Handgun Bluetooth Pistol Safe
Specs
- Dimensions: 2.63″ H x 9.00″ W x 11.50″ D
- Interior Cubic Feet: 0.07
- Weight: 7.20
- Lock: Biometrics Scan
This vehicle firearm safe is an amazing choice for those who want instant access firearm safe for their vehicles. Aside from being made from incredibly strong 16-gauge carbon steel construction that is corrosion-resistant, this pistol safe features an upgraded anti-theft system with two-point anti-impact latches, interior mounted hinges, anti-pry bars, and interior security brackets to ensure no unauthorized person is able to get into your safe.
With all that heavy-duty protection, you’ll still be able to enjoy quick retrieval of your guns and other valuables thanks to its automatic door that uses either the backlit keypad or biometric fingerprint scanner for entry. This safe even works with your smartphone to let you toggle on and off the available hotkeys while still maintaining the functionality of the device.
The portable safe runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery power source that can be fully charged in less than 2.5 hours to last up to four whole months! Plus, you’ll also be able to see better in your portable firearm safe thanks to the LED lighting, backlit keypad, and interior led light provided.
You would like this product if:
You want a long-lasting safe. Operating on a rechargeable battery that can last up to four months in a single charge, you won’t have to worry about constantly changing the AA batteries on this safe.
You want quick retrieval of your guns. This firearm safe uses a biometric scanner to give you quick and easy retrieval of your valuables.
You want something to deter criminals. This vehicle gun safe is made from high quality 16-gauge steel construction and pry-resistant design that will work to protect your firearms from seasoned burglars or thieves.
You might not like this product if:
You don’t have clear fingerprints or wrinkled hands. The fingerprint scanner might not be the right choice for someone old or those with unclear fingerprints.
Conclusion
We’re finally at the end of the article and have looked at a fine selection of the best vehicle gun safes that should serve you well for storing dangerous weapons and important valuables. Some models may present more security features than others, however, deciding on which is the best one for you will boil down to how you plan on using the safe.
Hopefully, today’s top 10 gun safes reviews have given you enough information and knowledge to help you find a vehicle safe solution that fits your criteria and intentions perfectly.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.