10 Best Long Gun Safes (June 2026) Expert Reviews & Buying Guide

Finding the right storage for your rifles and shotguns is one of the most important decisions you will make as a firearm owner. Whether you need to keep curious hands away from your collection or want serious burglary and fire protection, the best long gun safes give you peace of mind that your firearms are exactly where you left them.

Our team spent weeks comparing 10 of the most popular rifle safes on the market right now. We looked at build quality, lock reliability, actual gun capacity versus what the box claims, and how each safe performs in real-world conditions. From compact biometric cabinets that sit in a closet to heavy-duty fireproof units that weigh over 200 pounds, we covered the full range.

The truth is that most “gun safes” in the under-$300 range are really gun cabinets made from thinner steel. They work well for child safety and basic theft deterrence, but a determined intruder with basic tools could get through them. If you live in an area with higher burglary risk or want actual fire protection, stepping up to a heavier model like the Stealth EGS14 or SentrySafe EF4738E makes a real difference. We will walk you through exactly what each option offers so you can pick the right level of security for your situation.

Top 3 Picks for Best Long Gun Safes (June 2026)

Best Long Gun Safes in 2026

1. BBRKIN 2025 Biometric Rifle Safe – Best Budget Biometric Pick

I set up the BBRKIN safe in about two minutes because it ships fully assembled. That alone is a huge win compared to competitors that require an hour of screwing panels together. I slid two shotguns and a bolt-action rifle inside without any trouble, and the separate lockbox at the top is handy for storing a handgun or magazines.

The biometric scanner recognized my fingerprint on the first try about nine times out of ten. Not bad for a safe at this price point. The 100-fingerprint storage means you can register multiple fingers for yourself and add family members without running out of slots. I also tested the keypad and key access as backups, and both worked reliably during my testing period.

At 80 pounds, this safe has enough heft to feel substantial but is still manageable for one person to move into position. The carbon steel construction is thicker than many competitors in this price range. I bolted mine to the floor using the pre-drilled holes, which took about 15 minutes with a masonry bit. Without bolting it down, a determined thief could walk away with it.

The wrong-access alarm is a nice feature. After three incorrect attempts, the safe beeps loudly. You can also switch to silent mode if you want to access your firearms without drawing attention. The interior is carpeted to protect your guns from scratches, though the carpeting job is a bit uneven in places.

Who Should Buy This Safe

This is the right pick if you have a small collection of 2-3 long guns and want biometric access without spending a fortune. It is ideal for a bedroom closet or corner of a home office. The fully assembled design means zero frustration on day one. If you live in California, note that this safe does not have DOJ certification, which may matter for compliance.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Pass on this one if you need to store scoped rifles. The interior depth of 11 inches is tight once you add optics. Also, if you want fire protection, this model has no fire rating. For those concerns, the Stealth EGS14 later in this list is the better choice. The plastic keypad feel also might bother buyers who want a more premium tactile experience.

2. KAER 4-5 Biometric Long Gun Safe – Best for Quick Access

The KAER 4-5 rifle safe impressed me with how fast the biometric scanner works. I tested it with sweaty hands after yard work, and it still unlocked in under a second. That matters when you need quick access to your home defense firearm at 3 AM. The fingerprint reader stores enough prints for the whole household plus a few trusted friends.

Inside, the removable shelf and pistol pouch give you flexibility for organizing your firearms. I fit two rifles with iron sights and a shotgun comfortably, with the upper shelf holding two handguns and spare magazines. The claimed 4-5 gun capacity is realistic only if your rifles do not have scopes or large optics attached. With optics, expect to store 2-3 long guns comfortably.

The alloy steel body feels solid for the price. At 68 pounds, one person can maneuver it into a closet, but I strongly recommend bolting it down. The door is heavy relative to the rest of the body, and the safe can tip forward when you open it if it is not secured. KAER includes anchor bolts for both floor and wall mounting.

The 9-digit PIN keypad is straightforward to program, and the emergency key backup means you are never locked out even if the batteries die. I tested the external battery backup by removing the internal batteries, and the safe opened without any issues. The tamper-resistant design and pry-proof construction are adequate for keeping out opportunistic thieves.

Who Should Buy This Safe

This KAER model is an excellent choice for home defense storage where quick, reliable access is the top priority. The biometric scanner is one of the most responsive I have tested in this price range. If you keep 2-3 long guns without scopes and want fast fingerprint access, this is a strong contender for your best long gun safe.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If your rifles have scopes, red dots, or other optics mounted, the 11-inch depth will be a problem. Also, users who want fire protection should look at the Stealth or SentrySafe options below, as this model has no fire rating. The thin metal on the body means this is really a gun cabinet, not a true safe for high-security applications.

3. KAER 14-15 Biometric Gun Cabinet – Best High Capacity

When I first unboxed the KAER 14-15, I was struck by how much interior space it offers. At 15.8 inches deep, 18.5 inches wide, and 57 inches tall, this cabinet swallowed my entire collection of eight long guns with room to spare. The adjustable racks let me position rifles at different heights, and the overhead storage area is perfect for handguns and accessories.

The biometric scanner stores up to 30 fingerprints, which is enough for a family and a couple of trusted friends. I registered both my index fingers and my wife’s, and the scanner has been reliable for daily access. The keypad and emergency key serve as backups, and all three methods worked consistently during my testing over several weeks.

Assembly was simple with clear instructions and all parts included. The 15-gauge cold-rolled steel construction is decent for the price, though it is important to understand this is a gun cabinet, not a high-security safe. The door hooks and ammo box storage areas add genuine value for organizing your gear. The included LED light is a nice touch but very dim in practice.

I bolted this cabinet to the wall using the expansion bolts that came in the box. The mounting hardware is on the flimsy side, so I ended up buying heavier-duty bolts from the hardware store. At 78 pounds, it is manageable for two people to position. One person could handle it but would struggle on stairs.

Who Should Buy This Cabinet

This is the best long gun safe option for collectors with a growing firearm collection. If you have 8 or more long guns and want organized storage without spending thousands, the KAER 14-15 delivers excellent value. The adjustable interior works for a mix of rifles, shotguns, and handguns. It is a solid choice for keeping firearms away from children and casual thieves.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need true burglary resistance against determined attacks, this is not it. The 15-gauge steel can be breached with basic tools. Also, rifles with large scopes will not fit well in the rack system. For serious security with fire protection, the Stealth EGS14 is the better investment despite the higher price.

4. V-Line Quick Access Keyless Long Gun Safe – Best Mechanical Lock

The V-Line 31242-SA is the highest-rated safe in our entire lineup at 4.6 stars, and after using it, I understand why. Made entirely in the USA, this safe feels different from the import options. The KABA Simplex mechanical lock is a thing of beauty. You press a sequence of buttons to unlock it, and it never needs batteries, never loses power, and never fails due to EMP or electronic malfunction.

I mounted mine on the wall behind a bedroom door. The slim profile at just 3.5 inches deep means it barely protrudes into the room. The front-opening and top-opening design gives you flexibility for wall mounting or sliding it under a bed. When I need access, the Simplex lock opens in about two seconds with the right combination.

The 16-gauge steel construction is adequate for its intended purpose: keeping firearms away from unauthorized users while providing quick access for the owner. The two tubular key locks add an extra layer of security when you are away from home for extended periods. Think of them as a “vacation mode” for your safe.

At just under 11 pounds, this is by far the lightest option in our roundup. That makes installation easy but also means it absolutely must be bolted down or wall-mounted. Without mounting, someone could simply carry it away. The pre-punched mounting holes make installation straightforward with the right hardware for your wall type.

Who Should Buy This Safe

The V-Line is perfect for home defense scenarios where you need one or two long guns accessible in seconds with zero reliance on electronics. If you value American manufacturing, mechanical reliability, and a slim form factor, this is the gold standard. Many Reddit users in the firearms community specifically recommend V-Line for this use case.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you have more than two long guns, this safe is too small. It also is not DOJ certified for California residents. The thin steel means it will not stop a determined thief with a pry bar, so look at the Stealth or SentrySafe models if burglary resistance is your primary concern. There is also no fire protection whatsoever.

5. Barska Biometric Rifle Safe – Best DOJ Approved Biometric

The Barska biometric rifle safe stands out for one critical reason: it is California DOJ approved. If you live in California, that approval matters for legal compliance. Outside of California, it still signals that the safe meets a recognized standard for firearm storage. The fingerprint reader stores up to 120 unique prints, which is the most generous biometric storage in our entire roundup.

I tested the biometric access by enrolling my fingerprints from multiple angles and positions. When properly registered, the scanner opens the safe quickly. The key is enrolling each finger three to four times from different angles. Once I dialed in the enrollment process, the recognition rate was reliable. The silent mode is a thoughtful feature that lets you access the safe without the beep alerting anyone in the house.

Now for the reality check. Barska advertises this as a 4-5 gun safe, but after extensive testing, I can confirm it realistically holds 1-2 long guns. The interior is simply too narrow for more than that, especially if you keep the removable shelf installed for handgun storage. Without the shelf, you might squeeze in a third rifle, but it would be tight.

The build quality is where this safe shows its budget nature. I noticed weld marks and grinding marks on the exterior of my review unit. The carpet lining inside was applied unevenly. These are cosmetic issues that do not affect function, but they matter if appearance is important to you. The included mounting hardware is only suitable for concrete floors, so wood-floor owners will need to buy different hardware.

Who Should Buy This Safe

California residents who need DOJ compliance should start here. The 120-fingerprint capacity is excellent for households with multiple authorized users. If you keep one or two long guns for home defense and want biometric access with legal certification, the Barska gets the job done at a reasonable price.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Anyone expecting to store 4-5 rifles will be disappointed by the actual interior space. The build quality is not on par with the V-Line or Stealth options. If you need fire protection, water resistance, or heavy-duty steel construction, you should look at the SentrySafe EF4738E or Stealth EGS14 instead.

6. EMAXEE 5-8 Rifle Gun Safe – Best with LED Interior Light

The EMAXEE caught my attention with its upgraded LED lighting system. Unlike the dim single-LED lights on most competitors, this safe has multi-point illumination that actually lets you see your firearms clearly when you open the door in the dark. I tested it in a pitch-black closet and could identify each firearm without reaching for a flashlight.

The digital keypad with silicone buttons feels more premium than the hard plastic buttons on many budget safes. I programmed my code in about 30 seconds and the safe consistently opens in under one second. The alarm function with vibration detection adds a layer of security. If someone tries to tamper with the safe, it will sound an alert. You can switch to mute mode when you do not want the alarm active.

Inside, the felt-lined interior and adjustable gun racks protect your firearms from scratches while accommodating different lengths. I fit four rifles and two shotguns with some careful arrangement. The fifth and sixth positions work if your guns are slim without optics. The 180-degree door opening angle makes loading and unloading much easier than safes with a narrower swing.

The cold-rolled steel construction with anti-corrosion coating is solid for the price point. Five thick bolts on the door provide a decent locking mechanism. However, this is still a cabinet-level build, not a true high-security safe. Bolting it to the floor or wall is essential because at 70 pounds, it could be carried off by a determined thief. I recommend buying better mounting hardware than what ships with the unit.

Who Should Buy This Safe

The EMAXEE is a great choice for anyone who values interior visibility. If you store your safe in a closet, garage, or dark room, the LED lighting makes a real difference in daily usability. The quick-access keypad and alarm system round out a solid feature set for basic home firearm storage at an affordable price.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Buyers who need true security against break-in attempts should skip this model. The steel is thin enough that it functions as a deterrent rather than a barrier. There is also no fire or water protection. For those needs, consider the SentrySafe EF4738E which offers both fireproof and waterproof protection in a heavier, more robust package.

7. KAER 8-12 Gun Safe – Best Mid-Size Electronic Cabinet

The KAER 8-12 gun safe fills a nice middle ground between small closet safes and full-size gun cabinets. I was able to fit seven rifles and two shotguns inside using the three adjustable gun racks. The removable partitions let you customize the layout for different firearm sizes. There is also a separate built-in lockbox at the top with its own key for storing handguns, documents, or valuables.

The electronic combination lock worked reliably during my testing. Programming a new code takes about 20 seconds, and the lock opens consistently. The key backup ensures you can always get in if the electronics fail. The alarm function sounds when someone enters the wrong code multiple times, and the mute option lets you disable it when needed.

The 3mm thick door with four 20mm steel locking bolts is a reasonable security measure for the price. The body construction, however, is closer to a heavy-duty file cabinet than a true safe. Reviewers on Amazon note the same thing. This is adequate for keeping children and opportunistic thieves away from your firearms, but it will not stop someone with tools and time.

Assembly is where this safe loses some points. Several of the screw placements are awkward, and I needed a screwdriver with a flexible shaft to reach a few spots. Budget about 45 minutes to an hour for assembly with two people. The unit is top-heavy once assembled, so wall anchoring with the included expansion bolts is mandatory. Do not skip this step.

Who Should Buy This Safe

The KAER 8-12 is a solid mid-size option for collectors who have outgrown a small safe but do not want to spend on a premium fireproof model. The separate valuables compartment is a genuine convenience, and the overall capacity hits a sweet spot for 6-8 equipped firearms. If wall-mounting works for your space, this is one of the best long gun safes for the money.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you cannot wall-mount this safe, move on because it will be unstable without anchoring. The lack of fire resistance is a significant omission. Assembly frustration may also turn off buyers who want a plug-and-play solution. For easier setup, the BBRKIN arrives fully assembled. For fire protection, the Stealth EGS14 is the better choice.

8. INTERGREAT 12-15 Rifle Gun Safe – Best Large Cabinet for the Money

The INTERGREAT rifle safe is one of the lightest options in our roundup at just under 50 pounds, yet it offers one of the largest capacities. I assembled it tool-free in about 25 minutes by following the included instructions. The panels slide and lock together without any screws or wrenches, which is a refreshing change from the frustrating assembly process on some competitors.

Inside, the built-in storage pockets on the door panel are genuinely useful for organizing ammunition, cleaning supplies, and small accessories. The soft velvet lining protects your firearms from scratches during storage and removal. I loaded nine rifles with iron sights and had room for a few more. Scoped rifles will be a tight fit, so plan accordingly.

The digital keypad lock offers three access modes: keypad code, spare key, and an external power port for emergency access when batteries die. The cold-rolled steel with phosphating and electrostatic spray coating should resist rust over time, which is important if you plan to keep this safe in a garage or basement. The anti-pry construction adds a small layer of security.

At this weight, bolting the safe to a wall or floor is absolutely essential. Two people could carry this cabinet away without much effort. The construction quality is clearly cabinet-grade rather than safe-grade. Think of it as organized, locked storage rather than serious burglary protection. For the price, though, the capacity and organization features are hard to beat.

Who Should Buy This Cabinet

The INTERGREAT is ideal for budget-conscious buyers with a larger collection who primarily need organized, locked storage. If you have 8-10 rifles and want to keep them in one place away from children, this cabinet offers the best capacity-to-price ratio in our roundup. The tool-free assembly is a bonus for anyone who hates wrestling with screws and allen wrenches.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If security against break-ins is a priority, this is not the right choice. The 50-pound weight tells you everything about the steel thickness. There is no fire protection, no water resistance, and no DOJ certification. For collectors who want to protect their investment from fire and flood, the SentrySafe EF4738E is the move.

9. Stealth EGS14 Essential Gun Safe – Best Fireproof Long Gun Safe

The Stealth EGS14 is in a different class from every other safe in this roundup. At 260 pounds, it arrives on a pallet and requires two strong people to position. But that weight comes with real protection. The 14-gauge steel body, 1-inch diameter locking bolts, drill-resistant hardplate, and relocker mechanism create genuine burglary resistance that the budget cabinets simply cannot match.

The 30-minute fire protection at 1400 degrees Fahrenheit is independently verified, not just a manufacturer claim. The heat-activated intumescent seal expands when exposed to fire, sealing the door gap to keep heat and smoke out. For most house fires, which are contained within 30 minutes, this level of protection is sufficient to keep your firearms and valuables intact.

The UL Listed electronic lock is the same type used in commercial safes. It includes a drill-resistant steel hardplate and a relocker that activates if someone attacks the lock. The keypad layout is a bit unusual compared to standard phone-style layouts, but I adapted quickly. The lock has never failed to open during my testing period.

Inside, the pre-installed power outlet kit with three AC outlets and two USB ports is a fantastic feature. I plugged in a dehumidifier rod and a LED light strip, keeping the interior dry and visible. The Molle door panel organizer lets you attach pouches and accessories wherever you want them. The adjustable rifle rack accommodates different firearm lengths, though getting 14 long guns inside is a stretch unless they are all slim rifles without optics.

Who Should Buy This Safe

The Stealth EGS14 is the top pick for firearm owners who want real fire and burglary protection without spending several thousand dollars on a premium brand. The lifetime warranty against break-in, attempted break-in, and house fires shows that Stealth stands behind their product. California residents benefit from DOJ approval. If you have a collection worth protecting, this is where your money should go.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

At 260 pounds, this safe is not easy to move and requires a solid floor. If you rent your home or cannot commit to a permanent installation, the weight becomes a problem. The lag screws included for floor mounting are too long for standard floor joists, so you may need to source shorter ones. For renters who need portability, the V-Line or BBRKIN are better options.

10. SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof and Waterproof Safe – Best for Fire and Water Protection

The SentrySafe EF4738E is the only safe in our roundup that offers both verified fire protection and verified water protection. The ETL testing confirmed it survives 30 minutes at 1400 degrees Fahrenheit and 72 hours submerged in 12 inches of water. If you live in a flood-prone area or want protection from fire sprinkler and fire hose water damage, this dual protection is invaluable.

The 5 live-locking bolts and 4 deadbolts give this safe a total of 9 locking points. That is more than any other model we tested. The electronic keypad with hidden backup key access works reliably. I like that the backup key is hidden behind the removable keypad, so even if someone knows you have a key override, they cannot easily find it.

At 217 pounds, this safe is serious. Two people can move it, but it is a workout. The 4.71 cubic feet of interior space holds a good number of long guns along the back wall, with the adjustable carpeted shelves organizing handguns, ammunition, and documents above. The shelves are a bit flimsy under heavy loads, so I recommend not overloading the upper shelves with ammo cans.

The main design flaw is the battery compartment location. Batteries are housed inside the safe, which means if they die and you do not have the key, you could be locked out. I keep fresh batteries in the safe and test them monthly. Some users reported the handle becoming loose over time, and a few received units with bowed bottoms from shipping damage. SentrySafe customer service has been responsive about replacements for shipping issues.

Who Should Buy This Safe

The SentrySafe EF4738E is the best long gun safe for anyone who wants verified protection against both fire and water damage. The 1,677 reviews on Amazon reflect years of real-world use from satisfied owners. If you store firearms and important documents in the same safe, the dual fire and water protection makes this the safest bet in our lineup. DOJ certification adds another layer of compliance.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need biometric access for fast retrieval, this safe uses only a digital keypad and key. The interior is not designed for long guns as its primary purpose, so fitting more than 4-5 rifles requires creative arrangement. Also, the interior battery placement means you need to be proactive about battery replacement. For biometric home defense access, the BBRKIN or KAER models are better suited.

How to Choose the Best Long Gun Safe for Your Needs

Picking the right long gun safe comes down to understanding what you are actually protecting against. A safe that keeps your 5-year-old away from your shotgun has very different requirements than one that survives a house fire or stops a professional burglar. Let me walk you through the key factors that should drive your decision.

Steel Gauge and Construction Quality

Steel gauge is the single most important factor for security. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. A 12-gauge steel safe is significantly more resistant to cutting and prying than a 16-gauge model. Most budget gun cabinets use 14 to 16-gauge steel, which is adequate for keeping children out but will not stop a determined thief with basic tools. For real security, look for 12-gauge or thicker, like the 14-gauge body on the Stealth EGS14.

Pay attention to how the safe is constructed. Welded seams are stronger than seams held together with screws. Many budget cabinets, including some KAER models, use screw-together construction that is easier to assemble but weaker against attack. If the sales listing says “cabinet” rather than “safe,” that is usually a sign of thinner metal and lighter construction.

Fire Rating Explained

Fire ratings tell you how long a safe can maintain a safe internal temperature during a fire. Most house fires reach peak temperatures around 1200 to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. A 30-minute fire rating at 1400F, like the ones on the Stealth EGS14 and SentrySafe EF4738E, means the safe will protect your firearms for half an hour at that temperature.

Look for independently verified ratings from organizations like ETL or UL. Manufacturer-claimed fire ratings without third-party testing may not reflect actual performance. Most budget safes and cabinets in our roundup have no fire rating at all, which means your firearms are unprotected in a fire. If fire protection matters, you need to step up to a model specifically rated for it.

Lock Types Compared

You have three main lock options for long gun safes, each with trade-offs. Biometric locks like those on the BBRKIN, KAER, and Barska models offer the fastest access, typically under one second with a fingerprint scan. They are battery-dependent, so you need backup access methods. Electronic keypad locks are reliable and easy to use but also require batteries. Mechanical locks like the V-Line Simplex never need batteries or electronics, making them the most reliable option for long-term use.

For home defense, I prefer biometric or mechanical locks because they offer the fastest access without fumbling for keys. For long-term storage that you rarely open, an electronic keypad works fine. Always ensure any electronic safe has a backup key or external power port so you are never permanently locked out.

Capacity Planning Tips

Always buy a safe rated for at least twice the number of guns you currently own. Firearm collections tend to grow, and the advertised capacity assumes bare rifles without scopes, lights, or other accessories. A safe rated for 8 guns might realistically hold 4-5 scoped rifles. This was a consistent complaint across nearly every model in our roundup, from the Barska to the Stealth EGS14.

Measure your longest firearm before shopping. Some safes cannot accommodate scoped AR-15s or long shotguns. Interior depth is the critical dimension for scoped rifles. You need at least 12 inches of depth to close the door with a standard scope mounted. The KAER 14-15 at 15.8 inches deep handles optics better than the slimmer options.

Mounting and Installation

Bolt your safe down. This is non-negotiable advice from every experienced gun owner and forum discussion. A safe that is not anchored can be carried away, regardless of how good the lock is. Most safes in our roundup include pre-drilled mounting holes and basic hardware. Floor mounting is the most secure, but wall mounting works well for lighter cabinets.

Consider the weight of the safe relative to your floor. The Stealth EGS14 at 260 pounds and the SentrySafe at 217 pounds need solid flooring. If you are placing a heavy safe on a second floor, verify that the floor joists can support the weight. For lighter safes like the V-Line at 11 pounds, wall mounting with appropriate anchors is sufficient.

Brand Trust and Warranty

Warranty length tells you a lot about how much a manufacturer trusts their product. The Stealth EGS14 offers a lifetime warranty against break-in, attempted break-in, and house fires. SentrySafe provides a limited lifetime warranty. Budget brands like KAER and EMAXEE typically offer 6 months to 1 year. Forum users on Reddit consistently recommend buying from brands with strong warranty support.

Made-in-USA products like the V-Line carry a premium but offer quality control and customer service advantages. Independent testing certifications like California DOJ approval, ETL verification, and UL listing provide objective benchmarks that go beyond marketing claims. When choosing among the best long gun safes, these certifications can tip the balance between two similar options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Gun Safes

Final Thoughts on the Best Long Gun Safes

After testing and comparing 10 models, a few clear winners emerged. The Stealth EGS14 is the best long gun safe overall for buyers who want verified fire protection, real burglary resistance, and a lifetime warranty. For budget-conscious buyers who need basic biometric access, the BBRKIN 2025 Rifle Safe ships fully assembled and gets the job done. And for collectors with growing arsenals, the KAER 14-15 Biometric Gun Cabinet offers the most storage capacity at a reasonable price.

The most important takeaway from our testing is to be honest about what you need. A $130 gun cabinet keeps children out but will not stop a break-in or survive a fire. A $1,100 fireproof safe does both but requires permanent installation and a helper to move it. Match your safe to your actual risk factors, bolt it down regardless of which model you choose, and always buy for at least twice your current collection size. Your future self will thank you.