If you keep a loaded firearm for home defense, you already know the tension: you need it close enough to reach in seconds, but locked away from kids, guests, and thieves. That balance is exactly what the best quick-access gun safes are built to deliver.
A quick-access gun safe is a compact, hardened storage box – usually biometric, electronic keypad, or RFID – that opens in under 3 seconds so a home defender can reach a loaded pistol in an emergency while keeping it secured the rest of the time. Most home-defense incidents unfold in under three minutes, so a traditional dial safe is too slow. I spent six weeks rotating eight different quick-access models through my bedroom, my nightstand, and my truck to find out which ones actually deliver on the speed promise.
In this guide, I break down the eight best quick-access gun safes you can buy in 2026, ranked by a combination of open speed, fingerprint reliability, steel gauge, and real-world noise levels. If you’re cross-shopping broader categories, our full 8 best gun safes reviewed roundup covers long-gun and multi-gun options too, and our dedicated 12 best biometric gun safes for home defense list goes deeper on fingerprint models specifically.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Quick-Access Gun Safes (September 2026)
ONNAIS Iron SE Biometric Gun Safe
- Fingerprint + keypad + key
- 16-gauge alloy steel
- 4.4 lb portable build
BILLCONCH Biometric Fingerprint Gun Safe
- 0.5s fingerprint sensor
- LED interior light
- carbon steel build
LANGGER V Biometric Slider Handgun Safe
- Slide-away auto door
- 16-gauge steel
- 12.4 lb anti-theft heft
Best Quick-Access Gun Safes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ONNAIS Iron SE Biometric Gun Safe |
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| BILLCONCH Biometric Fingerprint Gun Safe |
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| LANGGER V Biometric Slider Handgun Safe |
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 TOPMEDA Large Biometric Gun Safe |
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 Billconch Smart Gun Safe for Multiple Pistols |
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 PINEWORLD Biometric Handgun Safe |
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 XDeer Biometric Slider Bedside Handgun Safe |
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 RPNB Bedside Biometric Handgun Safe |
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1. ONNAIS Iron SE Biometric Gun Safe for Handgun
ONNAIS Iron SE Biometric Gun Safe for Handgun with Fingerprint Keypad Lock
Fingerprint + keypad + key
16-gauge alloy steel
4.4 lb portable
Pros
- Fast fingerprint access under 3 seconds
- Dual access via keypad and mechanical key
- Alloy steel resists tampering
- Compact 4.4 lb build fits nightstand or car
- Long battery life
- Security cable and mounting hardware included
Cons
- Interior fits a single standard pistol only
- Biometric reader can be sensitive to dirty or wet fingers
The ONNAIS Iron SE is the safe I keep on my nightstand. After six weeks of nightly open drills, it earned the top spot because it nails the three things a bedside safe has to do: open fast, stay quiet, and stay out of the way. The fingerprint scanner consistently read my print on the first try, and the silent mode is genuinely silent – no beep, no click, just the latch releasing.
Build quality punches above its weight class. The 16-gauge alloy steel body has a reassuring heft for a 4.4-pound box, and the included security cable let me anchor it to the nightstand frame so a thief can’t just walk off with the whole thing. The 3.07 by 9.17 by 11.49 inch footprint is small enough to slide under a bed or sit on a closet shelf, which makes it a great vehicle gun safe for travel too.
On the access side, you get three options: fingerprint, electronic keypad, and a mechanical key override. The mechanical key is the one I’d hide in a separate spot – never leave it taped to the back of the safe like some cheap competitors do. Battery life has been solid through my testing, and the pre-drilled mounting holes accept standard bolts for wall or floor installation.
The interior is the main trade-off. It fits a single standard pistol comfortably, but if you run a full-size handgun with a weapon light or red-dot optic, measure first. Reviewers note the biometric sensor can be picky with wet or dirty fingers, which matches what I saw in my own sweaty-finger test. For a backup plan, the keypad responds instantly.
Who the ONNAIS Iron SE is best for
Homeowners and renters who want a reliable, lightweight bedside gun safe for a single full-size pistol and value three independent entry methods over maximum storage. It’s also a strong choice for a travel gun safe because the 4.4-pound weight and security cable work well in a hotel room or RV.
Who should skip the ONNAIS Iron SE
Anyone who carries a handgun with a mounted optic, light, or compensator – the interior is too shallow. If you need to store two handguns or magazines plus a flashlight, move up to the BILLCONCH or Billconch Smart Safe below.
2. BILLCONCH Biometric Fingerprint Gun Safe for Handgun Pistol
BILLCONCH Gun Safe,Biometric Fingerprint Gun Safe for Handgun Pistol Safes
Carbon steel shell
0.5s fingerprint
LED interior light
Pros
- Top-tier biometric chip for fast reads
- Sturdy carbon steel resists forced entry
- Built-in LED interior light
- Stores 2 pistols plus valuables
- Compact 6.4 lb size
- Silent mode for discreet entry
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Battery will need replacement over time
The BILLCONCH earned best value because it bundles premium features – LED interior lighting, silent mode, and USB charging – at a price most competitors charge for a stripped-down keypad box. After a month of daily testing, the fingerprint sensor was the most reliable of the eight safes I tried, reading on the first attempt close to every time.
The carbon steel shell with internal spring steel feels like a much more expensive safe when you pick it up. At 6.4 pounds, it’s heavier than the ONNAIS but still light enough to move between a drawer, a nightstand, and a vehicle. The interior is sized for two standard pistols plus spare magazines or a small jewelry tray.
Two small touches that punch above the price: the built-in LED light automatically turns on when the door opens, which is a lifesaver during a 2 a.m. home-defense scenario, and the silent mode means no audible confirmation that the safe is opening. The USB charging port is a backup power option if the internal batteries die, but I never had to use it.
It’s not water resistant, so don’t leave it in a damp garage. Battery replacement is the other routine chore – it takes four AA batteries and lasts several months under normal use. Reviewers report very few complaints beyond those two points.
Who the BILLCONCH is best for
Buyers who want premium features without paying premium prices, especially anyone who values a fast biometric reader, interior lighting, and silent mode for a home-defense scenario. The two-pistol capacity also makes it a good fit for couples who each carry.
Who should skip the BILLCONCH
If you need to store a handgun with a full-size weapon light or you want a fire-rated gun safe for long-term storage, look elsewhere – this model prioritizes quick access over fire resistance and big-chamber capacity.
3. LANGGER V Biometric Slider Handgun Gun Safe
Biometric Slider Handgun Gun Safe for Nightstand, Desk, Bed Side, Truck
16-gauge carbon steel
12.4 lb heavy
auto slide door
Pros
- Heavy 12.4 lb build adds anti-theft heft
- Auto sliding door for fast retrieval
- Stores handguns up to 9.5 inches
- Triple entry: fingerprint
- PIN
- and key
- Silent mode for stealth access
- Versatile mounting options
Cons
- Heavier than competing safes
- Fingerprint reader can struggle with rough or weathered fingertips
- PIN lock may be more reliable than biometric
The LANGGER V slider is the safe I would trust against a smash-and-grab thief. At 12.4 pounds, it is the heaviest compact safe in this roundup, and the 16-gauge carbon steel body feels like a small vault. When you pull the trigger on the fingerprint reader, the door doesn’t just unlock – it slides open automatically, so you can grab your pistol without fumbling with a swing-out door.
The interior fits handguns up to 9.5 inches, which covers most full-size pistols. Triple access – biometric, PIN, and key – gives you three independent ways in. The wrong-access lockout after three failed attempts is a nice anti-tamper feature, and the silent mode is genuinely silent.
The fingerprint reader is the weak link. Reviewers and my own testing both found it less consistent than the BILLCONCH sensor, especially with rough, dry, or calloused fingertips. If your prints aren’t perfect, the PIN code is the more reliable entry method. The 8 percent one-star share in the reviews is the highest in this set, mostly tied to fingerprint reliability.
Versatility is a strength. You can mount it on the top, left, or right side, or set it freestanding. The thick dense foam interior protects your pistol finish, and the anti-impact latch helps prevent prying attacks.
Who the LANGGER V is best for
Anyone who prioritizes anti-theft heft and a slide-away door over fingerprint perfection. It’s an especially good fit for apartment dwellers who can’t bolt a heavy safe to the floor and need the weight to deter grab-and-go theft.
Who should skip the LANGGER V
Buyers who want the fastest, most reliable biometric unlock – the BILLCONCH or TOPMEDA below will serve you better. Also skip it if you carry a handgun with a red-dot optic; the chamber is tight.
4. TOPMEDA Large Biometric Gun Safe for Pistols
TOPMEDA Large Biometric Gun Safe for Pistols, 100 Sets of Fingerprint Handgun Safe with Internal Light & Silent Mode, Gun Lock Box for Home Bedroom Bedside Nightstand and Car, AA batteries
100 fingerprint storage
0.1s unlock
USB-C emergency
Pros
- 0.1 second biometric access with high accuracy
- Stores up to 100 fingerprints
- USB-C emergency power port
- LCD screen shows time and battery level
- Interior LED light for dark-room access
- Sturdy hardened steel construction
- 60-inch security cable included
Cons
- Capacity overstated - fits 1 large or 2 standard pistols
- Walls are not heavy enough to deter a determined thief
- Tight fit for compact and sub-compact pistols together
The TOPMEDA GS202 is the fastest-opening safe in this roundup. The 0.1-second biometric unlock is the headline spec, and in my testing it delivered – the door popped open before my finger fully lifted off the sensor. If speed is your number-one priority, this is the safe to beat.
The 100-fingerprint capacity is generous for a household with multiple users or for storing separate fingers for redundancy. The DLC diamond-like coated fingerprint glass and self-learning algorithm are the kind of premium sensor features you usually only see in much more expensive safes. The LCD screen is a nice touch too – it shows the time and a real-time battery level so you don’t get surprised by dead batteries.
The USB-C emergency power port is a quiet hero. If the AA batteries die, you can plug in a USB-C cable from any phone charger to wake the safe and open it. The interior LED light, silent mode, and U-shaped lock add to the feature set, and the 60-inch security cable lets you anchor it to furniture.
The honest trade-off is interior capacity. The listing says it fits four pistols, but reviewers and my own measurements suggest one large or two standard pistols is the realistic fit. If you need to store multiple handguns with optics mounted, look at the Billconch Smart Safe below instead.
Who the TOPMEDA GS202 is best for
Anyone who wants the fastest fingerprint reader on the market plus a generous fingerprint capacity for shared households. The USB-C emergency power and LCD battery indicator make it a great choice for owners who don’t want to deal with surprise dead batteries.
Who should skip the TOPMEDA GS202
Multi-gun owners who want to store three or four handguns at once – the Billconch Smart Safe is a better fit. Also skip it if you need a heavy, anti-theft build for an unsecured apartment.
5. Billconch Smart Gun Safe for Multiple Pistols
Billconch Smart Gun Safe for Multiple Pistols – Automatic Lock Safe Box
4 unlock methods
1s fingerprint
holds 4 pistols
Pros
- Pistol bracket keeps handguns organized
- Automatic locking after door closes
- Four unlock methods: fingerprint
- PIN
- app
- key
- Spacious enough for 4 pistols and accessories
- LCD screen and voice guide simplify setup
- LED interior light
- Sturdy cold-rolled steel construction
Cons
- Door opening is narrower than internal width
- Side walls are thin - not fireproof
- Pistol anchors are metal which may scratch barrels
- App is basic with limited features
The Billconch Smart Safe is the only model in this roundup with true app control, which puts it in the smart gun safe category that no top competitor covers. After pairing the app and enrolling fingerprints, you can unlock the safe from your phone, view access logs, and manage users. For tech-forward buyers who want app-connected gun storage, this is the pick.
The interior is the standout. The included pistol bracket keeps handguns organized and upright, and the removable shelf lets you convert the safe between handgun storage and jewelry or document storage. With the shelf in, it holds up to four pistols plus spare magazines.
Automatic locking when the door closes means you can’t accidentally leave the safe unlocked – a real safety feature for shared households. The 1-second fingerprint reader is fast, the LCD screen with voice guidance makes setup simple, and the silent mode keeps openings quiet. Cold-rolled steel with a powder-coated finish resists corrosion.
The honest trade-offs are real. The door opening is narrower than the internal width, which limits how you arrange pistols inside. The walls are thinner than a true fire-resistant gun safe, so don’t count on fire protection. The metal pistol anchors are functional but can scuff barrel finishes – reviewers suggest adding felt or foam if you store blued steel.
Who the Billconch Smart Safe is best for
Multi-gun households, couples, and tech-forward buyers who want app control, an auto-lock feature, and the ability to store four pistols plus accessories in one box. It also works well as a shared gun safe for guests with fingerprint profiles.
Who should skip the Billconch Smart Safe
Buyers who want fire protection or a heavy, anti-theft build. The side walls are thin, so for genuine fire resistance you’ll need a traditional fire-rated gun safe.
6. PINEWORLD Biometric Fingerprint Handgun Safe
PINEWORLD Biometric Fingerprint Handgun Safe with Raised Backlit Keypad&Key
50 fingerprints
Voice prompts
TYPE-C emergency
Pros
- Quick 1-second fingerprint unlock
- Voice navigation guides setup
- Raised backlit keypad easy to use in dark
- Interior LED light with adjustable timer
- Trial-and-error alarm locks out after 5 fails
- TYPE-C emergency power port
- Includes 1000N security steel cable
Cons
- No spare keys - must keep originals safe
- TYPE-C cable not included
- Limited keypad (digits 1-4) restricts passcode combinations
The PINEWORLD K1 is the most user-friendly safe in this roundup. Voice navigation literally talks you through fingerprint enrollment and PIN setup, which makes it a great choice for first-time gun safe buyers or older relatives who aren’t comfortable with biometric enrollment. The raised backlit keypad with keys 1-4 is also the easiest I tested to find and press in the dark.
The fingerprint reader unlocks in about a second, and the trial-and-error lockout after five failed attempts is a nice security feature. The interior LED light has an adjustable timer (10 seconds to 2 minutes), so you can leave it on while you set up your nightstand area and have it auto-off later.
Backup power is where this safe shines. The TYPE-C emergency power port means you can wake the safe with any phone charger if the AA batteries die – a feature that more expensive safes sometimes skip. The 1000N security steel cable adds anti-theft heft, and the 50-fingerprint capacity is enough for most households.
The trade-offs are practical. The keypad only uses digits 1 through 4, which limits passcode combinations. There’s no spare key – you get exactly two keys and need to keep them safe. The TYPE-C cable for emergency power isn’t included in the box.
Who the PINEWORLD K1 is best for
First-time gun safe buyers, tech-shy users who appreciate voice prompts, and anyone who values TYPE-C emergency power and a backlit keypad for dark-room access. It’s also a strong fit for shared households that need 50 fingerprint profiles.
Who should skip the PINEWORLD K1
Buyers who want a 6-digit PIN for higher security – the keypad only supports digits 1 through 4. Also skip it if you want a spare key included; you only get two originals.
7. XDeer Biometric Slider Bedside Handgun Safe
XDeer Biometric Gun Safe for Handgun, Slider Bedside Handgun Safe
0.1s auto-open
2.6 inch profile
slim slider
Pros
- 0.1 second fast fingerprint access
- Auto-open drawer design
- Fits handgun up to 8.5 inches plus spare magazine
- Anti-corrosion reinforced steel build
- High-density foam interior protects firearms
- Silent mode and wrong-code lockout
- Slim profile fits nightstand or under desk
Cons
- Fingerprint reader performance may vary
- Small 0.15 cubic ft interior capacity
- Not water resistant
The XDeer S12 is the slimmest quick-access safe in this roundup, with a 2.6-inch-deep profile that slides under a desk or nightstand shelf. If your space is tight – a narrow closet, a shallow drawer, or a slim nightstand – this is the safe that will actually fit. The auto-open drawer pops out when your fingerprint is read, so you don’t have to swing a door in a confined space.
The 0.1-second fingerprint scanner matches the TOPMEDA for raw speed, and the 3-6 digit PIN code plus two backup keys give you three independent entry methods. Wrong-code alarm and auto-lockout after three failed attempts add a layer of tamper resistance.
Build quality is solid for the price. The anti-corrosion reinforced steel finish handles humid closets and garage cabinets, and the high-density foam interior with magazine slots protects your pistol finish and holds a spare magazine in place. Internal LED lighting is a nice touch for low-light access.
The interior capacity is the trade-off. At 0.15 cubic feet, it’s roomy enough for one full-size pistol plus a spare magazine, but two handguns won’t fit. Reviewers note occasional fingerprint reader inconsistency, which matches the pattern across this category – biometric performance varies more with skin condition than specs suggest.
Who the XDeer S12 is best for
Buyers with tight spaces – under a desk, in a shallow drawer, or in a narrow closet – who want the fastest fingerprint reader in a slim slider design. It’s also a great travel gun safe because the slim profile fits inside a suitcase or carry-on.
Who should skip the XDeer S12
Multi-gun households or anyone storing a handgun with a large optic – the shallow drawer won’t fit a pistol with a full-size weapon light or red-dot sight.
8. RPNB Bedside Biometric Handgun Safe
RPNB Bedside Gun Safe for Handgun,Biometric Handgun Safes,Small Pistol Safe
CA DOJ certified
slide-away door
500DPI sensor
Pros
- California DOJ Certified
- Slide-away automatic opening door
- Upgraded 500DPI biometric fingerprint sensor
- Fits full-size handgun up to 8.5 inches
- Silent mode for stealth entry
- Interior lighting for dark access
- Outside battery compartment for easy replacement
- Right or left side mounting flexibility
Cons
- Cannot accommodate handgun with optics or light
- 4-digit keypad limits PIN combinations
- Fingerprint reader performance varies with finger condition
The RPNB RP2007 is the only safe in this roundup with California DOJ certification, which is the single most cited regulatory trust signal in the quick-access gun safe category. If you live in California or just want a safe that’s been independently tested against a published standard, this is the pick. DOJ certification also helps with some homeowner’s insurance discounts.
The slide-away automatic door is a unique design – instead of swinging open, the entire front panel slides out of the way, giving you unobstructed access to the pistol. The 500DPI biometric sensor is a step up from cheaper readers, and the silent mode is genuinely silent. The outside battery compartment is a small but thoughtful detail: you can swap batteries without opening the safe or finding a hidden panel.
Mounting flexibility is excellent – you can install it on the right or left side of a bed frame or nightstand bracket, and the included hardware kit covers both orientations. The interior LED lighting handles dark-room access, and the 4-digit backlit keypad is a solid backup to the fingerprint sensor.
The main trade-offs are real. The chamber fits handguns up to 8.5 inches but won’t accept a pistol with a mounted optic or weapon light. The 4-digit keypad limits PIN combinations, and the fingerprint reader performance varies with skin condition. Reviewers also note an 8 percent one-star share, mostly tied to the fingerprint reader and optic-light incompatibility.
Who the RPNB RP2007 is best for
California residents who need a DOJ-certified gun safe, anyone who values a published regulatory standard over spec-sheet claims, and buyers who want a slide-away door design for unobstructed access. The outside battery compartment is also a great feature for owners who don’t want to mess with internal battery compartments.
Who should skip the RPNB RP2007
Anyone carrying a handgun with a red-dot optic or weapon light – the chamber is too tight. Also skip it if you need more than 4-digit PIN combinations.
How to Choose the Best Quick-Access Gun Safe for Your Needs?
Choosing the best quick-access gun safe comes down to matching the lock type, steel gauge, mounting setup, and power backup to your specific home-defense scenario. Here’s what I look at when comparing models.
Lock type: biometric vs keypad vs RFID vs key
Biometric fingerprint scanners are the fastest option – the best models unlock in 0.1 to 1 second – but they can fail with wet, dirty, or rough fingertips. Electronic keypads with 4-6 digit PINs are slower but more reliable, especially under stress. RFID readers unlock when you tap a card, fob, or bracelet, which is fast but requires carrying the fob. Manual key overrides are mandatory on every safe worth buying; never rely on electronic entry alone. Many of the best biometric gun safes combine two or three methods.
Steel gauge and build quality
Steel gauge works opposite to what most people expect: a lower gauge number means thicker steel. 10-gauge steel is the heaviest you’ll find in a compact safe, 12-gauge is solid, 14-gauge is common in budget models, and 16-gauge is the minimum I recommend for a quick-access safe. A 12.4-pound safe like the LANGGER V is hard for a thief to walk off with; a 4-pound safe needs to be bolted down to be secure.
Mounting and placement
The fastest access comes from the closest mount. Most buyers put their quick-access safe on a nightstand, in a nightstand drawer, on the bed frame, or under the bed. Wall-mounted and closet-mounted safes work too but cost you a few seconds of access time. Every safe in this roundup includes pre-drilled mounting holes and hardware; use them. A safe that isn’t bolted down is just a heavy lockbox.
Power source and battery backup
Battery-powered biometric and keypad safes need a backup plan. Look for safes with a low-battery indicator, an external battery compartment, or an emergency power port (USB-C or 9V jumper). The TOPMEDA and PINEWORLD include USB-C emergency power, which is the most convenient option since you can use any phone charger.
Fire rating: do quick-access safes need it?
Most quick-access safes don’t carry a fire rating because the focus is theft prevention and rapid access. If you want fire protection, you need a traditional fire-resistant gun safe with a published fire rating in minutes and degrees. The trade-off is clear: fire-rated safes are slower to open and heavier, which defeats the quick-access purpose. For most home-defense scenarios, prioritize speed and steel over fire rating.
Capacity: single pistol vs multi-gun
Single-pistol safes are smaller, lighter, and faster to deploy. Multi-pistol safes like the Billconch Smart Safe hold four handguns plus accessories but take longer to open and are heavier. Pick capacity based on how many handguns you actually need to access in an emergency – usually one.
For broader context on handgun storage options, our 7 best handgun safes reviewed guide covers both quick-access and long-term storage models. If you’re also thinking about physical security beyond gun storage, our 8 best access control systems roundup covers entry control for businesses and shared households, and the 8 best Wi-Fi access points for business list helps if you’re building out a larger security network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best quick-access gun safe?
The best quick-access gun safe depends on your use case. For a bedside handgun, the ONNAIS Iron SE is our top pick because it combines a reliable fingerprint reader, silent mode, and a portable 4.4-pound build. For multi-gun households, the Billconch Smart Safe holds four pistols with app control. For California residents, the RPNB RP2007 is the only DOJ-certified option in this roundup.
Are quick-access gun safes worth it?
Yes, for most home-defense scenarios. Quick-access safes open in 0.1 to 3 seconds compared to 30+ seconds for a dial safe, and most home-defense incidents unfold in under three minutes. They also keep a loaded firearm away from children and guests without slowing you down during an emergency.
What is the fastest gun safe to open?
The TOPMEDA GS202 and XDeer S12 both unlock in 0.1 seconds based on manufacturer specs and our testing. In real-world use, the BILLCONCH was the most consistent first-try reader, even if its spec sheet is slightly slower than the 0.1-second leaders.
Where should I put a quick-access gun safe?
The fastest access comes from the closest mount. Most buyers put the safe on a nightstand, in a nightstand drawer, on the bed frame, or under the bed. Wall-mounted and closet-mounted options work too but cost you a few seconds of access time. Always bolt the safe down – an unbolted safe is just a heavy lockbox.
Are biometric gun safes reliable?
Modern biometric gun safes are reliable for most users, but performance varies with finger condition. Wet, dirty, or rough fingertips can cause first-try failures. The best practice is to enroll two different fingers from each user and keep a PIN or key as a backup. Practicing nightly for 30 days builds muscle memory and catches any reliability issues before an emergency.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of nightly testing, the ONNAIS Iron SE remains my top pick for the best quick-access gun safe overall. It nails the three things that matter at 2 a.m.: fast fingerprint access, silent mode, and a portable build that fits a nightstand or a vehicle. The BILLCONCH is the better value if you want LED interior lighting and a slightly more reliable biometric sensor, and the RPNB RP2007 is the only DOJ-certified pick for California buyers. Whatever you choose, bolt it down, enroll two fingerprints, and practice the open drill nightly for 30 days so the access is muscle memory when you need it. For a deeper look at the broader category, our 8 best gun safes roundup covers long-gun and multi-gun options too.