There are plenty of cheap gun safes on the market, but the key is determining which of these budget-friendly options actually offer security or if it’s simply smoke and mirrors. While American Security has plenty of higher-end gun safes (like our BFX gun safes), we also provide several models that come with a lower cost. However, we take pride in the materials and security technology we implement into all of our safes, regardless of what price point you’re interested in.
If you only want a safe that can safely store your arsenal away from family members like children, burglary and fire protection may not be at the top of your priority list. But we’re going to share some red flags you should be aware of when shopping for your next safe.
Poor Quality Materials
When it comes to gun safes, the price often reflects the quality of materials used in construction. While some budget-friendly options on the market may seem like a good deal, they can be made with thinner steel and less effective or nonexistent fire-resistant materials. The thickness of the steel isn’t just what matters either–the quality of the material itself makes a big difference in how it will hold up against natural disasters or break-ins.
Some safes are so poorly made that they can be easily compromised, sometimes by just dropping them. However, not all affordable safes sacrifice quality.
Take, for example, the bolt work, a critical feature in any safe. A well-built gun safe will include multiple bolts in the door to resist prying or drilling attempts. Even American Security’s budget-friendly models are designed with this in mind, using multiple heavy-duty bolts to enhance security.
As you evaluate gun safes, pay close attention to critical security features such as hardplates, glass relockers, and door hinges. Hardplates are layers of hardened steel positioned behind the lock to provide protection from drilling attacks, making it much harder for a thief to access the safe through brute force.
Glass relockers act as a fail-safe mechanism. If someone attempts to tamper with the lock, the glass shatters and triggers additional internal locks, adding another layer of protection.
Hinges, whether internal or external, also play a role in overall security. While external hinges allow for a wider door swing, they should be reinforced and paired with interlocking bolts or anti-pry tabs to prevent tampering. These components may seem small, but together, they make a significant difference in how secure your safe truly is.
Another factor to consider is the overall weight of the gun safe. A lightweight safe is easier to carry off, making it less secure if someone tries to steal it. While lower prices might be tempting, spending a little more to ensure the safe has enough steel and security features offers greater peace of mind. Ultimately, the investment is worthwhile, especially when it’s protecting valuables that are far more valuable than the cost of the safe itself. If you have a hefty arsenal of firearms, it’s very likely that your collection and any additional valuables could meet the price you would pay for a quality safe.
The steel thickness is often measured in gauge, and the lower the number, the thicker the steel. It can get confusing, so that’s why we’ve created this useful visual to help you during your search:
Cheap Gun Safe Locks
A safe is only as secure as its lock. Even if the body and door are made with strong materials, a weak or unreliable lock can compromise everything inside. Many high-quality locks are tested and certified by trusted organizations like Underwriters Laboratories, which evaluates locks for resistance to tampering and failure.
Biometric locks are not as reliable as other lock types. They may appear modern and secure, but they are rarely tested to the same standards as traditional locks. Fingerprint scanners can be inconsistent, producing false readings or failing to recognize authorized users during time-sensitive moments. What seems like a smart feature often becomes a point of failure when you need access the most.
For those who want a lock they can trust, choosing a mechanical or electronic option is a smarter move. These locks are far more dependable and have a proven track record. That is why American Security offers only electronic and mechanical lock options. They are built for reliability and provide the level of protection that homeowners expect when safeguarding their most valuable belongings.
AMSEC ESL10 Electronic Lock
- UL-Listed Type 1
- Audible and visual feedback
- Replaces most mechanical locks
Explore Electronic Lock Features
AMSEC Mechanical Safe Lock with Spy-Proof Dial
- UL Listed Group 2
- Three-wheel with 1,000,000 possible combinations
- Key-locking spy-proof dial
Explore Mechanical Lock Features
Insufficient Fire Protection on Cheap Gun Safes
Fire protection might not be the first thing you think about when shopping for a gun safe, but it should be high on the list. Many low-cost safes offer little to no resistance against extreme heat and are not tested to meet any recognized fire protection standards. Without proper certification, there’s no way to know how a safe will perform in the event of a fire.
Certified fire-rated safes are built to withstand high temperatures for a specific amount of time, commonly 30 minutes, one hour, or even up to two hours. These ratings are verified through controlled testing, offering a much higher level of protection and peace of mind. Whether you live in a wildfire-prone area or not, house fires can happen unexpectedly, and having a safe that has been properly tested can make all the difference.
American Security offers a wide selection of fire-rated gun safes in various sizes and price ranges, making it easier to find the right balance between budget and protection. Be cautious of cheap gun safes that claim to be “fireproof.” The truth is, there is no safe that is completely fireproof. If it does not come with a verified fire rating, it may not even be fire-resistant.
Fire testing can be conducted by trusted organizations such as:
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
- ETL Intertek
- Other independent third-party labs
Understanding how a safe is tested—and who tested it—is one of the clearest indicators of its true quality and reliability under extreme heat.
Low Burglary Protection on Cheap Gun Safes
Everything we’ve already mentioned, like the gun safe materials, locks, etc., all influence the level of burglary protection a model can offer. It’s important to evaluate the burglary ratings that a safe has to determine whether or not it’s the right level of security you’re looking for. Similar to fire protection, cheap gun safes can claim their “high security” but don’t have the ratings to prove it.
Burglary ratings are assigned by organizations such as UL, with time ratings typically ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours. During testing, professionals use a wide variety of heavy-duty tools to try and break into the safe. The timer only runs when a tool is actively touching the safe, and it stops whenever testers pause to switch tools or reconsider their approach. Because the timer can be stopped and started, a 15-minute rating does not mean the entire test only lasts 15 minutes. In many cases, the testing process can continue for many hours, depending on the methods used.
Inadequate Safe Size
One of the most common regrets we hear from safe owners is that they did not choose a large enough model the first time. At American Security, we often see customers come back not because something went wrong with their safe, but because they ran out of space sooner than expected. A high-quality safe should last for many years, so it is important to plan ahead.
Your safe should have enough space not only for your current firearms and valuables but everything you may want to store in the future. Many customers start off thinking they only need room for a few guns, and then realize they also want to protect documents, heirlooms, or other personal items. If there is no extra space, important items can be left out.
We have heard too many stories where a valuable item was placed outside the safe due to limited space and ended up lost or damaged during a fire, theft, or unexpected event. Meanwhile, the items that were stored inside the safe remained secure. That kind of situation is preventable with a little planning.
American Security offers safes in a wide variety of sizes to meet both current and future storage needs. Choosing a slightly larger model from the start can give you peace of mind and help avoid the need for a second purchase down the line.
Key Takeaways on Cheap Gun Safes
Not every budget-friendly gun safe is a bad choice, but it is important to know what to look for. Some affordable models can offer dependable protection, while others cut corners in ways that are not immediately visible. From weak locking mechanisms to thin steel or poor fire resistance, the differences often come down to what is beneath the surface.
Rather than choosing a safe based on appearance or price alone, take the time to understand how it’s constructed and which features truly matter for long-term security. A well-built safe is an investment in peace of mind, and with the right knowledge, you can find one that fits your needs and your budget without compromising on protection.
Storing firearms or valuables out of reach of children and other family members is a good first step, but true protection goes beyond simple access control. It’s just as important to consider how a safe will hold up in the event of a natural disaster or a break-in. A low-cost safe that fails under pressure could leave you vulnerable during those unexpected emergencies.
Pay close attention to the construction materials, fire protection features, boltwork, locking mechanisms, and any independent testing or certifications. Taking the time to evaluate these details will help you make a smart investment without compromising on security.
Ready to browse safe models in person? You can easily browse our gun safe models or find the closest American Security safe dealer near you.
