Gun Safe Sizing Guide

Find the right safe for your collection, budget, and security needs.

Buy Bigger: Most collectors outgrow their safe within 2 years. Buy 50% larger than you need today.

Actual Capacity: Advertised capacity assumes no scopes. Expect 60-70% of stated capacity with scoped rifles.

Plan Placement: Measure doorways, hallways, and stairs. Safes don't bend around corners!

Safe Categories

Handgun Safe / Pistol Vault
Capacity:
1-4 handguns
Weight:
5-25 lbs
$30 - $300
Best For: Bedside access Vehicle storage Quick access
Pros:
  • Quick access
  • Portable
Cons:
  • Limited capacity
  • Easier to steal whole unit
Popular: Vaultek VT20i, Fort Knox PB1
Compact / Closet Safe
Capacity:
4-12 long guns
Weight:
150-300 lbs
$300 - $800
Best For: Apartments Small collections Closet storage
Pros:
  • Fits in closets
  • Good starter safe
Cons:
  • Limited capacity
  • May not fit scoped rifles
Popular: Stack-On Elite, Cannon Sure-Lock
Mid-Size Safe
Capacity:
14-24 long guns
Weight:
400-600 lbs
$800 - $1,500
Best For: Growing collections Home storage Long guns + handguns
Pros:
  • Good capacity
  • Better fire rating
Cons:
  • May outgrow quickly
  • Needs dedicated floor space
Popular: Liberty Centurion, Winchester Ranger
Full-Size Safe
Capacity:
24-48 long guns
Weight:
600-1000 lbs
$1,500 - $3,000
Best For: Serious collectors Long-term storage Valuables + firearms
Pros:
  • Excellent capacity
  • Better security
Cons:
  • Requires planning for placement
  • Professional delivery recommended
Popular: Liberty USA, Browning Silver
Premium / High Security
Capacity:
30-72+ long guns
Weight:
1000-2500+ lbs
$3,000 - $10,000+
Best For: Large collections Maximum security Valuable firearms
Pros:
  • Maximum security
  • Best fire protection
Cons:
  • Significant cost
  • Requires reinforced flooring
Popular: Fort Knox Legend, Liberty Presidential

Important Features to Consider

Steel Thickness
Critical

Body steel gauge (lower number = thicker). 12-gauge is standard, 10-gauge is better, 7-gauge is premium.

Tip: Look for at least 12-gauge body steel. Door steel should be even thicker.

Locking Bolts
Critical

Steel bolts that extend into the door frame. More bolts on more sides = better security.

Tip: Look for 4-way bolt coverage (top, bottom, sides). 1" diameter bolts minimum.

Fire Rating
High

Duration and temperature the safe can protect contents. 30-60 minutes at 1200°F is typical.

Tip: Consider at least 30-minute rating at 1200°F. 60+ minutes for valuable collections.

Lock Type
High

Mechanical dial, electronic keypad, or biometric. Each has pros and cons.

Tip: Electronic is faster, mechanical is more reliable long-term. Biometric adds convenience.

Weight
High

Heavier safes are harder to steal. Weight is often an indicator of steel thickness.

Tip: 500+ lbs minimum for security. Consider anchoring any safe under 750 lbs.

Interior Layout
Medium

Adjustable shelving, door organizers, and dehumidifier rod ports.

Tip: Adjustable interiors allow customization as your collection changes.

Warranty
Medium

Coverage for defects, break-in attempts, and fire/flood damage.

Tip: Look for lifetime warranty on mechanical parts. Some cover contents after break-in.

UL Rating
Medium

Underwriters Laboratories certification for burglary resistance (RSC, TL-15, TL-30).

Tip: RSC (Residential Security Container) is minimum. TL ratings indicate higher security.

Understanding Fire Ratings

Duration Temperature Typical Found In Notes
30 minutes 1200°F Budget safes Basic protection. May not protect paper/electronics.
45 minutes 1200°F Mid-range safes Better protection. Suitable for most homes.
60 minutes 1200°F Quality safes Good protection. Recommended minimum for valuable collections.
90 minutes 1400°F Premium safes Excellent protection. Consider for irreplaceable items.
120 minutes 1400°F+ High-end safes Maximum protection. For large collections and valuables.

Quick Sizing Guide

Count Your Collection:
  • Long guns (rifles/shotguns): ___ × 1.5 = ___
  • Scoped rifles: ___ × 2 = ___
  • Handguns: ___ × 0.5 = ___
  • Future purchases (next 5 years): ___ × 1.5 = ___

Total "gun units" needed: Add all numbers above

Recommended Safe Size:
  • Under 10 units: Compact Safe (8-14 gun)
  • 10-20 units: Mid-Size Safe (18-24 gun)
  • 20-35 units: Full-Size Safe (30-40 gun)
  • 35+ units: Premium Safe (48+ gun)

Lock Types Comparison

Mechanical Dial

Traditional combination dial lock.

No batteries needed

Extremely reliable

EMP proof

Slower to open

Harder in dark/stress

Electronic Keypad

Digital keypad entry with code.

Fast access

Easy to use

Multiple codes possible

Requires batteries

Electronics can fail

Biometric

Fingerprint scanner access.

Fastest access

No code to remember

Multiple users

Expensive

May fail with wet/dirty fingers

Installation Tips:
  • Anchor it: Bolt the safe to the floor and/or wall. Unanchored safes can be tipped and carried.
  • Location: Avoid damp areas. Use a dehumidifier rod to prevent rust.
  • Concealment: Consider placing in a closet or behind furniture for added security.
  • Delivery: Safes over 500 lbs should be professionally delivered. Check for delivery access.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Security needs vary by location and circumstances. Consult with a security professional for high-value collections.