Best Vaults for Firearm Storage

TL;DR: At $79.98 the Billconch A1 earns a 4.7‑star rating from over 5,600 reviewers, praised for its quick fingerprint access and portable design, making it a solid entry‑level safe.

The Billconch A1 is the brand’s most affordable option in this Vaults roundup, priced under $80 and carrying a 4.7‑out‑of‑5 rating. Among the seven products compared, it ranks near the top for user satisfaction while staying well below premium models on price.

Reviewers consistently highlight the rapid 1‑second fingerprint unlock, the convenience of four access methods, and the compact form that fits easily on a nightstand or in a vehicle. Users also appreciate the LED interior lighting and the ability to register up to 40 fingerprints, which many say simplifies family or shared‑use scenarios. A recurring criticism is the lack of any fire‑resistance claim, so owners looking for heat protection may need a different safe.

In context, the A1 offers a budget‑friendly entry point for anyone who wants biometric security without breaking the bank. Its strong rating suggests reliability, but the limited publicly listed specifications mean you’ll need to rely on the brand’s reputation and user feedback for confidence.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the Billconch A1 is available at $79.98

TL;DR: The Billconch Smart Gun Safe blends a 1‑second biometric unlock, 0.8 cu ft interior, and a sturdy double‑U‑lock for under $130, making fast, secure access to up to four pistols surprisingly affordable.

What really stands out is the fingerprint scanner’s 1‑second unlock speed, backed by a capacity for up to 40 fingerprints and a 6‑12 digit PIN option. The interior holds 0.8 cu ft and can accommodate four pistols on foldable brackets, while an automatic LED lights the space as soon as the door opens. Its cold‑rolled steel body with a four‑layer powder coating gives it a solid feel, and the rechargeable lithium‑ion battery (2200‑2800 mAh) keeps it ready without frequent swaps.

Compared with the other six safes in this roundup, the Billconch is lighter than the GunVault MiniVault (8.4 lb vs 9 lb) but a bit heavier than the Vaultek Slider Series (which tips the scales at 7.4 lb). It also outpaces the Viking VS‑50BLX and Barska AX11650, both of which weigh over 40 lb, making it far more portable for bedside or nightstand placement. While the Kodiak KBX5933 dwarfs it at 470 lb, the Billconch still offers more interior capacity than the MiniVault’s 0.24 cu ft.

Users consistently praise the near‑instant fingerprint access, saying it “saves time in emergencies” and that the voice guide on the LCD screen reduces setup confusion. Professional reviewers echo this, noting the “responsible fast‑access design” and the “solid steel build quality.” However, a few owners mention occasional fingerprint recognition hiccups in humid or dirty conditions, which they mitigate by falling back on the PIN or physical key.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Billconch Smart Gun Safe offers Failed Attempt Limit: 10 attempts

Avoid if: You have limited desk space, need high portability, or require storage for more than four firearms

TL;DR: The Viking VS-50BLX blends a 32‑fingerprint optical sensor, dual 20 mm motorized deadbolts, and three adjustable shelves in a 43‑lb alloy‑steel safe that’s well‑reviewed but not fire‑ or waterproof.

The standout feature is its dual motorized deadbolt system—two 20 mm solid‑steel bars that engage automatically—paired with a 500 DPI optical fingerprint sensor that stores up to 32 unique prints. The body’s 2 mm alloy‑steel shell, coated in a black military‑grade scratch‑resistant finish, adds a layer of physical resilience, while the interior is carpeted and illuminated by an LED powered by 2 AA batteries.

In the seven‑product “Vaults” roundup, the VS‑50BLX sits between the lighter, compact Billconch Smart Gun Safe (which weighs about 3810 g) and the heavier Barska AX11650 (48.5 lb). It’s considerably heavier than the Vaultek Slider (7.4 lb) and the GunVault MiniVault (9 lb), giving it a more permanent, bolted‑down feel, yet it’s still lighter than the Barska unit, making installation easier for most homes.

User feedback praises the rapid fingerprint unlock and the robust deadbolt mechanism, with professional reviewers noting the “reinforced construction approach with military‑grade coating.” However, reviewers also flag the lack of fire or water protection and the limitation to a single programmable PIN despite supporting 4‑8 digit codes. The lockout thresholds—10 incorrect fingerprint attempts and 5 incorrect PIN entries—add an extra security layer, while the beeping warning after one minute of an unlocked state keeps you aware of any accidental openings.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the Viking Security VS-50BLX offers Shelves: Three fully adjustable shelves

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The GunVault MiniVault packs a 16‑gauge steel shell, 9 lb weight and a 12‑inch depth into a compact single‑pistol safe with a No‑Eyes keypad and 0.24 cu ft interior.

The MiniVault’s most eye‑catching spec is its rugged 16‑gauge steel construction paired with a soft‑foam interior that cushions a single pistol. At 9 lbs it balances sturdiness with portability, while the exterior measures 4.94 in H × 8.13 in W × 12 in D, fitting neatly under a seat or in a vehicle console. An electronic push‑button “No‑Eyes” keypad offers blind entry, and the unit runs on a single 9‑volt battery.

Compared with the other six safes in this roundup, the MiniVault is heavier than the Billconch Smart Gun Safe but far lighter than the Viking Security VS‑50BLX, which tips the scales at over 40 pounds. It also weighs more than the Vaultek Slider Series, which is listed at 7.4 lbs. In terms of capacity, Billconch can hold up to four pistols, while the MiniVault is limited to one, and it lacks the fingerprint scanner that Billconch provides. The Viking and Kodiak models boast multiple shelves and larger dimensions, making the MiniVault the most compact option for single‑gun storage.

Professional reviewers praise the MiniVault’s durable steel shell and the No‑Eyes keypad for reliable blind operation in low‑light conditions. Users frequently highlight its portability and quick access when mounted in cars or RVs, noting the high‑security backup key as a reassuring safety net. The electronic lock, tamper indicator and over 12 million code combinations add layers of security, while the bolt‑down mounting holes simplify permanent installation.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the GunVault MiniVault offers Exterior Depth: 12 inches

Avoid if: You want the best value-per-dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Barska AX11650 packs a 2.5‑second biometric scanner, 120‑fingerprint storage and 1.45 cu ft steel interior into a 48.5‑lb safe, offering fast, keyless access for multiple users.

What really stands out is the 2.5‑second biometric scan time, letting you unlock the safe almost instantly. The unit also stores up to 120 fingerprints, so family members or trusted contacts can gain entry without fumbling for a key.

Compared with the other safes in this roundup, the Barska is pricier than the Billconch Smart Gun Safe but still lighter than the Kodiak KBX5933, which tips the scales at 470.0 pounds. It also outweighs the Billconch’s 3810 g chassis, while offering far more interior volume than the compact GunVault MiniVault.

Reviewers praise the rapid scan and the solid‑steel construction, noting that the three 1‑inch deadbolts and California DOJ approval give a reassuring sense of security. The main trade‑off is the lack of any fire‑rating, so it’s best suited for protecting firearms rather than fire‑sensitive documents. Battery power runs the lock, so you’ll need to keep the four AA cells topped up.

Additional technical details include an automatic alarm if the door is left unlocked, a programmable silent mode for discreet use, and two backup keys included for emergencies. The interior mat and two removable shelves help organize gear within the 1.45 cu ft space.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Barska AX11650 offers Backup Keys: 2 included

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Kodiak KBX5933 is a floor‑mounted, 14‑gauge steel safe that protects 46 long guns and six pistols, offers a 40‑minute fire rating at 1400 °F, and costs $1488.00.

What really sets this safe apart is its robust construction: a 14‑gauge steel body wrapped in a textured powder‑coat finish, a UL‑listed electronic lock, and a fire‑rating that holds up to 1400 °F for 40 minutes. The interior is fully upholstered with heather fabric, and the door swings a full 180 degrees on external hinges, giving you easy access to the adjustable shelves and deluxe organizer that holds six handguns and 46 long guns.

In size and mass, the Kodiak dwarfs the other six safes in this roundup. At 59.0 inches high, 33.0 inches wide and 22.0 inches deep, it is far larger than the Vaultek Slider Series, which measures just 2.6 inches deep and weighs 7.4 lbs, and also outsizes the Barska AX11650 (13 inches deep, 48.5 lbs) and Viking VS‑50BLX (43 lbs). Even the Billconch Smart Gun Safe, which tips the scales at roughly 3.8 kg, is dramatically lighter. This extra bulk translates into more interior volume for firearms, but it also means you’ll need a dedicated floor‑mounting location.

Customer feedback on the Kodiak registers a solid 4.4‑star average from 62 reviewers. Reviewers consistently praise the SafeX anti‑pry system that interlocks the body and door, and they appreciate the optional LED light kit with motion sensor for quick illumination. The fire protection—40 minutes at 1400 °F—gets a nod for giving peace of mind during a house fire, though some note that higher‑end safes push the rating to 60 minutes. The internal power outlet with USB ports and the optional dehumidifier also get positive mentions for adding convenience.

Beyond the basics, the safe includes a hardened armor plate and spring‑loaded relocker for drill resistance, a Palusol/intumescent door seal that expands under heat, and floor‑bolting pre‑drilled holes for a secure installation. The electronic lock is UL‑listed and the unit carries both UL and CA DOJ certifications, reinforcing its credibility as a firearm safety device.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Kodiak KBX5933 offers Depth: 22.0 inches.

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $1488.00.

TL;DR: The Vaultek Slider Series offers a 16‑gauge carbon‑steel safe with a rapid sliding door, 20‑finger biometric scanner, and VESA mounting, all in a compact 11.25‑in‑high, 7.4‑lb package.

The standout feature is the oversized biometric sensor—20 fingerprints, 508 dpi resolution, and a 40 FPS capture rate—paired with a 9.0 mm × 9.0 mm sensor size that delivers fast, reliable access. At 11.25 in tall, 9.1 in wide and 2.6 in deep, the safe fits comfortably on a nightstand or in a vehicle, while the 7.4 lb carbon‑steel body meets the “premium contender” label for durability.

Compared with the other six safes in this roundup, the Slider is far more compact than the Barska AX11650 (which stands over 19 in tall) and the Viking Security VS‑50BLX (20 in tall). It also weighs less than the heavyweight Barska (48.5 lb) and Viking (43 lb) units, yet it is heavier than the ultra‑light Billconch Smart Gun Safe, which lists its weight in grams. The Slider’s VESA‑compatible mounting plate gives it flexibility that the GunVault MiniVault and Kodiak models lack, while its interior foam lining provides a ready‑made holster that many peers omit.

Customer sentiment centers on the ultra‑quick auto‑open sliding door, which professional reviewers praise for deploying a pistol in fractions of a second. The 3.8‑star average from 97 reviews points to a mixed reception, with users appreciating the speed and build quality but noting the single‑handgun capacity (one full‑size pistol plus one spare magazine) and the need to recharge the lithium‑ion battery every 2.5 hours after a full charge, with a claimed four‑month runtime between charges.

Beyond the biometric and mechanical highlights, the safe integrates Wi‑Fi alerts for tampering, battery status, and activity history, all controllable through the iOS/Android ViSN app. The interior LED light and responsive exterior LED make it easy to locate in low‑light conditions, and the 36‑month warranty adds peace of mind for the premium price point.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Vaultek Slider Series offers Included Keys: 2 manual keys

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns