Best Fireproof Gun Safe Under $500 [2024 Review]

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Having the best fireproof gun safe under 500 is hard to find as the maximum number of fireproof units costs above $500 in the market. But still, after lots of research and spending hours, I have come up with a multiple fireproof handgun safe that is below the $500 mark.

It’s always good advice to go for a gun unit with a fireproof feature, and that unit can save stored firearms for at least half an hour. In the case of fireproof gun safe, it’s always advisable to invest a little bit higher to have excellent fire ratings in gun units.

Some safes I have listed are also water-proof gun safe that can save stored firearms for 24 hours in times of flooding, and I have concluded that the SentrySafe SFW123GDC Handgun Safe as the best fireproof gun safe under $500.

Best Fireproof Gun Safe Under $500

SentrySafe SFW123GDC Handgun Safe

If you are looking to store pistols or handguns with extra accessories, I suggest looking at the SentrySafe SFW123GDC Handgun Safe. This unit can easily hold fire for at least 1 hour at 1700°F with UL classified lock that will keep your stored items safe and secure. It has also been tested and verified by ETL for fall protection up to 15 feet during the fire, and it will still be closed to protect your stored firearms.

The manufacturer has also made this unit waterproof for up to 8 inches for at least 24 hours in flood-type situations. You can access this unit in two ways: an electric keypad and the other through manual keys. The keypad of the safe has a backlit feature which helps where there is a darker condition or put inside the closet.

Also, if the battery runs out or you want to disable the keypad, you can also access the unit with the help of backup keys.

In terms of security, it comprises a 14 gauge steel construction with pry-resistant hinge bars. Also, for advanced security features, the sentry safe comes with 4 live locking 1-inch bolts, which protect against forced entry or break-ins.

You can also bolt down your unit on the wall or floor for additional security, and it comes with all mounting hardware. But the unit does not come with pre-drilled holes but there marks where you can drill to mount on a hard floor or wall. It is always recommended to bolt the safe on the ground or wall so that thieves cannot easily remove the safe from your home or office.

The unit’s interior comes with an interior light which helps you see your store firearms easily in low light conditions without requiring additional lighting. Also, there is an additional drawer that is removable according to your need. You can store extra items inside the drawer for enhanced security for stored items.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension12.6 x 11.9 x 13.8
External Dimension16.3 x 19.3 x 17.8
Weight86.69 Pounds
FireproofFireproof For One Hour @ 1700°F
LockElectric Keypad & Manual Key
  • 14 Gauge Steel Construction
  • Interior Light
  • 24 Hours Water Protection @ 8 Inches Deep
  • Impact Resistance @ 15 Ft Drop
  • Removable Locking Drawer
  • UL Classified Unit
  • No Battery Included
  • Interior Feels Plastic
  • Heavy In Size
  • No Pre-drilled Holes

AEGIS Rifle Gun Fireproof Safes – 18 or 22 Long Rifle Unit

Aegis comes with a fire-resistant rifle safe which can store up to 18 rifles easily with multiple shelves that can be adjusted and can be removed. The AEGIS Rifle Gun Fireproof Safes can protect the stored firearms from fire for 30 minutes @ 1400°F  with a heat-activated door seal which will keep away heat and smoke out.

This unit comprises heavy-duty steel construction with 3 active bolts and 2 deadbolts in terms of security. The manufacturer has also provided ruggedized exterior hinges and a drill-resistant hard plate that protects the body of the safe from any unauthorized break-ins. The security of the unit is enough to keep away the thieves or kids from any unauthorized hands.

The unit’s interior has adjustable and removable shelves, which are useful for storing other accessories like handguns, pistols, jewelry, money, important documents, etc. One can access the unit in 2 ways: an electric digital keypad and manual keys. There is soft cloth wrap all over the unit to protect any stored firearms or other accessories from damages or scratches, etc.

There are pre-drilled holes that allow you to mount the safe on the floor for enhanced protection. This unit is not waterproof, and also there is no interior light in case you like to access it in darker condition. In case you forgot your password, then there is a reset button to change your password.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension17.4 x 15.2 x 53
External Dimension19 x 20.3 x 55
Weight273 Pounds
Fireproof30 Minutes @1400 F
LockElectric Digital Lock & Manual Keys
  • Adjustable Shelves
  • Stores 9-12 Rifles Easily
  • Heavy Duty Construction
  • Drill Resistant Hard Plate
  • Password Reset Button
  • No Interior Light
  • Holds Fire Only For 30 Minutes

AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Box Safe with Keypad

Amazon has come up with a fireproof handgun safe that is fire resistant for 20 minutes at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and stores a couple of pistols easily. So, if you are trying to be practical and looking for a safe that can somehow protect the stored items, check out AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Box Safe with Keypad.

UL 72 certified tested for fire-resistant for 20 minutes @ 1200 degrees but not a waterproof safe. You can store other items also like extra ammo, jewelry, money, a passport, etc. You can access the unit in two ways: through a digital keypad and manual keys. You will require a 9V battery (which is not included) to run the unit.

The unit comprises 14 gauge solid steel construction with five large bolts (2 internal deadbolts and 3 external active bolts), each size of 0.75-inch. There is one pre-drilled hole to mount the safe on the floor for better protection.

A removable and adjustable shelve is useful to store other valuable items like jewelry, money, ammo, etc. There is no internal light, so that you might need extra light in darker conditions. Amazon has provided only a one-year limited warranty, but customer care service is excellent.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension9.6 x 12.5 x 18.1
External Dimension13.8 x 14.2 x 19.7
Weight67 Pounds
Fireproof20 Minutes @1200 Degree
LockElectric Keypad & Manual Keys
  • 14 Gauge Steel Construction
  • Adjustable Shelve
  • Fire Resistant For 20 Minutes
  • UL 72 Standard Certified
  • 5 Large Locking Bolts
  • Only 1 Year Limited Warranty
  • Not waterproof
  • No Interior Light

First Alert 2087F Waterproof and Fire-Resistant Unit

If you are looking for a unit that has both the features of fireproof and also waterproof then you can have a look at First Alert handgun safe. This unit comes with a fire-resistant of one hour @ 1700 degrees and also has a waterproof seal that protects the stored firearms, documents, electronics, and other stored items during a flood.

This unit has a combination lock system that is more secure and also had 2 backup keys, which help you out if you forgot the combination. You will not require the battery to access this unit.

The safe is made up of solid steel, which has pry-proof concealed hinges that will keep away any forceful break-ins or unauthorized access. There is one pre-drilled hole at the bottom, but the company still claims that if you mount your safe on the floor, still the unit will be water-proof and fire-resistant.

Inside the safe, there is an adjustable and removable shelf where you can store other items like a passport, important documents, money, etc. The inside door has a key rack and door pocket to keep documents store them securely. This unit has a 5-year warranty.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension10.38 x 12.25 x 12.88
External Dimension15 x 17.8 x 19.8
Weight79.16 pounds
FireproofFire-resistant for One Hour
LockCombination Lock & Manual Keys
  • This Unit Had A Combination Lock
  • Water-Resistant
  • Adjustable Shelf
  • Maintain Internal Temp Less Than 350 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Does Not Require Battery To Operate
  • Basic Safety Box
  • Not waterproof Only Water Resistant
  • No Interior Light

Honeywell 2 Hour Fireproof 8 Hour Waterproof Fire Safe

Honeywell comes with a safe holding fire for at least 2 hours and saves your stored firearms for 8 hours in flood-type condition. So if you are looking for a unit that has all these fireproof for at least 2hour, then you can check out the Honeywell gun unit. This unit has a affordable price and also below the 500$ price tag.

The interior of the items remains protected for 2 hours @ 1850°F / 1010°C and fully submerged under 50 mm (2 inches) of water for up to 8 hours in a flood-type situation. The unit is certified by UL protection in fireproof safety. This unit is a little bit heavy in comparison to other handgun safes. The unit comes with a 7-year warranty and a lifetime After-Fire Purchase Guarantee.

Honeywell comes with an alarm system that alerts the owner if someone is trying to force break-ins, tilted, or drop from above, etc. This unit is designed to protect from the recessed door and concealed hinges with 2 live and 2 deadbolts as added security to the handgun safe. Also, there is a backlit keypad which will be very helpful if you are accessing your safe in darker conditions.

The safe could be accessed by an electric keypad and 2 override keys if you forgot the passcode. Also, there are 4 AA batteries to operate the handgun unit. The manufacturer has designed the unit from a scratch-resistant powder coat finish which will prevent scratches or dents. There is one adjustable and removable tray where you can store your extra accessories according to your need.

DimensionW x D x H
Internal Dimension9.8 x 12.4 x 12.7
External Dimension14.6 x 20.2 x 17.7
Weight109.5 Pounds
Fireproof2 Hour Fire Resistance @ 1850°F / 1010°C
LockElectric Keypad & Manual Keys
  • Low-Cost FireProof Unit
  • Pre-Drilled Holes
  • Audible Motion Alarm
  • Insulated Double Steel Wall Construction
  • Self Locked When Safe Is Closed
  • Water Resistant For 8 Hours 50mm Submerged Under Water
  • Basic Steel Construction
  • No Interior Light
  • Delivery Of The Safe Is Average

What Should I Consider Before Buying Fireproof Safe

Whenever you are finalizing your decision on a fireproof gun safe, then you should check some factors which will ease your final decision on the handgun unit. So below I have mentioned some key factors which you can have a look at.

Fire Rating

The most important factor when you are considering buying the best fireproof gun safe for under 500$ is its fire rating. The fire rating should be given to any fireproof safe should be UL rated (Underwriters Laboratory), which gives a rating to safes and other thin material. The UL will test some rigorous testing which will rate how secure the safe is against tampering.

Handgun, knife, and gun accessories on a table

Security

Always looks for a lower gauge level which gives more security to any gun unit. Also, the deadbolt and live locking bolt (2 inches or above) play a key role in giving extra protection to the unit.

Fire Resistant Timing

Look for a gun safe that can hold fire for at least one hour @ 1550°F – 1850°F. But if you are being practical, then you can go with a half-hour (30 Minutes) fire-resistant safe @ 1200 °F that protects your stored firearms from fire.

Water-Resistant

Some unit comes with waterproof features added as a bonus in rifle/handgun safes. If you are also looking for a waterproof unit with fireproof, then go with a safe that can protect stored items for at least 24 hours with a minimum of 3 inches deep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Fireproof Gun Safe Worth It?

It depends on where you are living. If you live in an area with past incidents of fires near your house, then going with a fireproof safe is perfect for you.

And if your area does not have any fire incidents, you can check out the best gun safe under $600 which is affordable but with premium quality.

Do Fireproof Gun Safes Really Work?

First of all, the safes available in the market are not fireproof; they are fire resistant to fire. All manufacturers should use the word fire-resistant, not fireproof. Yes, a fire-resistant safe does protect your firearms for at least a few hours.

The fire-resistant safe will keep the internal temperature below 350 degrees, protecting the stored documents or firearms.

Final Words

The best fireproof gun safe under 500$ comes with basic features and protects the stored items for at least half-hour. If you invest a little bit extra, you can get a gun safe with better protection and a high fireproof rating. The best gun safe reviews can help you in assessing a gun safe’s fireproof rating. When I look for a high rating fireproof safe, I have to look for UL Rating, strong protection from pry-attacks, and prevention of any force break-ins.

James Forrester is a lifelong gun and firearms owner, and an even bigger advocate for gun safety. He created KeepGunsSafe.com with the purpose of sharing helpful tips and educating others on how to keep guns and weapons safe and secure.