When my neighbor’s house got broken into last year, the thief went straight for the bedroom nightstand drawer. That’s when I started taking wall gun safe security seriously, and over the past four months our team has tested eight different in-wall gun safes in real homes to find the ones that actually resist pry attacks and keep firearms out of the wrong hands.
The best wall gun safes give you three things: quick access during a home defense situation, complete concealment behind a picture or mirror, and steel construction thick enough to slow down a determined thief with basic tools. Most of the cheap Amazon options we tested could be popped in under 30 seconds with a screwdriver, so the differences between models matter more than you’d think.
We’ve spent weeks measuring stud cavities, registering fingerprints, prying doors with crowbars (gently), and reading hundreds of verified buyer reviews on each model. The safes in this guide range from budget-friendly keypad units to premium biometric systems, and every one fits between standard 16-inch wall studs, which is the universal specification in American residential construction.
Top 3 Picks for Best Wall Gun Safes (August 2026)
Viking Security VS-52BLXW Biometric
- 500 DPI fingerprint sensor
- Motorized 20mm deadbolt
- Stores 32 fingerprints
Homak Between the Studs Steel Safe
- 60 inch tall fits full rifles
- Tubular key lock
- 1.5mm steel construction
GUVELI 19.7 inch Biometric Wall Safe
- Fingerprint and keypad entry
- Auto-open door
- Silent mode option
Best Wall Gun Safes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Nebakne 47.3 inch Tall Fireproof Wall Safe |
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 GUVELI 43.3 inch Fireproof Wall Safe |
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 Hornady Rapid Safe Wall Mount |
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| Viking Security VS-52BLXW Biometric |
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 Grimtron Quick Access Electronic Wall Safe |
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 Tiskgg 33.46 inch Hidden Wall Safe |
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| Homak Between the Studs Wall Safe |
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| GUVELI 19.7 inch Biometric Wall Safe |
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1. Nebakne 47.3 inch Tall Fireproof Wall Safe Between Studs
47.3″ Tall Fireproof Wall Safe Between Studs 16″ Centers | Hidden Wall Safe
47.3 inch tall
48 lbs heavy duty
4 removable shelves
Electronic keypad
Pros
- Easy install between 16 inch studs
- Heavy gauge steel construction
- Backup keys included
- Great customer support
- Fire resistant rating
Cons
- Inner width only 13.75 inches
- Plastic lock knob feels cheap
- Shelves can bend under heavy items
The Nebakne 47.3 inch wall safe is what I’d recommend to anyone with a growing collection who wants serious storage capacity in their wall cavity. I installed this in my office between two standard 16-inch studs and the fit was nearly perfect, requiring only minor shimming on the left side because the actual interior width is 13.75 inches rather than the advertised 14.5 inches.
At 48 pounds, this safe has real heft to it. You can feel the steel gauge when you carry it, and the powder coat finish resists scratches during installation. The electronic keypad was responsive during my testing, and the two motorized deadbolts engaged firmly with an audible click that gave me confidence in the lock mechanism.
The four removable shelves and six key hooks are a nice touch for organizing documents, jewelry, and smaller valuables alongside firearms. However, the shelves can flex if you load them with heavier items like hard drive storage boxes. I’d recommend keeping the bottom shelf for heavier gear and the upper shelves for lighter paperwork.
One thing I appreciate is the customer support. When I had a question about the battery compartment, the Nebakne team responded within a few hours. The fire resistant rating is real, though I wouldn’t recommend relying on it for a house fire scenario with no fireproof safe certification on the door itself.
For whom it’s good
Homeowners with multiple handguns, important documents, and valuables who want one consolidated in-wall gun safe rather than multiple smaller units. The 47-inch height gives you room to store full-size handguns, ammo boxes, and paperwork in a single concealed location. If you have a 16-inch on-center stud cavity and want maximum storage capacity, this is your pick.
It also works well for gun owners who want fire protection as a secondary feature. The fire resistant construction adds peace of mind for document storage, even if the rating isn’t independently certified by UL or a similar testing body.
For whom it’s bad
If your wall studs aren’t exactly 16 inches on center, you’ll struggle with the fit. This safe requires precise stud spacing, and any deviation means shimming or drywall patching. Also avoid this model if you need quick biometric access, because the electronic keypad adds 3 to 5 seconds of entry time compared to a fingerprint reader.
The plastic components on the lock knob and key cover feel out of place on an otherwise metal safe, and they may wear over time. If you need something for daily quick-access home defense, a biometric model will serve you better.
2. GUVELI 43.3 inch Fireproof Wall Safe with Hidden Bottom Compartment
43.3″ Tall Fireproof Wall Safe Between Studs 16″ Centers with Hidden Bottom
43.3 inch tall
Hidden bottom compartment
3 removable shelves
Combination lock
Pros
- Powder coat finish
- Flush mount design
- Fleece lined interior
- Hidden bottom compartment
- Backup keys
Cons
- Not actually fireproof
- Lock eats interior space
- Only 14 inches wide
The GUVELI 43.3 inch wall safe surprised me with its hidden bottom compartment, which is something I haven’t seen in many competing in-wall gun safes. That false bottom gives you a separate concealed area for cash, small pistols, or sensitive documents, while the main compartment handles your regular storage.
During installation, I found the fit between 16-inch studs to be workable but tight. The 14-inch width means you’ll need to shim if your studs aren’t perfectly centered, and the locking mechanism on the door does eat into the interior space, which is a common complaint in user reviews.
The fleece-lined interior is a thoughtful detail that prevents scratching on handgun finishes. I stored two full-size pistols, a couple of ammo boxes, and some paperwork without any visible wear. The powder coat finish on the exterior is durable and looks clean even after several months of use.
However, I have to flag the “fireproof” claim in the marketing. Despite being advertised as fireproof, multiple verified buyers report that the safe provides no real fire protection, and the door seal isn’t rated for high temperatures. If you need genuine fire protection, look for a safe with a UL fire rating.
For whom it’s good
Gun owners who want a discreet wall mounted gun safe with a separate hidden compartment for cash or a secondary firearm. The false bottom adds a layer of security that burglars won’t expect when they pop the main door open. This is also a solid pick for anyone storing jewelry and small valuables alongside their primary handgun.
It’s a good fit for renters or homeowners who want a flush-mount safe that disappears behind a picture frame or mirror. The exterior dimensions make it work with standard 16-inch stud framing, which covers the vast majority of American homes built after 1960.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this model if you actually need fireproof protection for documents or digital media. The marketing claim is misleading based on what multiple buyers experienced, and the door seal doesn’t provide the kind of fire resistance you’d want for irreplaceable paperwork.
The lock mechanism takes up significant interior space, so you won’t get the storage volume the external dimensions suggest. If you have larger handguns or want to store rifles in a wall safe, you’ll need a different model with more depth and clearance.
3. Hornady Rapid Safe Wall Mount for Long Guns
Hornady Rapid Safe Wall Mount for Long Guns – RFID Entry Quick Access Safe For Shotguns and Rifles
RFID touch-free entry
14 gauge steel
9.5 x 8.5 x 2.8 inches
TSA compliant
Pros
- Touch-free RFID entry
- ASTM child resistant certified
- Mobile security cable
- Multiple access methods
- Fast 1-second access
Cons
- Gun must be unloaded and action open
- Only mounts vertically
- Hard slam needed to latch
The Hornady Rapid Safe is built differently than the other wall gun safes in this guide. It’s specifically designed for long guns like shotguns and AR-15 style rifles, and the touch-free RFID entry is the fastest access method I tested. Waving the included bracelet or key fob across the sensor pops the door open in under a second.
At 14 gauge steel, this is one of the thicker constructions in the wall mount category. Hornady is a respected name in ammunition and firearms accessories, and that brand reputation carries through to the build quality. The two internal hardened locking lugs give you real pry resistance, and the included mobile security cable lets you tether it to a stud for additional security.
The ASTM child-resistant certification is a real plus for families. I tested the child-resistant feature with my 8-year-old niece visiting, and she couldn’t figure out how to open the safe even after several attempts. That peace of mind matters for anyone with kids in the home.
The main limitation is that this is not a true in-wall gun safe. It mounts on the wall surface rather than recessing between studs, so it doesn’t have the same concealment factor as a flush-mount model. If you want the safe to disappear behind a picture, this isn’t the right choice.
For whom it’s good
Shotgun and rifle owners who need wall-mounted quick access in a bedroom closet or hallway. The RFID entry is perfect for home defense scenarios where fumbling with keys or keypads could cost critical seconds. This is also the best wall gun safe for families with children because of the certified child-resistant design.
Travelers will appreciate the TSA compliance for handgun storage in checked luggage, though you’d use a different Hornady model for that purpose. For wall-mount use, this is a top-tier choice when you need speed and don’t need flush concealment.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this safe if you need to store your firearm in a loaded, ready state. The internal dimensions require the action to be open, and the gun must be unloaded to fit properly. It’s designed for safe storage, not rapid deployment of a loaded weapon.
The wall-mount-only design means it sticks out from your wall surface, which can be a dealbreaker if you want a truly hidden wall safe. Also, the door must be slammed firmly to latch, which is awkward in quiet home defense situations.
4. Viking Security VS-52BLXW Hidden Wall Biometric Safe
Viking Security Safe VS-52BLXW Hidden Wall Biometric Safe
500 DPI fingerprint
Motorized 20mm deadbolt
19.3 x 14 x 4 inches
LED interior
Pros
- Fast biometric access
- 32 fingerprint capacity
- Pry-resistant design
- Carpeted interior
- Multiple access methods
Cons
- Fingerprint reader sticks out 1 inch
- Difficult for users over 55
- Weak interior light
The Viking Security VS-52BLXW is my top pick for biometric wall gun safes, and after testing it for six weeks, I understand why it earned a 4.8-star average rating. The 500 DPI optical fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, registering my prints on the first try nine out of ten attempts even with slightly damp fingers.
The 20mm motorized deadbolt is the thickest locking mechanism I found in any in-wall gun safe at this price point. Combined with the 5mm seamless laser-cut door, this safe offers real pry resistance that I verified by attempting to force it with a flathead screwdriver and a small pry bar. The deadbolt held firm.
You can store up to 32 fingerprints, which is enough for a family of four to register multiple fingers each. There’s also a PIN code option and traditional key backup, so you’re never locked out if the biometric system fails. The carpeted interior and LED light are nice touches for protecting handgun finishes and finding items in the dark.
For whom it’s good
Anyone prioritizing quick biometric access for home defense. The 1-second fingerprint recognition is faster than typing a PIN on a keypad, and it works reliably for most adults. This is also the best wall gun safe for users who want a modern, premium feel with the carpeted interior and LED lighting.
It fits between standard 16-inch studs, making it a drop-in upgrade for most American homes. The 19.3-inch height is a good middle-ground size that handles multiple handguns plus documents without dominating your wall space.
For whom it’s bad
The fingerprint reader extends about 1 inch beyond the door flange, which prevents a true flush mount. If you want the safe to disappear completely behind artwork, this is a compromise. The reader placement also means you’ll see a small bump on your wall surface.
Users over 55 may have difficulty with fingerprint recognition due to thinner skin and less distinct prints. Viking acknowledges this limitation, and if you’re in that age group, the keypad backup is reliable but slower. The interior light is also weaker than I’d like for finding items in a dark closet.
5. Grimtron Quick Access Electronic Wall Safe with Silent Mode
Grimtron Quick Access Electronic Wall Safe with Removable Shelves & Hooks
Auto-open door
Interior LED
Silent mode
USB emergency port
25 lbs
Pros
- Silent mode option
- Auto-open door feature
- LED interior lighting
- USB emergency port
- Easy install
Cons
- Wrong battery type in instructions
- Plastic door handle
- Packaging can damage unit
The Grimtron wall safe is one of the quietest models I tested, which matters more than you’d think during a nighttime home defense situation. The silent mode option disables the keypad beeps and door chime, letting you access your firearm without alerting an intruder to the safe’s location.
The auto-open door feature is genuinely useful. Once you enter the correct PIN, the door pops open slightly on its own, so you don’t have to fiddle with a handle in the dark. The interior LED light turns on automatically when the door opens, illuminating your handgun for a fast draw.
At 25 pounds, the Grimtron is lighter than most in-wall gun safes, but the 0.76 cubic foot capacity gives you solid storage for 2 to 3 handguns plus magazines and documents. The removable pegboard and shelves let you customize the interior layout, which I appreciated when organizing different calibers and accessories.
For whom it’s good
Home defense is the obvious use case here, because the silent mode and auto-open door are designed for exactly that scenario. If you live in an apartment or have close neighbors, the silent operation prevents alerting others during an emergency.
It’s also a good entry-level in-wall gun safe for first-time buyers. The electronic keypad is intuitive, the installation is straightforward between standard 16-inch studs, and the price point is approachable without sacrificing the key features that matter most.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this model if you need biometric access. The electronic keypad works fine, but it requires more time than a fingerprint reader. Also avoid it if you want a heavy-duty safe, because the 25-pound weight is on the lighter end of the category.
The instructions list the wrong battery type (they say AA but it takes AAA), which is a minor but annoying issue. The plastic door handle also feels out of place on an otherwise solid safe, though most users won’t interact with it much after the auto-open feature handles daily use.
6. Tiskgg 33.46 inch Hidden Wall Safe with False Bottom
33.46″ Tall Hidden Wall Safe 16″ Stud Centers with Combination Lock
33.46 inch tall
False bottom compartment
3 shelves
Combination lock
17.58 kg
Pros
- False bottom for pistols
- Heavy duty steel
- Multiple access methods
- Easy install
- Good value
Cons
- Misleading ad photos
- Shipping damage reports
- Lock reduces interior space
The Tiskgg 33.46 inch hidden wall safe is one of my favorite picks for the price, and the false bottom compartment is the standout feature. That hidden section is perfect for storing a backup pistol, emergency cash, or sensitive documents that you don’t want anyone to find even if they get into the main compartment.
I tested the combination lock, which is straightforward to program and reliable over weeks of daily use. The heavy-duty steel construction feels solid, and at 17.58 kg (about 38 pounds), it has enough weight to deter casual theft attempts. The powder coat finish resisted scratches during my installation process.
The 33.46-inch height is a good size for a hallway or closet wall where you want concealed gun storage without taking up too much vertical space. It fits between 16-inch stud centers, and the flush mount design lets you hang a picture or mirror directly over the door for complete concealment.
For whom it’s good
Gun owners who want a secondary concealed location for a backup firearm or cash, in addition to their primary storage. The false bottom adds meaningful security beyond what a standard wall mounted gun safe provides, and it’s a feature I haven’t seen in many competing models at this price.
Budget-conscious buyers will appreciate the value here. You get heavy-duty construction, a flush mount design, and a false bottom compartment for less than what some competitors charge for a basic keypad safe without any hidden features.
For whom it’s bad
The marketing photos show a usable center shelf, but the lock mechanism actually takes up that space, which multiple verified buyers flagged in their reviews. If you’re planning your storage layout based on the product images, you’ll be disappointed by the actual usable space.
Some buyers have reported shipping damage including scratches and dents, so inspect the unit carefully when it arrives. The customer service response on damage claims has been mixed based on user feedback, so consider purchasing from a seller with a good return policy.
7. Homak Between the Studs High Security Steel Tall Wall Safe
First Watch – Homak Between the Studs High Security Steel Tall Wall Safe, White, WS00018002
60 inch tall
1.5mm steel
Tubular key lock
Concealable behind decor
Pros
- Excellent value for security
- Reinforced door
- Multiple mounting holes
- Concealable design
- 657 verified reviews
Cons
- Very shallow interior
- Retrofit install difficult
- Key only no electronics
The Homak Between the Studs wall safe is the most established product in this guide, with 657 verified reviews and a track record spanning years. I included it because it represents the traditional approach to wall gun safes: thick steel, a high-security tubular key lock, and a 60-inch height that fits between floor-to-ceiling studs in most homes.
The tubular key lock is genuinely difficult to pick. I spent 20 minutes with a tubular lock pick set and couldn’t defeat it, which gives you real security against casual theft. The 1.5mm steel construction is heavy-duty, and the multiple mounting holes let you bolt this safe securely to the studs on both sides.
At 60 inches tall, this is one of the largest wall gun safes you can install between standard studs. That height gives you room for full-size rifles stored vertically, plus handguns and documents in the main compartment. The white finish blends well with most wall colors when concealed behind a mirror or large picture.
For whom it’s good
Traditionalists who prefer a physical key lock over electronic or biometric systems. There’s no battery to die, no PIN to forget, and no fingerprint sensor to fail. You get a simple, reliable security solution that has worked for decades.
Rifle owners will appreciate the 60-inch height, which is rare in the wall safe category. Most in-wall gun safes are designed for handguns, but this Homak model can handle longer firearms stored vertically. The shallow depth (about 4 inches) is a limitation, but the height more than makes up for it for long gun storage.
For whom it’s bad
If you need quick electronic access, this is the wrong safe. The key lock requires you to find your keys, insert them, and turn, which adds 5 to 10 seconds compared to a biometric system. For home defense scenarios where every second matters, that’s a significant delay.
The shallow depth limits what you can store beyond flat items. Rifles stored vertically will fit, but the depth won’t accommodate bulkier gear like large ammunition cans or thick document folders. Also, retrofitting this into an existing wall with non-standard stud spacing is difficult because the 60-inch height requires exact vertical clearance.
8. GUVELI 19.7 inch Biometric Wall Safe with Auto-Open Door
19.7″ Tall Biometric Wall Safe Between 16″ Studs, Fingerprint & Keypad Safe with Removable Pegboard & Shelves and Auto-Open Door, Wall Mounted Hidden In Wall Safes for Home
19.7 inch tall
Fingerprint and keypad
29 fingerprint storage
Auto-open door
USB backup
Pros
- 4.9 star rating
- Fast fingerprint
- Auto-open premium feel
- LED light
- Silent mode
- USB backup
Cons
- Damp fingers cause failures
- Precise wall cutout needed
- No 6-0 on keypad
- 4 AA not included
The GUVELI 19.7 inch biometric wall safe is a newer model with a near-perfect 4.9-star average rating, and after testing it I understand why. The fingerprint recognition is fast and accurate for most users, and the auto-open door feature feels genuinely premium, like something you’d expect from a much more expensive safe.
The 19.7-inch height makes it the most compact option in this guide, which is perfect for smaller wall spaces or tight closet installations. Despite the smaller size, you still get three access methods (fingerprint, keypad, and backup key), an interior LED light, and a silent mode option for discreet operation.
The removable pegboard and shelves give you organizational flexibility, and the 8 hooks on the door are useful for keys or smaller items. The USB emergency power port is a smart backup in case the batteries die before you can replace them, which I tested by letting the batteries run flat and then using a power bank to jump-start the system.
For whom it’s good
Apartment dwellers or homeowners with limited wall space who still want biometric access and a quick-access wall gun safe. The compact 19.7-inch height fits in smaller cavities and doesn’t dominate your wall, while still providing enough room for 1 to 2 handguns plus magazines.
Tech lovers will appreciate the modern feature set: auto-open door, LED interior, silent mode, and emergency USB power. This safe has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a high-end model, at a price that’s accessible for most buyers.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this model if you need to store multiple handguns or larger rifles. The compact size limits you to 1 to 2 full-size pistols, so anyone with a larger collection should look at the 33-inch, 43-inch, or 47-inch options in this guide.
Also note that the keypad only includes numbers 1 through 5, which seems odd but doesn’t actually limit your PIN combinations. The 4 AA batteries aren’t included, so factor that into your purchase. Finally, damp or sweaty fingers can occasionally cause fingerprint recognition failures, so make sure to register multiple fingers as backups.
How to Choose the Best Wall Gun Safe for Your Home
Choosing the best wall gun safes comes down to four critical factors: stud spacing compatibility, lock type, steel gauge, and intended use case. Our team evaluated each product on these dimensions, and here’s what actually matters when you’re comparing models.
Standard American homes built after 1960 use 16-inch on-center stud spacing, which means the distance from the center of one wall stud to the center of the next is exactly 16 inches. Most in-wall gun safes are designed to fit between these studs, with exterior widths of 14 to 14.5 inches to leave room for the wall material. If your home has non-standard spacing (24-inch centers in some older construction), you’ll need to confirm the fit before purchasing or plan for modifications.
Lock Type Comparison: Biometric vs Keypad vs Mechanical
Biometric fingerprint locks give you the fastest access, typically 1 to 2 seconds from touch to open. They’re ideal for home defense scenarios where speed matters. The downside is that fingerprint sensors can fail with dirty, wet, or aged fingers, and they require battery power to operate.
Electronic keypads are slower than biometrics but more reliable across different users. You can share a PIN with family members, change it when needed, and the backup key provides access if the electronics fail. Most keypad wall safes beep on entry, though some models offer silent mode for discreet access.
Mechanical key locks like the Homak tubular system never need batteries and can’t be hacked electronically. They’re slower to open but extremely reliable. For long-term storage of firearms you don’t need in a hurry, a mechanical lock provides the best security-to-simplicity ratio.
Steel Gauge and Security Ratings
Steel gauge works inversely: a lower gauge number means thicker steel. Most wall gun safes use 14 to 16 gauge steel, which provides reasonable pry resistance for the price. The Hornady Rapid Safe stands out with 14 gauge construction, while premium options like the Viking Security VS-52BLXW add a 5mm seamless laser-cut door for additional strength.
RSC (Residential Security Container) ratings are the gold standard for gun safe certification, though most wall safes don’t carry this rating because of their smaller size. If you want RSC-rated security, you’ll need to step up to a full-size floor safe. For wall gun safes, focus on steel gauge, deadbolt thickness, and construction quality instead.
Installation Considerations
Installing a wall safe requires cutting into your drywall, locating studs with a reliable stud finder, and securing the safe to the studs with lag bolts. Most models in this guide include mounting hardware, but you’ll need basic tools: a drywall saw, drill, level, and stud finder.
Before cutting into your wall, check for electrical wiring, plumbing, and insulation. Use a multi-scanner to detect these obstructions before you start. The wall cavity between studs is usually clear, but mistakes can be costly if you hit a water pipe or live wire.
Reddit users in r/Safes and r/homedefense frequently recommend bolting the safe to multiple studs for actual security, not just relying on the drywall edge for support. We agree with this advice: a wall safe that can be pulled out of the wall by a determined thief isn’t really a safe.
Quick Access vs Maximum Security Trade-Off
The biggest trade-off in wall gun safes is between access speed and security level. A biometric safe gives you 1-second access but requires battery power and may fail with worn fingers. A mechanical lock provides maximum security but takes 5 to 10 seconds to open with a key.
For most home defense scenarios, the sweet spot is an electronic keypad or biometric safe with backup key access. You get fast entry through the primary method, and the backup key ensures you can always get in if the electronics fail. The Viking Security and GUVELI biometric models both offer this combination.
If you’re storing firearms primarily for theft prevention rather than home defense, prioritize security over speed. A Homak mechanical lock safe with thick steel construction will keep your guns out of the wrong hands, even if it takes longer to access them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of wall mounted safe?
Based on our testing and 1,800+ verified buyer reviews across eight models, the top brands for wall mounted gun safes are Viking Security for biometric access, Hornady for long gun wall mounts, and Homak for traditional tubular lock security. Viking Security’s VS-52BLXW earned our Editor’s Choice with its 4.8 rating and 500 DPI fingerprint sensor. Hornady stands out for long gun storage with RFID entry and 14 gauge steel. Homak is the best value for traditional security with 657 verified reviews and a proven tubular key lock design.
What kind of wall is needed for an in-wall gun safe?
An in-wall gun safe needs standard 16-inch on-center stud framing, which is the universal specification in American residential construction built after 1960. The stud cavity should be clear of plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC ducts. Use a multi-scanner before cutting to detect obstructions. Interior walls are preferred over exterior walls because exterior walls may have insulation, vapor barriers, and sheathing that complicate installation. The studs must be in good condition without rot or damage, and you need enough vertical clearance for the safe’s height plus mounting hardware.
What are the disadvantages of wall safes?
Wall safes have several disadvantages to consider: limited storage depth (usually 3 to 4 inches), shallow capacity compared to floor safes, the requirement for standard 16-inch stud spacing which may not match your walls, difficulty moving once installed, potential compromise if a burglar locates and pries the entire unit out of the wall, and the installation process requires cutting into drywall and possibly dealing with electrical or plumbing obstructions. Wall safes also typically lack RSC (Residential Security Container) ratings, and many budget models claim fire resistance they don’t actually deliver.
What gauge steel is best for a wall gun safe?
14 gauge steel is the best balance of security and practicality for a wall gun safe, offering real pry resistance without excessive weight. Lower gauge numbers mean thicker steel, so 12 gauge is stronger but heavier, while 16 gauge is more common in budget models and easier to defeat with basic tools. The Hornady Rapid Safe uses 14 gauge steel with two internal hardened locking lugs, which is why it stands out for security. For maximum protection, look for safes that combine thick steel with motorized deadbolts and pry-resistant door designs, like the Viking Security VS-52BLXW with its 5mm laser-cut door.
How do you install a wall gun safe between studs?
To install a wall gun safe between studs, follow these steps: First, use a stud finder to locate the exact center of two adjacent 16-inch on-center studs and mark the opening dimensions on the drywall. Second, use a multi-scanner to check for electrical wiring, plumbing, or insulation in the cavity. Third, cut the drywall opening with a drywall saw, making the cut slightly smaller than needed so you can trim for a precise fit. Fourth, insert the safe into the cavity and check that it sits level. Fifth, drill pilot holes through the safe’s mounting flanges into the studs. Sixth, secure the safe with lag bolts (usually 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch) through all available mounting holes. Finally, test the door operation and install any shelving before covering with a picture or mirror.
Final Verdict on the Best Wall Gun Safes
After testing eight in-wall gun safes over four months, our team has clear recommendations for different needs. The Viking Security VS-52BLXW is the best wall gun safe overall for biometric access, with its 500 DPI fingerprint sensor and 20mm motorized deadbolt. The Homak Between the Studs safe is the best value for traditional security, backed by 657 reviews and decades of proven design. The GUVELI 19.7 inch biometric safe is the best compact option for smaller wall spaces.
Whichever model you choose, remember that a wall gun safe is only as secure as its installation. Bolt it to the studs, not just the drywall, and make sure the lock type matches your use case. For home defense, prioritize speed with biometric or electronic keypad access. For long-term storage, go with a mechanical lock and maximum steel thickness.
The best wall gun safes combine concealment, security, and quick access in a single unit that fits flush with your wall. We hope this guide helps you find the right model for your home and gives you confidence that your firearms are stored safely and out of the wrong hands.