Are you considering a lock for securing your guns and other valuables, but you want it to be something that is discrete? A wall firearm lock is exactly what you need to not only keep your weapons and valuables out of the hands of thieves or young people, but it can be placed behind a picture or mirror so that no one even knows that it is there. We will review 10 of the best models as well as give you some tips and things to consider when choosing the best wall gun safes.
In our opinion, the Viking Security VS-52BLX is the best of the 10 models we reviewed. It offers the best security, fits well recessed in a wall and is easy to cover up. It also features biometric technology for quick access to your firearms when you need them most. It comes with enough storage space to store multiple weapons and ammo as well as other valuables. The features and benefits of this lock add up to enough value to justify the investment you will make in it.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the characteristics and features to look for in a wall firearm lock box.
Best Choice
Stack-On with Electronic Lock
External dimensions:
20 ½” x 13 ¾” x 3 ¾”
Capacity:
several handguns, no rifles
Lock:
electronic keypad, steel, live-action locking bolts
Top Models on the Market Today
- Heavy-duty steel, pry resistant construction
- Heavy duty live-action locking bolts
- Value priced for locks in its class
- Heavier and thicker bolts in the locking system
- Easy to program biometric lock for greater security, but quick access
- Moderately priced compared to locks in its class
- Easily programmed electronic keypad lock with LED illumination
- Steel locking bolts
- Solid steel construction with heavy gauge steel door
Table of Contents
How to Choose The Best One
Wall gun safes are meant to store your firearms in a safe place, but also keep their location discrete. A wall lock box can be placed in any room or closet of the house and it is typically installed recessed into the wall. There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing wall firearm lock box.
How will you use it?
If you have a large number of guns, some of which are long firearms like rifles and shotguns, then you will probably be making use of a larger lock that is fully dedicated to securing your weapons. However, if you only have a handgun or two, a smaller lock box which can also be used to store other items might be a better choice.
What kind of construction should you look for?
Steel construction is an obvious choice for a wall lock box. Keep in mind that gauges of steel work backward to your usual way of thinking 12 gauge steel is actually thicker and stronger than 16 gauge steel and most of that strength needs to be in the door and the locking bolts.
Keep in mind that most firearm lock box are not fireproof. So, if you intend to store important documents in your lock along with a couple of handguns, you might opt for a fireproof lock rather than a firearm lock box.
What kind of lock should I use?
There are advantages and disadvantages to every kind of lock. Choosing the one which best suits you depends upon your own personal preference as well as who is present in your home. Let’s take a quick look at different types of locks:
• Key lock. This is certainly the simplest solution, but you have the added problem of where to hide the key. Because the key will be hidden in a separate place, it might make getting to your firearm in an emergency more troublesome.
• Combination lock. Whether you use a mechanical combination lock or electronic combination lock, you have the advantage of not having to hide or look for a key. Remembering the number and allowing specific persons access by giving them the number can sort of defeat the purpose of having a lock. “You tell one person, you tell the neighborhood.”
• Biometric lock. A biometric lock gets around both issues listed above. You and other authorized users can open the lock by using their fingerprint. Since a fingerprint isn’t something that can be duplicated outside of the movies, then the security of your lock box remains intact. This type of lock also allows quick access to your guns when you need them most.
What are the dimensions of the mounting space?
Knowing the dimensions of the space where the lock will be mounted before shopping for a lock is extremely important. A recessed lock will typically be placed between two studs in an interior wall.
Whether you are retrofitting a lock box into the wall or renovating a specific space to mount a lock box, you need to know the amount of space you have available for mounting as well as the amount of clearance you have in front of the safe to open the door.
With these factors in mind, let’s take a closer look at 10 top rated wall firearm lock box on the market.
10 Best Wall Gun Safe Reviews on the Market (Updated 2021)
1. Stack-On with Electronic Lock
Key Specs:
- External dimensions
20 ½” x 13 ¾” x 3 ¾”
- Construction
steel
- Lock
electronic keypad, steel, live-action locking bolts
Pros:
- Heavy-duty steel, pry resistant construction
- Heavy duty live-action locking bolts
- Easy to program electronic locking avoids the necessity of hiding or finding a key
Cons:
- Will not fit rifles
- Not biometric, so there is a little less security
The Stack-On PWS-15522 gives you a great deal of security for not a lot of money.
The solid steel pry-resistant door with its extra thick steel locking plate certainly adds to its security.
The electronic lock includes silent mode programming and the heavy steel, live-action locking bolts make it impossible to break open.
Specs:
• External dimensions: 20 ½” x 13 ¾” x 3 ¾”
• Capacity: several handguns, no rifles
• Construction: steel (gauges not available)
• Lock: electronic keypad, steel, live-action locking bolts
This is a pretty solid lock which would certainly secure your handguns and keep them secure.
It does use some heavy steel in its design and locking mechanism and its size makes it adequate to safely store several firearms.
If it was biometric and/or large enough to fit long rifles, it might find itself at the top of this list.
2. Viking Security VS-52BLX
Key Specs:
- External dimensions
19” x 14” x 4”
- Capacity
several handguns, but no rifles.
- Lock
biometric and electronic keypad, motorized 7/8” steel bolt latching
Pros:
- Heavier and thicker bolts in the locking system
- Easy to program biometric lock for greater security, but quick access
- Moderately priced compared to locks in its class
Cons:
- Doesn’t work for rifles
- You have to remember to keep batteries fresh
The Viking Security not only has the look of a ballistic lock box, but it is built like one. It is made of high quality 14 gauge steel, but with a door that is between 5 and 6 gauge.
It comes with a motorized locking system and the biometric fingerprint reader for quick and quiet access to your handguns.
Specs:
• External dimensions: 19” x 14” x 4”
• Capacity: several handguns, but no rifles.
• Construction: 5mm (5-6 gauge steel) door, 14 gauge body
• Lock: biometric and electronic keypad, motorized 7/8” steel bolt latching
This lock is tough. Its heavy duty locking bolts and heavy gauge steel door are its most attractive features and the ones that make it stand out from the others in this review.
The biometrics is an added bonus for security with quick access. It would be a great benefit if this model was taller in order to allow for securing rifles.
3. Paragon Flat Electronic
Key Specs:
- External Dimensions
19” x 14” x 4”
- Capacity
several handguns, no long guns
- Lock
electronic keypad, two steel locking bolts.
Pros:
- Solid steel construction with heavy gauge steel door
- Easily programmed electronic keypad lock with LED illumination
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Won’t work for rifles
- Some users complain that there are no cutting templates or installation instructions
When it comes to concealing a lock box, the Paragon Flat comes in at the top.
Its ultra-slim design makes it ideal for placing in a very inconspicuous place or right out in the open behind your favorite painting.
It is constructed using solid steel and features two steel locking bolts with its electronic keypad lock. It also comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Specs:
• External dimensions: 19” x 14” x 4”
• Capacity: several handguns, no long guns
• Construction: 1/8” (10-11 gauge) thick steel door, steel body (gauge n/a)
• Lock: electronic keypad, two steel locking bolts.
The steel door and steel locking bolts on this unit make it attractive as far as security goes.
Its electronic lock with LED illumination is easy to program as well.
It is hard not to be impressed with the price and the 10 year warranty, but it won’t work for rifles and the body steel might be a little bit flimsy.
4. Barska Large Biometric
Key Specs:
- External dimensions
31 ½” x 14” x 3 7/8”
- Capacity
several handguns, no firearms
- Lock
biometric, 2-pin steel bolts
Pros:
- Biometric lock security
- Larger capacity
- Locking inner cabinet for added security of some items
Cons:
- As large as it is, it still won’t fit a rifle
- A large amount of money for not much safe
- Impossible to place behind a painting or mirror
If you require a little bit more storage space, then the Barska Large Biometric might be your best choice. It features a biometric lock with a two pin steel bolt system. It has interior LED lighting and a removable shelves as well as a locking inner cabinet.
Specs:
• External dimensions: 31 ½” x 14” x 3 7/8”
• Capacity: several handguns, no firearms
• Construction: steel (gauge n/a)
• Lock: biometric, 2-pin steel bolts
There are some solid features built into this model, but most of them have to do with the biometric, 2-pin locking system. After that, the excitement ends. There isn’t a lot of sturdy metal surrounding this expensive locking device which cannot even be covered up by a painting or mirror. It is extremely overpriced
5. V-Line Closet Vault II
Key Specs:
- External dimensions
53” x 16¾” x 5¾”
- Construction
Steel
- Lock
Simplex Lock
Pros:
- Accommodates long rifles as well as handguns on pistol hangers
- Heavier gauge steel construction
- Mechanical combination lock does not require batteries
Cons:
- 3-point locking rod is questionable
- Cannot be concealed behind a picture or mirror
- Double the price of all the other models reviewed
The Closet Vault II wall gun safe from V-Line is encased with 14 gauge steel. It comes with an advanced 3-point locking mechanism and provides you with a unique and convenient way to store your long guns, handguns, and other valuables.
The gun safe features an adjustable black foam barrel guard to protect your long guns from damage. It can be customized with an array of options such as a half shelf, full shelf, peg door panel and pistol hangers.
No key needed here. This gun safe uses a simplex lock. The security mechanical lock ensures optimal security – you can set one of up to 1,081 different combinations!
Although this in-wall safe comes at a much higher price, there’s good reason why. It has features that the Stack-On model can’t compete with. Thick steel door, extra storage space, and more accessories give this gun safe an obvious advantage.
Its outer dimensions are 53” x 16¾” x 5¾”
Its inner dimensions are 49¾” x 13” x 4¾”
6. Stack-On PWS-1555
Key Specs:
- External dimensions
57 7/8” x 16 ½” x 6 ¼”
- Capacity
two to three long rifles and/or several handguns
- Lock
electronic keypad, 3-point steel bolts
Pros:
- Accommodates shotguns and/or rifles as well as handguns
- Electronic keypad with a cylinder lock
- Pry resistant recessed door construction
Cons:
- Three point locking system leaves something to be desired
- Light gauge steel construction
The electronic locking and long gun security capacity in the Stack-On PWS-1555 draw your attention to it. It is designed to store 2 to 3 shotguns or rifles and several handguns.
It features a three-point locking system with an electronic key coded cylinder lock.
Specs:
• External dimensions: 57 7/8” x 16 ½” x 6 ¼”
• Capacity: two to three long rifles and/or several handguns
• Construction: steel (gauge n/a)
• Lock: electronic keypad, 3-point steel bolts
It stores long guns, has a recessed door construction which makes it pry resistant.
Its digital keypad lock is better than a key and it is a low profile unit which can easily be covered up by a mirror.
It leaves something to be desired when it comes to the weight of steel used for construction and the three-point rod lock is not the best available.
7. Stack-On IWC-22 In-Wall Cabinet
Key Specs:
- External dimensions
22 ¼” x 15 3/8” x 3 7/8”
- Capacity
several handguns, no rifles
- Lock
key lock, 3 point locking rod
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Removable steel shelf
- Bargain priced
Cons:
- You have to keep track of keys
- Won’t hold long guns and not many handguns either
This model is budget priced and easy to install. The Stack-On IWC-22 is made of solid steel construction with a brass keyed lock. It has a 3-point locking system and is great for storing smaller handguns and other valuables.
Specs:
• External dimensions: 22 ¼” x 15 3/8” x 3 7/8”
• Capacity: several handguns, no rifles
• Construction: steel (gauge n/a)
• Lock: key lock, 3 point locking rod
It might remind you of a breaker-box. In fact, that might be the genius of this unit. It can be hidden in plain sight and completely ignored.
Beyond being bargain priced, the 3-point locking system in such a small space is probably pretty secure.
On the downside, you won’t get much in this model and you will have to keep track of keys.
8. Protex Electronic
Key Specs:
- External dimensions
18 ¼” x 14 1/8” x 3 7/8”
- Capacity
several handguns, no rifles
- Lock
electronic keypad, 2-pin ¾” steel bolts
Pros:
- Flush mounted electronic keypad
- Velvet lined interior
- Motorized locking system
Cons:
- Won’t work for long rifles
- Steel construction of door and cabinet are a little suspect
- Overpriced for such light security
A motorized locking bolt system is the main selling point of the Protex Electronic Lock. It utilizes a digital locking system with two ¾” steel bolts in a steel case. It includes a high quality velvet interior to prevent damage to your valuables from scratching.
There really isn’t a lot to say about this firearm lock box. The manufacturer seemed to put a lot of money and effort into the motorized, steel bolt locking system and the digital keypad, but really failed to build much of a safe around it. It is well overpriced compared to other models in its class.
9. Homak WS00018002
Key Specs:
- External dimensions
60 ¼” x 17 ¼” x 4 ¼”
- Capacity
2 to 3 rifles, and/or several handguns
- Lock
key lock, tubular locking system
Pros:
- Will accommodate 2 or 3 long rifles as well as several handguns
- Slender design is easy to hide
- Cold rolled steel door with full-length hinge
Cons:
- You have to keep track of keys for this lock
- 16 gauge is a little bit lightweight
- The tubular locking system is questionable over the length this model spans
Another long firearm lock box option comes in the form of the Homak WS00018002. It will secure 2 to 3 shotguns or rifles along with several handguns and some extra magazines.
It has a wrap-around frame, a 16 gauge cold rolled steel door and a full-length piano hinge on the door. There are no complicated electronics with this safe and it can easily be hidden behind a mirror.
It’s a good place to store rifles and shotguns unless you are worried about needing them in a hurry or don’t mind having them stolen. The tubular locking system on this unit is nothing more than a pair of steel rods inserted into the top of the frame and the bottom of the frame, which is a flimsy way to lock up your firearms.
10. Stack-On IWC-55 Full-Length
Key Specs:
- External dimensions
53 ¼” x 14” x 3 7/8”
- Capacity
2 to 3 rifles, and/or several handguns
- Lock
key lock, with 3-point steel rod locking
Pros:
- Will accommodate long guns
- Will accommodate long guns
- Priced for any budget
Cons:
- Thin steel construction
- Locking system is questionable
Rifles need to be secured too and that is what the Stack-On IWC-55 is all about. Two or three rifles, as well as 3 handguns and spare magazines, can be stored in this lock.
It features a three point locking system without any complicated electronics. The low profile of this model makes it easy to hide inconspicuously behind a full-length mirror and it comes at a price that will fit all budgets.
Let’s be honest right off the bat, this is a recessed locker like you might find in a high school locker room. It accommodates more firearms, especially rifles, but its security is highly suspect. Perhaps, given its low profile, it will go entirely unnoticed.
Our Top Choice
Stack-On with Electronic Lock
- External dimensions:
20 ½” x 13 ¾” x 3 ¾”
- Capacity:
several handguns, no rifles
- Construction:
steel (gauges not available)
Pros:
- Heavy-duty steel, pry resistant construction
- Heavy duty live-action locking bolts
- Value priced for locks in its class
There are several objectives behind having a wall lock box: it needs to be an item that can be concealed, it needs to accommodate the weapons that you wish to secure and its door and locking system need to be tamper proof.
Along with these objectives, security balanced with accessibility needs to be weighted out as well. To us, the Stack-On with Electronic Lock fits most of those objectives.
The Stack-On with Electronic Lock is tough. Its heavy duty locking bolts and heavy gauge steel door is its most attractive features and the ones that make it stand out from the others in this review.
The electronic lock with silent mode programming is an added bonus for security with quick access. Given the fact that not a single rifle lock box we reviewed is up to par with this safe, if this model was taller in order to allow for securing long guns, it would be near perfect.
Regardless of whether you go with our recommended model or another unit that better fits your needs and personal preferences, a wall firearm lock box is a great way to secure your firearms and belongings.
You can also check out:
Reasons Why You Need a Gun Safe
