Many states require you to lock your gun in a safe. The law does not just apply to your home but also your car. If you carry your gun with you in the car, you need the best car gun safe to ensure your firearm is protected at all times and that you’re not breaking any rules. Many gun safes can be used in homes and cars alike. These are small and can easily be mounted in an inconspicuous part of your car, for instance, underneath the seat. A hidden car gun safe is also important for keeping the gun out of the reach of children.
Quick List of Best Car Gun Safe Today
- SnapSafe Lock Box with Combination Lock
- SnapSafe Lock Box with Key Lock
- Bulldog Cases Car Safe.
- SnapSafe TrekLite Gun Safe.
- GunVault Microvault Digital
- SentrySafe PP1K Portable Gun Safe.
- RBNP Gun Safe
- GunVault NV300 Gun Safe
- Hornady Rapid Gun Safe 98210.
- RPNB Gun Safe with Combination Lock
- Jotto Gear Locking Handgun Holster
- The Club LB200 Lock Box
- Younion Pistol Safe.
Best Car Gun Safe To Travel With Your Firearm.
The following car gun safe reviews will help you determine which safe is best for your handgun and your car. Each car is different, and so are the gun safes, so it’s important to look around before buying one.
Comparison Of Best Car Gun Safe– In 2022
1. SnapSafe Lock Box with Combination Lock
This is an extra-large SnapSafe Lock Box that is perfect for use in the car. This measures 10 inches in length, 7 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth. You can easily fit in a handgun and lock it with the combination lock.
SnapSafe specializes in all things security-safe-related, from lockbox for your car to strong wires. It’s a subsidiary of Hornady, which also produces some of the best safes.
This gun safe for the car is made of 16-gauge steel, so it’s pretty tough. The interior has a dense foam layer to provide the firearm some cushioning and protect it from scratches. You can remove these foam padding to make more space.
The SnapSafe Lock Box comes with a solid steel security cable. This cable can be used to tie the safe box to the seat in the car. It’s been tested to withstand 1500 pounds, so breaking it would be impossible for an intruder.
Good Sides:
- Great value for money
- Easy to use
- Solid construction
- Sturdy wire
- Lightweight
Bad Sides:
- Not great for quick access
- No backup key
2. SnapSafe Lock Box with Key Lock
The SnapSafe Lock Box with Key Lock is a simple and affordable solution for carrying a large handgun in your car. This XXL-size handgun can easily house a large pistol or handgun. This is a simple key-lock-operated handgun safe.
You can tie it to your car seat using the security cable that comes with the lockbox. It’s quite sturdy as it’s made of 16-gauge steel. The interior has a foam lining, which is removable.
In terms of size, this key lockbox is 11.5 inches in length and 8.5 inches in width, whereas the depth is 2.5 inches. Even though it’s fairly large, it does not weigh a lot, only six pounds. You can easily travel with it, especially in your car.
Good Sides:
- Large capacity
- Easy to use
- Sturdy wire
- Solid construction
- Good value for money
Bad Sides:
- No quick access
- Very basic
3. Bulldog Cases Car Safe
The Bulldog Cases Car Safe is the best car gun safe as it’s both mountable and portable. This can be used as an under-seat gun safe using the bracket that comes with it. In fact, you can mount it anywhere you want in your vehicle.
In addition to mounting brackets and hardware, it also comes with a security cable. So if you want to use it as a portable gun safe, you can just tie it with the security cable. This cable is made of high-quality materials and measures three feet long.
This gun safe box features a simple key lock. However, once the safe is locked, you cannot remove it from its bracket. This way, the safe stays where you mount it.
The interior of the safe has a soft lining. With the lining, the interior measures 7 inches in length, 5.25 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth. The safe is made of heavy-duty steel, finished with a black matte powder finish.
Good Sides:
- Mountable and portable
- Easy to use
- Easy to mount
- Made of high-quality materials
- Lightweight
Bad Sides:
- The foam lining is very thin
4. SnapSafe TrekLite Gun Safe.
The SnapSafe TrekLite Gun Safe is not only great as vehicle gun storage but can also be carried on a plane. This features a TSA combination lock and complies with TSA requirements. As a result, you can check in your firearm in this safe.
This can fit under your car seat easily. You can use the security cable to tie it to the seat or another stationary object. As for capacity, you can easily fit in a full-size 1911 handgun.
The TrekLite Gun Safe is one of the most lightweight gun safes, as it just weighs 1.4 pounds. This is made of polycarbonate, which is impact-resistant and not heavy like steel. However, it still provides protection similar to that of steel. The combination lock is a four-digit lock that is easy to program. You get a lifetime warranty from SnapSafe for material defects in the gun safe.
Good Sides:
- Extremely lightweight
- TSA compliant
- Security cable
- Four-digit lock
- Reasonable price
Bad Sides:
- No backup key
- Not mountable
5. GunVault Microvault Digital Pistol Safe
The GunVault Microvault Digital Pistol Safe for car features their signature biometric lock. GunVault pistol safes do not use one, but four of your fingers for access to the firearm. This makes these gun safes extremely secure and reliable.
The biometric lock of the MicroVault gun safe is powered by a 9V battery. However, there’s a manual lock and key too for access in emergencies and when you first get safe. You can register many fingerprints for access to the gun safe.
This features a tamper-resistant locking mechanism and a security cable to tie it down when you leave the car. The safe box is made of 20-gauge steel, but it’s not heavy at all (four pounds). Soft foam lines the interior of the safe box to protect your firearm.
Good Sides:
- Quick access
- Biometric lock
- Lightweight
- High-quality construction
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Bad Sides:
- Not mountable in the car
- Expensive
6. SentrySafe PP1K Portable Gun Safe
The SentrySafe PP1 Portable Gun Safe comes with a carrying handle that makes it very easy to travel with. You also get a tether cable to secure the safe box to a stationary object in the car, hotel, and at home.
This is a sturdy, high-gauge steel safe box with ample room for a handgun inside. The lid opens on the top, giving you quick access to the handgun. The door is pry-resistant, so no one can get in without the key.
The PP1K features a simple key lock that comes with two keys. The interior space of the safe measures 9.8 inches x 7.3 inches, with a depth of 3 inches. This should be enough for one firearm and extra mags as well. This is a bit heavier than your average vehicle safe, weighing 6.5 pounds.
Good Sides:
- California DOJ Certified
- Pry-resistant door
- Thick steel body
- Easy to use
- Easy to transport
Bad Sides:
- Key lock not so quick to access
- Very expensive
7. RBNP Gun Safe
This is a highly advanced car gun safe from RBNP. While traditional car gun safes offer only a single type of entry, this one offers three different access points. In addition to the manual key lock, you also have a three-digit keypad and an RFID tag.
The body is pry-resistant, and the latches are anti-impact. This allows this heavy-duty steel safe to be absolutely tamper-resistant. Only you can access the firearm hidden inside the safe box
Built from 16-gauge steel, the safe has thick padding inside to keep the gun scratchless. The top lid opens all the way up, so you can quickly grab the gun. RFID tags make this operation even faster.
RBNP specializes in custom gun safes that are specifically designed for small spaces like drawers, walls, auto vaults, etc. The RFID tag on the safe also features an LED. You can program up to three key fobs.
Good Sides:
- Multiple access points
- Instant access
- Security cable
- Good value for money
- One-year warranty
Bad Sides:
- Not mountable
8. GunVault NV300 Gun Safe
The GunVault NanoVault 300 is a reliable, small gun safe that you can easily use in your car. Not just your car, you can even fly with this thing as it meets all the requirements of TSA. This small size safe will take very minimal space in your luggage or briefcase.
You know it’s high-quality when you buy a GunVault safe. The NV300 vehicle safe is no exception as it’s made from sturdy 18-gauge steel. This features a standard key lock system, which is quite easy to operate.
The interior has half an inch thick foam padding to protect the gun from impact or scratches. When you leave it in the car, you can tether it with the cable. This will easily fit most 1911 pistols.
Good Sides:
- Easy to operate
- Sturdy construction
- Lightweight
- TSA approved
- Security cable
Bad Sides:
- No biometric lock
- Not suitable for big handguns
9. Hornady Rapid Gun Safe 98210.
The Hornady Rapid Gun Safe 98210 is the best car gun safe for those who have a little more splurge. This is exclusively designed for placing in the car and can fit in almost every car or truck. The safe features a patented bladder system that fits anywhere in the vehicle.
The 93210 model safe is operated by RFID tags. You can program up to five tags to access the safe. The top lid opens instantly as it has a spring assist. In addition to the quick-access RFID technology, you also have a keypad and manual key locks.
This truck gun safe can also be attached to a stationary object using the cable. Made from 14-gauge steel, the body is lined with foam. Hornady has tested the safe with multiple tests to make it child-resistant and pry-resistant.
You will receive two RFID stickers, RFID key fob, RFID wristband, a pair of barrel keys, security cable, and 12V car adaptor to charge the safe. You can also put in four AAA batteries.
Good Sides:
- Quick access
- Multiple access points
- Sleek body
- Easy to use
- Sturdy construction
Bad Sides:
- Very expensive
- No warranty
10. RPNB Gun Safe with Combination Lock
If you’re looking for something simple but functional, the RPNB Combination Lock Gun Safe should be your choice. This pistol lockbox has enough room for your handgun and other small stuff like passport, ids, and some cash. The simple design means that you can easily hide it anywhere in the car.
This RPNB gun safe is keyless and uses a three-digit combination with a knob. You can easily set up the code to open the lock. It comes with a 1500-pound rate security cable, which would not be so easy to cut or break for any thief.
With a dense interior foam padding and 16-gauge steel body, your firearm stays well-protected in the car and at home. This also meets TSA requirements, so it is travel-friendly.
Good Sides:
- Easy to use
- Pry-resistant
- Good value for money
- Powerful security cable
- One-year warranty
Bad Sides:
- No backup key
11. Jotto Gear Locking Handgun Holster
The Jotto Gear Locking Handgun Holster is a great alternative to having a gun safe. If you don’t always leave the gun in the vehicle, you could go for this locking holster instead. This is the easiest to access as compared with security safes with locks.
This is also mountable, so if you want to attach it in the car, you can easily do so. You can attach both vertically and horizontally. Also, it doubles as a protective layer for the gun as it’s so close to it. No dirt or moisture would get in this holster.
The Jotto Gear holster is licensed by the NRA and can be used with most semi-automatic handguns. You can find if your handgun is compatible with this holster as some guns may not work with it.
Good Sides:
- Quick access
- Mountable
- Highly portable
- Made in the US
- NRA licensed
Bad Sides:
- Very expensive
- Gun not completely concealed
12. The Club LB200 Lock Box
If you’re looking for a truck gun safe, the Club LB200 might just be the perfect option for you. Its simple design paired with solid steel construction makes it great for use in the truck, or any car, for that matter. Although it looks a bit bulky, it can easily fit under your car set.
The lock on this security vault for guns is a manual key lock. You can tether it using the accompanying braided steel security cable. The interior capacity is enough for a handgun, extra mags, cash, passports, etc. You put in all your valuables in this while traveling.
The Club is a trustable brand name as they produce all sorts of locks. This is a pretty basic lockbox but one that is high quality. The cover, which engulfs the safe box completely, makes sure no one can tamper or break into the safe.
Good Sides:
- Easy to install
- Roomy interior
- Security cable
- Great value for money
- Simple design
Bad Sides:
- Very basic
- No warranty
13. Younion Pistol Safe.
The Younion Pistol Safe is a simple, user-friendly lockbox for hiding handguns in a vehicle. This is a key-operated safe box, so there’s not much going on in terms of the locking mechanism. That said, its simplicity makes it easy to use.
The size is just appropriate for any small handgun. It would not take much space in your home or your luggage. This also means you can easily hide it under the seat of your car by securing it with a cable.
The inside has a four-layer protective foam to keep the gun safe from scratches and abrasion. The 16-gauge steel body portable safe is pry-resistant. This is also one of the most affordable options for vehicle gun safe.
Good Sides:
- Simple design
- Portable
- Attachable cable
- Pry-resistant
- Reasonable price
Bad Sides:
- Thick foam layer
- Can’t fit a large revolver
Buyer’s Guide
As soon as you type car gun safes, you will come across hundreds of products. However, you only need to keep in mind a few things to find the vehicle gun safe.
Size of the Gun Safe.
The first thing you need to look out for is the capacity of the gun safe. The external dimensions are helpful, but the interior measurements will help you determine whether your firearm will even fit in it.
If you plan on putting some extra mags or other stuff like cash or passports, make sure the safe has ample capacity. Also, keep in mind that the interior often has padding, so that ultimately reduces the capacity, although not so significantly.
Your Car.
You also need to consider your car when buying a gun safe. First of all, you need to decide where you plan on putting the safe. For instance, you can install a gun safe for the truck in so many places. However, with a car, you do not have so much space.
If you plan on mounting the gun safe permanently, then that’s another story. On the other hand, you can always choose a portable car gun safe and attach it to the seat frame using a cable.
There are plenty of choices and solutions, but the important thing is to keep your car in mind before buying the safe.
Type of Lock.
This is up to your discretion, which type of lock you prefer in your gun safe. The vehicle gun storage would have quick access, which is crucial when it’s an emergency.
That said, a lot of people prefer the simple key locks or mechanical locks like those on Fort Knox pistol box. This is because they are simple and easy to operate.
Biometric locks and RFID tags are the quickest to open. If you work in a line that requires you to access your handgun quickly, you may want to go for these locks. Also, with battery-backed locks, you want to make sure you have a backup option.
FAQ
Can I leave a loaded gun in a hot car?
This is a common misconception or at least a cause of confusion for gun owners that ammunition may get damaged or go off in a hot car. This is not the case until your car is actually on fire.
Even if you live in the South where the temperatures can reach triple digits in the dead of summer, your firearm will not go off on its own in a hot car. However, you should make sure that it’s in a safe box whenever you leave it in the car.
What is the best place to keep the gun in a car?
There are several places in your car where you can keep your gun, some more obvious than others. A lot of people keep their pistols in the glove compartment. Make sure it’s in a lockbox so that no one can access it.
Car safes that are mounted under the seat remain a popular choice for concealing a firearm in the car. This way, the handgun is not visible and can only be accessed by the gun owner, with the key to the safe.
Both these options are not without their flaws as burglars usually go for the glove box, console, or check under the seat. Some gun safes can be installed on the interior of the car, so they do not stick out and conceal the firearm.
Conclusion
The best car gun safe can make sure your firearm is safe from children and burglars. Also, you have it in your reach in time of need. Make sure you are following the laws of the state you are driving whenever you carry your gun. These portable car gun safes can also be used to transport the gun via air, provided it complies with TSA requirements.
References
Gun Safety: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_safety
Gun Safety With Kids in the House: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/gun-safety-kids
Gun Safety Guidelines: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/police/safety-information/gun-safety