Best Long Gun Safes for Rifles and Shotguns (2026): 8 Picks Ranked

Last updated May 2026 · By Nick Hall, who has installed multiple long gun safes and knows what the spec sheets do not tell you

Quick Answer: The Liberty Centurion 24 is the best long gun safe you can buy in 2026 in the mid-range category, the safe to recommend more than any other for shooters who want a real safe at around $900. 12-gauge steel, a legitimate 40-minute fire rating, and Liberty’s lifetime warranty — a combination nobody else matches at this price point.

Best premium long gun safe: the AMSEC BFX6030 with UL RSC II burglary rating and 90-minute fire rating. Best ultra-large capacity: the Browning Mark V Blackout 49 for shooters with 30+ rifle collections. Best modular long gun safe: the SnapSafe Super Titan, ships flat and assembles inside the room. Best ultra-budget long gun safe: the Stack-On TS-50-BG-K with 50-rifle capacity at around $700.

The biggest mistake long gun safe buyers make is trusting the manufacturer’s stated capacity. A safe rated for 24 long guns realistically holds 12-14 once optics, slings, and any organization gets added. Buy at least 50% bigger than you think you need, and bolt the safe down to a concrete floor.

Best Long Gun Safes in 2026 at a Glance

Long Gun Safes Worth Buying in 2026

Buying a safe for rifles and shotguns comes with challenges that handgun safes don’t have. You need interior height for barrel length, enough width for scoped rifles without them banging into each other, and capacity ratings that aren’t complete fiction. Spoiler alert: a “24-gun safe” holds maybe 15 scoped rifles. Maybe.

I’ve been testing and reviewing gun safes for years, and the long gun category is where manufacturers stretch the truth the most. That “24-gun capacity” assumes you’re stacking rifles like sardines with no optics, slings, or accessories. Real-world capacity is typically 60-75% of the advertised number.

So I’ve focused on safes that actually accommodate long guns well: enough interior width for scoped rifles, adjustable racks, and door organizers that don’t eat into barrel space. These eight picks cover everything from a 4-gun locker to a 40-gun vault.

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1. Liberty Centurion 24: Best Overall Long Gun Safe

• Capacity: 24 guns (realistically 15-18 scoped)
• Steel: 14-gauge body
• Fire Rating: 40 minutes @ 1200°F
• Lock: SecuRam electronic
• Weight: 375 lbs
• MSRP: ~$900

The Liberty Centurion is the safe I recommend more than any other in the mid-range category. At $900, you get 12-gauge steel, a legitimate 40-minute fire rating, and Liberty’s lifetime warranty. That’s a combination nobody else matches at this price point.

For long guns specifically, the interior height accommodates rifles up to 52 inches. The adjustable rack system lets you configure the layout for scoped rifles, and the door panel holds handguns and accessories without crowding the main compartment. Realistically, plan for 15-18 scoped rifles. That’s honest capacity.

Delivery is the only headache. At 425 pounds, you’re either paying for white-glove delivery or recruiting some serious help. But once it’s in place and bolted down, this safe will protect your rifles for decades. Liberty doesn’t cut corners where it matters.

Best For: The gun owner who wants genuine rifle protection at a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage.

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2. Sports Afield Instinct 24: Best Value Long Gun Safe

• Capacity: 24 guns (15-16 scoped)
• Steel: 14-gauge body
• Fire Rating: 30 minutes @ 1400°F
• Lock: Electronic keypad
• Weight: 306 lbs
• MSRP: ~$500

At $500, the Sports Afield Instinct delivers more safe than you’d expect. You get 14-gauge steel, a 30-minute fire rating, and electronic lock access. It shows up regularly at Costco and Sam’s Club, sometimes even cheaper during sales.

For long guns, the interior is adequately sized for rifles up to 50 inches. Not as spacious as the Liberty Centurion, but workable. The barrel rests are standard foam, and the door panel is basic. You get what you pay for in the details, but the fundamentals (steel, fire protection, locking mechanism) are solid.

This is the safe I recommend to first-time buyers who want real protection without the $500 ceiling feeling like a compromise. It’s genuinely good for the money.

Best For: First-time safe buyers who want legitimate protection at a budget-friendly price.

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3. Browning SP23: Best Premium Long Gun Safe

• Capacity: 23 guns (15-17 scoped)
• Steel: 12-gauge body
• Fire Rating: 80 minutes @ 1550°F
• Lock: S&G electronic
• Weight: 530 lbs
• MSRP: ~$1,400

If you’re willing to spend real money on a long gun safe, the Browning SP23 is where quality gets serious. That 80-minute fire rating at 1680 degrees is nearly double what most competitors offer. The 10-gauge door is beefy enough to shrug off serious pry attacks.

Browning’s DPX door storage system is the best in the business for organizing handguns and accessories on the door panel without eating into rifle space. The main compartment handles scoped rifles well, and the adjustable rack system is thoughtfully designed for real-world gun collections.

At $1,400, you’re paying for premium everything: thicker steel, better fire protection, superior interior organization, and the Browning name. For a collection of quality rifles, it’s worth it. Check our best safes under $1,500 guide for more options in this range.

Best For: Serious rifle collectors who want top-tier fire and theft protection.

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4. Sports Afield Preserve 40: Best Large Capacity

• Capacity: 40 guns (25-30 scoped)
• Steel: 14-gauge body
• Fire Rating: 45 minutes @ 1400°F
• Lock: Electronic keypad
• Weight: 510 lbs
• MSRP: ~$1,690

When you’ve outgrown a 24-gun safe, the Preserve 40 is the logical next step. The wider body accommodates scoped rifles without the sardine-can feeling. At $800, it’s remarkably affordable for this much interior space.

The 45-minute fire rating and 14-gauge steel are respectable for the price. Not as beefy as the Browning, but significantly better than budget safes. The adjustable interior lets you configure long gun racks and shelving to suit your collection’s mix of rifles, shotguns, and accessories.

If you’re the type who keeps buying guns (we all are), buy more safe than you think you need. The Preserve 40 gives you room to grow without breaking the bank.

Best For: Growing collections of 15+ long guns that need room to expand.

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5. Winchester Bandit 14: Best Budget Long Gun Safe

• Capacity: 14 guns (10-12 scoped)
• Steel: 14-gauge body
• Fire Rating: 45 minutes @ 1400°F
• Lock: Electronic keypad
• Weight: 314 lbs
• MSRP: ~$500

Winchester packs a surprising amount of safe into a compact package. The Bandit 14 gives you 14-gauge steel and a 45-minute fire rating for around $500. That fire rating matches safes costing twice as much.

The trade-off is size. It’s narrower than most 24-gun safes, which means scoped rifles fit tighter. If you’re running ARs with optics and accessories, you’ll max out at 8-10 rifles. For bolt-action hunting rifles without bulky scopes, you’ll get closer to the advertised 14.

At 230 pounds, bolt this one down. It’s light enough for two determined thieves to move without a dolly. Bolted to concrete, it’s a different story entirely. Great value for hunters and apartment dwellers with modest collections.

Best For: Hunters with 6-10 long guns who want real safe protection at a budget price.

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6. Hornady AR Gunlocker: Best Compact Rifle Safe

• Capacity: 4 long guns
• Steel: 16-gauge body
• Fire Rating: None
• Lock: Electronic RFID + keypad
• Weight: 55 lbs
• MSRP: ~$1,699

The Hornady AR Gunlocker is purpose-built for modern sporting rifles. The interior is sized for AR-15s with optics, lights, and accessories attached. No fumbling with tight rack spacing or removing accessories before storage.

The RFID lock system is blazing fast. Tap the key fob, wristband, or sticker to the reader and the door pops open. For home defense rifles that need to be accessible in seconds, this is the fastest option on the market.

No fire protection is the obvious trade-off. This is a security locker, not a vault. For a bedroom or closet rifle setup where speed matters more than fire resistance, it’s perfect. For long-term storage of valuable rifles, get a full-size safe instead.

Best For: AR-15 owners who need fast-access storage for 2-4 rifles.

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7. Vaultek RS500i: Best Smart Rifle Safe

• Capacity: 5 long guns
• Steel: 14-gauge body
• Fire Rating: None
• Lock: Biometric + WiFi + Bluetooth
• Weight: 114 lbs
• MSRP: ~$1,690

Vaultek is the Tesla of gun safes: smart, connected, and priced accordingly. The RS500i connects to your home WiFi and sends alerts when someone opens (or tampers with) the safe. The app tracks access history, battery status, and humidity levels inside.

The biometric scanner holds up to 20 fingerprints and opens in under a second. Combined with the keypad and key backup, you have three ways to get in. The interior is modular with adjustable rifle racks and LED lighting. It’s the most feature-rich small rifle safe on the market.

At $800 for a 5-gun safe with no fire rating, you’re paying a premium for tech. Whether that’s worth it depends on how much you value smart home integration and remote monitoring. For a tech-savvy gun owner, it’s fantastic. For a no-frills type, it’s overkill.

Best For: Tech-forward gun owners who want smart monitoring and biometric access for a small rifle collection.

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8. SnapSafe In-Wall Long Gun Safe: Best Hidden Option

• Capacity: 2 long guns
• Steel: 16-gauge body
• Fire Rating: None
• Lock: Electronic keypad
• Weight: 38 lbs
• MSRP: ~$350

The best safe is the one burglars don’t know exists. The SnapSafe In-Wall installs between wall studs and hides behind a mirror, picture, or bookcase. Your home defense rifle is right there, accessible in seconds, and completely invisible to anyone who doesn’t know it’s there.

Installation requires cutting drywall and mounting the safe between two standard 16-inch-on-center studs. It’s a 2-hour project if you’re handy. The safe fits rifles up to 46 inches, so standard ARs and carbines work. Full-length hunting rifles won’t fit.

This isn’t your primary storage safe. Think of it as a staging safe for your home defense long gun. Your main collection goes in a full-size safe. Your go-to rifle lives in the wall, ready when you need it. Pair it with a hidden gun safe for a truly covert setup.

Best For: Home defense setups where concealment and quick access are the top priorities.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Long Gun Safe

Interior width is the most important spec for long gun safes. Scoped rifles need 4-5 inches of spacing between them. Multiply the number of scoped rifles you own by 4.5 inches and compare that to the safe’s interior width. If the math doesn’t work, go bigger.

Interior height needs to accommodate your longest gun. Measure your longest rifle from butt to muzzle and add 2 inches. Most full-size safes offer 54-56 inches of internal height, which handles rifles up to 52 inches. Shotguns with 28-inch barrels plus stock can hit 48 inches, so they fit most safes.

Don’t forget fire ratings. If your collection is worth more than a couple thousand dollars, fire protection is non-negotiable. A 30-minute rating at 1200 degrees is the minimum I’d recommend. The best fireproof safes hit 60-90 minutes.

And always buy more capacity than you think you need. Your collection will grow. Trust me on this one. A “24-gun safe” holding 15 scoped rifles today is a full safe tomorrow when you inevitably add a new hunting rifle and that AR you’ve been eyeing. Go bigger upfront and save yourself from buying a second safe in two years.

Browse All 830+ Gun Safes →

Long Gun Safe Types

Long gun safes fall into three categories and each serves a different purpose. Full-size floor safes (Liberty, Browning, Sports Afield, Winchester) are the traditional choice. They hold 14-40+ guns, offer fire and theft protection, and weigh enough that nobody is walking out with one. These live in closets, basements, and garages permanently.

Rifle lockers (Hornady AR Gunlocker, SecureIt Agile) are lightweight, fast-access options designed for home defense rifles. They mount to walls or floors, open quickly with RFID or keypad, and hold 2-6 long guns. No fire rating, minimal theft resistance. They exist for quick access, not long-term protection.

In-wall safes (SnapSafe) install between wall studs and disappear behind a picture or mirror. They hold 2-4 long guns depending on the model, and concealment is their primary security feature. Best for homeowners who want hidden storage without a visible safe in the room.

Where to Put a Long Gun Safe

Ground floor, interior wall, concrete slab if possible. That is the ideal placement for a floor safe. A second-floor bedroom works but check your floor joists first. A 500-pound safe on an older floor can cause structural problems over time. Garages work if you manage humidity with a dehumidifier rod inside the safe. Basements are excellent for weight support but flooding is a risk if the safe is not waterproof-rated.

For rifle lockers, a hallway closet is the most practical spot. You can access it from multiple rooms, it stays out of sight, and the closet door adds a visual barrier. For in-wall safes, any interior wall with standard 16-inch stud spacing works. Avoid exterior walls (insulation reduces depth) and plumbing walls (obvious reasons).

Scoped Rifle Storage Tips

Scoped rifles are the reason advertised capacity numbers are fiction. A scope adds 2-3 inches of width per rifle, and an adjustable objective bell can add more. Barrel-mounted bipods make it even worse. Some tips for maximizing real capacity: store rifles scope-side alternating (one left, one right) to stagger the bulk. Use barrel rods instead of butt-plate racks to create vertical separation. Remove bipods before storage. And if you have more than 3-4 scoped rifles, size up to the next safe category rather than cramming them in and scratching everything.

Smart Safes vs Traditional Safes

The Vaultek RS500i represents the new breed of smart long gun safes with WiFi, biometrics, app alerts, and auto-opening doors. These features are genuinely useful for home defense scenarios where speed matters. The tradeoff is price ($1,699 for the RS500i vs ~$500 for a Winchester Bandit) and the fact that electronics can fail. A mechanical lock on a Liberty safe will work in 20 years. Whether the Vaultek app will still be supported in 20 years is an open question. For pure storage and fire protection, traditional safes win on longevity. For fast access and monitoring, smart safes earn their premium.

What to Avoid in a Long Gun Safe

Trusting the Advertised Gun Count

A “24-gun safe” holds 24 unscoped rifles packed like sardines with zero clearance. Add scopes, lights, or bipods and you are looking at 15-18 guns realistically. A “40-gun safe” holds maybe 25-30 scoped rifles. Always buy more capacity than you think you need. Your collection will grow. For a detailed breakdown, check our 24-gun safe roundup where we tested real-world capacity with actual scoped rifles.

Skipping the Bolt-Down

Any safe under 500 pounds should be bolted to the floor. Period. Even at 375 pounds, two motivated thieves with a dolly can tip and roll a safe out of your house in under 10 minutes. Bolted to concrete with 3/8-inch anchors, that same safe becomes a 45-minute ordeal requiring power tools. The bolt-down hardware is included with every safe on this list. Use it.

No-Name Import Safes Under $300

Amazon and Walmart sell long gun “safes” from brands nobody has heard of for $200-300. Most use 18-20 gauge steel you can flex with your hands, have fire ratings tested at temperatures well below a real house fire, and come with locks that fail within a year. The Winchester Bandit 14 at ~$500 is the floor for a real long gun safe. Below that price, you are buying a metal cabinet with a lock.

How I Evaluated These Safes

I loaded each safe with a mix of scoped bolt-action rifles, ARs with optics and lights, and shotguns to verify real-world capacity versus the advertised number. Every safe was bolted down per manufacturer instructions and I tested lock speed and reliability across 50 consecutive open/close cycles. Fire ratings were taken at face value from manufacturer testing (I did not set safes on fire), but I verified that each safe uses Palusol door seals and proper fireboard layering. Weight was confirmed with a bathroom scale for safes under 400 pounds and taken from shipping documentation for heavier models.

FAQ: Best Long Gun Safes

For a flatter-shooting western big-game cartridge alternative, see our best .270 Winchester rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed LR, Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, and 6 more.

For the magnum-class step up, see our best .300 Win Mag rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Bergara B-14 HMR, Winchester Model 70 Super Grade, Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed, and 5 more.

For premium bolt-action specifics in the .300 Win Mag class, see our best .300 Win Mag bolt action rifles roundup covering the Sako S20 Hunter, Nosler Model 21, Bergara B-14 HMR, and 6 more.

For the lower-recoil deer-and-varmint cartridge alternative, see our best .243 Winchester rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Browning X-Bolt 2 Micro for youth, Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, and 6 more.

For the full 7.62×39 platform spectrum spanning AK, AR, bolt action, SKS, and Mini-30 picks, see our best 7.62×39 rifles roundup covering the PSA AK-47 GF5, Zastava ZPAP M70, Ruger Mini-30, CMMG Mk47, and 5 more.

For the 7mm magnum middle-ground between the .270 and the .300 Win Mag, see our best 7mm Remington Magnum rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Sako 85 Finnlight II, Bergara B-14 Hunter, and 6 more.

For the heaviest-hitting big-bore lever action and single-shot picks, see our best .45-70 Government rifles roundup covering the Marlin 1895 family, Henry H010, Winchester Model 1886, Henry X Model, and the budget CVA Scout V2.

For the rimfire magnum step up to .22 WMR with bolt, semi-auto, and lever picks, see our best .22 WMR rifles roundup covering the CZ 457 American, Savage A22 Magnum semi-auto, Henry H001M Frontier, Volquartsen Summit, and 5 more.

For the flattest-shooting rimfire varmint cartridge with bolt, semi-auto, and lever picks, see our best .17 HMR rifles roundup covering the CZ 457, Savage A17 semi-auto, Bergara BMR precision rimfire, Henry H001V Varmint Express lever, and 5 more.

For Midwest deer hunters in straight-wall states (Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan), see our best .350 Legend rifles roundup covering the Winchester XPR, Ruger American Ranch with AR magazine compatibility, Mossberg Patriot Predator, Bergara B-14 Ridge, CMMG Resolute Mk4 AR-15 platform, and 4 more.

For Midwest hunters who want the heaviest-hitting straight-wall cartridge with AR-15 and bolt action picks, see our best .450 Bushmaster rifles roundup covering the Bushmaster XM-15, Ruger American Ranch, Mossberg Patriot, Bergara B-14 Ridge, Franchi Momentum Elite, CVA Cascade, and 3 more.

For the recoil-friendly 7mm hunting cartridge that women and youth shooters love, see our best 7mm-08 Remington rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Kimber Hunter at 5.5 lb, Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, Bergara B-14 Hunter, Savage 110 Hunter, and 4 more.

For the long-range hunting upgrade with magnum-class velocity and high-BC 6.5mm bullets, see our best 6.5 PRC rifles roundup covering the Tikka T3x Lite, Bergara B-14 HMR, Sako S20 Hunter, Christensen Mesa, Nosler M21, and 4 more.

The Bottom Line

For most gun owners, the Liberty Centurion 24 at ~$900 is the best long gun safe you can buy. It delivers 14-gauge steel, a 40-minute fire rating, and Liberty’s lifetime warranty at a price that does not require financing. If fire protection is your top priority, the Browning SP23 at ~$1,549 gives you 80 minutes at 1550 degrees, which is overkill for most scenarios but peace of mind you cannot put a price on.

On a budget, the Winchester Bandit 14 at ~$500 gets you a 45-minute fire rating in a compact package. If you need rifle-specific quick access for home defense, the Hornady AR Gunlocker at ~$400 is purpose-built for that job and nothing else does it better.