It’s illegal to carry a gun into some premises and offices. That holds even when you have a license for carrying concealed firearms. Before entering courts, post offices, and most federal government premises, you must leave your gun behind.
So, it pays to have the best portable gun safe for cars. It prevents most ordinary thieves and children from having access to the firearm.
Here are a few of the models that have earned positive reviews and thus proven helpful.
Best Portable Gun Safe for Car
Top 3 Picks
- VAULTEK LifePod Portable Gun Safe for Car – Best Overall
- Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe – Best in safety and reliability
- SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box with TSA Combination Lock – Best Budget-friendly
Top 10 Portable Gun Safe for Car
VAULTEK LifePod Portable Gun Safe for Car
The VAULTEK LifePod has an internal dimension of 7.75 x 6 x 1.75 inches. So it holds a handgun of a maximum size of 7.75inches in length. It’s slim, lightweight and hence, fits in tight places such as under the seat.
Though lightweight, the gun safe is superior in strength as it possesses a high impact-resistant design. Also, it features dual-side compression latches and a rubber gasket. That gives it dust and water-tight proofing. With 2lbs weight, it happily floats on water.
Its touch-activated keypad with LED lights makes it easy to key in the master code. Besides supporting a lock code system of 4 to 8 characters, it has manual keys as a backup entry method. Once you have locked the box, you can chain it to a fixed object using the 19-inch steel security cable.
The VAULTEK LifePod safe uses a 9vbattery that can power it for about one year. But when the battery goes dead, its micro USB input port helps you power the safe. Nevertheless, you can also use the portable gun safe without the 9 volts battery.
What We Like About It:
- Lightweight (2lbs) and impact resistant
- It accepts 4 to 8 character long unique code
- Protected against harsh elements of weather
- Easy to operate
- TSA compliant
What We Didn’t Like:
- 9v battery not part of the package
Fort Knox PB1 Handgun Safe with 13.5 Inch Dean Safe Pistol Sock
Its ten gauge steel body isn’t easy to dent. Also, it employs a wrap-around door of 3/16 inches that hides a tamper-resistant hinge. For that reason, it has sufficient impact resistance and pry-proofing ability.
Its size of 10.5 x 12.5 x 5.25 inches provides enough space to hold one or two handguns, depending on their size. Its interior features egg-style foam that minimizes damages and scratches to your valuables.
Although it has a heavy door, it’s gas strut-assisted, thus easy to open. Besides, the safe taps on the reliable simplex push mechanical lock. From the 1081 lock combinations, it isn’t easy to guess the opening code. When you need to bolt it to a surface, the predrilled holes make it possible.
What We Like About It:
- It has rugged, heavy-duty housing and hinge
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- California department of justice firearm certified quality
- Simple to operate
- Powder-coated body
What We Didn’t Like:
- It’s relatively heavy at 21.2lbs
VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Handgun Bluetooth Smart Safe Pistol Safe
Its compact size of 11 x 5.75 x 2 inches holds one handgun and a few related valuables like magazines, cash, and passport. The whole body is of rugged 16 gauge carbon steel with a powder coating finish.
As a boost to security, the biometric safe features anti-pry bars, bolstered interior hinge, and two-way anti-impact latches. If you wish, you can tether it to a nightstand or immovable object in the car.
The portable gun safe uses a high-resolution biometric scanner of 20 different fingerprints memory capacities. On a single charge, the lithium-ion battery powers the device for about 4 to 6 months.
The proximity sensor and the automatic lighting keypad make the keys easy to see and dial. For flexibility and convenience, you can control the safe using a smartphone or manual keys.
Once the automatic door opens, cool LED light illuminates the interior and hence improving your visibility. The 7.2lbs VAULTEK VT20i smart safe is simple to chain to a fixed object and therefore further boosts its security.
What We Like About It:
- It has multiple theft protection features
- Key automatically lights upon detecting hands
- Complete with backup keys and hidden keyhole
- High power battery
- TSA compliant
- Easy to manage using the Bluetooth App
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- Accessing the unit using the manual key requires two hands; the rubber concealing the hole is very stiff
Hornady RAPiD Gun Safe With RFID Instant Access For Guns and Valuables
Hornady RAPiD Gun Safe has an internal size of 7.5 x 5.6 x 1.7 inches. For that reason, it’s ideal for storing a 4-inch barrel pistol or smaller model. Its compact size makes it convenient to mount on either passenger or driver seat.
Owing to the inflatable stem, it perfectly fills the space between the car seat and console without requiring any modification. When you have the Hornady RAPiD Gun Safe, you don’t have to memorize the lock code.
That’s because it employs the patented RFiD technology that guarantees touch-free access. Instead, it offers you a key fob wrist band or decals technology. And because of the neoprene cover, it maintains its sleek pro look.
As a backup for the RFiD, the lock offers a digital keyboard and mechanical key entry methods. Since it meets the California DOJ and ASTM international safety standards, you can count on its quality.
What We Like About It:
- Certified quality by ASTM international safety standard and California DOJ
- Simple to mount without any bolts on passenger or driver seat
- Quick access using RFiD technology
- Has two backup keys and 1500lbs steel lockdown cables
What We Didn’t Like:
- Lacks an automated interior lighting system
RPNB Gun Safe
For a gun safe with multiple locking mechanisms, the RPNB Gun Safe counts in the list. You can gain entry to the safe through biometric, manual key, or lock code combinations. Its biometric lock offers a four-digit code with over 20000 code combinations, thus hard to guess.
Looking at the body, you’ll realize it features sturdy double-layer steel material. Moreover, it features seamless welding and hence making it pry-proof. Its type of finish boosts its durability and awards it a sleek look.
Setting it up is a breeze. And further, it comes complete with predrilled holes and hardware for easy mounting. Its biometric system allows you to program it to memorize diverse fingerprint entries.
What We Like About It:
- Spacious enough to house two full-size handguns
- Auto opening door
- Sturdy and seamlessly welded pry-proof body
- It can memorize more than one fingerprint
- California DOJ certified quality
What We Didn’t Like:
- It has no security lock cable
Awesafe Gun Safe with Fingerprint Identification and Biometric Lock
From an interior dimension of 2.2 x 9.7 x 6.7 inches, the Awesafe gun safe can accommodate either two standard handguns or a single large handgun. Once you lock it, the reliable locking mechanism consisting of a sturdy steel body and pry-resistant door works to your advantage.
Awesafe uses the gas strut-assisted door. Thus you can open it single-handed quietly. Also, it has LED lights that effectively illuminate the interior for improved visibility of the contents.
Though it can house multiple standard guns, it assumes a slim and portable size. So it’s easy to fit in a tight space such as under the car seat.
For convenience, it supports multiple lock settings. That is the fingerprint entry, password, or key lock entry. Hence when one type develops complications, you switch to a different lock system.
What We Like About It:
- Supports single hand unlocking of the safe
- Offers you three ways to lock the safe
- Enhanced visibility of the interior
- Predrilled holes and mounting screws
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- You have to push the door relatively hard to close it
SentrySafe PP1K Portable Gun Safe, Black, One Handgun Capacity
Talk of a simple but reliable gun safe, and SentrySafe makes a run for your money. Its interior dimensions stand at 9.8inches wide and 3inches in height. Added to the 7.5lbs weight and convenient carry handle, the SentrySafe is very portable.
Such a space happily stores one handgun. On the other hand, its construction employs the pry-resistant door, top, and hinge. At the interior, a high compression foam cushions your valuables from damage while on the move. It uses a simple but reliable keyed lock mechanism and gives you dual keys.
What We Like About It:
- Convenient carrying handle and pressure-assisted door opening
- Has the California DOJ approval
- Pry resistant top lid, door, and hinges
- Simple and easy to operate
What We Didn’t Like:
- Few complaints on the pressure-assisted door not functioning after few months
SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box with TSA Combination Lock
For the budget-friendly portable gun safe, the SnapSafe is the way to go. It’s so slim that it easily slips under the car seat. Yet despite its slimness, it happily houses a 1911 handgun. Its thin size added to its 1.6lbs makes it truly portable.
Its body is heavy-duty and impact-resistant polycarbonate. Moreover, it complies with the TSA guidelines. It secures your valuables through the use of 4 digit lock code technology. You can chain it to an immovable object or car seat using the 1500lbs security cable.
During transit, your valuables rest on a foam. Therefore it cushions the gun against unnecessary scratches and other related damages during transit.
What We Like About It:
- Simple to operate
- Slim, compact, and easily fits under a car seat
- Made of impact-resistant body
- Easy to chain to another immovable object
What We Didn’t Like:
- Polycarbonate body
Hornady Lockbox for Guns and Valuables
The Hornady Lockbox is available in three different sizes and designs. That includes the elite, large, and extra-large sizes. However, the elite design measures 10.25 x 8 x 2.75 inches and happily houses 1911pistol or 3-inch revolvers.
Using the 3 feet long 1500lbs rated cable, you can chain the lockbox to anything immovable in the car for added security. It requires no tool to install in the car interior. As for the body, it uses the 16 gauge steel material that’s pry-proof and not easy to dent.
Once you place your gun in the safe, the foam cushion ensures it retains its sleek appearance even during shaky movements. Considering it meets the California DOJ and TSA guidelines, you can count on its quality.
What We Like About It:
- TSA and California DOJ certified
- Diverse sizes
- Pry and tamperproof design
- Highly portable
What We Didn’t Like About It:
- It might take time to get used to its locking system
RPNB Mounted Gun Safe
One of its unique features is that it stores the gun in a ready-to-grab vertical position. Besides, its slim vertical design makes it convenient to hide. And its entire body boasts a sturdy steel material that promises long years of service.
However, each part from the top, sides, door, and hinge has a precise fitting style that discourages prying. Further, it boasts a corrosion-proof black finish that adds beauty and durability to the safe.
The programmable electronic keypad makes it easy to key in your personal code single-handedly. When the battery level goes low, it displays a warning alert. In the car, you can mount it in various positions, thanks to its slim vertical profile.
What We Like About It:
- It gives quick access from the drop-down drawer design, thus revealing the firearm in the easy grab a position
- boast interior foam lining
- low battery warning know when to change
- easy to mount safely in diverse ways; from left, top or right
What We Didn’t Like:
- Drains batteries relatively fast
How to Choose Good Portable Gun Safe
Size
Besides portability, the size of car gun safe is vital. The size determines if you can install it easily in the car or not. And on the same note, most people prefer a slim gunlock box that’s easy to hide. A compact safe box is easy to conceal, for example, under the car seat.
Sturdiness
The robustness of the safe is a prime concern. For that reason, look for a brand that is durable and not easy to dent. Steel is better than polymer material. A heavy gauge material puts off thieves and also offers extended life.
Locking Mechanism
Settle for the locking system that’s simple to operate yet offers high security. The lock types vary from biometric, code combination, and key lock.
Know what fits your need. For example, if you require a lock system that gives quick entry, then biometric wins hands down.
Anti-Theft Features
Besides having a sturdy casing, the gun lockbox should have features that deter theft. For example, it should have hidden hinges that makes it pry-proof. Further anti-pry bars are also vital.
Anchorage
A thief can smash glasses and gain entry into your car. So the best way is to settle for a gun safe that has provision for anchoring it to a fixed object.
In that case, a high gauge steel cable lock proves helpful. Besides, if your car set up allows, go for a gun safe with predrilled holes for easy installation helps.
Conclusion
The best portable gun safe allows you to leave your gun in the car with less worry in the mind. It stores your valuables from kids and unauthorized persons. At the same time, it provides a convenient way to transport your firearm in the street.
