The concept of a modular gun safe is relatively new to the safe world. While unable to say which brand came first (Either Snapsafe or Zanotti), I can say there are now quite a few options available in this category. The concept of a modular safe allows for a couple great options that a standard welded safe is unable to offer.
There are 5 different brands that make what I would consider a modular gun safe. This includes Zanotti Armor, Snapsafe, SecureIt Tactical, Steelhead Outdoors, and Dakota Safes.
Here are some great reasons to purchase a modular gun safe:
- Manageable to carry into your home as it arrives in pieces
- Great option to install on upper floors (make sure to check your home can hold the assembled weight)
- Easy to install in closets with smaller models
- Arrives in discreet crates so nosey neighbors don’t know you have a safe
- Certain brands have great fire ratings
- No need to hire expensive moving companies (Spend the savings on a better/bigger safe)
Now to move on to the best modular gun safes in the industry!
| Steel Ga. | Fire | Lock | Price | Link | |
| Zanotti | 9 | None | Dial | $1500 – $2850 | See Now |
| Snapsafe | 9 | Yes | E-Lock | $1599 – $2479 | See Now |
| SecureIt | 18 | None | E-Lock | $499 – $899 | See Now |
| Steelhead | 12 | Yes | Dial/E-Lock | $2495 – $3495 | See Now |
| Dakota | 12 | Yes | Dial | $1099 | See Now |
1. Zanotti Armor
Zanotti is one of the learders in the take-apart gun safes. Each safe is made here in the USA per order. The safes are shipped in 6 pieces (Top, bottom, sides).
These safes offer a 20 minute fire rating at 1200 degrees.
They are easily put together, and take about 20 minutes to do so. They come in 3 different sizes, and all are a single door design.
The door features a 3/16″ recessed door (great for pry attacks) and a 3/8″ hardened lock plate. The walls of each safe is 1/8″ Steel and the top and bottom of the safe are 3/16″ steel. The door is secured by at least 5 3/4″ active locking bolts and is fastened to the safe with external hinges.
I have Zanotti at the top of my list for the best modular gun safe because it offers some of the best security and steel thickness of any of them.
While it may be expensive and have a wait time of up to 6 weeks I think it is worth the wait.
If you want to learn more, definitely watch the video below about the security features it comes with!
2. Snapsafe Titan Modular Gun Safes
Snapsafe is a major player in the modular safe business, and are owned by Hornady. The Titan series is Snapsafe’s full size gun safe options, there are many different sizes to chose from, and their largest sizes have double doors for easy access.
These safes arrive in a discreet crate, and are easy to put together with 1-2 people. With a fire rating of 2300 degrees at 1 hour it is well above the industry standard for fire. It features 9 gauge steel (achieved by multiple layers of steel), as well as multiple lock options.
All Snapsafe products are imported, and are not USA made.
With Snapsafe there is a great value for the price, great customer support, and lifetime warranty are provided by Snapsafe. Purchasing a Snapsafe offers every benefit detailed above.
This gun safe company is my 2nd choice, as it has an awesome fire rating that no one else on this list can compete with. However the downside is that the thickness of steel is created by sandwiching two layers together. It also is not USA made, so it’s difficult to know the true quality.
You can always find how to use the safe in the video below as well.
3. SecureIt Tactical Model 52 / 40
No modular safe category can be complete without mentioning the SecureIt Tactical Model 52 or more recently the Model 40. These safes take a very different path than any of the others.
Built without any fire rating, these 12 gauge steel boxes are very easy to install, as well as receive (shipped via UPS ground). These are specifically built with quick and easy access in mind.
SecureIt tactical saw that many low end import safes ran into quality issues, and they wanted to create something that excluded all of the bad parts of an import, and included all of the good parts of import safes. These are easy to put together with their patented design, and are very easy to store rifles with their cradle grid technology.
They also have many add ons for the interior including door panels (new for 2019), bins, pistol pegs, and much more. They also carry a very competitive price, and are perfect for those who are not worried about protecting their firearms in a fire.
The only reason I keep this safe at the bottom of the list, is because it isn’t really a true safe. It is more of a cabinet. However SecureIt makes some awesome products, and are worth a check.
4. Steelhead Outdoors Gun Safes
I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t heard much about this company, however I can’t blame myself as they are the new kid on the block in the modular gun safe industry.
Essentially Steelhead Outdoors gun safes remind me of a Zanotti Armor gun safe, just with a fire rating!
Their design is extremely similar to the aforementioned manufacturer, and I can only assume it has similar build quality.
As of right now they offer a single series of safes called the Nomad. It comes in two different sizes, and is offered in 4 different colors.
As for the locks, you can choose either and electronic, or mechanical S&G locking mechanism.
The steel is 12 gauge, with a 7 gauge door. Both respectable.
Want to learn more about the company? Here is a cool article I wrote with them on 5 things they wanted you to know about.
5. Dakota Interloc-XP
Dakota is a much newer addition to the modular safe family. This company has its roots in the import welded safe category, and the Interloc-XP is one of their newest additions.
This safe looks much like a welded safe, and offers more of a traditional experience. The door is made of 3/16″ steel plate, and is recessed to help with pry attacks. It is secured by 7, 1 1/4″ door bolts.
Its fire rating is 30 minutes at 1263 degrees and includes an expanding seal around the door.
The Dakota Interloc-XP to me feels a little bit like someone wanted a regular safe, but wanted it to be modular. The result is something that doesn’t do super well in either category.
I have never been a huge fan of the Interloc-XP, it always seems to be playing catch up with the others, while still trying to be a welded safe. It has a great price, and a fire rating though.
Conclusion
Modular gun safes are great for so many people out there. Military, multi-story home owners, apartment dwellers and more.
You really can’t go wrong with the gun safes on this list. Just make sure it offers everything you need in a gun safe.
If you need an value heavy safe, the Snapsafe is great.
If you need awesome quality, Zanotti is your bet. Or if you are looking for fire rating added to that, the Steelhead would work perfectly.
If you need something lightweight, SecureIt is your option.
If you want the style of a standard gun safe, Dakota Safe’s is going to be your choice!
Shopping for a gun safe and want to know more? Check out this article to see what criteria I use when looking at gun safes!
(20 votes, average: 4.55 out of 5)
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