Top 5 Best Modular (Take-Apart) Gun Safes In 2023

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Modular safes are becoming a true mainstay in the gun safe industry. They offer plenty of the benefits of standard, welded gun safes, but you can quickly and easily build them up where you need and take them apart to transport them from place to place easily. A modular safe is a fantastic option if you want to save money on a moving company and get a better safe in the process.

With that said, there are only a few great manufacturers of these safes, and this article is dedicated to helping you understand which one is worth your money!

Best Overall
Best Fire-Rated
Best Compact
Pros:
  • The BEST Interior of any gun safe on the market
  • High quality build
  • Lock works very well
Pros:
  • Thick steel gauge
  • Fantastic fire-rating
  • Large capacity
  • Double door design
  • Modular, take-apart design
Pros:
  • The BEST Interior of any gun safe on the market
  • High quality build
  • Lock works very well
  • Compact sizing
Cons:
  • Thinner steel
  • Smaller capacity
Cons:
  • Quite expensive
Cons:
  • Thinner steel
  • Smaller capacity
  • Only fits shorter firearms
Best Overall
Pros:
  • The BEST Interior of any gun safe on the market
  • High quality build
  • Lock works very well
Cons:
  • Thinner steel
  • Smaller capacity
Best Fire-Rated
Pros:
  • Thick steel gauge
  • Fantastic fire-rating
  • Large capacity
  • Double door design
  • Modular, take-apart design
Cons:
  • Quite expensive
Best Compact
Pros:
  • The BEST Interior of any gun safe on the market
  • High quality build
  • Lock works very well
  • Compact sizing
Cons:
  • Thinner steel
  • Smaller capacity
  • Only fits shorter firearms
Editor's Choice
1. SecureIt Agile Ultralight Model 52
5.0
While the SecureIt Agile Model 52 may not have a fire rating, it quickly gets the top spot on my list of the best modular gun safes. This safe forgoes all the heft and additional features you see on so many safes and gives you precisely what you need—a reliable, high-quality modular safe at a fantastic price. If you move regularly or live in an apartment, this safe should also be at the top of your list. While it may not have a name-brand locking mechanism, it is built by one of my favorite companies, so this gets a pass. In addition, its interior (CradleGrid) is one of the best in the industry and can be customized entirely with firearms storage, bins, pistol hangers, and more at a moment's notice.
Specifications:
  • Lock: Electronic Lock w/ Key Bypass
  • Dimensions: 52” High by 20.25" Wide by 15.25" Deep
  • Fire Rating: N/A
  • Steel: 14 gauge
  • Weight: 105 pounds
Pros:
  • The BEST Interior of any gun safe on the market
  • High quality build
  • Lock works very well
Cons:
  • Thinner steel
  • Smaller capacity
See Price: SecureIt Model 52 Read Full Review
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of SecureIt Gun Storage]
Best Fire-Rated Modular Safe
2. Snapsafe Super Titan XXL Double Door
4.5
If you are looking for a more traditional style safe with a fire rating, thicker steel, and heft, then a Snapsafe should be your go-to. The XXL here is my favorite with its vast capacity, nine-gauge steel, excellent fire rating (fire material is a blanket style rather than a fireboard), and of course, its double-door design. This double-door design allows easy access to everything in the safe, whereas single-door safes are much more complex at this capacity. That said, all of these features do come at a price and additional weight.
Specifications:
  • Lock: Electronic
  • Dimensions: 59" High by 38" Wide by 24” Deep
  • Steel: 9 gauge (achieved by 2 layers of 14 gauge)
  • Fire Rating: 60 mins at 2300 degrees
  • Weight: 900 pounds
Pros:
  • Thick steel gauge
  • Fantastic fire-rating
  • Large capacity
  • Double door design
  • Modular, take-apart design
Cons:
  • Quite expensive
See Price: Super Titan XXL
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Snapsafe]
Best Compact Modular Safe
3. SecureIt Agile Ultralight Model 40
4.0
If you liked the Model 52, you saw it at the top of our list but wish it was a smaller or lower price, its little brother - the Agile Model 40, might be for you. While it loses 12 in height, allowing it only to fit smaller firearms, it makes up for it by being more compact and easier to store in tight spaces. Of course, it maintains a high-quality lock, modular design, and fantastic cradle-grid interior technology. If you want a quality but compact gun safe, this has to be it.
Specifications:
  • Lock: Electronic Lock w/ Key Bypass
  • Dimensions: 40” High by 20.25" Wide by 15.25" Deep
  • Fire Rating: N/A
  • Weight: 100 pounds
Pros:
  • The BEST Interior of any gun safe on the market
  • High quality build
  • Lock works very well
  • Compact sizing
Cons:
  • Thinner steel
  • Smaller capacity
  • Only fits shorter firearms
Coupon Code: 10% Off With: GEAR10
See Price: Agile Model 40
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Coupon Code: One-time use code per customer. Cannot be used on sale items. Cannot be used in conjunction with other codes. [Image courtesy of SecureIt Gun Storage]
4. Steelhead Outdoors Nomad 38
4.5
I won't blame you if you haven't heard of Steelhead Outdoors yet, as they are a relatively new company on the scene! However, you should keep them in mind. If you are looking for a high-quality, modular gun safe that is USA-made, this is hands down the best option. While their prices are pretty high, they no doubt will pay off! This thing will be hard to beat with a seven-gauge door and two layers of 12 and 20-gauge elsewhere. Don't like this size? They have plenty of others to choose from.
Specifications:
  • Lock: Mechanical or Electronic
  • Dimensions: 60" High by 37.5" Wide by 24” Deep
  • Steel: 12 Gauge Outer Plate, 20 Gauge Inner Plate, 7 Gauge Door
  • Fire Rating: Unknown mins at 2300 degrees
  • Weight: 600 pounds
Pros:
  • USA-Made
  • Extremely high quality
  • Thick steel gauge
  • Tons of customizations available
Cons:
  • Expensive
See Price: Nomad 38
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Steelhead Outdoors]
Best Modular Home Safe
5. Zanotti Armor X1
4.0
If you don't need a massive capacity but need security, fire resistance, and thick steel, this USA-made modular home safe is for you. This is industry-leading security with 1/8 steel on the walls and 3/16 everywhere else. While its styling may be lacking a bit, there isn't anything better in the modular safe category on the market. Just don't be surprised by the price, as it is higher than some of the competition on this list.
Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 30" High by 31" Wide by 25” Deep
  • Steel: 1/8" Walls, 3/16" Top, Bottom & Door
  • Fire Rating: Included (Unknown Rating)
  • Weight: 375+ pounds
Pros:
  • USA-Made
  • Extremely thick steel gauge
  • Only modular home safe option
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Limited customizations
Learn More
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Zanotti Armor]

What is a modular gun safe?

Modular gun safes are take-apart gun safes. These safes are received in pieces, and you can quickly build the safe wherever you want to place them in your home. The most significant components are generally under 100 pounds and can easily be carried through the house by one or two people.

This is a huge benefit, as you can easily take your gun safe upstairs, downstairs, or into cramped hallways without worrying about the weight of a welded safe.

So how do modular safes deliver to you at your home? These safes will appear at your door (via curbside delivery) and are laid flat. This is a huge benefit over regular safes, as no one has to know that you just received a gun safe at your home, as would be expected with standard safe delivery. 

Modular safes come in various styles, ranging from a gun cabinet with no fire rating to more traditional styled safes with fire ratings, thicker steel, and more.

Benefits and drawbacks of modular safes

Pros

  • A 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
  • No need to hire expensive moving companies (Spend the savings on a better/bigger safe)

Cons

  • Limited options on the market
  • More expensive than comparable safes

What should you look for when shopping for a Modular Safe?

1. Build Quality

When you do a quick search, plenty of “modular gun safes” are on the market. However, you will quickly notice the need for more quality in most of them. That is why I only included brands on this list that I trust. You can only use most of the gun cabinet-style safes you find if you see them here, as they are generally built to a price and forgo the security that is also needed.

2. Locking Mechanism

Take a close look at the locking mechanism of the modular safe you buy! There are plenty of low-quality locks on the market, and an easy way to know is if they lack a brand name. Most high-quality locks will have a name like SecuRAM (what Snapsafe uses) or S&G (in the case of Steelhead Outdoors).

If you can’t find a brand name, you will want to look closely at the company behind the safe to determine its quality. If they lack a reputation online, you can assume they lack a reputation for their locks. Don’t skimp on the lock, as this is one of the essential parts of your safe.

3. Steel Gauge

Not everyone needs 3/16″ steel throughout their safe; however, this is an essential aspect of your safe. If you need a lightweight safe primarily used for basic storage, 14 gauge may not be an issue. However, consider thicker steel if you want something that can withstand hours of tool attack.

4. Fire Rating

Like the steel gauge above, you may not need the highest possible fire rating! This depends on your home’s location, what is in the safe, and more. You can read through our complete article about this here.

5. Budget

I will always tell you to stay within your budget! Before you even start your shopping journey for a safe, you should figure out your budget and stick to it. Make sure to account for any moving costs, shipping costs, and taxes when setting that budget, and find a safe that fits within that price point. Plenty of modular safes include a range of budgets on this list!

Who should buy a modular gun safe?

Modular gun safes are fantastic options for quite a few people!

  1. People that move often, and need to take their safes with them.
  2. Individuals living upstairs or downstairs don’t want to spend money on professional movers.
  3. Firearm owners that want to build the safe into a closet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are modular gun safes built?

Modular gun safes are built piece by piece. The safes are assembled starting with the floor, then the walls, ceiling, and finally, the door is put into place. The entire safe is attached via bolts that are located and tightened on the interior of the gun safe, leaving the outside more secure.

Do I need a fire rating?

One of the hallmarks of many modular safes is the lack of fire ratings. Many people need fire ratings due to their vicinity to a fire station or areas prone to forest fires. However, if you keep low-value items in your safe or have other ways of fire suppression, you can rethink your need for a fire rating.

Conclusion

Modular safes are my favorite category of safes, as they offer flexibility that no other type of safes can do. With plenty of options, ranging from budget gun cabinet style safes to thick-gauge steel, USA-made safes, you should be able to find a modular safe that fits your lifestyle.

If it were me, I would purchase a heavy-duty modular safe and then get the Model 52 at the top of this list to distribute your items throughout your home for easy access.

About The Author

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