Want USA-Made? These 16 Gun Safes & Vault Doors are the BEST

Want USA-Made? These 16 Gun Safes & Vault Doors are the BEST

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While some fantastic imported gun safes are on the market today, there are just as many (or more) not-so-great ones. Because of this, an American-Made (USA-built) gun safe poses a fantastic option for people looking to buy a quality safe, that has quality control right here in the states.

These safes tend to have higher gauge steel (and higher quality), better fire ratings, and better support and are generally more customizable to your liking. I will be detailing the best and my favorite USA-made gun safes on the market today and helping you decide which is best for you!

Why should you trust me? I have helped hundreds of thousands of people hunt for the right gun safe for them. With years of experience writing on sites like this, working in retail, and regularly talking directly with these companies’ owners, CEOs, and salespeople, I have a unique and extensive knowledge base of what makes a great safe.

Best Full-Size Gun Safes Built in the USA

1. Browning Silver 33

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5.0
Pros:
  • High quality build
  • Plenty of customizations
  • Fantastic lock options
  • Great steel gauge
  • Amazing Axis Interior
Cons:
  • Higher price point compared to features
Specifications:
  • Lock: Mechanical, Electronic, or Biometric
  • Dimensions: 60" High by 31" Wide by 25.5" Deep
  • Steel: 11-gauge
  • Fire Rating: 100 Mins at 1680 degrees
  • Weight: 730 pounds
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Browning ProSteel]

While the Hunter Series of Browning gun safes are the entry-level USA-built gun safes from the company, the Silver series and the 33 specifically are my favorite. 

This safe offers a fantastic 11-gauge steel, the impressive Axis interior (my second-most-favorite interior, outside of SecureIt’s CradleGrid). You can choose from plenty of colors (black cherry is my favorite), lock options (electronic, biometric, and mechanical), and even the scene on the front of the safe.

This is all packaged into a reasonably priced safe that is also a fantastic size for most people! This safe is my favorite, and go-to USA-made gun safe (hands down) for anyone looking for one.

2. Liberty Fatboy Extreme

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4.5
Pros:
  • Great layout for more firearms, but still some standard storage
  • Large capacity
  • Decent steel gauge
  • Fantastic warranty
Cons:
  • Expensive for the features
Specifications:
  • Lock: Mechanical or Electronic
  • Dimensions: 60.5" High by 42" Wide by 27.5" Deep
  • Steel: 12-gauge
  • Fire Rating: 90 Mins at 1200 degrees
  • Weight: 730 pounds
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Liberty Safes]

This Liberty Safe may not be the most expensive or overboard safe that Liberty has to offer; however, it is one of the best value gun safes out there that is made here in the USA. Liberty Safes is one of, if not the most largest safe manufacturers in the country, so having your product backed up by a reputable company is fantastic.

It also offers class-leading specs, such as 11 gauge steel, a 75-minute fire rating, and a 60 firearm capacity (one of their largest capacities options). The Extreme model we are talking about here offers more firearm storage and a little less for other items than the standard Fat Boy, making it perfect for those with more guns.

There are, of course, so many other gun safes that Liberty offers, and I highly recommend you look into them all. The Centurion might be a good option for a small budget. Or if you are not quite so much on a budget, options like the Franklin or Lincoln are a better choice.

Regardless of which safe you choose, Liberty has switched all of their full-size safes to their Military Style Locking Bars, which take a bit of a different path for protecting the safe door than most other manufacturers.

3. Steelhead Outdoors Nomad 38

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4.5
Pros:
  • USA-Made
  • Extremely high quality
  • Thick steel gauge
  • Tons of customizations available
Cons:
  • Expensive
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
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Steelhead Outdoors]

Steelhead is one of the newest entrants onto this list of best USA-made gun safes, as it is also one of the latest gun safe brands on the market. They are taking on the modular gun safe market by offering a high-quality, American-made, fire-rated gun safe. 

Modular gun safes are a subsection of the standard gun safe market, you receive this safe in pieces, and you can build it up wherever you want. This means you can build it with one to two people rather than hiring a team to get your safe where you prefer it to be.

I am a huge fan of modular gun safes (I even built my guide here), which present a fantastic value. This Nomad 38 is one of my favorites, with its 12-gauge steel, excellent fire rating, significant dimensions, and quality build.

4. Fort Knox Protector 6637

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3.5
Pros:
  • Impressive amount of customizations
  • Extremely high quality
  • Much taller safe than competition
  • Fantastic warranty
Cons:
  • Quite expensive
Specifications:
  • Lock: Mechanical, Electronic, Redundant, or Biometric
  • Dimensions: 66" High by 37" Wide by 27” Deep
  • Steel: 3/16"
  • Fire Rating: 90 Mins at 1680 degrees
  • Weight: 600 pounds
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Fort Knox]

The Fort Knox Protector is the best value Fort Knox gun safe the manufacturer offers. It has all the features that allow it to be one of the best safes but does away with any of the frills that don’t have much to do with security. At seven gauge steel, it is one of the thickest steel safes on the market today and is backed up with a lifetime warranty by Fort Knox (including the locking mechanism). Very few companies out there do that at the moment.

This safe is also a great starting point if you want an exceptional upgraded safe. You can upgrade this with any color you wish to (or even their distressed finish); you can add the 2S Crane hinge, any interior you want, and so on. 

The Protector series gun safe is an all-around great safe that lets you have as little or as much as you want and will be highly secure no matter your choice.

Their Guardian Series is also an excellent option if you want something extra. It comes standard with its 5:1 gear ratio, adding elegance to opening your gun safe. I recommend reading this article to learn more about Fort Knox Safes. It goes in-depth with all the options and all the different series of safes they offer.

5. Ironman Safes 6024 Model 3000

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4.0
Pros:
  • Fantastic value for USA-made safe
Cons:
  • Aesthetics aren't great
  • Basic interior
Specifications:
  • Lock: Mechanical, Electronic
  • Dimensions: 60" High by 24" Wide by 20” Deep
  • Steel: 12-gauge
  • Fire Rating: 120 Mins at 1533 degrees
  • Weight: 590 pounds
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If you are on a budget but want an American Made safe, Ironman Safes will be a great bet! They make some excellent safes and they keep them relatively inexpensive. My favorite is the Model 3000, as it keeps with the reasonable idea by keeping the price under $2000 but still offers ten gauge steel, an excellent 2-hour fire rating, and some customizations on the aesthetics end of things.

These safes are primarily bare bones, but they make up for it in price and value to your dollar. If you want a showpiece, you might want to look elsewhere, but if you wish for American-Made, high-quality security for the right price, this is what you should look at for your next safe.

Best Pistol Safes Built in the USA

6. Fort Knox Original Pistol Box (PB1)

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5.0
$299.00
Pros:
  • High quality build
  • Very thick steel
  • Fantastic non-electronic push button lock
  • Very reliable
Cons:
  • Extremely heavy
Specifications:
  • Lock: Simplex Mechanical Lock
  • Dimensions: 4.5" High 12.5" Wide by 10.37" Deep
  • Steel: 9-gauge
  • Fire Rating: N/A
  • Weight: 22 pounds
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02/18/2024 04:35 pm GMT

Fort Knox is by far the most well-known USA-made pistol-safe company (of course, they also have their full-size safes). Within their pistol-safe lineup, the most prominent will be the Original PB1. This handgun safe offers nine gauge steel, a simplex lock (one of my favorite locks), pry resistance, and a crazy amount of weight.

However, this differs from what I consider portable and is more of a bedside safe on a nightstand. The best part of this safe will be the Simplex Locking mechanism. This gives you the ease of access that an electronic lock provides; however, it doesn’t use a battery that tends to fail.

7. American Security PS1210HD

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American Security PS1210HD
4.5
$143.14(-55%)
Pros:
  • Utilizes a Simplex Lock
  • Thicker steel gauge
  • Portable carry handle
Cons:
  • Thinner steel than competitor
  • Expensive
Specifications:
  • Lock: Simplex Lock
  • Dimensions: 4.25" High by 12.5" Wide by 10.25" Deep
  • Steel: 10 Gauge
  • Fire Rating: N/A
  • Weight: 24 pounds
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 02:14 am GMT

If, for some reason, you don’t like the Fort Knox PB1, then this is probably one of your best alternatives. It offers the same simplex locking mechanism, ten gauge steel, and the design of the Fort Knox version. It also looks almost identical to the PB1, with one significant change. A handle has been added to the front of the safe, allowing this to be slightly more portable.

This might be your best option if you want to take this with you. However, if you prefer to keep this bolted to a nightstand, I recommend you stick with the PB1, as that handle on the Amsec version takes up some room and won’t be necessary in your case.

8. Stopbox Quick Access Lock Box

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4.0
Pros:
  • Extremely quick access
  • Lock works very well
  • Easy to transport
Cons:
  • Shouldn't be left alone
  • Can't tether it to anything
Specifications:
  • Lock: Proprietary Mechanical Lock
  • Dimensions: 2" High by 10.75" Wide by 7.25" Deep
  • Steel: N/A (ABS Plastic)
  • Fire Rating: N/A
  • Weight: 1.75 pounds
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This Stopbox is on the extreme other end of the spectrum from the first two (Fort Knox and Amsec); this one is made of ABS plastic but allows rapid, speedy access. I have spent a reasonable amount of time with one of these (as StopBox gifted me one a while back) and can attest that they are a great little pistol box.

Is this a pistol safe? It is more meant to be a retention device that is intended to be the in-between of your home safe and your office or car safe that you also have. It means when you need it most, you have quick access to your pistol but buy yourself enough time if it is stolen from you to act on it.

It also can be strapped to seats or other stationary items with the included cord.

Best Home Safes Built in the USA

9. Longhorn LNS2618

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3.5
$948.00
Pros:
  • Heavy duty
  • Both a safe, and a diversion safe
  • High quality components
Cons:
  • Doesn’t match other furniture
  • Large
  • Expensive
Specifications:
  • External Dimensions: 26″ High by 20″ Wide by 18″ Deep
  • Internal Dimensions: 15.4″ High by 15.5″ Wide by 7.5″ Deep
  • Weight: 150 pounds
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
02/18/2024 04:26 pm GMT

This isn’t your typical home safe, so I have to add it to this list! This nightstand safe has outlets to plug things in, 14 gauge steel, a fire rating of 60 minutes, and an electronic lock. What stands out about this safe is two different things!

Firstly, it acts as a nightstand. Sitting next to your bedside and keeping your clock, drink, or anything you would typically put on your bedside would be perfect. Secondly, it follows the Ironworks (distressed finish) styling of its big brother full-size gun safes. This could be an excellent safe for those wanting to have a safe in their bedroom for quick access at night.

If you don’t want a nightstand, there are quite a few other home safes that Rhino has to offer, including ironworks styling and typical paint styling.

10. Zanotti Armor X1

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3.5
Pros:
  • USA-Made
  • Extremely thick steel gauge
  • Only modular home safe option
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Limited customizations
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
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Zanotti Armor]

Zanotti makes an extensive range of American-made modular safes! This home safe arrives on your doorstep in pieces, which can then easily be carried into your home, and built up exactly where you want it. This means you don’t have to hire a moving company to move the safe, saving you money that can be spent on the higher price point from quality USA-made safes instead.

The X1 may be a bit hefty, but it offers fire resistance, 1/8″ Walls, a 3/16″ Top, Bottom & Door, a re-locker, and a high-quality locking mechanism. That said, while it has some impressive features for a Modular gun safe, it lacks in the customization department, as you can only choose from two colors, both on the interior and exterior.

Best Vault Doors Built in the USA

11. Rhino Ironworks IWVD8035 Vault Door

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5.0
Pros:
  • Includes a fire-rating
  • Quality components
  • Distressed finish
  • USA-Made
Cons:
  • Very expensive
  • Would expect a bit thicker steel gauge for the price
Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 80" High by 35" Wide
  • Steel: 10 gauge frame, 12 gauge door
  • Fire Rating: 120 min at 1400 degrees
  • Weight: 1030 pounds
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Rhino Metals]

Don’t let the excellent, distressed finish on this vault door fool you, it is still a high-quality and secure vault door as well. Rhino Metals is one of my favorite gun safe and vault door companies. They offer great value, yet they are also building some of the best vault doors. This vault door, in particular, offers ten gauge steel and a fire rating at a better price than many others.

Rhino Metals is also well known for having one of the best customers experiences out there, and their warranty is fantastic. While this door, in particular, is 35″ wide, you can choose from other sizes (and hinge sides) as well at the link above. Rhino is also one of the few companies that offer a biometric lock option if that is something you need.

Quick Hint: Don’t like the distressed finish? Rhino offers these doors in standard paint finishes as well.

12. Browning Universal Vault Door

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4.5
Pros:
  • Multiple lock options
  • Thicker steel gauge (on the frame at least)
  • Backed by Browning with a great warranty
  • Has fire protection
  • Fully customizable
Cons:
  • Very heavy
Specifications:
  • Lock: Electronic, Mechanical or Biometric
  • Dimensions: 82.5” High by 30.5" Wide
  • Fire Rating: Included
  • Steel Gauge: 7-gauge
  • Weight: 645 pounds
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Browning]

Browning is one of the best manufacturers of vault doors (not just USA-made) on earth. This Universal Vault Door from the brand is their flagship door, as it offers 7-gauge steel, a fire rating, and plenty of available modifications. You can choose from different scenes, quite a few color options, and even choose from a mechanical, electronic, or biometric lock (they have an excellent biometric lock).

You can also choose from a left or right-hand swing door and trim colors. The main downside to this? It’s universal, so you don’t have the option to choose from different widths on this one. However, if you are willing to put up with that, it is also an excellent value vault door (for a USA-built door).

13. Browning Security Door

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4.0
Pros:
  • Looks like any other door
  • E-Lock can be located away from the door
  • Respectable 10-gauge steel
  • Backed by Browning's warranty
Cons:
  • Expensive
Specifications:
  • Lock: Electronic Lock
  • Dimensions: 83” High by 36" Wide
  • Fire Rating: Included
  • Steel Gauge: 10-gauge
  • Weight: 500 pounds
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Browning]

Most vault doors look like, well, vault doors. However, what if you are looking to build out a vault room that is also discrete? That is where this six-panel security vault door from Browning comes into play. While it still features many high-end features of its other vault doors, like 10-gauge steel, a fire rating, and more, it also looks exactly like any other interior door in a standard home.

This means you can have your vault room in an ordinary place in your home without visitors (or intruders) becoming overly suspicious. It builds on this secrecy but also allows you to access an electronic keypad remotely. You can place the keypad somewhere hidden (rather than on the face of the vault door) so that the door further looks like just a door instead of a door with a keypad on it.

This one is costly, like the rest of Browning’s doors.

14. Liberty Safes Beast Vault Door

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5.0
Pros:
  • Fantastic fire rating
  • Backed by Liberty Safe's Warranty
  • Impressive steel gauge
Cons:
  • Insanely heavy
  • Extremely expensive
Specifications:
  • Lock: Electronic or Mechanical
  • Dimensions: 79” High by 34" Wide
  • Fire Rating: 150 mins at 1200 degrees
  • Steel Gauge: 7-gauge frame, 12-gauge door
  • Weight: 1245 pounds
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. [Image courtesy of Liberty Safes]

Liberty’s Vault Doors are unique in the industry. They are the only ones that utilize their military-style locking bars that give more surface area for stress to be distributed than their round locking bolt alternatives.

These vault doors also offer many of the same things you expect on their safes, like a Palusol seal (with a 150-minute fire rating), a gear-driven door, and some excellent paint finishes.

You can choose an S&G mechanical lock or a SecuRAM electronic lock, both great options regardless of your choice. Its seven-gauge steel is quite impressive as well. Don’t be looking to buy this on a budget, though, as it is north of $10,000 to get a foot in the door (pun intended).

Best Vehicle Safes Built in the USA

15. Console Vault

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4.5
Pros:
  • Custom fit to your vehicle
  • High gauge steel
  • Hidden away in your vehicle
  • High quality locking mechanisms
Cons:
  • Not available for all vehicles
Specifications:
  • Lock: Key or roller lock
  • Dimensions: Varies by application
  • Steel: 12 gauge
  • Fire Rating: N/A
  • Weight: Varies by application
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

I have owned this one in the past in a truck I had before (as the brand had gifted it to me for review)! The basic idea is that Console Vault makes a 12-gauge steel safe that will fit perfectly into your existing center console.

They have different versions for every choice, whether your truck has a flow-through console or a fold-down seat. You can choose between a key lock, a three-digit lock, or a four-digit locking mechanism.

These are extremely easy to install, are built with high-quality components, and the locks are easy to access (I wish it came with an electronic lock version, though).

16. Lock’er Down Console Safe

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4.5
$329.00
Pros:
  • Many lock options to choose from
  • Great steel gauge
  • Doesn't take up additional space in vehicle
Cons:
  • Not available for all vehicles
  • Expensive
Specifications:
  • Lock: Combo, Tubular Key, Abloy Key Lock, or E-Lock
  • Dimensions: Varies by application
  • Steel: 12 gauge
  • Fire Rating: N/A
  • Weight: Varies by application
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/04/2024 05:31 pm GMT

Lock’er Down is highly similar to Console Vault and has almost identical designs. I would shop both if I were you to ensure you get the best price.

One thing that sets Lock’er Down apart from Console Vault is that it is available with four very different locking mechanisms. It has a four-digit combo, tubular key, abloy key locking mechanism (high security like police use), and metal-cased electronic lock.

Like the competition, it still offers 12-gauge steel and fits into your existing console space! They also have an EXxtreme version of their safes, which essentially upgrades the steel gauge to 10 gauge, giving it a leg up on the competition.

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