There are many, many different ways to store a gun. There are full-size gun safes, pistol safes, even a tissue box.
However one of the coolest out there are gun safes that are installed into the wall. These safes are installed in between the studs of a wall, and can come in many different shapes and sizes. Brands like Tactical Walls, Barska, and Amsec dominate the industry.
Here are my favorite options in the industry today, and why I like them, and maybe some things I would even change about each.
1. Tactical Walls 1420 Concealment Mirror
This company has been making huge strides in this area of concealed safes. Many of their products are specifically the in-wall style.
The Tactical Walls 1420 Concealment mirror is one of the best of the best when it comes to in-wall safes. Not only is it usable as a mirror, it also is a quick access safe.
It opens via magnet, or can be upgraded to other locking types.
Don’t want a mirror, you can always order it as a chalk board, or even a picture frame. This way you can make it work for any room!
Standout Features
These Tactical Walls Mirrors are really awesome, they are the best when it comes to quality, and aesthetics.
The magnet locking mechanism is great, as it takes a learning curve, leaving a thief without the knowledge of gaining access unless they know how.
Things I wish were better
While I like the magnet lock, it also leaves a little bit to be desired in the security department. If someone does know how to access sit, the magnet is going to be easily obtained, and give access to the fire arms.
Specifications
- Lock Type: Magnetic
- Dimensions:
- External: 20″ high by 14″ wide by 8″ deep
- Internal: Unknown
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Steel gauge: N/A
2. Amsec WS1214E5 Wall Safe
While most people aren’t on the hunt for a crazy high security wall safe, and instead opt for a full-size gun safe, this Amsec is for that minority that wants just a little more out of their wall safe.
It offers a 3/16″ plate door, a name-brand electronic locking mechanism, and even has a handle to make opening the door easy to open.
If someone tries to attack the safe by going after the locking mechanism, it even is equipped with a hard-plate, making it much harder to drill open the safe.
Standout Features
I think this is obvious, it is incredibly heavy duty, and probably the most well made wall safe in the industry today.
Things I wish were better
The one big downside to this safe, is that at the end of the day, it still is just a wall safe. It will likely be installed between two wooden studs, and could easily be cut out of the wall and taken away to be opened off-size.
At such a hefty price, it just doesn’t offer the capability that a full-size safe would offer.
Specifications
- Locking mechanism: ESL5 Electronic Lock
- Dimensions
- External: 12 5/8″ high by 14 1/8″ wide by 10″ deep
- Internal: 12″ high by 13.5″ wide by 5.5″ deep
- Weight: 86 lbs.
- Steel gauge: ¾” solid steel plate door
3. Stack-On In-Wall Safe 22″
Stack-On most definitely is a budget brand, I realize that, and doesn’t show up on my lists all that often I understand. However when it comes to their In-Wall safes, they definitely shine.
This is because they make a great price, for a simple product.
The addition of both an electronic lock, and a biometric makes it easy for anyone to be able to use the safe if they have the right credentials.
Don’t like either of those ways? You also have a backup key for just in case.
Want something a bit larger than a 22″, they also have a longer 55″ safe as well, and you can find that here.
Standout Features
Unlike many other in-wall safes, the Stack-On In-Wall 22″ safe offers 3 different ways to access the safe, which is great.
It also has a nice black finish, and 2 shelfs, meaning you can put items on the shelves, and on the base of the unit, making it very usable.
Things I wish were better
Honestly, I really like this little wall safe. The only complaint I have, is that Stack-On only offers a 1 year warranty on their products.
Specifications
- Lock types: Biometric and electronic
- Dimensions:
- External: 22.25″ high by 15.5″ wide by 4″ deep
- Internal: 20.5″ high by 13.5″ wide by 3″ deep
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Steel gauge: Unknown
4. SnapSafe In-Wall Safe
You will probably note that this safe looks extremely similar to the Stack-On we talked about earlier, and you would be right!
In-Wall safes, outside of what Tactical Walls is doing, all look very similar. They are meant to be hidden behind something, so aesthetics aren’t exactly top of mind.
That said, this Snapsafe In-Wall safe really is a great product! It is basic, with only an electronic lock, and key bypass, but makes up for it with a great price and availability.
Standout Features
One of my favorite features of this safe has to be the false floor! As we have talked about, the security of an in-wall safe isn’t crazy great, however having a hidden portion of a hidden safe makes it at least a little more secure.
This is a great place to keep small items like cash, or keys.
Things I wish were better
I really wish Snapsafe would offer a larger version of this safe, however that really isn’t a downside of this safe. I guess I don’t have many things I would change about this in-wall safe by Snapsafe.
Specifications
- Locking mechanism: Electronic
- Dimensions
- External: 22″ high by 16.25″ wide by 4″ deep
- Internal: Unknown
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Steel gauge: 16 gauge
5. Barska AX12038 Wall Safe
If you are looking for a wall safe that looks cool, and only offers a fingerprint scanner as the primary access point, then this safe is for you.
I personally don’t trust biometric locks a ton, unless they are extremely high end, however if I were to go with a lower end, a Barska would be near the top of my list.
Much like some of the others on this list, it is rather basic, but does continue to offer a 2 shelf build.
Standout Features
It really stands out from the rest as being the only one that is biometric first, and key second. This really is its defining characteristic of this unit, and Barska as well.
Things I wish were better
It really isn’t advertised anywhere what steel this safe is made up of, and makes it difficult to know what quality standards it lives up to.
Specifications
- Locking mechanism: Biometric
- Dimensions
- External: 20.75″ high by 15.5 wide by 3.73 deep
- Internal: 19″ high by 13.75″ wide by 3″ deep
- Weight: 28.8 pounds
- Steel gauge: Unknown
Why should you own a wall-safe?
There are a couple great reasons why someone would want to own a wall safe. Here are just some of them:
- Not easily seen or known about by intruders.
- Doesn’t take up much space.
- Generally is also something else that can be used, like a mirror
Why you may not want to own a wall-safe
- Not fire proof.
- Generally not super secure.
- Have to cut into your wall, which is difficult for those that rent a home.
- If a thief has spent any time looking into these types of products, they will be able to recognize the most well known versions.
- Can be found by children in the home, and without a great lock can be easily accessed.
- Can be cut out of the wall easily.
Conclusion
Gun safes in the wall are a very specialized version of safe. They won’t work for everyone, however these safes will temporarily keep things out of reach of someone that is just visiting.
I may not plan on keeping anything in these safes when you are gone for prolonged amount of time. I also wouldn’t keep my firearms in these safes permanently.
However for quick access, a hidden safe, and the other Pro’s of these safes it could be a great option for some!
Also… the cool factor is great on these! Only issue is… you don’t want to tell anyone about them, because they wouldn’t be hidden anymore.
Editors Note: This article was originally published on June 3rd 2019 but has since been updated for formatting, to remove and replace discontinued products and to further discuss the subject.
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