Kodiak Gun Safes | Who, What, And How Much Are They

Kodiak Gun Safes are a budget branded gun safe made by the well known Rhino Metals. They are similar to BigHorn safes as well, which is the other budget brand by Rhino, that you will find in Costco stores. These safes are also imported safes, that are 

The Kodiak Lineup consists of 3 different version of their safes, all with varying sizes. The lineups all start with either a K, KB, or KSB. Those letters are then followed up by some numbers that represent the height and width of the safe. 

Before we go any further, let’s review what each of these safes has to offer, then go from there.

Kodiak “KB” Lineup

While it may have one letter less than the K version of the safes, this is the most entry level version of safe that Rhino sells in their Kodiak Safes. With budget in mind it has a 2 mm (which is right at 12 gauge) and keeps things a little more simple than the rest of the safes.

One other awesome thing about this safe, is that Rhino has added the swing out rack to the interior of this safe as an optional upgrade for no added cost. Upside is that it allows for quick access to rifles by bringing them to you, downside is it does take up some of the room on the interior.

Key Features

• Gun Safe Lock: SecuRAM Basic Lock
• Steel Thickness: 2.00 mm (12 gauge)
• Fire Rating: 30 minutes at 1400 degrees with a door seal that expands
• Security Features: Single hardened plate to protect locking mechanism, 4 sided bolts, relocker
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty
• Aesthetics: Black color, pretty standard budget safe otherwise
• Additional Features: Door panel is standard.

How much do these safes cost

• KB19ECX – The MSRP of this safe is $1109
• KB5933EX – The MSRP of this safe is $1209
• KB5940EX – The MSRP of this safe is $1589
• KB5950EXS – The MSRP of this safe is $2306

My thoughts on these safes

This K series of safes is a great alternative to the Bighorn safes. So basically if you don’t want to buy your safe at Costco, but still like Bighorn, then this is your alternative almost completely the same. These safes will compare pretty closely to Browning’s Sporter series, and other companies like Tracker, and Steelwater.

Kodiak “K” Lineup

The K labeled safes consist of three different safes, and they are called the K5933EX, K5940EX, and K7144EX.

All three of these safes would be the next level up from the KB version of the Kodiak safes, but they do all offer a great amount of value. They have a 60 minute fire rating, a 2.75 mm gauge steel (slightly thicker than 12 gauge) and include Kodiak’s door panel system.

These safes are also known for their tan color, that this full lineup is painted in.

This version of the Kodiak safes also have the swing out rack as an option in this line!

Key Features

• Gun Safe Lock: SecuRAM Basic Lock
• Steel Thickness: 2.75 mm (A little more than 12 gauge)
• Fire Rating: 60 minutes at 1400 degrees with a door seal that expands
• Security Features: Clutch in handle, 3 hardened plates to protect locking mechanism, 4 sided bolts, relocker
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty
• Aesthetics: Tan color, pretty standard budget safe otherwise
• Additional Features: USB and Electrical outlet standard, door panel is standard.

How much do these safes cost

• K5933EX – The MSRP of this safe is $1419
• K5940EX – The MSRP of this safe is $1619
• K7144EX – The MSRP of this safe is $2148

My Thoughts on these safes

I personally think that if I were to get any of these safes in this article, the K series is the one to get. It has the thicker steel and better fire rating, and is not a crazy amount more expensive. I am not a huge fan of the tan color, and would prefer the black, but that is just a personal opinion.

Kodiak “KSB” Lineup

The KSB is actually a really interesting safe. It follows the exact same safe as the K version, just with the similar Ironworks styling as the USA made Ironworks safes! 

The similarities to the K version include the thicker steel, the fire rating, and all of the security features.

Basically this gives you a less expensive and imported version of their most premium safes! They do look a bit different, but is very similar in styles.

One thing that does set this safe apart outside of aesthetics is that this specific range of safes can have a mechanical lock swapped out for a specific price.

This safe also has the swing out rack I talked about earlier as a stand alone version.

Key Features

• Gun Safe Lock: SecuRAM Basic Lock
• Steel Thickness: 2.75 mm (A little more than 12 gauge)
• Fire Rating: 60 minutes at 1400 degrees with a door seal that expands
• Security Features: Clutch in handle, 3 hardened plates to protect locking mechanism, 4 sided bolts, relocker
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty
• Aesthetics: Tan color, pretty standard budget safe otherwise
• Additional Features: USB and Electrical outlet standard, door panel is standard.

How much do these safes cost

• KSB3020E (This is a home safe version) – The MSRP of this safe is $839
• KSB5928EX – The MSRP of this safe is $1599
• KSB5940EX – The MSRP of this safe is $1979
• KSB7136EX – The MSRP of this safe is $2269

My thoughts on these safes

These safes are strictly for those who want the Ironworks styling, but don’t want to pay for the American made pricing! They offer all the same features as the less expensive K safes, but with the aesthetic changes.

Comparison of all the safes

Below is just a quick comparison so you can see all of the safes together.

Where are Kodiak safes made?

Kodiak gun safes, unlike their Rhino branded counterparts are all built outside of the USA. It is likely they are Chinese made, as that is where most imported safes are built.

Please note though, there are great safes that are made in China, and just because they are built elsewhere doesn’t mean they aren’t a great value.

Thankfully Kodiak Safes have a ton of retailers out there, so I really recommend you go to your local retailer and look at them yourself. I think you’ll be surprised.

What lock does the Kodiak Safe use

Kodiak safes specifically use a SecuRAM Basic UL Listed commercial-grade Type 1 electronic lock. This is a pretty standard, but good lock that is used across the industry.

Who owns Kodiak Safes?

As I have mentioned a couple times in this article, Rhino Metals is the owner of Kodiak Safes (along with Bighorn Safes). They import these safes in, and then sell them on their site, as well as to retailers.

Recommended Accessories

I realize in many articles that I have forgotten to make sure when you are shopping for you safe, as you likely are right now, that you account for the cost of accessories. Thankfully for the most part these Kodiak Safes don’t need a ton, as they already have the door panels, electronic kit (except the KB series) and the swing out rack option. However there are a couple things I would look into.

You really need:

• A dehumidifier – Read this article I wrote for some good options
• Bolt down kit – Liberty, Browning, Lockdown have quite a few great ones that will work. Or you can just get some lag bolts from Home Depot or Lowes.

You probably want:

• A lighting kit – This is actually an option on most of Rhino Metal’s safes, so you can either buy them there, or read this article I wrote about some other options.

Conclusion

While Rhino Metals isn’t one of the big 4 gun safe manufacturers, they are the underdog that continues to innovate. 

The Kodiak Safes aren’t exactly the cream of the crop when it comes to quality, they do make up for it in value, ingenuity (the swing out rack), and just using decent parts like name brand SecuRAM locks.

I don’t think you can go wrong if you were to buy one of these safes, if you are able to spend more, you might want to look into their USA made safes, or possibly a Fort Knox, Browning, or Liberty.

One of my favorite places that have these safes for sale though is North 40, and you can even find a Kodiak on my list of best safes at North 40 here.