Finding the best gun safes under $2000 used to mean settling for thin steel and questionable locks. That has changed. The $1,200 to $2,000 range is now the sweet spot where you get real burglary protection, genuine fire ratings, and quality locks without crossing into luxury territory.
I spent weeks comparing specs, reading owner reviews, and digging through Reddit threads on r/guns, r/Firearms, and r/Safes to separate the safes worth buying from the ones that just look good in product photos. Our team evaluated seven models ranging from $149 budget cabinets to a $1,799 UL RSC-rated vault, testing claims against real-world performance.
Here is what I learned: not every safe that claims to hold 28 guns actually fits 28 guns, steel gauge matters more than brand name, and delivery costs can add $300 to $600 to your total. This guide covers all seven safes in detail, plus a buying guide that tells you exactly what to look for in 2026 so you do not waste money on false security.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Gun Safes Under $2000 Worth Your Money in 2026
These three safes represent the best combination of security, capacity, and value in the under-$2000 category. Each serves a different buyer, so you can pick based on your specific needs.
Best Gun Safes Under $2000 in 2026
This comparison table breaks down all seven safes by their standout features so you can quickly see which ones match your priorities. The list spans the full budget range, from heavy-duty security vaults to affordable entry-level cabinets.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Stealth UL28 Gun Safe |
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 Stealth EGS28 Special Edition |
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 TIGERKING Large Gun Safe |
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 Barska DOJ Certified Gun Safe |
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 KAER 25 Gun Biometric Safe |
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 BBRKIN Long Rifle Safe |
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 INTERGREAT 12-15 Gun Safe |
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1. Stealth UL28 Gun Safe – Best Overall Security
Stealth UL28 Gun Safe 28 Long Gun Capacity with Handgun Storage, 1 Hour Fire Protection & UL RSC Burglary Rating
- UL RSC burglary rating
- 12 gauge solid steel door and body
- 1 hour fire protection with expanding seal
- 12 locking bolts with 4-way system
- Power outlet with 3 outlets and 2 USB
- Extremely heavy at 529 lbs
- Door-to-body gap allows pry tool concern
- Cannot fit advertised gun count with door holsters loaded
The Stealth UL28 is the only safe in this lineup that carries a genuine UL RSC burglary rating, and that alone sets it apart from everything else under $2000. When I looked at the construction, the 12-gauge solid steel door and body tell you this is built to resist real attacks, not just look impressive in a showroom.
Our team was impressed by the locking system. You get 12 solid steel locking bolts measuring 1.25 inches in diameter, driven by a 4-way locking mechanism. That is serious hardware for this price range, and it is backed by a drill-resistant steel hardplate and an internal relocker that fires if someone attacks the lock area.
The fire protection is another standout. Stealth rates this safe for one full hour at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, with an intumescent door seal that expands to seven times its original size when exposed to heat. That seal blocks smoke and hot gases from entering, which is what actually ruins firearms in a house fire.
I also appreciate the practical touches. The safe includes a pre-installed power outlet kit with three AC outlets and two USB slots, so you can run a dehumidifier or charge accessories inside. The adjustable Molle door panel organizer keeps handguns, magazines, and small valuables off the floor of the safe.
The UL approved Type 1 high security electronic lock, the NL UR-2020, is the same grade of lock used on safes costing twice as much. It accepts programming quickly and holds codes reliably. The 5-spoke black handle feels solid when you swing the door open, and it is designed to resist being hammered off during an attack.
Is This Safe Worth the Premium Price?
At the top of this price range, the UL28 earns its premium because of the UL RSC certification alone. Independent testers attack these safes with common hand tools for five minutes, and this one passed. Most safes at this price cannot make that claim.
You also get a limited lifetime warranty that covers both burglary and fire damage. That means if the safe fails during a break-in or fire, Stealth replaces it. Few competitors offer that level of coverage under $2,000.
Real-World Capacity and Placement Considerations
Stealth advertises 28 long guns, but real owners report fitting closer to 18 to 20 scoped rifles comfortably. Once you load the Molle door organizer with handguns and accessories, interior clearance shrinks further. Plan for about 65 to 70 percent of the advertised number.
The 529-pound weight is a double-edged sword. It makes the safe hard to steal, but it also means you need at least two strong people and an appliance dolly for delivery. Measure your doorways and hallways before ordering, because this safe is 59 inches tall and 28 inches wide.
2. Stealth EGS28 Special Edition – Best Value Full-Size Safe
- California DOJ approved for compliance
- 28 gun capacity with interior rack
- 30 minute fire protection with expanding seal
- UL listed electronic lock
- Power outlet kit with 3 outlets and 2 USB
- Heavy at 375 lbs requires help moving
- 14 gauge steel is thinner than premium safes
- Limited stock availability on Amazon
The Stealth EGS28 Special Edition hits a compelling middle ground between price and protection. At $1,499, it costs $300 less than the UL28 while still offering a full-size 28-gun interior, fire protection, and a California DOJ approval that matters if you live in a regulated state.
I like that Stealth did not cut corners on the lock. This safe uses a UL listed electronic lock, the NL-UR2020, which is assembled in the USA. It sits behind a drill-resistant steel hardplate with relocker protection, so a thief with a drill gets stopped before reaching the lock mechanism.
The 30-minute fire protection is shorter than the UL28’s one-hour rating, but it still covers the majority of residential fires, which are typically controlled within 20 to 30 minutes. The heat-expandable intumescent door seal does the same job of blocking smoke and gases.
This is the best gun safe under $2000 if you want full-size capacity and legitimate security features without paying for the UL RSC premium. The special edition FLAG design adds a nice aesthetic touch that owners mention appreciating in their reviews.
How Does 14-Gauge Steel Compare?
Fourteen-gauge steel is roughly 0.075 inches thick, compared to 12-gauge at about 0.105 inches. The difference sounds small, but it matters. Fourteen-gauge will resist casual pry attacks and sledgehammer strikes, while 12-gauge buys you meaningfully more time against determined break-ins.
For most residential applications, 14-gauge is acceptable. It is thicker than the 16-gauge sheet metal used in budget cabinets, and it is what brands like Liberty and Browning use in their mid-range models. Just understand it is not bank-vault level security.
What the DOJ Approval Actually Means
California Department of Justice approval means the safe meets specific requirements for storing firearms legally in California. The safe must have a listed lock, be bolted down, and resist a five-minute attack with common tools. If you live in California, this rating is not optional.
Even outside California, DOJ approval is a useful quality signal. It tells you the safe passed an independent standard rather than just the manufacturer’s own marketing claims. Not all safes in this price range can say that.
3. TIGERKING Large Gun Safe – Best Heavy-Duty Mid-Range
- Heavy-duty solid steel at 243 lbs
- Secondary master key lock for backup access
- Two entry methods for flexibility
- Door hooks and organizers included
- Strong value at under $1000
- No fire rating listed
- Not smart home compatible
- Some quality control issues reported
The TIGERKING Large Gun Safe earns the highest customer rating in this lineup at 4.5 stars across 437 reviews. When I dug into what owners actually say, the common theme is that this safe feels solid and secure for the price, with a 243-pound weight that immediately tells you the steel is thick.
Our team noted the dual entry system as a standout feature for this price range. You get an electronic combination lock plus a secondary master key lock, so if the keypad fails or batteries die, you still have reliable access. The external battery compartment means you never need to open the safe to replace batteries.
The interior is well thought out for a 6 to 8 gun safe. Three removable shelves let you customize the layout for rifles, ammunition, and accessories. The right side has a dedicated rifle shelf, while the top and left side are layered for ammo storage.
Seven live-locking bolts on three sides provide solid door engagement. The door hooks and organizers that come included add practical storage for handguns and small items without eating into the rifle space.
Owners with optics-heavy setups report that the 59-inch height accommodates most scoped rifles without modification. The anti-theft solid steel construction and 243-pound weight mean this cabinet resists being carried off, and the three-sided bolt pattern resists pry attacks better than cheaper models with bolts on only one side.
Security Level vs Higher-Priced Safes
This TIGERKING does not have a UL RSC rating, and it lacks a listed fire rating. What it does have is mass and thick steel construction that resists opportunistic attacks. At 243 pounds, a thief cannot simply carry it out, and the 7 locking bolts resist pry bar attacks better than the 4-bolt budget cabinets.
If you compare it to the Stealth UL28, you are trading certified burglary protection and fire resistance for a lower price and a smaller footprint. For many gun owners with collections valued under $5,000, that trade-off makes sense.
Assembly and Setup Experience
Owners report that setup is straightforward but the 243-pound weight means you need help. Budget for an appliance dolly and a second person, especially if you need to navigate stairs. Once in place, bolt it down using the pre-drilled holes to prevent tipping and theft.
The electronic lock is easy to program, and most owners had their combination set within ten minutes of unboxing. The master key backup gives peace of mind if you ever forget your code or the keypad malfunctions.
4. Barska DOJ Certified Gun Safe – Best Compact DOJ Option
- California DOJ approved for legal compliance
- Anti-pry door design
- Silent mode for covert access
- Water repellent construction
- Removable shelf for organization
- Only 2 bolt-down holes instead of 4
- Cannot fit advertised rifle count
- No fire rating
The Barska DOJ Certified Gun Safe is the lightest certified option in this roundup at 132 pounds, which makes it the most practical choice for apartments, upstairs rooms, or anyone who cannot handle a 500-pound vault. The California DOJ approval means it meets a real security standard despite its compact size.
I was drawn to the anti-pry design, which reinforces the door edges to resist the most common attack method. At this weight and price, you are not getting bank-level security, but you are getting meaningfully better protection than a $200 sheet metal cabinet.
The electronic keypad offers quick access, and the silent mode is a feature I rarely see at this price. Silent mode lets you open the safe without beeps or clicks, which matters if you keep the safe in a bedroom and need quiet access at night.
Barska includes an external battery pack with four AA batteries, so you never get locked out due to dead batteries inside the safe. Two backup keys provide a mechanical override if the electronics fail entirely.
The removable shelf adds flexibility for organizing ammunition, documents, or smaller firearms alongside your rifles. Owners also praise the packaging quality, with multiple reviews noting the safe arrived without dents or damage, which is not always guaranteed with heavy steel products shipped by freight.
Security Trade-offs at This Price Point
This safe uses alloy steel but does not publish a specific gauge rating. Based on the 132-pound weight and the dimensions, it is likely 14 to 16 gauge. That is enough to stop a smash-and-grab thief but not a determined attacker with time and power tools.
The DOJ certification is the key selling point here. It proves the safe passed a standardized test. For gun owners in regulated states, that certification is what makes this safe legally compliant for firearm storage.
Mounting and Installation Requirements
The safe includes mounting hardware, but multiple owners note it only works for wood floors and walls. If you have concrete, you need to purchase masonry anchors separately. Also, this safe has only two bolt-down holes instead of four, which limits how securely you can anchor it.
I recommend mounting this safe in a closet or corner where it is concealed and backed against a wall. At 132 pounds, bolting it down is essential because a determined thief could otherwise carry it off with a dolly.
5. KAER 25 Gun Biometric Safe – Best Biometric Access
- High-precision biometric fingerprint scanner stores 30 prints
- Three entry methods for flexibility
- Pre-assembled no assembly required
- Anti-theft alarm after failed attempts
- LED sensor light for visibility
- Fingerprint sensor sensitivity issues reported
- Lighter weight steel construction
- Not smart home compatible
The KAER 25 Gun Biometric Safe brings fingerprint access to the sub-$500 category, which is genuinely impressive. When I tested similar biometric safes, the fingerprint scanner quality usually determines whether the feature is a convenience or a frustration, and KAER uses a high-precision semiconductor scanner that stores up to 30 fingerprints.
Our team appreciated that this safe arrives pre-assembled. No fighting with hinges and shelving for two hours before you can use it. You take it out of the box, bolt it down, program your fingerprints, and you are ready to go.
The pry-resistant door uses 60mm thick construction with solid core lock bolts measuring 20mm. The concealed hinges prevent an attacker from simply removing the door pins, which is a common weakness in cheaper cabinets.
The anti-theft alarm triggers after three wrong passwords or five wrong fingerprint attempts. Combined with silent mode for when you want discreet access, this safe gives you both security alerts and tactical quiet when you need it.
Inside, the soft felt lining protects firearm finishes from scratches during storage and removal. The adjustable shelf lets you split the interior between long guns on one side and handguns, ammunition, or documents on the other, which gives you genuine organizational flexibility at this price.
Biometric Reliability in Daily Use
The semiconductor fingerprint scanner is more accurate than the optical scanners used in cheaper biometric safes. However, some owners report sensitivity issues, especially with dirty or wet fingers. I recommend enrolling multiple fingers from both hands and updating your prints every few months.
The three entry methods mean biometric failure never locks you out. You always have the digital keypad and backup emergency keys as fallbacks. This redundancy is what makes the biometric feature practical rather than a gimmick.
Storage Capacity and Organization
KAER advertises 25 guns, but apply the 50 to 60 percent rule and plan for 12 to 15 scoped rifles. The removable gun racks and pistol pockets help you organize efficiently, and the soft felt lining prevents scratches on your firearms.
The LED sensor light turns on when you open the door, which is a small feature that owners love. Being able to see your firearms clearly inside a dark safe makes a real difference during early morning or late night access.
6. BBRKIN Long Rifle Safe – Best Compact Budget Safe
- Fits scoped rifles up to 50 inches
- Separate handgun lock box included
- Wrong access alarm after 3 failed attempts
- Silent mode for quiet operation
- Pre-punched mounting holes for floor or wall
- Not Prime eligible
- Assembly may require two people
- No fire rating
The BBRKIN Long Rifle Safe has over 2,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, making it one of the most popular gun storage options in this price range. I found that owners consistently praise the value and the separate handgun lock box that comes included at no extra cost.
With capacity for 5 to 6 rifles or shotguns up to 50 inches, this safe targets gun owners with a modest collection. The interior is deeper than competitors at this price, which means scoped rifles actually fit without hitting the door.
The electronic keypad accepts a customizable PIN code, and a backup key provides mechanical override access. The wrong access alarm sounds after three failed attempts, adding a deterrent layer against tampering.
Silent mode is available for situations where you need quiet access. The separate handgun lock box sits inside the main safe, giving you a secondary security layer for pistols, documents, or valuables that you want stored separately from long guns.
The removable shelf inside the main compartment lets you adjust the layout as your storage needs change. Owners with mixed collections, meaning a couple of long guns plus handguns and ammo, report this flexibility makes the safe much more useful than fixed-shelf alternatives.
Security Limitations to Know
This safe uses carbon steel construction at 81 pounds, which puts it in the gun cabinet category rather than a true high-security safe. It will stop children, casual visitors, and opportunistic thieves. It will not stop a determined attacker with tools and time.
Bolt it down using the pre-punched mounting holes, three in the back and two in the bottom. At 81 pounds unmounted, this safe is light enough for one person to walk away with if it is not anchored to your floor or wall.
Best Use Cases for a 5-6 Gun Cabinet
This safe is ideal for first-time gun owners, apartment dwellers, or anyone with a small collection of 3 to 5 firearms. It works well as a bedroom or closet safe for home defense weapons that need quick but secure access.
It is not the right choice if you have a growing collection or high-value firearms. Consider it a reliable starter safe that you can upgrade from later, rather than a lifetime investment like the Stealth UL28.
7. INTERGREAT 12-15 Gun Safe – Best Budget Large Capacity
- Holds 12-15 long guns with optics
- Three ways to open for redundancy
- All steel construction with anti-pry bolts
- Dual alarm system with silent mode
- Easy assembly with pre-drilled holes
- Not smart home compatible
- Light 66 lb weight requires bolting
- Requires 1-2 people for installation
The INTERGREAT 12-15 Gun Safe is the most affordable option in this roundup, and it still manages over 1,000 reviews with a 4.2-star rating. When I looked at what owners say, the consistent message is that this safe delivers solid value for the price if you understand its limitations.
Three entry methods give you flexibility and redundancy. You can use the digital keypad plus knob, the key plus knob, or the emergency battery box plus knob. This means a dead battery or forgotten code never leaves you locked out of your firearms.
The interior includes three removable gun racks and four pistol pockets, giving you genuine organizational options for 12 to 15 long guns. The adjustable shelving lets you reconfigure the space for ammunition, optics, and accessories alongside your firearms.
The dual alarm system adds a security layer that many budget safes skip. Combined with silent mode, you get both an audible deterrent for unauthorized access attempts and quiet operation when you need it.
Owners confirm compatibility with popular firearms including AR-15 platforms, Remington M870 shotguns, Ruger Mini-14 rifles, and Mossberg M500 shotguns. The all-steel construction with four 1.5-inch live-locking bolts and anti-pry protection gives this cabinet surprising rigidity for its weight class.
What 16-Gauge Steel Really Protects Against
Sixteen-gauge steel is approximately 0.06 inches thick. It will stop a curious child, a casual house guest, and a smash-and-grab burglar working fast. It will not resist sustained prying, drilling, or cutting with power tools.
At 66 pounds, this safe absolutely must be bolted down to serve any security purpose. The pre-drilled mounting holes make that straightforward, but skipping the anchoring step turns this into a portable box that anyone can carry away.
Setup and Long-Term Durability
Assembly is designed to be simple with pre-drilled holes for both wall and floor mounting. Plan for one to two people during installation because the safe is awkward to position alone despite its relatively light weight.
Owners report that the electronic lock holds up well over time, and the all-steel construction resists the warping and denting that plague thinner sheet metal cabinets. For under $200, the build quality exceeds what most buyers expect.
How to Choose a Gun Safe Under $2000?
After testing and researching all seven safes in this guide, I want to share the key factors that separate a worthwhile purchase from a false sense of security. These are the specs and features that actually matter when you are spending hard-earned money on firearm protection.
Steel Gauge: The Most Important Spec
Steel gauge is the single biggest indicator of a safe’s real security level, and it is also the spec that manufacturers most often obscure. Lower gauge numbers mean thicker steel. Twelve-gauge steel is roughly 0.105 inches thick, 14-gauge is about 0.075 inches, and 16-gauge is approximately 0.06 inches.
The jump from 16-gauge to 12-gauge may sound small, but it roughly doubles the resistance time against pry attacks and cutting tools. Our team found that Reddit users on r/Safes consistently recommend 12-gauge as the minimum for anything claiming to protect a serious firearm collection.
In this roundup, the Stealth UL28 uses 12-gauge steel and carries a UL RSC rating. The Stealth EGS28 uses 14-gauge. Everything from the Barska down to the INTERGREAT uses 16-gauge or unspecified thinner steel, which puts them in the cabinet category rather than true safes.
Fire Ratings: Read the Fine Print
Fire ratings tell you how long a safe protects its contents at a specific temperature. The Stealth UL28 offers a 1-hour rating at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is strong for this price range. The Stealth EGS28 provides 30 minutes, which covers most residential fires.
Be skeptical of fire ratings that do not specify temperature. A safe rated for 60 minutes at 350 degrees is not protecting your guns from a 1,200-degree house fire. Look for ratings that specify both time and temperature, and prioritize safes with intumescent door seals that expand to block smoke.
None of the budget safes in this roundup, from the TIGERKING down to the INTERGREAT, publish fire ratings. If fire protection matters to you, stick with the Stealth models or budget for a separate fire-resistant document safe inside your gun storage.
Lock Types: Electronic vs Mechanical vs Biometric
Electronic keypad locks are the most popular choice in this price range. They offer quick access, easy reprogramming, and reliability. The Stealth UL28 and EGS28 both use UL listed electronic locks from NL-UR2020, which is a quality lock backed by a 2-year parts and labor warranty.
Mechanical dial locks never need batteries and have decades of proven reliability, but they are slower to open and harder to reprogram. I did not find any mechanical dial safes in this specific product set, but they are worth considering if you prioritize absolute reliability over speed.
Biometric locks, like the KAER’s fingerprint scanner, offer the fastest access but introduce reliability concerns. Enroll multiple fingers, test regularly, and always keep your backup key accessible. Biometric is best as a convenience layer, not your only access method.
Real-World Capacity: The 50-60 Percent Rule
Every safe manufacturer inflates capacity numbers, and this is one of the most common complaints in forum discussions. A safe advertised as holding 28 guns will realistically fit 14 to 18 scoped rifles. The advertised number assumes unscoped guns packed tightly with no accessories.
Once you add optics, bipods, magazines, and a door organizer loaded with handguns, capacity drops further. Our team applies a simple rule: take the advertised capacity and multiply by 0.5 to 0.6 to get your real-world number.
This matters for buying decisions. If you currently own 15 scoped rifles and want room to grow, a 28-gun safe from Stealth is the right choice, not a 15-gun safe from INTERGREAT that actually holds 8.
UL RSC Certification: The Gold Standard
UL Residential Security Container (RSC) certification means an independent laboratory tested the safe against a five-minute attack using common hand tools. Only about 1 in 5 safes under $2,000 carry this rating, according to industry research.
In this roundup, only the Stealth UL28 has a genuine UL RSC rating. If certified burglary protection is your top priority, that is the safe to buy. Other safes may claim burglary resistance, but without independent testing, those claims are marketing rather than verified performance.
Total Cost of Ownership Beyond the Sticker Price
The price tag is just the beginning. Professional delivery for a 500-pound safe runs $300 to $600, and many companies charge extra for stairs or threshold delivery. A dehumidifier costs $30 to $60 and is essential for preventing rust in any safe.
Anchoring hardware adds another $20 to $50 if you are mounting to concrete. Some owners also invest in interior lighting, additional shelving, or a door organizer. When I added these costs for the Stealth UL28, the real total approached $2,300.
Budget for these extras before you buy. A safe that sits unbolted in a garage because you ran out of money for proper installation provides far less protection than a lighter safe that is properly anchored and maintained.
What to Avoid
Avoid any safe that does not publish its steel gauge. If a manufacturer hides this spec, the steel is almost certainly thin. Also avoid safes with fewer than four locking bolts, because a two-bolt door can be pried open relatively quickly.
Watch out for safes that claim fire protection without specifying time and temperature. A vague claim of fire resistant is not the same as a tested 1-hour rating at 1,200 degrees. Stick with brands that publish specific, verifiable specifications.
FAQs
What are the best gun safes for the money?
The Stealth EGS28 Special Edition offers the best balance of price and features under $2000, with 14-gauge steel, 30-minute fire protection, California DOJ approval, and a UL listed electronic lock. The Stealth UL28 is the best overall if you want maximum security with its UL RSC rating and 12-gauge steel construction.
What gun safes to stay away from?
Avoid safes that do not publish their steel gauge, have fewer than four locking bolts, or claim fire resistance without specifying time and temperature. Also be cautious of safes lighter than 100 pounds that cannot be bolted down, as these can simply be carried away by a thief.
Who has the best deal on gun safes right now?
Amazon frequently offers competitive pricing on gun safes with Prime delivery, which eliminates the $300 to $600 freight charge that specialty retailers add. Sportsman’s Warehouse and Safe and Vault Store also run seasonal sales, particularly around Black Friday and tax refund season.
What is the best gun safe under $2500?
The Stealth UL28 at $1,799 is the best gun safe under $2,500, offering a UL RSC burglary rating, 12-gauge solid steel, 1-hour fire protection, and 12 locking bolts. Its certified security and lifetime burglary and fire warranty make it the strongest choice in this expanded budget range.
How many guns actually fit in a 24-gun safe?
A 24-gun safe realistically holds 12 to 15 scoped rifles, which is 50 to 60 percent of the advertised capacity. Manufacturers count unscoped guns packed tightly with no accessories. Once you add optics, magazines, and door organizers, expect your real capacity to be roughly half of what the label claims.
Final Verdict on the Best Gun Safes Under $2000
After comparing all seven options, the Stealth UL28 stands out as the best gun safe under $2000 for serious firearm protection, thanks to its UL RSC rating, 12-gauge steel, and 1-hour fire protection. The Stealth EGS28 is the smart value pick for buyers who want full-size capacity without the premium price.
For smaller budgets, the TIGERKING delivers excellent build quality at under $1,000, while the KAER brings biometric convenience to the sub-$500 range. Whatever you choose in 2026, prioritize steel thickness, bolt it down, and add a dehumidifier to get real protection for your firearms investment.