Gun Safe Sizes Explained: Choosing the Right Capacity for Your Collection

 

When you're shopping for a gun safe, one of the biggest mistakes people make is buying the wrong size. I see it all the time – someone gets a small gun safe thinking it'll be enough, and six months later they're frustrated because there's no space left for anything else.

Here's the reality: choosing the right gun safe size isn't just about fitting your guns today. You need to think about your collection five years from now. Trust me, it's way easier to buy the right size the first time than to upgrade later.

 

Understanding Gun Safe Sizes:

Gun safes come in all different sizes, and honestly, it can be confusing. The size is usually measured by how many guns it can hold. You'll see safes ranging from compact models that hold 2-4 guns all the way up to massive safes that store 50+ firearms.

But here's the thing – the number of guns a safe can hold isn't the full story. You also need to think about ammunition storage, accessories, documents, and other valuables. A 10-gun safe might actually only hold 6-7 guns if you're storing ammunition, holsters, and important paperwork inside.

Small Gun Safes (2-6 Guns):

Small gun safes are perfect if you own just a few handguns or rifles. They're compact, affordable, and easy to fit in a closet or bedroom. If you're a first-time gun owner or just have a basic collection, these work great.

The downside? They fill up fast. If you think you might add to your collection, go bigger.

Medium Gun Safes (8-15 Guns):

This is where most gun owners land. Medium-sized gun safes give you room for a decent collection plus some space for ammunition and accessories. They're the sweet spot between price and functionality.

If you're just getting started and planning to grow your collection over time, I'd recommend starting here. You won't outgrow it immediately, and it won't break the bank.

Large Gun Safes (20+ Guns):

Large gun safes are for serious collectors. If you have a substantial firearms collection or plan to keep adding guns regularly, this is your category. These safes are heavier, more expensive, but they provide plenty of room for everything.

How to Choose the Right Size:

Ask yourself these questions:

• How many guns do I own right now? – Start there, then add 50% more capacity for growth
• What else am I storing? – If you're keeping ammunition, documents, and jewelry, you'll need more space than just guns
• Where will I put it? – A huge safe needs a dedicated space. Make sure you have room
• What's my budget? – Larger safes cost more, but they're an investment in security

Here's my honest take: most people should go with a medium gun safe as their first choice. It's versatile, reasonably priced, and gives you room to grow your collection without running out of space in a year.

Finding the Best Gun Safe for Your Needs:

If you're in the market for a new gun safe, I recently reviewed all the best gun safe options available right now. Whether you're looking for a compact safe for your first gun or a large safe for a growing collection, I've got detailed comparisons of gun safe sizes and capacities.

If you're shopping during Black Friday, there are some really solid gun safe deals available. I've put together a guide to the best Black Friday gun safe deals with different sizes and price points, so you can find exactly what fits your collection and your budget.

Final Verdict:

Buying the right size gun safe matters more than you think. Don't underestimate how much your collection might grow, and don't overestimate how much space you actually need. Think it through, measure your space, and choose a gun safe that'll work for you today and tomorrow.

Your firearms deserve proper protection, and the right gun safe size is the first step.