For this article, we dedicated ourselves to researching the best bedside pistol safe options handpicked by our team of experts with over a decade of experience in defensive gun storage solutions.
To learn all of the criteria we use to rank gun safes, see: How We Test Gun Safes
What Are The Best Bedside Pistol Safes?
There’s a flood of mediocre pistol safes on the market but we’ve managed to find the winners that demonstrated reliable quick-access technologies such as biometric fingerprint readers, keypad access, and RFID rapid access.
Without further ado, here are the top 7 Editor’s picks for 2024:
#1 Hornady Night Guard Pistol Safe
Hornady has come out with yet another steller option for your nightstand called the “Night Guard”. This nifty smart design is disguised as an alarm clock and hides in plain sight.
Alarm Clock With Sliding Drawer
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It utilizes touch-free RFID reader technology that is faster and more reliable than biometric scanners.
The spring-assisted drawer houses a single full-sized handgun that can be accessed in the blink of an eye should the need arise! It can also be opened with your user access code or a backup key on the rear of the safe.
#2 Vaultek RS20i Slider Pistol Safe
The Vaultek RS20i doesn’t just prioritize security; it does so with style. Its sleek and ergonomic design not only enhances its visual appeal but also makes it a seamless addition to any room.
Smart Slider With Premium Build
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The slider mechanism adds a touch of innovation, allowing the safe to smoothly glide open, revealing your firearms in an impressive cinematic manner.
This design isn’t just about looks; it’s about functionality and ease of use.
#3 GloryFire Nightstand Pistol Safe
The GloryFire pistol safe is a very compact vertical design that incorporates a spring-loaded sliding door for quick access to your home defense pistol. It also has a slot for your backup magazine.
Spare Mag Slot!
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Coming with an excellent and responsive biometric scanner and keypad code access, this safe is an excellent option for home defense use.
Its small footprint helps to keep it hidden when mounted bedside. It can be installed just about anywhere such as under a desk, in a closet, or any place you want to have a firearm nearby.
#4 MaxSafe Under Desk Pistol Safe
The MaxSafes biometric under-desk pistol safe is another great choice that can be mounted just about anywhere to meet your home defense needs.
Sliding Drawer W/ Foam Cutouts
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With an advanced biometric vein recognition technology built-in, you can be assured that only a living fingerprint will be recognized.
The spring-loaded tray slides open quickly and grants access the moment you need it most while keeping out those without access codes or fingerprint registration.
#5 RPNB Slider Pistol Safe
The RPBN mounted safe with a sliding door is another great option as a home defense bedside solution that grants you quick access to your defense pistol should a threat to your welfare ever present itself in the dark of night.
Sleek Biometric Design
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With its highly sensitive and advanced biometric fingerprint technology, you can rest assured that only your fingerprint will grant quick entry into this safe.
You can share the access code with loved ones whom you authorize in the event of your absence. The slim design grants you the ability to easily mount and hide this safe in a wide variety of furniture types and various locations to suit your needs.
#6 MaxSafe Drop-Down Pistol Safe
The MaxSafes drop-down vault shares its biometric scanner technology with the slide-out drawer model shown on this list.
Drop-Down Design
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This version features a drop-down design and mounts vertically and can be mounted in many different locations and attached to most furniture in your room.
Like most safes on this list, it features an electronic keypad and a backup key granting you 3-points of access as a failsafe.
#7 Langger Slider Pistol Safe
The Langger biometric slider is a very compact option that adds a spot for an extra magazine, which we think is a nice touch. It can fit most full-size handguns with ease with a maximum pistol length of 9.5 inches.
Excellent Value For Money
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Its unique mounting plate system can be configured to mount it in a variety of positions and locations making it ideal for use in multiple scenarios.
It features a reliable biometric scanner and a 4-digit keypad, as well as a backup key. It’s not our first choice when it comes to the backup key type used, since barrel keys are much harder to pick and require specialized tools that aren’t commonly known.
#8 RPNB Mounted Pistol Safe
Our last pick is a great option for those on tighter budgets and one we tested hands-on. The RPNB features a drop-down design with a responsive and reliable biometric fingerprint reader.
Passed Our Tests!
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It can be mounted in a variety of ways depending on where you choose to mount it and makes a great option for bedside security without costing too much or sacrificing build quality or reliability.
The one we tested, though a sample size of one, performed flawlessly and was super easy to use and program.
Check out our YouTube review
The backup key is the barrel key type that we tend to favor over other key types due to it being much harder to pick without specialized tools or knowledge.
#9 VAULTEK Smart Station Pistol Safe
Due to its premium price, we decided to include the Vaultek smart station as our top bonus pick for those who can afford it.
Premium Alarm Clock Slider
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Out of all of the pistol safes on this list, the Vaultek smart station looks the most like your typical digital alarm clock. It blends in seamlessly into your bedroom while hiding in plain sight.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use the tether or bolt it down just in case! It boasts a wireless charger and offers an impressive range of intelligent features, effectively justifying its price tag.
Vaultek is renowned for crafting high-end gun safes, establishing an exceptional reputation based on their superior build quality, outstanding performance, and unmatched reliability.
Pros and Cons To Consider
Here are some things to consider before buying a bedside pistol safe to store your firearms.
Pros:
- Quick Access: These pistol safes allow you to retrieve your firearm swiftly during an emergency.
- Discreet Placement: They blend seamlessly with your bedroom décor, keeping your firearm hidden from prying eyes.
- Child and Guest Safety: Properly secured bedside safes prevent unauthorized access, ensuring the safety of children and visitors.
Cons:
- Dependence on Technology: Electronic malfunctions or battery depletion could hinder quick access.
- Limited Storage: Most are designed for a single firearm, limiting storage options.
- Accessibility Concerns: Placing the safe too far from your bed might reduce its effectiveness during high-stress situations.
Lessons in Preparedness
Consider the consequences of not having a pistol safe nearby when you need it most. In the event of a break-in or home invasion, precious seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
To minimize the risk of being caught off guard, having swift access to a bedside firearm is of utmost importance!
Final Thoughts
Investing in a pistol safe that is beside your bed is a crucial step toward bolstering your home defense strategy. These discreet and technologically advanced pistol safes promise quick and secure access to your firearm when you need it most.
With any of the great options listed here, you’ll be one step closer to addressing all of those bump-in-the-night scenarios!
