When it comes to the best smart gun safe for rifles, the market is inundated with choices that range from budget to premium but the Vaultek RS500i Plus Edition with WiFi is a biometric rifle safe that stands apart from the rest.
In this article, we will delve into the intricate features that set this safe apart and offer a comprehensive comparison with other rifle safes in the same price range.
To learn all of the criteria we use to rank gun safes, see: How We Test Gun Safes
What is the Best Long Gun Safe for the Money?
Throughout an extensive journey to find the best long gun safe, we stumbled upon one of the most advanced and technologically superior long gun safes currently on the market- The Vaultek RS500i Plus Edition Smart Rifle Safe.
We thoroughly researched numerous safes, however, we couldn’t find one rifle safe that incorporated all the smart features you could ask for, wrapped up in a comprehensive and aesthetically appealing package.
Now, let’s get into the key features, user reviews, and comparisons to show you why we dig this long gun safe so much and why we think this is the best smart gun safe money can buy for a versatile and modular firearm storage experience!
Key Features of The Vaultek RS500i
There are a ton of great features that make the Vaultek RS500i Plus Edition on the cutting edge of rifle safe technology.
Here are the standout features that make the Vaultek the best value for the money:
Biometric Security: The Vaultek RS500i Plus Edition is equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology, featuring an advanced biometric scanner that surpassed our expectations, possessing the ability to effectively store and recognize up to 20 distinct and individual fingerprints.
Known for its biometric precision and reliability, this state-of-the-art scanner guarantees seamless and lightning-fast access to your valuable possessions.
WiFi Connectivity: One of the distinctive features that truly sets the Vaultek RS500i Plus Edition apart from other safes on the market is its built-in pegboard organization, additional adjustable shelving, and advanced WiFi connectivity technology, enabling seamless remote monitoring capabilities that trump the competition.
With this groundbreaking feature at your disposal, you can effortlessly stay in the loop and keep a vigilant eye on the status of your safe from virtually anywhere.
You can check the status of your safe, receive timely tamper alerts to preempt any potential threats, and astoundingly, you can even execute remote unlocks, all with just a few taps on your smartphone via the highly intuitive and user-friendly VAULTEK app.
Rifle Capacity: With the capacity to hold up to 5 rifles, the spacious interior of this safe provides ample storage for long guns, handguns, ammo, and accessories.
Enhanced Organization: The RS500i PLUS EDITION is packed with a wide range of extra accessories. Alongside the standard ones, the Plus Edition boasts a front door pegboard and AR door mount that are already installed.
It also includes an extra EDC shelf, various pistol racks, and mag racks, as well as two additional rifle barrel mounts.
Impressive Build Quality: Constructed from 14-gauge carbon steel, this rifle locker exhibits exceptional strength and ruggedness in its class.
The inclusion of anti-pry bars, which serve as an additional layer of defense against unauthorized access, combined with the dual anti-impact latches that reinforce the overall security system, goes a long way in upping the resistance of pry attacks.
Built-In Lighting: When the door opens, the interior is automatically illuminated by LED lighting. The included rechargeable lithium-ion backup battery offers standby power for up to 4 months when used without plugging in, and it can be charged in just 3.5 hours using the provided power adapter.
Vaultek RS500i Pros and Cons
Now, let’s dive into the many pros of the Vaultek RS500i Plus Edition rifle safe as well as a couple of cons to round out this section.
Pros:
- Advanced Biometric Scanner: Quick and accurate readings for fast access.
- WiFi Connectivity: Remote monitoring and control for enhanced peace of mind.
- Durable Build: 14-gauge carbon steel construction guarantees longevity.
- Interior Lighting: Automatic LED lighting provides convenience in dark conditions.
- Easy Setup: Comes with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware for quick installation.
- Built-In Organization: The Plus Edition adds all of the bells and whistles that you’d normally have to purchase separately to gain this level of organization and usability.
Cons:
- Price: Higher upfront cost compared to basic safes.
- Limited Capacity: This can be restrictive if you own a large collection of firearms.
Winner: The Vaultek RS500i Smart Rifle Safe
It’s hard for us to imagine a more advanced rifle safe for the money, than the Vaultek RS500i Plus Edition. Especially when considering all of its built-in smart-tech and organization systems.
#1 Smart Rifle Locker
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Plus Edition Included Accessories:
- Pre-installed front door pegboard
- Twin Pistol Rack (Style A)
- Spring-loaded AR mount
- 6-Slot pistol mag rack
- Extra barrel mount
- (2) Extra barrel mount adapters
- Velcro barrel mount
- Single pistol/AR mag holster
- 4-Slot AR mag rack
- 75% width shelf
Specifications:
Backlit Keypad: Backlit 8-digit keypad with built-in proximity sensor
Battery Life: Up to 6 months using low-power mode
Battery Type: Upgraded 3.6V 18650 3300MAH Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Biometric Imaging Speed: 40 FPS
Biometric Sensor Area: 11.00MM x 11.00MM
Biometric Sensor Pixels: 192 x 192 Pixels @ 508DPI
Biometric Storage Capacity: 20 Unique Fingerprints
Construction: Progressive formed 14-gauge steel
Exterior Dimensions: 54.00″ H x 14.00″ W x 11.70″ D
Interior Dimensions: 53.25″ H x 13.75″ W x 9.75″ D
LCD Screen Size: 50.00MM x 25.00MM
Pin Code Length: 4-8 digits
Weight: 93 pounds
Fire Rated: No
Vaultek RS500i User Feedback
Here’s what other owners are saying about their Vaultek RS500i Plus Edition Smart Long Gun Safe:
Positive Reviews:
“The biometric scanner works flawlessly. It recognizes my fingerprint even when my hands are dirty from cleaning my guns.” — John D.
“I love the WiFi functionality. I get alerts on my phone if someone is tampering with the safe. It’s amazing!” — Emily R.
“The VAULTEK RS Series is like the Swiss Army knife of gun safes. It does everything, and it does it well. From the biometric scanner to the WiFi connectivity, it’s tech-savvy and reliable.” — Laura H.
“I didn’t think I needed the WiFi features until I had them. Now, I can’t imagine owning a safe without them. I get real-time alerts and can check the status of the safe from anywhere. It’s brilliant!” — Daniel T.
“It was surprisingly easy to set up. The manual was clear, and all the mounting hardware was included. It took me less than an hour to have it all secured and ready to go.” — Terry V.
Happy Customers
Negative Reviews:
“The price tag is a bit high. But once you start using it, you’ll know it’s worth every penny.” — Mark P.
“If you have a big collection, you might find it a bit limiting. However, for me, it fits my four long guns and a few handguns perfectly.” — Sarah C.
“The safe is excellent, but I had a bit of a hiccup with the app initially. It took me a couple of tries to get it synced. Once it was set up, though, it worked perfectly.” — Gina W.
“The WiFi features are great, but they should work on extending the battery life. I find myself charging it more often than I’d like.” — Wendy A.
Customers With Mixed Feelings
While the positive reviews echo the safe’s advanced features and ease of setup, the negative reviews aren’t entirely negative but do bring attention to some minor inconveniences like the initial app setup and battery life.
Given the totality of these user perspectives, the VAULTEK RS Series still stands as an exceptional product.
The minor drawbacks are easily overshadowed by its advanced features, robust build quality, and the peace of mind it offers, solidifying its position as the best long gun safe for the money.
The Competition
Let’s round up the competition to compare this awesome long gun safe versus offerings from the likes of Barska, Steelwater, Stack-On, Liberty, and Secure-It.
Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe
- Pros: Budget-friendly, decent biometric scanner.
- Cons: Build quality isn’t as robust, no remote monitoring.
Steelwater Heavy Duty 20 Long Gun Safe
- Pros: High capacity, fire-resistant up to 1 hour.
- Cons: Lacks advanced technological features and is cumbersome to move.
Stack-On A-18-MB-E-S Armorguard 18-Gun Safe
- Pros: Convertible interior for customized storage, electronic lock with backup keys.
- Cons: Not as robust in terms of build quality, no biometric or WiFi features.
Liberty Safe Centurion 24 Gun Safe
- Pros: Excellent fire protection, can store up to 24 long guns.
- Cons: No biometric features, expensive, no remote monitoring.
SecureIt Agile Model 52
- Pros: Modular interior, lightweight yet durable.
- Cons: Lacks biometric and WiFi features, more suited for those who need quick assembly and disassembly.
Compared to the competition, it appears, so far, that the Vaultek RS500i Plus Edition is adding up to be considered as one of the best, if not the best long gun safe for the money!
Side-by-Side Features Comparison
Let’s take a look at the feature comparison side-by-side to give you a nice visual representation of which rifle safe is the best overall.
| Feature | VAULTEK RS Series | Barska Quick Access | Steelwater 20 | Stack-On A-18 | Liberty Centurion 24 | SecureIt Agile 52 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biometric Scanner | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| WiFi Connectivity | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Build Quality | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair | Excellent | Good |
| Fire Resistance | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Capacity | Medium | Low | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ |
Final Verdict
When you consider the side-by-side comparison of features and capabilities, it becomes clear that the VAULTEK RS Series offers a compelling mix of advanced features and robust build quality.
Unlike other safes in the same price range, it doesn’t sacrifice tech-savvy amenities for build quality or vice versa.
Yes, Steelwater offers greater capacity and fire resistance but falls short in technological features. Stack-On and SecureIt are reasonable choices but don’t offer the balanced mix of technology and build quality that VAULTEK does.
The Barska model, on the other hand, offers some of the technological features but compromises on build quality.
Liberty Safe is excellent in terms of fire resistance and capacity but lacks the smart features that are increasingly becoming standard expectations.
If you’re looking for a rifle safe that offers advanced technology, quick accessibility, robust security, and smart monitoring features, your search might end with the VAULTEK RS Series Smart 5-Gun Safe.
Our Choice For Best Smart Rifle Safe
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It stands out as the best value for the money, offering a holistic package that few if any competitors in the same price range can match. You often get what you pay for in the world of smart gun safes.
The VAULTEK RS Series may have a higher upfront cost, but the sheer range of features, build quality, and user reviews all point to it being the best option you can buy in 2024.
