The AR-15 is arguably one of the most popular guns right now. Whether you just bought or built a new one, you’re likely thinking — how do I store it? How do I care for it? Ripping through a few boxes at the gun range and then sliding it into the closet isn’t going to cut it.
Top 5 AR-15 Gun Safes
An AR gun safe is any safe that holds an AR-15. These gun safes are primarily used to keep unauthorized persons (such as felons, minors and burglars) from accessing your assault rifle. They range in size and speed to open. The following are three of our top picks:
1. ShotLock AR 200m Solo-Vault
Holding just a single AR-15, this ShotLock AR can be discreetly mounted on a wall, to a sturdy piece of furniture or in your vehicle. It’s constructed with military grade 14 gauge steel and features an easy to use push button key-override lock that can be opened in seconds.
Because the trigger is fully enclosed within the safe, the AR-15 can be safely stored while fully loaded. Plus, the safe is equipped with additional magazine storage for extra fire power.
Learn More About the ShotLock AR Solo-Vault
2. Vaultek RS500i
Cutting edge technology, a fully customizable interior, and a slim frame make the Vaultek RS500i a favorite among those who need a space-friendly solution to multiple-gun storage. Particularly ideal for those who are in a condo or apartment, it comes equipped with a biometric lock and WiFi technology.
3. DV652 Under Bed Safe
The DV652 is designed to be mounted to the floor, making it ideal for being placed under your bed. For such a slim safe, it has a generously proportioned interior. Depending on the barrel length and size of scope, you may be able to store additional fire arms and ammunition in this safe.
4. Liberty Centurion 18 Flex
At 24.25 inches wide, the Liberty Centurion 18 Flex can easily be installed in most conventional closets. The flexible interior offers more than five configurations and can hold up to 18 long guns. This makes it ideal for those who want to store their AR and several other firearms and/or valuables and ammunition.
Learn More About the Centurion 18 Flex
5. Liberty Franklin 25
Constructed with 11-gauge steel and 4-inch locking bars, the Liberty Franklin 25 is one of our top home gun safes. Made in America, it has a 90-minute fire rating and can hold up to 27 long guns. Plus, it comes with Liberty’s 4-in-1 Flex adjustable interior, so you can customize it to meet your storage needs.
Learn More About the Franklin 25
Common AR-15 FAQs
1. How do you clean an AR-15
Chances are pretty good you already have most of the tools you need to clean an AR-15 if you already have other guns — and are cleaning them like you should be. That being said, there are some AR specific cleaning supplies you’ll want to acquire.
Pew Pew Tactical has an in-depth, easy-to-follow guide showing you how to break your gun down, clean it, and reassemble it.
2. When Were ARs First Built?
The foundation of the AR-15 was first developed in the 1950s by ArmaLite, Inc. — an automatic military rifle. ArmaLite sold it with limited success and in 1959 the design was purchased by Colt.
Four years later, the U.S. military selected Colt to manufacture the automatic rifle, known as the M-16. It quickly became standard issue for U.S. troops in the Vietnam War.
The M-16 was extremely well-received thanks to its multi-purpose functionality. Sensing the demand for a similar semiautomatic version among law enforcement and everyday citizens, Colt developed the AR-15. When the patent expired in the 1970s other manufacturers began producing similar models.
Today, nearly all gun manufacturers carry an AR-15. Furthermore, it’s common for gun enthusiasts to build their own AR-15 at home.
3. What Does AR Mean in AR-15?
While many people believe the AR in AR-15 stands for assault rifle — a rapid-fire, magazine-fed automatic rifle designed for infantry use — the AR actually stands for ArmaLite Rifle. ArmaLite, Inc. developed the design upon which the semiautomatic gun is built.
4. Why are AR-15s so Popular?
While assault rifles have their fair share naysayers out there, the growing community of AR-15 fans is steadily growing — and with good reason. There’s a lot to live about this finely tuned machine:
- It can cut down an animal or intruder at close range, while also piercing a distant target, all with a single shot precision.
- It’s a sleek beast that delivers a gratifying blast of adrenaline.
- It offers a symbolic, hardcore token of American values — freedom, might, and self reliance.
5. Do You Need Any Special Licensing of Training to Own an AR-15?
As of July 1, 2019, Initiative 1639 requires the completion of a firearms safety training course in order to purchase any semi-automatic rifle. Here at NW Safe, you can take a free online course which will provide you a digital certificate of completion.