Finding the right closet safe can be harder than it sounds. Standard safes are usually too deep to fit in a typical closet, and the smaller models on the market are limited in both options and availability. While some brands like Liberty offer home safes that work for general storage, they don’t always meet the needs of someone looking for a true closet-sized gun safe.
That’s why it’s important to understand your options — from compact, budget-friendly models to high-end designs — so you can choose a safe that not only fits your space but also provides the right balance of security, fire protection, and usability.
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Episode 23 Discussion Topics
0:30 What is a Closet Safe?
3:59: The Mistake of Buying too Small
5:14: Good - Better - Best - Elite
Episode 23 Discussion Question Synopses
0:30: What is a Closet Safe?
Most safes come in three standard sizes:
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25 cubic feet
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40 cubic feet
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70 cubic feet
These safes are too deep to fit in a regular closet, as they are between 30-inches to 40-inches in depth. Most closet safes need to be 22 inches deep or less. In this size, there just aren’t many option. In fact, you might only find four or five models.
Years ago, companies like Liberty made safes in lots of different sizes. Now the choices are much more limited. Liberty recently introduced a line of Premium Home Safes, which are great for general storage or a couple of long guns.
But, they are not ideal if you want a true closet-sized gun safe. That’s why this niche — quality, shallow-depth safes — is so tricky. What customers think of as “small,” doesn’t always match what the industry means.
Compare the stylish MyCube safe with the heavy-duty American Security® MAX 1014 TL-15. Discover which safe fits your security needs best.
3:59: The Mistake of Buying too Small
A lot of people think they want a small safe, but the truth is most regret not going bigger. The price difference between a smaller safe and a 25-cubic-foot model is usually tiny, but the extra space makes a huge difference.
When someone asks about a 24-inch wide safe, it only makes sense if they have a very specific space to fit it. Otherwise, it’s just too tight—especially if you’ve got more than a couple of handguns and a few rifles. Even though safes are advertised to hold 50 guns, in reality they hold way less. That’s why we always recommend sizing up—so you don’t end up running out of room.
5:14: Good - Better - Best - Elite
GOOD: Challenger 15
The Challenger 15 is a Champion gun safe. It has a 12-gauge steel body, which is stronger than the thinner 14-gauge models you usually see at the same price. It also comes with one of the best electronic locks available — an S&G, which we trust so much that we use them in our offices and our personal safes. The frame is sturdy, the steel door is solid, and it even offers decent fire protection.
However, if fire safety is your top priority, Liberty’s USA line is a better bet. It’s 60-minute fire rating is superior to the Challenger’s. (We’ll address this more in an upcoming blog post.) But if you’re after a compact safe with a tough build and a reliable lock, the Challenger 15 is a solid choice.
BETTER: Liberty Premium Home Safe
If you want to take it up another step, the Liberty’s line of Premium Home Safes is a good move. You have a 10 gauge body and a legitimate 2 hour fire rating.
We’ve talked about putting a typical gun safe interior in this safe, but we just haven’t done it yet. Still, we’re pretty sure Liberty can do it.
BEST: AMSEC BFX 6024
An AMSEC BFX safe is a smart choice if you want strong protection without giving up convenience. Its body is built with two interlocking steel shells welded together, creating a barrier nearly twice as thick as most safes on the market.
Furthermore, it features DryLight fire insulation. This is a poured concrete material that offers extreme protection against heat, while still being lightweight enough the safe can be installed on the second story of a traditional home.
The door combines a solid half-inch steel plate with fire insulation for both strength and heat resistance, while its heavy-duty locking bolts are designed to hold tight against pry attacks. Put simply, the BFX gives you high-level security, reliable fire protection, and home-friendly design all in one.
ELITE: Fort Knox Maverik
The Fort Knox Maverick is a great choice if you want solid protection at a fair price. It gives you options like ballistic or stainless steel, plus flexibility in sizing with models like the 6024 or 6026. One of its big perks is the ability to choose which way the door swings, so you can set it up to work better in your space.