Gun safes and cabinets UK: How to choose by capacity, lock and budget

A gun safe is one of the least glamorous purchases you will ever make for your shooting, and one of the most important. It protects your guns, keeps them out of the wrong hands, and gives you peace of mind when you are away from home. Yet many buyers rush the decision, pick a size that is too small within a year, and end up buying twice.

If you are searching for gun safes or cabinets for sale in the UK, this guide explains how to compare the options sensibly. We cover capacity, locks, build and installation, and we look at the INFAC and JFC models you will see listed on Rightgun.uk. One note up front: security requirements for firearms are set by your firearms licensing authority, so always confirm what they expect before you buy. This guide is general buying advice, not legal advice.

Safe or cabinet: What is the difference?

The words are used loosely, but in practice a cabinet is usually a lighter, lower-cost steel unit designed to hold guns securely, while a safe is a heavier, more robustly built unit. Heavier construction generally means better resistance to attack, but also a bigger weight and a more involved installation.

For a small collection of shotguns or rifles in a house with limited space, a well-made cabinet may be a perfectly sensible choice. Larger collections, or higher-value guns, often justify a safe. Whatever you choose, confirm with your licensing authority that it meets their expectations before you buy.

Browse: Safes and cabinets · INFAC SD10 safe · INFAC SD10 cabinet · JFC breakdown shotgun cabinet

Capacity: buy bigger than you think

This is the mistake we see most often. People buy for the guns they own today, not the ones they will own in two years. Shooting collections grow, and a safe that is full on day one has no room for a second shotgun, a rifle, or a case of ancillary kit.

A useful rule of thumb is to count what you have now, add what you realistically expect to buy, and then go one size up. Remember that scoped rifles take up more room than their length suggests, and that a gun in a slip needs more space than a bare gun. Check the internal dimensions on any listing rather than relying on the headline capacity.

Browse: INFAC S3 safe · INFAC S5 safe · INFAC SD14 safe · INFAC SD16 safe

Locks: Key, combination or electronic

Locks fall into a few broad types. Key locks are simple and reliable, though you have to manage the keys carefully. Combination locks remove the key but rely on you remembering the code. Electronic keypads are fast and convenient, but depend on batteries and good-quality electronics.

There is no single right answer. Think about who needs access, how often, and how you will store any spare keys or codes away from the safe itself. Spare keys and blank keys are sold separately for some models, which is worth knowing if you are buying second-hand and want a fresh set.

Browse: INFAC blank key · INFAC spare lock and key · INFAC ED18 safe · INFAC ED23 safe

Build quality and the INFAC range

Build is where cheaper units and better ones part company. Look at the thickness of the steel, the way the door is constructed, the type of hinges and bolts, and how securely the unit can be fixed to the wall or floor. Heavier, better-built units cost more, but they are doing a more serious job.

INFAC is a name you will see frequently on Rightgun.uk, with a range of models from the smaller S and L series up to the larger SD and ED lines. The model names are a good starting point for comparison, but always read the listing for the actual dimensions, door construction and lock type rather than assuming.

Browse: INFAC S2 safe · INFAC L10 safe · INFAC L14 safe · INFAC SD16 cabinet

Installation, position and second-hand buying

A safe is only as secure as its fixing. Plan where it will go before you buy: a solid wall or floor, away from damp, and positioned so the door opens fully. Heavy units can be awkward to move, so think about access, stairs and who will help.

Buying second-hand can save money, and it is a sensible route if you check carefully. Ask about the age, whether the original keys or codes are included, and whether the door, hinges and locks operate smoothly. Look for damage, rust or signs of attempted forced entry. Check measurements twice before you collect it.

Browse: Safes and cabinets · INFAC SD10 safe · INFAC S5 safe · INFAC S3 cabinet

Setting a sensible budget

Rather than chasing the cheapest unit, think in tiers. An entry-level cabinet suits a small collection where space is tight. A mid-range safe from a recognised maker offers heavier construction and better locking for a growing collection. A larger, heavier safe makes sense for valuable guns or a bigger collection, and it tends to hold its value if you ever need to sell.

Remember to count the extras: delivery, fixings, and possibly someone to help with installation. A secure fixing costs little compared with the guns inside. If you can, view a unit in person or ask the seller for clear photographs of the inside, the door edge, and the lock.

Browse: INFAC SD14 cabinet · INFAC SD16 cabinet · INFAC ED18 safe · Safes and cabinets

Frequently asked questions

What size gun safe should I buy? Count the guns you have, add what you expect to buy, and go one size up. Check the internal dimensions rather than the headline capacity.

Is a gun cabinet as good as a gun safe? It depends on the build and on what your licensing authority expects. Cabinets are lighter and often cheaper, while safes are generally heavier and more robust.

Who decides what security I need? Your firearms licensing authority sets the requirements for your licence. Speak to them before you buy, and keep their guidance to hand.

Can I buy a second-hand gun safe? Yes, many people do. Check the keys or codes, the condition of the door and lock, and the measurements before you collect.

Find a safe or cabinet on Rightgun.uk

Rightgun.uk lists gun safes, cabinets, spare keys and locks from across the UK, alongside the guns you want to keep inside them. Browse the range, compare dimensions and condition, and message sellers directly. If you are upgrading, list your old unit with us and reach buyers who are looking for one.

Further reading: Firearm security in the modern age, Buying your first shotgun, How to buy a gun in the UK, and Winter gun care.