Best Browning Gun Safe Reviews
Browning has a rich history in the gun industry and has pioneered the way for most other brands in the outdoor products world. In 1879 John Moses Browning was granted his first patent, which was on his single shot rifle. Over the next several years John built a small manufacturing facility and had gained several more patents on new gun designs. With more than 137 years in the industry, Browning has made a serious impact on the outdoor product world and has become one of the most popular well-known outdoor product manufacturers out there.
Browning is most well known for their firearms and accessories, but that is not all that is available from Browning. Included in Browning’s large product line is a huge selection of firearms and firearm accessories, outdoor hunting and shooting clothing, knives, flashlights, gun cases, tactical gear and of course gun safes. Browning provides a great selection of some serious high quality gun safes that have situated their name near the top in the gun safe world. Not only does the Browning name provide excellent security and fire protection ratings, they also offer awesome interior and exterior options and configurations for a completely customized look.
If you’re in the market for a safe and aren’t quite sure what you should be looking for, there are some important features and options to take into consideration when picking out the perfect safe for your specific situation. Unfortunately, I am not able to tell you exactly which safe to get, as each person needs something a little different. In these next couple paragraphs I am going to cover things like safe capacity, fire protection, strength and security, aesthetics and warranty. If you’d like something a little more in depth about each of these topics, check out my article Things to look for in a gun safe.
The first thing to consider is the actual gun capacity of the safe. Each series of safe will come in different long-gun capacities that general range from 14 all the way up 100. It is always important to choose a safe that is too large for your current collection, that way you don’t grow out of it a few years down the road. Choose a safe that you can grow into and not out of. The second thing to look for is the fire protection rating. In the event of a fire, you are going to want your items to be safe and protected from the fire. I always recommend a minimum of 60 minutes worth of fire protection in any situation. You should consider even more protection if your home is located far from a fire station.
Another important and perhaps obvious feature to consider is the actual strength and security of your safe. This will protect your belongings from burglars and kids. You’d be surprised on how easy it is to break into a low security safe. If your safe is low security, it just becomes an easy target for an intruder. Also included in the security features is the lock type. This will decide how quickly and easily you access your safe. I always recommend an electronic keypad lock.
If you are planning on placing your safe in a game room, living room, bedroom, or anywhere else that it is visible, you’ll want to make sure your safe is aesthetically pleasing and matches your home décor. A safe can actually be a great conversation piece. Last but not least, you’ll want to make sure your safe comes with a lifetime warranty. Odds are you will have this safe for several years and you’ll want something that is covered and replaced under warranty in the event of a break in or fire.
Now that we’ve covered some of the most important things to look for in a safe, let’s check out some of the most popular best selling safes from Browning.
Contents
Medallion
The Medallion series is part of Browning’s Custom Collection and is included in their list of top selling gun safe models. This safe is meant to not just protect your firearm and valuables from burglary and fire, but also to be a great centerpiece for a room with its outstanding aesthetics inside and out. Included in the Medallion series is your choice of four different sized safes to accommodate several different sized collections. The smallest of the four sizes is the M28 and going up from there is the M40, M48 and the largest of the four, the M62. These safes range in capacity from 29 long-guns all the way up to 59 long-guns.
The medallion series features a super thick 10-gauge steel body to keep you protected against intruders and fire as well as Browning’s highest security Duo-Formed door. To keep the door securely fastened to the safe’s body, the Medallion series offers the Uni-Force locking bolt system that keeps all four sides of the safe, including the corners, locked down in case of a pry attempt. The Medallion also includes steel hard plates behind the lock to prevent drilling.
To keep your items safe in the event of a fire, the Medallion series offers nearly two hours of fire protection. With a fire rating of 110 minutes, you’ll be covered in most any situation. If you are planning on storing some items of extreme value, I would certainly suggest going with the Medallion. Also included is a heat expanding seal that completely seals all four sides of your safe when exposed to high amounts of heat. This protects the items inside the safe from fire and smoke damage.
Included with the Medallion safe is a variety of exterior and interior options. These option include your choice of 10 different exterior color choices, 3 different hardware and trim finishes, as well as 12 different graphic scene options for you door. The interior of the safe comes carpeted in a beige fabric and comes with fully adjustable shelving to fit whatever type of collection you have. The interior is also fully lit with LED lighting and comes with a premium door panel gun and accessory holder for quick access additional storage.
Browning completely stands behind their safes and offers a lifetime repair or replacement warranty. This covers your safe from attempted break ins, break ins, as well as damage from fire. They will also cover any freight costs.
| Model | Guns | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M28F | 29 | 60" | 31" | 26" | 895 lbs. | $$ |
| M40F | 43 | 60" | 44" | 26" | 1,105 lbs. | $$$ |
| M48F | 43 | 72" | 44" | 26" | 1,255 lbs. | $$$ |
| M62F | 59 | 72" | 57" | 26" | 1,055 lbs. | $$$$ |
Platinum Plus
Like the Medallion, the Platinum Plus is a part of Browning’s Custom Collection series and is included in Browning’s most popular top selling gun safe models. The Platinum Plus boasts top-notch security and fire protection as well as tons of exterior color and graphic options. The Platinum Plus comes in three different sizing options and two different capacity choices. The PP43 and the PP52 are the smaller of the two and have the same capacity rating of 43 long-guns, the only difference is the PP52 is built to be taller instead of wider. The PP66 is the largest of the size options and allows for storage of up to 59 long-guns.
The Platinum Plus series offers the highest amount of fire protection that Browning offers at 2 hours of fire protection. This high fire protection rating is accomplished by the incorporating a thick steel body and their ThermaBlock technology. They also incorporate a heat expanding seal that expands and seals all four sides of the safe body and protects your goods from smoke and heat damage. If you’ve got some high priced goods that you want protected in the even of a fire, I would definitely suggest the Platinum Plus series.
This series also offers superior protection against break-ins through the use of ultra thick 7-gauge steel body. That is nearly a quarter inch of steel on all sides of the safe! To make it nearly impossible for safe to pried open by an intruder, Browning has included their Uni-Force locking system that includes locking bolts on four sides and corners of your safes door. This model also comes with your choice of lock type including the standard dial lock, electronic key pad lock or a Biometric option. The Platinum Plus series is one of Browning’s highest security models and is built for the serious collector.
The exterior of the Platinum Plus includes a variety of different exterior and hardware color options including a few two-tone choices. Having a variety of color options makes it easy to match your rooms color palate. The interior of the safe is coated in luxurious grade VI cedar with simulated worn leather accents. It also includes a variety of interior amenities including a jewelry box, pistol rack, barrel rack, adjustable shelving, electrical outlet, interior lighting package and more. Since Platinum Plus model is one of Browning most expensive models, they have decided to include nearly every interior feature they offer.
Browning offers a lifetime replace or repair warranty that covers damage from break-ins and attempts as well as damage from fire. They will also pay any freight costs if necessary.
| Model | Guns | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP43F | 29 | 60" | 46" | 27" | 1,425 lbs. | $$$$ |
| PP52F | 43 | 72" | 46" | 27" | 1,620 lbs. | $$$$ |
| PP66F | 59 | 72" | 59" | 27" | 1,920 lbs. | $$$$ |
Sporter
The Sporter series is the most affordable, budget friendly safe the Browning has to offer and is a part of the Core Collection. The Core Collection is designed to you basic protection against fire and theft. It also provides you with an alternative option to most generic looking safes in this price range. You’ll be hard pressed to find another safe at this price that is as good as the Sporter. The Sporter comes in 4 different sizing options ranging from a smaller sized 23 long-gun capacity safe, all the way to the largest of the 4, the SP40, which can hold a maximum of 40 long-guns. Now that we’ve covered capacity, let’s check out some of the features of the Sporter.
Browning takes safe making seriously and knows that it is important to build a safe that can handle the high temperatures of a house fire. This is why Browning has set their minimum fire protection rating at 60 minutes, which is what is included in the budget friendly Sporter series. 60 minutes is my minimum recommendation and will suffice in most circumstances. Also included in all fire resistant Browning safe models is a heat expanding seal that will protect your safes interior and valuables from heat and smoke damage.
To keep your valuables safe, the Sporter is built from 12-gauge steel to aid in fire protection and burglary attempts. It’s has a 1” thick formed door with 8 total bolts covering three sides of the safe door. Also included to help increase security and protect your valuables is a force deflecting lock system, hardened steel pin lock protection and reinforced door frame. These features have earned the Sporter the UL RSC Tool Attack rating. Although these are some great features, I would still give this an entry-level security rating because of the steel thickness and also because the locking bolts do not cover all four sides of the safe’s door.
Even though the Sporter series is the most affordable from Browning, they still give you a couple different options on the exterior look. It comes with your choice of gloss black or hammer gray as well as a hardware and trim color choice of chrome or black chrome. The interior of the safe comes lined in beige fabric and has Browning’s DPX storage system that includes cantilevered modular shelving and a nifty door mounted storage panel that allows for storage of up to 7 long-guns, some pistols and accessories. It does not come with a lighting package or dehumidifier.
Browning includes their lifetime repair or replace warranty on all full-size browning safes. This means Browning will take care of you if your safe was damage during a fire or break in and they’ll even pay shipping costs.
| Model | Guns | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP20 | 23 | 58" | 30" | 20" | 495 lbs. | $ |
| SP23 | 25 | 58" | 30" | 23" | 520 lbs. | $$ |
| SP33 | 40 | 58" | 36" | 27" | 665 lbs. | $$ |
| SP41 | 40 | 72" | 36" | 27" | 770 lbs. | $$ |
Silver
When it comes to fire protection, the Silver has you covered. I always recommend a minimum of 60 minutes worth of protection and the silver provides up and over that minimum providing a generous 100 minutes of fire protection at 1680°F. This should be enough fire protection for nearly any scenario but those of you who are storing some high priced goods or live a ways away from the nearest fire station may want to consider something with even more protection like the Platinum Series. The Silver series also includes a heat expanding seal that will protect your valuables from heat and smoke damage.
The Silver series offers a step up from in security from entry-level safes and provides an 11-gauge steel safe body that is UL RSC Tool Attack rated. Security features also include a duo formed door and reinforced doorframe and the force deflector locking system that prevents force from reaching the locking mechanism. The Silver series uses Browning’s Pry-Stop 1 ¼” steel bolts on all four sides of the safe door to prevent the safe from being pried open by an intruder. If you are looking for mid-level security safe, Browning’s Silver series is a great place to start.
If you plan on placing your safe somewhere visible, it is important to make sure your safe looks good and matches your homes décor. The Silver series comes in a wide array of exterior colors including a couple different two-tone color options, which should make it easy to find a match to the feel of your room. It also comes with your choice of hardware and trim color options and 13 different door graphics choices. The interior of the safe is lined in beige fabric and comes with adjustable shelving for accessories. It also includes door panel storage for up to 7 long-guns as well as some handguns and accessories. For an additional cost you can add factory installed lighting and a dehumidifier, which I would highly recommend.
Browning includes their lifetime replacement or repair warranty on all of their full-size gun safes. This means you are protected in the event of a break-in, break-in attempt or fire damage.
| Model | Guns | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR37F | 43 | 60" | 43" | 25" | 910 lbs. | $$$ |
| SR45F | 43 | 72" | 43" | 25" | 1,050 lbs. | $$$ |
| SR59F | 43 | 72" | 56" | 25" | 1,275 lbs. | $$$$ |
Hell’s Canyon
Hell’s Canyon is part of Browning’s Core Series of safe’s and is also included as part of the Hunter model. This thing is extra wide and includes 48 cubic foot of interior space! That is enough space to store up to a generous 65 long-guns. Hell’s Canyon does only come in one size, however they do provide a couple different size options in the Hunter series, which has the same specs as Hell’s Canyon. The Hunter includes a 29 long-gun model and a 43 long-gun model. So if you’d like a smaller version of Hell’s Canyon, the Hunter series is your safe.
The fire protection rating on the Hell’s Canyon model provides up 90 minutes of fire protection at 1680°F, which is 30 minutes more than my minimum recommendation of 60 minutes. This is perfect for anyone that lives a little too far away from the nearest fire station or is planning on placing their safe somewhere the is more susceptible to fire. Also included to aid in protection is a heat expanding seal that protects your valuables from heat and smoke damage.
The body of the safe is made from 11-gauge steel to provide mid level protection against burglaries and includes a reinforced doorframe for extra protection. The door of the safe is extra thick and includes 14 – 1 ¼” Pry-Stop steel locking bolts that cover 3 sides of the safes door. This significantly helps aid in the prevention of pry attempts. I generally recommend a safe with locking bolts on all 4 sides of the safe door. It also includes the force deflecting locking system and the hardened steel pin lock protection as well.
Hell’s Canyon does not come in a variety of colors like most other safes from Browning. Instead, it comes in a tough, heavy-duty textured charcoal finish that is more on the neutral side of the color palette. It also includes the unique “Hell’s Canyon” graphic on the bottom of the safe door. The interior of the safe comes lined with beige carpet and has several adjustable shelves for plenty of storage for accessories and valuables. Also included is the DPX door storage panel that allows for long guns storage, handgun storage and accessories right on the back of the safes door. For an additional cost you can have a fully lit interior and a dehumidifier installed right from that factory, which I would highly suggest.
All of Browning’s full-size guns safe’s come with a lifetime replace or repair warranty that covers your safe from damage from break-in’s, break-in attempts and fire damage.
| Model | Guns | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HC48 | 43 | 60" | 55" | 25" | 1,055 lbs. | $$$ |
Hunter
The Hunter series includes the Hell’s Canyon model, which I described above and has all of the same features and specs. The only difference is the actual size and capacity of the safe as well as the logo graphic on the door. The Hunter series includes a 29 long-gun model, a 43 long-gun model and the largest of the three, Hell’s Canyon will hold up to 65 long-guns.
| Model | Guns | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR26F | 29 | 60" | 30" | 25" | 670 lbs. | $$ |
| HR37F | 43 | 60" | 43" | 25" | 875 lbs. | $$ |
Heavyweight
The Heavyweight is a part of Browning’s most affordable Core Series and provides a step up in security and protection from their Sporter model that I reviewed earlier in this article. The Heavyweight is a great option if you’re looking for a serious step up from most entry-level safe models. Included in this series is 4 different size and capacity options ranging from a small 19 long-gun capacity model all the way up to their largest model, which can hold about 56 long-guns. With four different sizing options, you’ll most likely be able to find a size that fits you perfectly!
This series offers 80 minutes worth of fire protection at 1550°F, which is 20 minutes over my minimum recommendation of 60 minutes. For a more budget friendly option from Browning, that is pretty generous. Also included in the Heavyweight series in the heat expanding seal that will expand up to 7 times it’s size when expose to high amounts of heat. This completely seals all four sides of your safes door in the event of a fire and protects your valuables from heat and smoke damage.
To keep your valuables safe from burglaries and kids, they heavyweight series comes with a variety of security features that are a step above its younger brother, the Sporter. The safes body is made from high quality 11-gauge steel and includes a reinforced doorframe for added protection against intruders. The safe also includes a force deflector that relives any type of pressure from the lock when someone is trying to force their way into the safe. The door is held tightly to the body in the event of a pry attempt by the use of 14 Pry-Stop steel bolts that secure 3 sides of the safes door. The Heavyweight is UL listed for RSC Tool Attack.
If you are planning on storing your safe somewhere visible like a living room or game room, it is important that the safe be aesthetically pleasing and matches the feel of your room. Although the Heavyweight does not come in a huge variety of colors, it still has looks to kill. The exterior of the safe comes in your choice of two different colors, gloss black and textured charcoal. The interior of the safe comes lined in beige carpet and includes plenty of adjustable shelves for storing accessories and handguns. For additional storage, the Heavyweight includes door panel storage for long-guns, handguns and accessories. I would suggest adding the lighting package and dehumidifier option that Browning offers right from the factory.
The Heavyweight series includes Browning’s lifetime replace or repair warranty that covers your safe from damage due to break-ins, break-in attempts and fire damage. Browning will even cover the cost of shipping.
| Model | Guns | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HW16 | 19 | 60" | 24" | 19" | 480 lbs. | $$ |
| HW24 | 25 | 60" | 30" | 23" | 610 lbs. | $$ |
| HW34 | 40 | 60" | 36" | 27" | 800 lbs. | $$ |
| HW41 | 56 | 60" | 44" | 27" | 910 lbs. | $$$ |
Tactical Gun Safes
Browning offers a couple different options with a tactical configuration. These safes are included in the Black Label series and consist of two different models, the Mark III and the Mark IV. Browning’s Tactical series is a top contender among high quality tactical models of safes and offer a good variety of capacity options. These models include 4 different capacity options ranging from 25 long-guns all the way to 43 long-guns. You’ll find most other brands may only offer one model of tactical safe in maybe two different sizes. Now that we’ve covered the different capacities, let’s check some of the features and specs.
The Mark III series provides 60 minutes of fire protection at 1400°F while it’s big brother the Mark IV provides a generous 100 minutes at 1680°F. I always recommend a minimum of 60 minutes of fire protection in any scenario so if you are looking for something that will keep your valuables safe in most cases, the Mark III will work. If you are storing high priced valuables and need superior protection, I would definitely go for the upgraded Mark IV. You can never have too much fire protection. Both models include a heat expanding seal that will protect your safe from heat and smoke damage in the event of a fire.
The more budget friendly Mark III comes with basic security features similar to the Sporter series including a 12 gauge steel body and 8 locking bolts that cover 3 sides of the safes door. The Mark IV model comes with an upgraded 11-gauge steel body, 16 locking bolts that cover each side of the safes door and several other anti-pry features. If you’re planning storing some high priced valuables and need superior protection, I would definitely go for the Mark IV.
The tactical safe’s exterior comes in a matte black finish with Browning’s unique tactical handle, metal plate logo and silk-screened scene at the bottom of the door. The interior of both of the safes come lined in beige fabric and includes adjustable shelving for accessories as well as quick access door panel with plenty of storage for long-guns, handguns and accessories. Both models also include electronic keypad entry for quick access to your firearms.
Both tactical safe models come with Browning’s lifetime warranty that protects you against break-ins, break-in attempts and fire damage. Browning will replace or repair your safe at their discretion and pay for any shipping costs.
| Model | Guns | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US26F | 23 | 58" | 30" | 20" | 495 lbs. | $ |
| US37F | 43 | 60" | 43" | 25" | 910 lbs. | $$$ |
| MP23 | 23 | 58" | 30" | 23" | 520 lbs. | $$ |
| MP33 | 40 | 58" | 36" | 27" | 655 lbs. | $$ |
Browning Pistol Vault
Browning knows that quick access to your firearm can be detrimental in an emergency, that’s why they have designed these quick access pistol vaults that compact, portable and secure. The pistol vault is perfect for the nightstand drawer, under the bed or in a glove box. The pistol vault comes in two different size options, The PV1000 and the PV500. The PV500 is perfect for pistol and a clip or two. The large model the PV1000, will a hold a couple pistols, some rounds, a knife and probably your wallet.
Both vaults are made from thick 10-gauge steel and provide superior protection over most pistol vaults. The vault’s recessed lid is extra thick and includes 2 – ½” in. diameter locking bolts that keep the lid tightly against the vault to prevent an intruder from prying open your vault.
To allow for quick access, Browning has equipped their pistol vaults with an electronic 4-button tough pad that easily programmable to your custom code. Once your person code is entered in, the door of the vault springs open for quick access to you pistol in the event of an emergency. In addition to the electronic lock, the Pistol Vault also comes with backup key access and also includes external electrical contacts in case the batteries die and you loose your key. The interior of the vault is conveniently lit up with LED lighting and includes pick and pluck foam so you can get have a perfect fit for you pistols and accessories.
The PV500 and PV1000 both come with Browning’s lifetime warranty that protects your safe from break-ins, break-in attempts and fire damage. Browning will replace or repair your safe for free as well as pay for shipping costs.
| Model | Bolts | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PV1000 | 2 | 7.5" | 14.5" | 11" | 29 lbs. | $ |
| PV5000 | 2 | 4" | 14.5" | 11" | 29 lbs. | $ |
Bottom Line
Browning is one of the most popular safe brands out there and I believe it is because their superior quality and attention to detail. Browning’s safes may be a little higher in price than some of their competitors but they also have a much higher standard for security and protection. For instance, Browning’s entry-level safe the Sporter comes standard with 60 minutes worth of fire protection as where some manufactures only provide that much protection on their most expensive model.
If you are in love with the Browning name and are now deciding which model to go with, I strongly urge you to really by the absolute best model you can possibly afford. Safes are very heavy and tough to move so odds are you are going to have it for a very long time so make sure you consider all of the features that we talked about in the what to look for in a gun safe article. This will really help you narrow down exactly what you need.
Since everyone’s situation is unique, I can’t simply tell you exactly what safe to choose and although you’ll most likely be happy with any model from Browning, I would suggest checking out the Medallion series. This is definitely one of Browning’s most popular, best selling safe models. The affordable price, security, fire protection and accessories make this safe a steal of a deal.
