What Sizes Do Steelwater Gun Safes Come In?: Full Size Guide

I’ve spent years helping people choose the right safe for their home and shop, and I’ve installed a fair share of Steelwater gun safes myself. If you want to know what sizes Steelwater gun safes come in, you’re in the right place. Steelwater offers a wide range of options, from compact closets to tall, high-capacity builds. In this guide, I’ll break down typical capacities, exterior dimensions, and real-life fit so you can pick the perfect size with confidence. Let’s make it simple and clear without the guesswork.

Steelwater Safe Sizes At A Glance

Steelwater makes safes for many spaces and needs. You’ll see sizes by long-gun capacity, exterior height, width, and depth. Typical ranges:
– Height: about 55 to 72 inches
– Width: about 20 to 42 inches
– Depth: about 16 to 28 inches
– Long-gun capacity: about 8 to 64 rifles, depending on the model

You’ll also find pistol safes and ammo cabinets that are smaller and easier to place. Capacity labels are a guide, not a promise. Real fit depends on your setup and gear.

Capacity Versus Real-World Fit

The number on the box is the “maximum” capacity using slim rifles and staggered racks. In real life:
– Scoped rifles, ARs with optics, and side-charging handles take more room.
– Pistol grips and bipods reduce usable slots.
– Door organizers add handy storage, but they eat into interior depth.
– Plan for 25 to 40 percent less than the max capacity for a comfortable fit.

From my installs, a “22-gun” safe fits 12 to 16 rifles with optics and slings without crowding. If you want easy access, size up.

Common Steelwater Size Categories

Here’s how Steelwater sizes tend to group, with typical use cases and dimensions. Exact specs vary by series and year.

• Compact/Closet Safes

  • Capacity: about 8 to 16 long guns
  • Typical size: 55 to 59 inches tall, 20 to 28 inches wide, 16 to 18 inches deep
  • Best for: apartments, closets, and tight hallways

• Mid-Size Home Safes

  • Capacity: about 18 to 28 long guns
  • Typical size: 59 inches tall, 28 to 30 inches wide, 20 to 24 inches deep
  • Best for: most homes that need room for optics and a few pistols

• Large-Capacity Safes

  • Capacity: about 32 to 45 long guns
  • Typical size: 59 to 66 inches tall, 36 to 42 inches wide, 24 to 28 inches deep
  • Best for: bigger collections or if you want to store gear, ammo, and documents too

• Extra-Tall/High-Capacity Safes

  • Capacity: about 51 to 64 long guns
  • Typical size: up to 72 inches tall and up to 42 inches wide
  • Best for: vault-like storage with room to grow

• Pistol Safes and Ammo Cabinets

  • Capacity: handguns, mags, and ammo
  • Typical size: small to medium footprint, easy to place on shelves or inside closets
  • Best for: quick access and organized storage

If you’re torn between two sizes, choose the larger one. You’ll grow into it.

Popular Models And Approximate Dimensions

Steelwater updates models, but these examples reflect common sizes you’ll see online and in stores. Always check the current spec sheet before you buy.

• 16 to 20 Long Guns

  • About 59 inches tall, 20 to 28 inches wide, 16 to 18 inches deep
  • Good starter size; works well in most closets

• 22 to 24 Long Guns

  • About 59 inches tall, 28 to 30 inches wide, 20 to 24 inches deep
  • A sweet spot for homes with optics and mixed rifles

• 28 to 33 Long Guns

  • About 59 inches tall, 30 to 32 inches wide, 24 inches deep
  • Better shelf space and easier access to scoped rifles

• 36 to 39 Long Guns

  • About 59 to 66 inches tall, 36 inches wide, 24 to 28 inches deep
  • Strong balance of capacity and footprint

• 45 to 64 Long Guns

  • About 66 to 72 inches tall, up to 42 inches wide, 24 to 28 inches deep
  • Great for larger collections or storing rifles, pistols, and valuables together

Many Steelwater safes include door organizers, adjustable shelves, and interior lighting. These help storage, but remember they also affect usable space.

How To Choose The Right Size

Use this simple plan to get it right the first time.

• Count what you own today

  • Include rifles, shotguns, pistols, and optics.
  • Add 25 to 40 percent for future growth.

• Measure your placement

  • Width, depth, and height of the spot.
  • Add 2 inches clearance behind for outlets and dehumidifiers if needed.
  • Check door swing on the safe and room.

• Think about access

  • Can it clear the front door, hall turns, stairs, and the final doorway?
  • Standard interior doors are often 28 to 32 inches wide.

• Match use to features

  • Optics-heavy rifles: go wider and deeper.
  • Lots of pistols: favor safes with door organizers and extra shelves.
  • Important papers: look for deeper models with a document shelf.

• Plan your budget

  • Larger safes cost more to buy and move.
  • But upsizing once costs less than replacing a too-small safe later.

Personal tip: When I help friends pick a safe, I ask them to load every rifle with the biggest optic they might add in the next year. That always bumps them up one size, and they never regret it.

Installation, Weight, And Space Planning

Big safes are heavy. That’s good for security, but you must plan ahead.

• Weight ranges

  • Small to mid-size: about 350 to 650 pounds
  • Large to extra-tall: about 700 to 1,300+ pounds
  • Always check the current spec sheet for exact weight

• Floors and structure

  • Ground floors or slabs are best for heavy models.
  • For upstairs installs, spread the load across joists. Use a pro if unsure.

• Moving the safe

  • Measure all doors and tight turns.
  • Use a professional mover for stairs or over 600 pounds.
  • Remove the door (if the model allows) to reduce weight during moves.

• Bolt-down and moisture control

  • Bolt the safe to the floor for security and stability.
  • Add a dehumidifier rod or desiccant to protect your gear.
  • Leave space for cables if you plan to run a dehumidifier or light kit.

I’ve seen people squeeze a 30-inch-wide safe through a 29.5-inch door with the hinges off and a lot of stress. Do yourself a favor and measure twice, buy once.

Frequently Asked Questions Of What sizes do Steelwater gun safes come in?

What Are The Most Common Steelwater Safe Heights?

Most home models are about 59 inches tall. Extra-tall models reach about 66 to 72 inches for more capacity and shelf space.

How Wide Should I Go For Scoped Rifles?

If you run optics or pistol grips, aim for at least 28 to 30 inches wide. Wider safes, like 36 inches, make life easier for ARs and long scopes.

Do Steelwater Capacities Include Pistols?

No. The listed number is for long guns. Pistols store in door holsters, on shelves, or in a separate pistol safe.

Will A 22-Gun Safe Fit In A Closet?

Often yes, if the closet door and depth allow it. Many 22-gun safes are about 59 inches tall, 28 to 30 inches wide, and 20 to 24 inches deep. Measure your doorway, the closet interior, and the path to the closet.

Are The Dimensions The Same Across Series?

Not always. Steelwater’s Basic, Standard Duty, Heavy Duty, and Extreme Duty lines can have different depths, weights, and fire ratings. Check the exact model specs before you buy.

How Much Capacity Do I Lose With Optics?

Plan on 25 to 40 percent less than the max rating, depending on your setup. Thick stocks, side chargers, and large turrets take more room.

Can I Put A Large Safe On The Second Floor?

It’s possible, but plan for weight, joist direction, and safe placement. Use pros for moving and consider spreading the load with a platform. When in doubt, consult a structural pro.

Conclusion

Steelwater gun safes come in many sizes, from compact closet models to tall, high-capacity builds. Most sit between 59 and 72 inches tall, 20 to 42 inches wide, and 16 to 28 inches deep, with long-gun capacities from about 8 to 64. The best path is simple: measure your space, count your gear, plan for growth, and choose a little larger than you think you need.

Ready to dial in your pick? Take five minutes, grab a tape measure, and list your rifles and optics. You’ll know your size by the end of that exercise. Want more helpful guides like this? Subscribe or drop a comment with your setup and I’ll help you pick the perfect safe.

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