Handgun & Bedside Safes · SentrySafe
SentrySafe QAP2EL
3.5/5 Best Safe Score (how we score)
A wide, flat quick-access box with an illuminated digital keypad, a silent gas-strut lid, interior LED light and bolt-down hardware, sized for two handguns. American Firearms and Gun University both pick it for the nightstand.
Details
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Who it's for
- Best two-pistol nightstand pick in Best Handgun Safe for Nightstand Use: For a couple or a gun owner with two pistols who wants a bolt-down box that fits a drawer; the gas strut is the known wear item and the safe is 15.75 lb, so use a strong drawer.
What we like
- Illuminated digital keypad, programmable 1-8 digit code, quiet gas-strut lid and interior LED lights (SentrySafe)
- Bolt-down hardware included and California DOJ certified (SentrySafe)
- Wide interior, 14 x 6.5 in, for two pistols or one large one with magazines
What to know first
- The compression gas strut can lose power over time (American Firearms; a 1911Forum owner of the sister QAP1E and Reddit posters report the same)
- You must press a button to wake the keypad before entering the code, and there is no biometric or RFID entry
Product details
| Brand | SentrySafe |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SentrySafe |
| Model | QAP2EL |
| Part number | QAP2EL |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 16.4 inches x 9.8 inches x 3.2 inches |
| Item weight | 15.8 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Size | Two Handgun Capacity |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
| Lock | Battery-powered digital keypad, 1-8 digit code; Gun University says a mechanical backup key is included, SentrySafe's page doesn't list one, so confirm on the box |
| Steel | Solid steel, pry-resistant (SentrySafe); American Firearms lists 12 gauge |
| Exterior | 16.4 in W x 9.8 in D x 3.2 in H |
| Interior | 14 in W x 6.5 in D x 2.2 in H |
| Weight | 15.75 lb |
| Capacity | 0.115 cu ft, two handguns or one large pistol plus ammunition |
| Bolt-down | Bolt-down hardware included |
| Fire rating | None published |
| State listing | California DOJ certified (SentrySafe) |
Top rows from the Amazon listing; the rest from the maker pages we checked.
About this item
- TRUSTED SECURITY: Gun safe is constructed with solid steel and a pry resistant door for strength and handgun security; digital keypad and override key for back up entry
- STYLISH: Sleek black exterior with a blue LED light inside for visibility even at night
- MEASUREMENTS: Exterior: 16.4 in. W x 9.8 in. D. x 3.2 in. H; Interior 14 in. W x 6.5 in. D x 2.2 in. H; weighs 16 pounds with a capacity of 0.115 cubic ft
- BEDSIDE SAFE: Biometric gun safe features a gas strut to instantly and quietly open safe door for single-handed access to your handguns
- EXTRA STORAGE SPACE: Gun safe provides secure storage for two standard handguns or one larger pistol and extra ammunition
- GUN SAFE: California DOJ certified gun safes
- BATTERY POWERED: For optimal performance, SentrySafe recommends the use of four high-quality, name branded, alkaline AA batteries
From the product's Amazon listing, as of Nov 7, 2026, 7:59 PM UTC. The seller writes this text, not us, and Amazon may change it.
What owners say
Summarized from 3 owner discussions and review pages we read.
Praise
- Quiet gas-strut opening and a sturdy feel (reviewers and an owner of the sister QAP1E)
Complaints
- Gas strut stops lifting the lid after some years
- Weight limits drawer mounting
Sources: 1911Forum: Quick Access Bedside Pistol Safe (QAP1E owner, replaced the strut after 5-6 years) · Reddit r/homedefense: gas strut on my Sentry pistol safe stopped working · Reddit r/Safes: SentrySafe pistol safes, struts failed
