I live in a condo and can't have a regular safe so I'm thinking a lockable steel cabinet....
is there a reason that you can't?...everyone here has already said it all and know much more than i do...but this is how i broke it down for myself when i was shopping...the biggest thing is do you want it just for storage or mainly for quick access or both?
worried about:
#1 grab and go theft + thief has time to work on it + storage laws + kids + fire protection + no need for quick access = safe with dial or simplex type lock or dual locks
#2 grab and go theft + thief has time to work on it + storage laws + kids+ fire protection + quicker access = safe with electronic lock or dual locks
#3 storage laws + kids + quicker access = cabinet with no dial (electronic/key/simplex type) or electronic pistol box or the option in #2 will cover you
all of these can be supplemented with layers of security...cameras, monitored alarm system, dogs, etc...the more the better
as everyone here has said there are different levels of safes also...you get what you pay for...you also have to account for the location of the storage method...moisture/humidity, visibility, construction/floor load capacity, anchoring, layout, accessibility, cost, maybe power, etc. all factors should be included in the choice...
imo all electronic options should have a mechanical entry backup option (simplex/key/dial) with AC power and a battery backup (for loss of power situations) with some type of warning when the battery needs replacement...basically your home defense choice should be in something fast to get into...if that's a pistol it should be a simplex type or electronic pistol box, cabinet or electronic/ simplex safe...if its a rifle obviously just the last 2 options...if it's not a go to for home defense then it should be in something else depending on the level of security you feel you need...ideally you would have 1 of each if you have more than 1 firearm and the rest are not for home defense...1 fast entry and 1 your choice
myself i went with #3...a keyed cabinet and a couple electronic pistol boxes for quick access...+ a security system + dogs...and i would be more worried about something happening to my dogs than a thief stealing my firearms...insurance can cover firearms, but not my dogs
If it needs to fit in a closet, your cheapest bet is one of the small Winchester models from Tractor Supply or similar ones from Lowe's, Costco, etc. I was in TS this weekend and the $699 Winchester was marked down to $649. There are larger ones for less than a grand. The weight is in hundreds of pounds, not thousands, and a couple of strong guys, a pickup truck and a rented appliance dolly will save you a big delivery charge. Then you can start planning for the next one after your collection grows.
I second the advice for a small lockbox of some kind with an electronic combination for your everyday carry and nightstand gun. A factor no one has mentioned is spinning a dial to the exact numbers in the dark under stress. When the bad guys are kicking in the door is no time to be turning on the lights to read the tiny numbers. Pushing buttons by the Braille method in the dark is easier and faster, especially with practice.
^^^imo this seems like the most feasible and cost effective way to go...those file cabinets are a nice idea as well