The Wasatch 24EGW is a fireproof and waterproof safe that aims to be the “one safe that finally fits” for a realistic home gun-storage setup, without going full vault-room pricing. This Wasatch 24 gun safe review covers what it really fits, how the lock feels, how the layout works, what the fire/water ratings mean (and why they vary), what to expect during delivery, and how it compares to other safes in its class.
The Wasatch 24 in 60 seconds
If you want a value-first 24-gun Wasatch safe with an electronic lock, door storage, and legit “fire + flood” feature set, the Wasatch 24EGW checks a lot of boxes. The fire rating for this model is 1400°F for 45 minutes. Still, the big reality check is capacity. Once rifles have optics, slings, lights, and modern stocks, you are not neatly storing 24 long guns without frustration.
Specs snapshot
| Specification | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Model | 24EGW |
| Exterior dimensions | 55″ H × 23.5″ W × 20.75″ D |
| Capacity | 10 cu ft |
| Weight | 296 lb |
| Lock | Electronic keypad + backup key |
| Fire rating | 1400°F for 45 min |
| Water rating | 2 ft water for 72 hours |
| Shelves | 1 full + 3 half shelves |
| Door opening | External hinges for 180° access |
| Bolts | 3 active 1.5″ bolts + 2 dead bolts |
What “24-gun” means in real terms
“24 guns” is usually measured with slim, unscoped rifles packed tightly. In real homes, rifles wear optics. ARs wear lights. Shotguns run wider. Then spacing becomes the enemy.
A realistic expectation for the Wasatch 24 is often closer to:
- 10–14 long guns if you want it to feel organized, because when such firearms are crowded together, they rub/bang into each other leaving you with lots of scratches.
- More if you store some muzzle-down, rotate positions, or keep a few in soft sleeves.
- Less if you run lots of attachments and tall optics.
The “24 gun case” rarely holds 24 real-world rifles once scopes and lengths enter the picture. That’s a fact that matches what we see with most mass-market gun safe reviews.
Build quality and day-to-day feel
For the price tier, the Wasatch 24 feels like it’s trying to win on practical details rather than “look how thick this door is” gimmicks.
You get factory door storage, and that matters. It keeps handguns, documents, mags, and smaller gear off the floor, which is where safes become messy fast.
The exterior hinges are also underrated. A full swing makes loading long guns less annoying, especially when you are stacking rifles on one side and shelving on the other.
The electronic lock
The electronic lock is the reason many users pick this safe. It is quick access without the spinning-dial ritual, and the backup key is there if the keypad acts up.
In the feedback, the pattern is consistent:
- Programming is easy.
- The lock opens reliably once set.
- Setup is fast, often under 30 minutes.
That is exactly what we want in a home safe. You should not need a weekend project just to start storing your firearms responsibly.
⚡ Small but important tip: Keep a fresh battery schedule. The keypad issues are battery issues pretending to be “lock issues.”
Fireproof and waterproof claims
Wasatch has kept it both fire-resistant and flood-resistant, including a water claim of 2 feet for 72 hours.
The fire rating is stated as 1400°F for 45 minutes.
If you are buying specifically for fire protection, treat the rating like you would treat “MPG on a car.” It is a useful signal, but the details matter. The safest move is to trust the rating printed for the exact unit, not a general summary from illegitimate sources.
For shoppers in the U.S. and Europe, this also matters for insurance expectations. Many insurers and local requirements care about certification or documentation. If you need a specific certified standard, confirm it in writing before going ahead with your purchase.
Interior layout and shelving
The included shelf setup is a practical mid-ground. The Wasatch 24 comes with one full shelf and three half shelves, which lets you run a “rifle side + gear side” layout.
That layout is the best way to make this safe feel bigger than it is:
- Long guns on one side.
- Ammo cans, optics, documents, and pistol storage on the other.
- Door organizer carries the daily-grab items.
If you want a separate quick-access solution for a bedside handgun, a dedicated pistol safe often makes more sense than using a tall safe every time. Our Vaultek coverage is useful for that style of setup, like the Vaultek RS800i review or the Vaultek LifePod review.
Delivery and installation
Just a light warning here because this is where you might mess up, and then blame the safe for it.
The Wasatch 24EGW is heavy. It falls in the ~300 lb class, and that changes everything.
Also, many freight deliveries are curbside by default.
Before delivery day, measure:
- Your narrowest doorway.
- Any hallway turns.
- Floor type and slope.
- Whether stairs are involved.
If you are planning to place the safe upstairs, stop and rethink. Not because it is impossible, but because it gets expensive and risky.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keypad is easy to program and opens consistently | You might get missing parts or slow support, and returns can be a nightmare at this weight |
| Door storage and shelving allow a clean, usable layout | Interior can feel tighter than expected if you run bulky rifles |
| Fire + water protection claims are strong for the price tier | |
| Full door swing from external hinges makes loading easier |
If you want to see it live now:
Wasatch 24 vs popular alternatives
For comparison, here’s a cleaner way to frame similar safes.
| Model | Fire protection | Water protection | Notable angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wasatch 24EGW | 45 min at 1400°F | 72 hrs at 2 ft | Value-focused fire + water combo |
| Liberty Centurion 24 | 40 min fire protection for 24 model | Not positioned as flood safe | Brand reputation, different security design |
| Sports Afield Preserve (24-class) | 45 min at up to 1400°F | Water-rated for up to 2 ft for 7 days | “fire + flood” style |
| Winchester 26-class | 45 min at 1400°F | Usually not flood-rated | Often higher capacity and different layouts |
If your priority is “the toughest build for the money,” Steelwater tends to be on the shortlist. If that’s your direction, start with our Steelwater 20 review or Steelwater 16 review.
Buying guide
This safe makes sense when:
You want fire and water protection in one box, and you are okay with a realistic long-gun capacity below the marketing number. You want a keypad lock, door storage, and a layout that can flex between rifles and gear.
This safe is not the best pick when:
You truly need 24 long guns stored cleanly with optics and accessories. You have no plan for delivery logistics. You require a specific third-party certification for fire or burglary beyond typical consumer claims.
Two must-buy add-ons for almost any tall gun safe:
A dehumidifier solution and lighting. You can further add a light kit after the fact, as it can positively change the daily experience.
Final verdict
The Wasatch 24 is a strong “value-for-size” safe because it combines a keypad lock, door storage, and fire + water claims that many similarly priced safes do not bundle together cleanly.
Just buy it with eyes open. Plan for delivery. And expect a realistic capacity.
👉 For more like this, head over to Gunners’ Review and browse the latest posts.
FAQs
Is the Wasatch 24 truly waterproof for floods?
It’s water-resistant for standing water, not “flood-proof in every scenario.” For anything critical, you should still use waterproof document bags or sealed containers inside the safe.
Can one person move it?
Realistically, no. At ~300+ lb, one person moving it safely is a bad bet unless it’s a short, flat roll with a proper appliance dolly and experience. For stairs, tight turns, or door thresholds, plan on 2–3 people or professional delivery.
Is an electronic lock reliable long-term?
Usually yes, if you treat it like electronics. Most “failures” are dead batteries, humidity corrosion, or cheap handling, not instant lock death.
What’s the best place in a house for a gun safe of this sort?
Ground floor on concrete is the simplest and safest, ideally in a closet or interior corner where it’s less visible and easier to bolt down. Avoid high-humidity spots and obvious “garage showcase” placement unless the garage is climate controlled.
How many rifles fit with scopes?
Expect about 10–14 scoped long guns to fit comfortably, depending on rifle width, optics height, and attachments. If you cram it, you can force more, but the door gets harder to close and you’ll bang optics and scratch finishes. The cleaner approach is “fewer rifles, better spacing,” plus using the door panel for handguns and gear.
