Rifle Storage Ideas

[wmg1299]

My modern sporting rifle collection is requiring additional space in my safe (It can only hold 8-10 long guns). My ideal solution would be to purchase an additional safe, but that is not financially viable at this time and my wife would not be fond of having multiple dedicated gun safes. I have some older rifles, which are mainly .22 LR plinkers or low-end pump shotguns that have sentimental value but are not worth much money. I was looking for some sort of lockable footlocker that was long enough to hold rifles, but haven't had much luck finding anything that will work. Many of the possible options I find are too short, and other viable options are being sold as "antiques" or designer furniture pieces for ridiculous prices. Do any of you know of any viable options that might work?

The box would be used more to keep the long guns subtly out of sight, and prevent any children from gaining access, rather than hardcore theft deterrence. I had considered a gun cabinet, but this fails the "subtle" requirement and the big box store brands seem pretty pricey for what you get. I'd prefer something that doesn't stand out as an obvious gun storage piece. I'm open to creative solutions if you have any.

 

[HansGruber]

A non-functional stand-up freezer with a lock.

 

[Bassbob]

My modern sporting rifle collection is requiring additional space in my safe (It can only hold 8-10 long guns). My ideal solution would be to purchase an additional safe, but that is not financially viable at this time and my wife would not be fond of having multiple dedicated gun safes. I have some older rifles, which are mainly .22 LR plinkers or low-end pump shotguns that have sentimental value but are not worth much money. I was looking for some sort of lockable footlocker that was long enough to hold rifles, but haven't had much luck finding anything that will work. Many of the possible options I find are too short, and other viable options are being sold as "antiques" or designer furniture pieces for ridiculous prices. Do any of you know of any viable options that might work?

The box would be used more to keep the long guns subtly out of sight, and prevent any children from gaining access, rather than hardcore theft deterrence. I had considered a gun cabinet, but this fails the "subtle" requirement and the big box store brands seem pretty pricey for what you get. I'd prefer something that doesn't stand out as an obvious gun storage piece. I'm open to creative solutions if you have any.

Tell you what I did. I went to a bunch of Goodwill stores until I found a chifferobe with bi-fold french doors that was big enough to hold my smaller gun safe. The 21 gun. Then I gutted the inside and slid the safe in the middle. It leaves about 10" on either side of the safe where I store rifles and shotguns (and cases) that don't fit in the safes. With the french doors closed it looks like just a chifferobe. As a bonus the french doors have a lock. Certainly not a security lock, but it will keep kids out.

You can kinda see it here.

 

[wmg1299]

A non-functional stand-up freezer with a lock.

Not bad, but this might stand out a bit in the dining room. I would be open to possible garage storage, if I could be certain that the rifles would not suffer damage due to Texas summers. Do you think a freezer would offer adequate temperature protection in a garage?

 

[HansGruber]

Not bad, but this might stand out a bit in the dining room. I would be open to possible garage storage, if I could be certain that the rifles would not suffer damage due to Texas summers. Do you think a freezer would offer adequate temperature protection in a garage?

It’s not temperature as much as humidity...I would think with a few desiccant packs thrown in, and good wipe downs, you’d be fine...

 

[wmg1299]

Tell you what I did. I went to a bunch of Goodwill stores until I found a chifferobe with bi-fold french doors that was big enough to hold my smaller gun safe. The 21 gun. Then I gutted the inside and slid the safe in the middle. It leaves about 10" on either side of the safe where I store rifles and shotguns (and cases) that don't fit in the safes. With the french doors closed it looks like just a chifferobe. As a bonus the french doors have a lock. Certainly not a security lock, but it will keep kids out.

You can kinda see it here.

I'll be honest and admit that I had no idea what a chifferobe was until seeing your post. This seems like a viable idea. I'll look into it to see what I can find in my area. I live in a region with a lot of tech jobs, so when everyone started working from home they bought up almost anything that could be used to hide things in a home office (or dining room that suddenly became a home office). I may get lucky if these guys all start having to go back to the actual office.

 

[Bassbob]

I'll be honest and admit that I had no idea what a chifferobe was until seeing your post. This seems like a viable idea. I'll look into it to see what I can find in my area. I live in a region with a lot of tech jobs, so when everyone started working from home they bought up almost anything that could be used to hide things in a home office (or dining room that suddenly became a home office). I may get lucky if these guys all start having to go back to the actual office.

I paid $30 for it. It took a half hour to get all the shelves and drawers out of it and I had to add that piece of wood at the bottom to keep it square. As long as the inside dimensions are bigger than the safe you're good to go.

 

[Bassbob]

Here’s a better shot.

https://imgur.com/a/jEzBt73

 

[jumpinjoe]

really neat idea for 'out-a-sight' storage when/if security is not the first consideration to those few outside the safe. And as you said, it will typically keep the kids out.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

Here’s a better shot.

https://imgur.com/a/jEzBt73

I it looked like a library no need for a lock, because my kids wont come near it! Or anything school related!

 

[jumpinjoe]

That little cabinet looks a lot like home made too ..... I'll bet there's a DYI set of plans out there somewhere for a handy wood worker.

 

[Bassbob]

That little cabinet looks a lot like home made too ..... I'll bet there's a DYI set of plans out there somewhere for a handy wood worker.

If you look on that top shelf all the way in the back there is a 1x3 apron a few inches forward. Behind that is a light. I want to scavenge an old roll top desk from somewhere and take the roll and fit it in to close off the top.

The safe in the cabinet thing was my wife's idea. She also designed this for me.

 

[jumpinjoe]

Very clever wife you have there! A really neat idea..... 'Hiding them in plain sight'.

 

[jumpinjoe]

Funny you mention the "roll top" desk thing. Just in the past few days I saw somewhere, the 'tambour' material available as a kit. Don't remember where I saw it, maybe it was in a catalog, but I'm including a couple links here for you to take a look at ..... first two links are sources for material/kits, third link is a Youtube about making your own tambour.

I'm going to assume you will be surprised to know it is available without the desk (LOL!), because I was just as surprised to have seen it. Anyway, take a look. You may find you won't have to wait till a desk comes along.

https://www.thehardwarehut.com/cata...ee7cazdROM-yhRW7f80g8sE9Gr3Tt4mIaAoakEALw_wcB

https://www.rockler.com/tambour-doo...Q9d5jXbyPnXWZk7-VpGPgnNX5XtHI4XsaAr9VEALw_wcB

When you get it done we'll be expecting an update on the finished product !!!

 

[Bassbob]

Funny you mention the "roll top" desk thing. Just in the past few days I saw somewhere, the 'tambour' material available as a kit. Don't remember where I saw it, maybe it was in a catalog, but I'm including a couple links here for you to take a look at ..... first two links are sources for material/kits, third link is a Youtube about making your own tambour.

I'm going to assume you will be surprised to know it is available without the desk (LOL!), because I was just as surprised to have seen it. Anyway, take a look. You may find you won't have to wait till a desk comes along.

https://www.thehardwarehut.com/cata...ee7cazdROM-yhRW7f80g8sE9Gr3Tt4mIaAoakEALw_wcB

https://www.rockler.com/tambour-doo...Q9d5jXbyPnXWZk7-VpGPgnNX5XtHI4XsaAr9VEALw_wcB

When you get it done we'll be expecting an update on the finished product !!!

Thanks Joe. This is just what I am looking for.

 

[jumpinjoe]

Hope it helps.

 

[Chas]

Not sure what your price range is but...check out a truck vault, might fit under a bed or a work bench, maybe under a sofa.

 

[BobM]

Not sure what your price range is but...check out a truck vault, might fit under a bed or a work bench, maybe under a sofa.

Good idea! - Out of sight, out of mind.
But, one thing to consider is kids typically go low reach, while adults go higher. Underneath and low isn't always feasible for "arguing" old or damaged joints.

 

[Chas]

They come with key locks, combo locks and I'm almost sure some kind of a fob release.

 

[SaltyMonkey]

That’s pretty cool set up. If you can swing it a golden rod hooked to a gfci in combination with the desiccate will keep everything good and dry.