A thread for discussion of gun safe customization and use

[mkm]

If I missed a similar thread in my search, please let me know.

I figured I would attempt to start a thread on ways you've personalized your gun safes for your convenience. I also think this could be a good place to ask and offer advice on certain issues related to storing guns and other things in your safe.

I'll start us off with admissions and a question. I'm fairly new to the use of safes, mine probably has more accessories and personal items in it than guns, it's not "top of the line" but is rather large, and I really appreciate having it. I know , TAB , it's not a real "safe," but it should do for what I need and is better protection than nothing.

My question is "How do you store your short 'long guns' that won't reach the fixed height of the top rack?". I have been using a wire cabinet shelf that I got from the kitchen section and draped a piece of extra carpet over. I just set the butt on it and they reach. However, it takes up a lot of floor space and I'm running out of room on it. I guess I have an abnormal amount of short guns. The most logical answer in my mind is to build/rig another top rack below the back one. There are three, for reference. I wanted to check with y'all before I made too big a mess and to get other ideas.

I hope this thread proves useful and popular.

[TAB]

i use a wood down down the muzzle, not the best option, but it works for me.   safes must always be bolted down.   even if its just a cheap sheat metal box.  I have known several people( my father is in that group, they used his dolley to take it) that have had the entire thing stolen.

[mkm]

I have thought about the wood dowel option, but I'm not sure if it's for me. It is cheap, easy, and effective though. Thanks!

[Majer]

for shorter longguns I would use something like this


http://www.ballisticproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RAVGRK1&variation=&gclid=CK-z-YHtqroCFUGd4Aod038AIA

[dipisc]

Hi;

     I have 2 mid level quality safes for my priority firearms, I have 3 stack on Cabinets that 2 are used for firearms and 1 for my reloading supplies.

     2 of the stack ons will go with me if SHTF and I bug out. Most of my firearms will be in my Bug Out trailer and Vehicle and the priority weapons in the Stack ons...Weight was a decideing factor in useing the Stack ons. Then think of the ammo brought along...

     I have lined/re-enforced the stack ons with 1/2" plywood and shelving ( if needed ). I have even designed a floorplan/diagram on paper to increase the amount of weapons to put in as many weapons as possible into the stack ons. I have yet to try to implement the plan...

     1 method that I use in my safes is to alternate the positioning of the weapons - Barrel up - next barrel down etc.  I can get more weapons in the safes that way. When you have scopes,bolts and leather ammo pouches ( mosin/type 53's ) they tend to take up space and get in the way of other weapons.

     Seldom if ever can you really get 20 long rifles in a 20 gun safe if you have the bolts and scopes and pouches added.

[Sponsor]

[Big Frank]

for shorter longguns I would use something like this


http://www.ballisticproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RAVGRK1&variation=&gclid=CK-z-YHtqroCFUGd4Aod038AIA

I really like how this looks. I should get one or two of them myself.

[mkm]

Thanks, guys.

That mag rack seems like an interesting idea.  Any suggestion for mounting it, or do you thing the magnet would work?

Dipisc, thanks for offering some insight into your storage strategy.  I like the idea you provided.  Yeah, the safe companies really know how to up the gun count to try and make a sale.  Unless you have all single shot shotguns, I don't think there is anyway to actually come close to the actual gun capacity.  I think half is a reasonable estimate with what most people have.

If you have room, bigger is always better in regards to safe size.

[PegLeg45]

Hi;

     I have 2 mid level quality safes for my priority firearms, I have 3 stack on Cabinets that 2 are used for firearms and 1 for my reloading supplies.

     2 of the stack ons will go with me if SHTF and I bug out. Most of my firearms will be in my Bug Out trailer and Vehicle and the priority weapons in the Stack ons...Weight was a decideing factor in useing the Stack ons. Then think of the ammo brought along...

     I have lined/re-enforced the stack ons with 1/2" plywood and shelving ( if needed ). I have even designed a floorplan/diagram on paper to increase the amount of weapons to put in as many weapons as possible into the stack ons. I have yet to try to implement the plan...

     1 method that I use in my safes is to alternate the positioning of the weapons - Barrel up - next barrel down etc.  I can get more weapons in the safes that way. When you have scopes,bolts and leather ammo pouches ( mosin/type 53's ) they tend to take up space and get in the way of other weapons.

     Seldom if ever can you really get 20 long rifles in a 20 gun safe if you have the bolts and scopes and pouches added.

+1

That is the way I do it to make room also.
I have a twelve-gun safe and can get fourteen long guns (my AR mounts on the door for grab-n-go duty) neatly in it. The handguns are on the two shelves above the long guns. It only had one shelf from the factory, so I went to Lowes and bought a pack of the same type shelf clips and a piece of shelving board. I covered the board with adhesive-backed carpet to match and it all looks stock.

My next "big" gun-related purchase will probably be a bigger safe.

[sledgemeister]

For a make shift rack that costs sfa, go buy a pool noodle and cut about an 1/2" wider than your safe.
You can use a serrated bread knife to cut notches or V's in it and wedge it across your safe, It will not mark your firearms and you can move it to the height you want, if you want to get fuzzy hold it in place with some double sided tape

[TAB]

i find floor scraper blades ( 4 or 8" razor blades i mean sharp!!!!)  work better for cutting that kind of foam.  Much clear cuts and not mess    just don't say i didn't warn you about them being sharp.