Organizational exercise: man room weapons display

What I would suggest is that you first harden the windows, by that I mean, shatter resistant films inside and out, possible even a sheet of plexi secured to the inside, with a mirrored or decorative tint, so you get light, BUT no one can see in.

Second, I would buy a safe kept else where with such things as bolts and other easily removable parts AND your pistols - rifles are nice, but PISTOLS are what are easiest for a criminal to move. That and at least half inch ply on the back of solid door with set in dead metal pegs drilled through the hinges (dead bolts) and decent locks should do you.

If you can do decent wood work, I would suggest racks kinda like book cases or gun cases, along with simple displays, something as easy as a decoratively routed board with two coat pegs (and carefully placed thin wire or zip ties) to display a nice rifle

Don't do tacky unless you have to and peg board is, well, functional.

Are kids an issue?

I would also harden the inside door to the room inclidong the frame and get some quality dead bolts. I'm a big fan of richly colored woods. If you have the skill or time to learn I'd go that route. Most guns come with locks these days so I'd use them on the guns.

Honestly, you can get safes for as little as $300. U will likely spend that on building material alone.

I did something like this... Upstairs bedroom, no visibility from outside window... I used the closet and put pegboard on the wall. Closet shelf holds cases, ammo. Access to the room strictly controlled, just family members. Door lock changed to Key entry type. Its kind of inconspicuous. If I'm not in the house, the door is locked and I have the key. In my case, kids are not an issue. Depending on how much you want to spend, you could re-enforce the door jamb, and hinge area. If it is done in the closet, an additional locking mechanism can be installed, Plexiglass, with a locking bolt, and on and on, depending on your level of paranoia.

KKKKFL

We cannot afford a safe at the time

You don't NEED one.

You only have a few to secure; don't display them---tuck them away in a discreet place if kid/unauthorized accesss isn't a house concern.

Unless seriously rare, display the other hand weapons (knives, swords, ect.).

If it is on display, depend on it that in a burglary it will walk out the door or be damaged. *IF* you want a couple of 'wall hanger' guns---ask around at gun shows/sales/auctions about 'junkers' you could (literally) all but bolt to the wall. Lots of guns that aren't safe/worth shooting look nifty on a wall and call be made un-usable w/ a cheap tube of epoxy glue, ect.

It sounds like a nice space to work with and I *do* like to use guns-for-decor when there aren't useful anymore--but only REAL junkers made non-shootable. It's a better fate than a 'gun-turn-in-program' in my book. Then, too you use the 'cheapie charlie' method of just taking some old shell casings/shotshell hulls--popping out the primers--and placing wall anchors (or simliar) though them for mounts. Or buy some decent self-tapping wall hooks down at the menards or home depot and secure the weapon w/ slim line clean cable ties (assuming disabled junker-type).

Personally, I don't see a need to hide all my valuables. I keep my TV in the livingroom next to my computer; My long guns hang in a rack on the wall in the hallway (strategic location, easiest to get to from everywhere in the house); the handguns I'm not carrying that day are either locked in a case or on my desk in front of me.

I do, however, lock my doors, keep curtains closed (those thin ones you can't see through but let light in), and regulate access to my home carefully.

I have no fear of my firearms or other possessions being stolen while I'm home, and insurance will cover them if they are stolen while I'm away (the guns come with me if I'm gone overnight). I have serials, distinguishing features, and photos kept back in case of theft.

Of course I don't want my guns loose in the hands of criminals, but I don't let fear rule my life. I have good locks, strong doors and windows, and I'm fairly vigilant. I enjoy my guns hanging on the wall where I can see them and admire the time and work I've put into them.

I don't display my guns. I'll show them to friends, but that's it.

That HOA comment is ridiculous; I'll never live where someone could have that control over me on property I own.

That HOA comment is ridiculous; I'll never live where someone could have that control over me on property I own.

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It can and does have a big play in things. I live in Las Vegas and any neighborhood worth living in has an HOA. Basically you don't have a choice here if you don't want to live in the "hood". My HOA has the same rule.

Now if the Hoa tried to say I couldn't keep past a certain number of guns or ammo I would be right there with you...

I have an interior walk-in closet that I hardened the walls and door on. I talked with the guys at the local gun shop to see where they got their display racks and used the same.

Well, rather than pegboard google for "slot board" in you local area.

This is a store feature material that is finished, yet the slots accommodate all sorts of fixtures (including pegboard hooks). The slot board is a much better material than the masonite/hardboard most peg board sheets are run off in.

That being said, for a limited number of "for display" arms, a good veneer plywood o nthe wall with "shaker" pegs will suit many things.

Well, here's my breakfast nook, if it'll help...


(OK, not really mine - but I can wish, can't I? )

SLB... that ain't no man-room. That's an Armaggedon room!!

SLB, now that is one hard core collector...he could open a museum, or is that a museum?

My only concern for displayed weapons is fire, not theft so much. Partly becasue where I live fire is a problem, and there are very few people.

My cousin has quite a collection, the door to his arms room is steel, the door jam is a steel I beam set in concrete...I don't know what the walls are made off but I expect concrete also...Whatever you do think fire, as well as theft when you set your room up.

Those pic's look like the ones of Charlton Heston's safe (gun room) that were floating around the internet shortly after his passing. Suposedly built underground with a bank vault door.

In years past, people were proud of their guns and displayed them openly in their homes.
Many FINE gun cases with glass doors were in living rooms all over this country.
Hang 'em on the wall and enjoy.....

Leader said:

In years past, people were proud of their guns and displayed them openly in their homes. Many FINE gun cases with glass doors were in living rooms all over this country.

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Sadly, that was in an erra of more trustworthiness.

I have brought back an old man cave thread. Hope this helps. Look back to the top.

cost of safe < cost of refubishing room

cost of safe < cost of refubishing room

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But not necessarily more enjoyable in actual use. I'd rather spend $2000 in woodwork, stain and paint than a steel box if it's a room I plan on spending any amount of time in.

To better answer the OP, Yes, you could display your weapons for much cheaper than the cost of a safe. I found a few gun racks at yard sales/ thrift stores for a few dollars. I popped them on the wall, and tossed a few of the less expensive guns (i.e. kids BB guns) on them and voila! nice weapon display. However, they offer zero security. Displaying weapons is easy, displaying weapons while maintaining any level of security is not. Which goea back to my original post of

cost of safe < cost of refubishing room

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What is more important in your situation? Display or security. Either can be had on a budget, but getting the best of both worlds will cost you.