Safe capacity

[SleazyRider]

I sure could use some suggestions on how to increase the storage capacity of my safe (RSC) for long gun storage. Seems that my "48 gun" safe, in reality, holds about half that number. Here's what I've learned:

1. A scoped rifle counts for about two rifles, I think;
2. A gun sock over each rifle allows you to cram more in there;
3. Standing every other rifle upside down seems to use the space more efficiently. But is this okay to do?
4. Though I haven't tried it, I theorize that removing the bolts and storing them in a separate area of the safe would streamline them further.

It's become a bit difficult to access guns in the deep recesses of the safe without solving a puzzle when I replace them. I'm likely not alone with this problem, so I'd appreciate any suggestions you could offer with regard to getting the most out of one's safe (RSC).

 

[GBExpat]

The two primary things that I have done ...

I store bolt action bolts on the inside of the door and built custom dividers to increase my longgun storage capacity.

Up&Down and/or Fore&Aft are also things that can work.

Here is a pic of my north gunsafe several years ago:

 

[Longhorn 76]

I prefer to store long guns with their muzzles down. It prevents the oil from soaking into the stock.

 

[hso]

Seems that my "48 gun" safe, in reality, holds about half that number

.

Yep

GBExpat, Nice customization.

 

[jmr40]

Simply leaving the bolt open saves as much room as removing them.

 

[climbnjump]

1. A scoped rifle counts for about two rifles, I think;

For muzzleloaders, shotguns (with slug barrels), and other shorter range arms with scopes, I use quick detach mounts on the scopes so they can be removed for storage to save space.

 

[forward observer]

Generally the gun number ratings of safes are totally inflated---unless you only have a collection of single shot 22's or pellet guns.

Redesigning the rack to fit a specific collection as in post #2 is one solution, but being devoted to a specific type of long gun, i.e., bolt action militaries, you are probably going to be limited to those types in that safe unless you make additional mods.

If you are like me, you may need your safes to handle several long gun geometries from military to lever guns to shotguns to scoped hunters to shorty AR's. You also may change up your inventory from time to time, so you need space that is flexible.

I just installed the Rifle Rod system in my small safe last week and was able to increase my long gun capacity from 15 to 21, or about 40%.

Here's a link to the Youtube video that I came across that prompted me to try it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX6jIutRA-I

The system eliminates fixed rack systems, and allows one to simply place a long gun anywhere there is floor space for the butt stock. From that point, one attaches the rod to the lower shelf to hold the gun at a vertical angle that best suits its geometry while remaining clear of any other gun.

It accommodates anything from a .22 to a shotgun and has the added advantage that if you need to get to a gun at the rear of the safe, you only have to remove a few guns---not half the safe like I use to have to do.

I found the set I bought at Gander Mountain, but I found them later on Amazon. The price was the same, but I could have avoided local sales tax.

Amazon

What you get is nothing more than a sheet of Velcro loops and specially molded rods that have disks molded on the ends with Velcro hooks. Based on the materials included it seems way over priced, but I guess one is mainly paying for the idea.

However, IMHO it's a great idea and it absolutely worked for me.

While one could get the Velcro anywhere, coming up with the specially molded rods might present a challenge.

Anyway, because the safe I modified is small, I got by with the 20 gun set, which was still $70. However, that was ultimately a lot cheaper than buying another, or even larger, safe right now.

Cheers

P.S. I am in no way affiliated with company, but I was just impressed with what the product did for me.

A few of my rifles are extra long muskets and flintlocks, so they fit though slots in each end of my shelf. Consequently I didn't need and couldn't use all the rods.

 

[Outlaw Man]

I think 40-60% of advertised is generally the actual capacity, depending on how many are scoped rifles and such. All of the above suggestions are great. I only have it on one rifle, but my LaRue QD mount probably gets detached most when it goes in my safe.

I've seen those rods that hang from above that forward observer mentioned, and they look useful, but I haven't seen a whole lot of reviews.

 

[forward observer]

I've seen those rods that hang from above that forward observer mentioned, and they look useful, but I haven't seen a whole lot of reviews.

If one clicks on this link for one of the kits, they will see that 13 Amazon customers have reviewed the product. All but two people gave the system a
5 out of 5 star review for an average rating of 4.5 stars. You can click on the area listing the reviews to read them.

Amazon

Actually the person that gave the product a 4 star review was the most helpful to me. I took his advice on how to improve the installation of the Velcro material. I used both hot glue and staples, which really made it more secure and neater too.

I intend to add a review myself, but I wanted to wait a few weeks before I do it.

Cheers

 

[Outlaw Man]

Thanks. I hadn't looked in a while.

 

[forward observer]

I didn't mention it, but the extra 6 long guns that went into my small safe came from my larger safe, which was filling up. Now it has room, but I will eventually get another one of these systems to increase its capacity.

It's rated at 30 guns, but I've never gotten more than 20 long guns in it.

However, I will wait on buying another kit since it will cost more--plus, I'm afraid if I have too much room, I'll just try to fill it too quickly.

 

[GBExpat]

FYI, the gunsafe (Ft.Know 6637, btw) in the pic in #2 was originally listed as a 22-gun unit and had a single longgun divider on the left, shelves on the right.

The replacement dividers that I crafted can handle 24 longguns, each ... so its modified capacity is 48 longguns.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

I'll look into removing bolts! In general you get about half the advertised capacity unless they are all lever actions and .22s . . .

Mike

 

[Rusty Luck]

I swear gun safe makers are the biggest scam artists with their capacity claims. I like the gun rods idea, also the custom cutouts from one of our members.

 

[WestKentucky]

I have 4x8 blocks stood on end in my safe. Eliminates the issue of guns too short and let's me stagger heights so scopes and such don't cause as much of a problem. I have also been known to pull a breakdown apart and either stack it on the leaning slats or on the handgun rack. My 52 gun has held as many as 65 or as few as 25yes it becomes a puzzle to find/remove a gun when they are stacked like cordwood but a man makes do how he can. That started my swapping trend to swap 2 or 3 lower quality for 1 higher quality. I put more focus on handguns too. Now I have 25 guns, a boat, 2 motorcycles and an outboard for the boat without spending money other than buying a little gas.

 

[GBExpat]

I have 4x8 blocks stood on end in my safe. Eliminates the issue of guns too short

<nodding> I use blocks for my M1 Carbines and a few AKs & folders in order to get them to reach the dividers.

 

[oneounceload]

I use blocks for my M1 Carbines and a few AKs & folders in order to get them to reach the dividers.

A thin fiberglass (or even wood) dowel in the barrel that is long enough to reach the dividers also works well.