Stack-On Full-length In-wall Steel Cabinet

[Tech Ninja]

It would be nice to have a gun safe but that is not in my budget. I still need some security so I decided to get this:

http://www.stack-on.com/categories/security-cabinets-gun-cabinets/products/75

What's in the box?

It's just a light gauge steel box. The only real issue with it is the inadequate packaging allows the corners to get bent. I straightened mine with a wrench.

The lovely Mrs. Ninja helped select the location for it. I put it in the main clothes closet. I didn't really want it there but in a marriage you can be happy or you can have things the way you want.

Installation is easy, just cut a hole in the drywall after checking for for electrical devices on the other side of the wall.

Put the screws through the sides into the wall studs and there you go.

Is it as good as a real safe? No. But it's much better than having your firearms sitting out in the open.

And if you get one it will probably have a bent corner.

 

[hso]

The fact that you can hide it helps offset the "school locker" level protection.

If you put them behind a mirror it helps disguise them very well. Behind clothing in the closet is great as well.

 

[Black Knight]

If the next room is a bathroom with a shower you could always say it is a plumbing access door.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I think one of those behind a hidden-hinged and solid women's shoe rack or some Eye-kia type shelving would be outstanding.

 

[Inebriated]

I love that. I've got a Stack-on cabinet that I have in the closet, and it works, but that seems much better.

 

[Spartacus]

I agree with the above post, but very cool non the less.

 

[oneounceload]

Put a few "Danger - High Voltage" stickers on it to help disguise it

 

[bergmen]

That is really cool! I didn't know they had in-wall cabinets, that is a great idea. One of the good things about this installation is it does not take up any room.

I started out with a regular stack-on and bolted it to the wall in the spare bedroom closet. For added security I installed a single cylinder dead bolt lock below the existing lock. This greatly discourages crow bar attempts.

Dan

 

[TrickyDick]

I was looking at a house a couple weeks ago, and upon going through it i noticed that the owner's gun safe was near the basement walkout....with the key on top of it.... ironically the owner was a police officer. go figure

 

[flatlander937]

Nice install!

I think my plan may be to do something similar, and when I CAN afford a big safe(I guess residential security cabinet technically), I'll utilize that hidden cabinet for extra ammo.

 

[bigfatdave]

I like the concept, but how much really fits in there" Can you show a picture of it loaded up?
(I don't care about your exact guns, stick an ammo can or other common item in there for scale if you like)

 

[HankB]

It's probably about on a par with a school locker, as far as security goes . . . hiding it in back of a closet or behind a movable shelf in the closet is a good idea. Certainly it will help deter casual thieves and keep things out of the hands of youngsters.

I'm a bit puzzled by the disclaimer at the website "Not recommended for storing CD's or other electronic storage devices" . . .

 

[HOOfan_1]

I'm a bit puzzled by the disclaimer at the website "Not recommended for storing CD's or other electronic storage devices" . . .

I think that disclaimer is really meant for their fire protection safes. The heat of a fire would likely melt them even if it did minimal harm to firearms.

 

[WinThePennant]

I have a similar product that I bought from Wal-Mart for $99. Mine is a bit bigger, and doesn't sit flush to the wall.

Frankly, I love it. No, it's not as good as a safe. But, it is pretty darn stout. You'd have to have tools to get into it. Most thieves are of the 'smash and grab' variety.

In the future, I will have a solid safe. But, until then, this is a more than capable 'make do.'

 

[marb4]

Put a few "Danger - High Voltage" stickers on it to help disguise it

This is actually a great idea. Of course hiding it is an even better idea. If someone did find it they might pause a moment to wonder why a high voltage access panel is in my wife's closet behind her clothes rack.

 

[Owen Sparks]

The High Voltage sticker might deter some people but anyone who can break into a locked house should have no trouble prying that thing open and they WILL find it. The back of the closet is a common place to hide things like guns that thieves know this. The best place to install it might be in a utility room or basement where people expect electrical utility pannels to be. Sometimes the best place to hide things is in plain sight.

 

[X-Rap]

What is the price on these? I have multiple safes in a secure location but think this is worth having in closets for quick storage of a few guns which quick access are required.
Sure common tools would crack it quick but a home burglary requires prioritization and I suspect many burglars use pretty simple items to enter through windows (like rocks) that my not be as quick to open that door.
Seems like the perfect place for a shotgun, carbine and a few handguns.

 

[Owen Sparks]

You could install it in the wall behind the refrigerator. Not likely to be found there.

 

[bergmen]

The High Voltage sticker might deter some people but anyone who can break into a locked house should have no trouble prying that thing open and they WILL find it. The back of the closet is a common place to hide things like guns that thieves know this. The best place to install it might be in a utility room or basement where people expect electrical utility pannels to be. Sometimes the best place to hide things is in plain sight.

The locking mechanisms are weak and vulnerable to crow bar prying (take a look at their website and you can see each wall mount system with the door open). That is why I installed a single cylinder dead bolt in mine (same type as used in a regular wood door).

The door and hinge are fairly robust (nothing close to a real safe) and should be stout enough for a lot of prying if the lock is secure (dead bolt). My opinion was that it would be good enough for the casual quick grab and run break-in thief (generally the most common type).

I now have a full size heavy duty Browning safe but before I could afford one, the Stack-On was pretty good and a heck of a lot better than nothing.

Dan

 

[X-Rap]

I would bet that many land lords would allow installation if it were left with the keys and installed in an inconspicuous location. Not the thing for a collection but seems good for what would be a typical home defense inventory.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

You could install it in the wall behind the refrigerator. Not likely to be found there.

Moving your refrigerator each time you want to get to your stuff seems pretty practical.

As always, one must balance security with usability. This OP seems to have done ok considering his situation.