Best Storage Solution for Handguns?

[E.Stoner]

I've been looking at gun safes and lock boxes and trying to decide the best strategy for storing many handguns (10-20).
I was thinking about getting a tall/narrow rifle safe and simply building in 3 to 4 plywood shelves. Or something like this ammo cabinet:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/shoo...s-racks/_/N-1100212/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_104367780

Then the guns could be placed in gun hangers (although I don't like the idea of hanging by sticking a rod in the barrel):
https://www.amazon.com/Safety-Solut...53371&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=gun+hangers&psc=1

or on racks:
https://www.amazon.com/Benchmaster-...&qid=1474753408&sr=8-6&keywords=handgun+racks

Alternately I was thinking that a locking mechanics tool cabinet with sliding drawers (i.e. craftsman or snap on) might not be bad alternative. Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[MisterHappy]

Are you trying to be compliant with storage laws, or do you have a security focus?

If it's compliance, the tool box should be adequate, if it locks. And, it's concealed in plain sight - nobody steals wrenches.

However, if you have 10-20 guns, with an average value of $400, you have $4-8K there. You might want a more secure solution.

 

[spt_1955]

Best storage is on your body.

[video]https://youtu.be/yDvMPaspKds[/video]

 

[pdm]

If it's a significant investment, I would go with a proper safe with a dehumidifier rod in there. Theft and rot protection.

 

[Sawicki1991]

I like the tool box idea for ammo. For handguns I'd look for a large safe.

 

[tk421991]

Are you trying to be compliant with storage laws, or do you have a security focus?

If it's compliance, the tool box should be adequate, if it locks. And, it's concealed in plain sight - nobody steals wrenches.

However, if you have 10-20 guns, with an average value of $400, you have $4-8K there. You might want a more secure solution.

See, you say that, but...

That and I knew a guy who would steal copper roofing and copper pipes for scrap metal money. People will steal absolutely everything and anything, including bread. I've seen people steal bread from a car.

http://patch.com/rhode-island/woons...enant-charged-with-receiving-his-stolen-tools

http://patch.com/rhode-island/woons...-arrested-after-taking-tools-from-pfe94499515

http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/east/2012/08/17/212107.htm

 

[BREWINZ]

Then the guns could be placed in gun hangers (although I don't like the idea of hanging by sticking a rod in the barrel):
https://www.amazon.com/Safety-Solut...53371&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=gun+hangers&psc=1

I use these in my safe. It will definitely not hurt the pistol. It's a great solution if you have a large enough safe. That said, I also have pistol boxes around the house. It all depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

EDIT: Good opportunity to throw this out there. Bookmark this link. Comm2A gets a cut of the sale when buying on Amazon. http://shop.comm2a.org Also, don't cheap out. Do it right the first time. Talk to the guys at Eastern Security Safe.

 

[E.Stoner]

Are you trying to be compliant with storage laws, or do you have a security focus?

If it's compliance, the tool box should be adequate, if it locks. And, it's concealed in plain sight - nobody steals wrenches.

However, if you have 10-20 guns, with an average value of $400, you have $4-8K there. You might want a more secure solution.

For now I am looking for the most practical compliant solution with the lowest cost and ease of implementation. Also something that is discrete.

I live in a third floor walk up apartment with a narrow stairway that makes bringing anything really heavy or bulky difficult. I also live alone and have no kids and almost no one would know there were guns there.
The storage location would also be relatively hidden. I also have a security camera that would let me know if anyone entered the apartment and I could call the cops before they could find it.
If someone broke in while I was there, they would find nothing but trouble.

- - - Updated - - -

Best storage is on your body.

[video]https://youtu.be/yDvMPaspKds[/video]

I am going to need more holsters!!!!

 

[bostonasphalt2]

Best storage is on your body.

[video]https://youtu.be/yDvMPaspKds[/video]

and this contributes to the discussion how?

 

[icyclefar]

Concrete walls two feet thick, hardened steel vault room door, climate control, high speed internet and cable tv.

 

[Red Moon]

For now I am looking for the most practical compliant solution with the lowest cost and ease of implementation. Also something that is discrete.

Try stack on's gun cabinets (not a safe!). It's cheap, holds a good number of firearms and comes with built in shelves that are adjustable. Best (or worst) thing is that it's super light, you can carry it up the stairs yourself. No, it's not gonna stop anyone halfway determined to get in, but it'll satisfy MA storage laws and keep most casual thieves away.

https://www.amazon.com/Stack-TC-16-GB-K-DS-Tactical-Security-Cabinet/dp/B00IT4YIWU

 

[StevenMcgrubber]

Try stack on's gun cabinets (not a safe!). It's cheap, holds a good number of firearms and comes with built in shelves that are adjustable. Best (or worst) thing is that it's super light, you can carry it up the stairs yourself. No, it's not gonna stop anyone halfway determined to get in, but it'll satisfy MA storage laws and keep most casual thieves away.

https://www.amazon.com/Stack-TC-16-GB-K-DS-Tactical-Security-Cabinet/dp/B00IT4YIWU

+1 to satisfy MA. Just never leave it open at the ready for home intruders....

 

[GPP]

Concrete walls two feet thick, hardened steel vault room door, climate control, high speed internet and cable tv.

View attachment 178018

Oddly enough, that particular set up would not be in compliance with MA law. Put trigger/action locks on the firearms and youd be good.

 

[kelton]

https://www.amazon.com/Stack--GCB-5...ol+and+Ammo+Ready+to+Assemble+Storage+Cabinet

another vote for Stack-On

 

[Sawicki1991]

I love my stack on. If you bolt it down and against the wall behind it would be difficult to attack it. Granted it won't stop a determined person but it will prevent them from walking away with it. Most thieves won't be coming in with a torch or a sawzall and if they are chances are they would get into a real safe aswell

 

[Maxxum2012]

Concrete walls two feet thick, hardened steel vault room door, climate control, high speed internet and cable tv.

View attachment 178018

and a web link for close investors...

 

[jkelly1229]

Try stack on's gun cabinets (not a safe!). It's cheap, holds a good number of firearms and comes with built in shelves that are adjustable. Best (or worst) thing is that it's super light, you can carry it up the stairs yourself. No, it's not gonna stop anyone halfway determined to get in, but it'll satisfy MA storage laws and keep most casual thieves away.

https://www.amazon.com/Stack-TC-16-GB-K-DS-Tactical-Security-Cabinet/dp/B00IT4YIWU

You can't carry the 18 gun one by yourself especially in the box. I managed to move mine across my apt and it was a bitch. Also I'm 28 6'4 and lift daily and have long arms. Not humble bragging just want the op to know what he's getting into. Also I'd recommend that option im on the second floor and it was a project to get it up the stairs with my gf

 

[Gammon]

+1 on a safe. A big heavy safe. Light easily moved "safes" will not stop a determined thief. Snap Safe has a line of modular, easily installed safes that also offer 2000 deg fire protection.

PS I bought a relatively light (250 lbs) Sentry safe that I installed myself. Once I had it in place and got a good look at the wall thickness, I decided not to use it for firearms; not enough protection.

 

[dragonballzz]

If somebody stole bread from my car without damaging anything, I dont think I could be mad.

See, you say that, but...

That and I knew a guy who would steal copper roofing and copper pipes for scrap metal money. People will steal absolutely everything and anything, including bread. I've seen people steal bread from a car.

http://patch.com/rhode-island/woons...enant-charged-with-receiving-his-stolen-tools

http://patch.com/rhode-island/woons...-arrested-after-taking-tools-from-pfe94499515

http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/east/2012/08/17/212107.htm

 

[Sabougolden]

Ok, to do it right... Buy a nice "big" safe from eastern security or the gun parlor. gun Safes are like sheds... Always get the next size up! For the racks to hold the precious firearms... Only one source ... Check out www.manaboutracks.com

hes the best...

 

[E.Stoner]

Ok, to do it right... Buy a nice "big" safe from eastern security or the gun parlor. gun Safes are like sheds... Always get the next size up! For the racks to hold the precious firearms... Only one source ... Check out www.manaboutracks.com

hes the best...

I would love a proper safe, but it's not a practical solution to my apartment.
I am planning on bolting the thing to the wall and floor.
Next time I move it will probably be to a house or a apartment I own, that's when I'll go for the fort knox solution.

I think the snap-on is the way to go for now. And when I out grow it I can use it as an ammo locker.

 

[E.Stoner]

+1 on a safe. A big heavy safe. Light easily moved "safes" will not stop a determined thief. Snap Safe has a line of modular, easily installed safes that also offer 2000 deg fire protection.

The snap safes seems like a pretty cool concept. Has anybody got any experience with them?

 

[Sawicki1991]

I would love a proper safe, but it's not a practical solution to my apartment.
I am planning on bolting the thing to the wall and floor.
Next time I move it will probably be to a house or a apartment I own, that's when I'll go for the fort knox solution.

I think the snap-on is the way to go for now. And when I out grow it I can use it as an ammo locker.

If you get the stack on bolt it down good. And what ever space you have extra fill with ammo. It will add a lot of weight. Most thiefs want easy to grab stuff and from what Iv read most are in and out in less that 15 min. They won't hang around to see what's in your safe. If you hide it well and bolt it down good they won't waste their time.

 

[snax]

If it's compliance, the tool box should be adequate, if it locks. And, it's concealed in plain sight - nobody steals wrenches.

My car got broken into in Providence while seeing a Danzig show about 20 years ago. They tore the radio out of the dash....looked and saw it was the shitty Auto Palace brand and left it. Didnt touch the $300 set of Mac tools under the hatch. Didnt even bother to lift the black blanket covering it. Stupid junkie.

 

[scheming]

If you can, hide the safe/cabinet inside a closet. Out of sight and very difficult to pry out in that narrow space once bolted in.

Location also matters. I live in a pretty safe town, so I could probably leave my safe in the living room and never have a problem. If you live in sketchy areas, maybe paint it white and make it look like a second fridge

 

[Terminator03]

Concrete walls two feet thick, hardened steel vault room door, climate control, high speed internet and cable tv.

View attachment 178018

That's what you call winning!

 

[Terminator03]

Oddly enough, that particular set up would not be in compliance with MA law. Put trigger/action locks on the firearms and youd be good.

Not to doubt what you are saying, but curious "why" it wouldn't be in compliance since at would essentially be just an oversized gun safe because of the vault door.

 

[bostonasphalt2]

Not to doubt what you are saying, but curious "why" it wouldn't be in compliance since at would essentially be just an oversized gun safe because of the vault door.

off the top of my head, the argument would be that a "room" isn't a secured "container"

 

[Gizzygone]

Are you trying to be compliant with storage laws, or do you have a security focus?

If it's compliance, the tool box should be adequate, if it locks. And, it's concealed in plain sight - nobody steals wrenches.

However, if you have 10-20 guns, with an average value of $400, you have $4-8K there. You might want a more secure solution.

I too like the toolbox idea. I wonder how sturdy the lock mechanisms are on them, vs a stack on cabinet? Opening a drawer to have your pistols inside sounds nice!

 

[GPP]

Not to doubt what you are saying, but curious "why" it wouldn't be in compliance since at would essentially be just an oversized gun safe because of the vault door.

Post #28 nails it. Theres already case law on it. Before you say, "well that is ****ing retardedly stupid", Ill tell you that yes, it is beyond ****ing retardedly stupid lol.
If you put a vault door on your bedroom, its still a bedroom with a vault door. The room in that picture looks like a conference room or something, but either way, it just shows you how ridiculous Massachusetts is.