Handgun Locker Project

[mrcabinet]

A couple months ago my wife decided that the top section of our safe should be used for things "more important" than my handguns, like family documents, her jewelry, etc. I know what you're thinking and yes, I considered correcting her thought process - for all of about two seconds. This meant that my handguns got relegated to the closet shelf, which I really wasn't too thrilled about. So I started looking around and came across this metal cabinet that fit perfectly in the space at the end of the closet. Nothing fancy, but it does have a three point latch. I found a scratch and dent unit at Wally World for dirt cheap, so I brought it home yesterday. I'll mess around with improving it over the next few days and let y'all know how it turns out.

[NeedCZ]

Looking forward to seeing your progress.  Keep us posted

[crosstimbers]

Might have been easier to buy her a small safe for documents, etc.

I cvan tell you about my experience with cabinets made by that same company. My first one came with a round key, I dont know how to explain it apart from that. Subsequent cabinets I have bought from the same maker came with standard keys (I now have a total of 3). The only real issue that I have had is that the standard-type keys are made of soft material and tend to get bent easily. I also lost one of the keys to my 3rd cabinet.

Those factors led to my contacting the company about obtaining extra keys. At first they just wanted a form filled out and notarized, which was tr5ouble enough that I put it off (for too long) Now they require that you register your cabinet including purchase information. I cant even remember where I bought the first two cabinets, much less provide proof of purchase. I sent an email to their CS department explaining the situation and asking what I could do, and they never responded.

So be careful with your keys, youll be surprised how easily they will bend.

[mrcabinet]

I read some reviews that said the same thing about the keys, so before I bought this cabinet I talked to the locksmith our company uses and he said he can make keys for it. I'm going to take him one on Monday. I'll keep a couple spares in the real safe.

[simplemann]

I'm sure with a name like Mrcabinet you will figure it out!

[crosstimbers]

I read some reviews that said the same thing about the keys, so before I bought this cabinet I talked to the locksmith our company uses and he said he can make keys for it. I'm going to take him one on Monday. I'll keep a couple spares in the real safe.

Man I wish the locksmith I know was that cooperative. I asked him about it once and he gave me the same answer he always gives when someone asks him about cutting a key "If I have a blank for it"  Which of course he does not.

[mrcabinet]

I read some reviews that said the same thing about the keys, so before I bought this cabinet I talked to the locksmith our company uses and he said he can make keys for it. I'm going to take him one on Monday. I'll keep a couple spares in the real safe.

Man I wish the locksmith I know was that cooperative. I asked him about it once and he gave me the same answer he always gives when someone asks him about cutting a key "If I have a blank for it"  Which of course he does not.

This guy is so old school that he will cut a blank by hand if need be.

[cracker57]

I use one for my reloading supplies, I cut wood to fit inside for shelves placed them where I wanted them and screwed through the cabinet from the outside into the wood for shelves they are not adjustable but very solid. Just an idea for a way to modify it, good luck.

[crosstimbers]

I read some reviews that said the same thing about the keys, so before I bought this cabinet I talked to the locksmith our company uses and he said he can make keys for it. I'm going to take him one on Monday. I'll keep a couple spares in the real safe.

Man I wish the locksmith I know was that cooperative. I asked him about it once and he gave me the same answer he always gives when someone asks him about cutting a key "If I have a blank for it"  Which of course he does not.

This guy is so old school that he will cut a blank by hand if need be.

Oh I think the guy I know could, but just doesnt want to be bothered. He has more than enough business, too much to hear him talk about it.

[mrcabinet]

I managed to find the time today to get the interior lined with 5/8" Type X sheetrock. Tough to do while screaming at the game on TV, lol. In theory this should give it a 1 hour fire rating, but 30 minutes is more realistic. If my house is on fire for a half hour there won't be much of anything left, I'm afraid. Tomorrow I'll go dumpster diving at work to see what I can come up with for the interior. I have a couple ideas - it just depends on what I find.

[j102]

I managed to find the time today to get the interior lined with 5/8" Type X sheetrock. Tough to do while screaming at the game on TV, lol. In theory this should give it a 1 hour fire rating, but 30 minutes is more realistic. If my house is on fire for a half hour there won't be much of anything left, I'm afraid. Tomorrow I'll go dumpster diving at work to see what I can come up with for the interior. I have a couple ideas - it just depends on what I find.

Looking good!

[j102]

I bought a small American Security safe a couple of years ago for that purpose. It has worked great.

[mrcabinet]

I went dumpster diving and came up with some cherry lumber and plywood that will work for this project. I fabricated four 3/4 x 1 1/4 uprights, line bored them for shelf pins, stained and lacquered, then glued them in place. That plywood is only there to serve as a spacer while the glue dries.

[Lock-n-load]

Nice project!

[JMWalker]

Following to follow your journey and see the end result.  Good luck!