Gun Closet?

[keystoneman 85]

Hey guys,

We are finishing our basement and I will be turning the underside of the steps into a gun closet. It will hold all my long guns and handguns (minus the shotgun and EDC pistol which will still reside in my bedroom) as well as my ammo, holsters, and other fun stuff.

Has anyone done something like this before? Do you have any suggestions on must haves, things to avoid, etc? I am not going for a safe type - thats just to expensive for our budget. Just a closet that locks from the outside to keep children out.

So lets here it, I'll go search Google now ...

Thanks,
Eric

[NikeBauer21]

One thing to keep in mind, especially being in the basement, is moisture. Make sure you have means to keep the inside of the storage unit dry if need be.

[marinakorp]

I would consider using either 3/4 Plywood or "green board on the inside to deter someone from busting through the drywall with a knife.

Make sure you do not use a hollow core door.
Make sure you over support the hinge and lock sides of the frame... don't want to b able to kick it in either.

Should work fin for keeping lttle hands out... and a modicum of security....

[keystoneman 85]

Thanks for the quick responses gents. I was looking into a Dehumidifier-Rod and will take the other suggestions into consideration.

[PPM209]

When I was a bachelor, I turned the second guest bedroom into a "safe." I had my cheap-o Stack-On safes, ammo, etc. in the room. The rifles were locked in the the safes, and the doorknob was swapped with one that had a nipple lock on the back, keyhole in the front.

People suggested deadbolts, etc. - I figured they would attract more attention than the extra security was worth. It's a wooden bedroom door anyway! You can punch through them. I thought it was enough to keep kids or guests out, and would slow down a smash and grab. No enough protection against a targeted burglary - but what can you do?

Two things I'd suggest - humidity control and a simple alarm. You could get one of these to make a racket just in case:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=299506

Can you get things off the floor in case of a pipe burst or sewage back up? Keeping things a couple inches off the floor can make a world of difference.

[PirateSteve]

Dehumidifier is a must....something that runs on AC with a battery backup would be best. Also, build it up off the floor of the basement in case of any flooding (broken washing machines, water pipes, seepage from outside, etc).

Basements arent the best for this kind of thing, but it may be the best thing available for you. If you're smart about how it's built, and check on it often, you should be okay.

[yldwill]

Keystoneman,

Great idea. Let us know how it turns out. I never thought about doing that under my stairs!!!!!!

[theo]

Here are a few ideas from this company.

http://hiddenpassageway.com/

They have two types for under the stairs. Click on the Discovery Channel video for one and "other types" for the second one.


.

[Nic]

My BIL did the same thing in his dry basement as well. Up off the floor, and a good dehumidifier are the keys to avoid rust. If you have a dry basement to begin with, this shouldn't be a problem.

I like the idea of an alarm for the door.

[Skullz]

I remember seeing a bunch of pictures on Zombie Squad, but you'll have to search for them.