Collection Display

[nhcruffler]

I could not find this in the search so here it is. We are about to move into a house with a full , dry basement ( in rural Vermont ). I am thinking of setting up the basement as my "Man Cave". Think Bert's basement in Tremors I would have racks on the walls or possibly a bunch of peg board to display most of my modest collection. I want to be able to see my firearms rather than let them sit locked up only to get dinged being taken in and out of a small safe. I would still lock up some of the more expensive ( for me ) ones ( FAL, Ranch Rifle .. most hand guns ). On display would be the shotguns, Mausers, Mosins, French rifles..
The wife feels that they should all be locked away in a safe.
There is a ( small ) chance of a beak in or a fire. At 51 yrs I realize that life is short and I have them insured anyways. I like the thought of going down to my room and being able to instantly view my small collection.
I know many from more populated areas already think I am crazy for contemplating this. In reality I do not know anyone that locks their house and most do not know where the key even is.
I do keep my present gun room locked and the new house would have a real , monitored security system.
I would appreciate any comments / thoughts on this plan of mine.

 

[Savage99]

Consider making part of the basement your vault.

Design and construct a concealed room that can be fully locked.

Find or make a door for it that looks like those large doors meat markets have for their refrigerated lockers. Put things on the door and around it that says:

"Cold storage meat locker."



http://fowlerville.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html

 

[25cschaefer]

I concur with the concealment idea, make it hard to get into but also make it not look desirable. I think an old refrigerator, in front of a hidden doorway, on castors that has a latch behind an old bottle of ketchup would be much better than a room labeled, "large expensive gun collection."

There is always the revolving book case.

 

[Savage99]

If I get another safe it's going to be one I can put in a hidden place myself.

Such safes are made by Champion, Snap and Zanotti.

 

[BSA1]

Mine has 12" thick walls, 12" thick ceiling and Ft. Knox vault door. I use poly plastic 1/4" thick pegboard. This pegboard is most commonly used in warehouses and industrial operations.

 

[Ranger Roberts]

Take a look at these. They are basically lockable wall mounts. It might help quell your wife's anxiety about leaving your guns out.

http://www.ridgebackracks.com/

 

[cat_IT_guy]

Take a look at these. They are basically lockable wall mounts. It might help quell your wife's anxiety about leaving your guns out.

http://www.ridgebackracks.com/

Now thats a neat idea. I like the idea of having my guns out to see and touch, but also knowing they cant easily walk away. The fire issue is moot to me at this point, my cheap walmart safe isnt fireproof, either. Seems like I could do something nearly as effective, though not as elegant, with some bike hooks, an eye hook and a cable lock.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would just build a lockable case front case for display. A good insurance plan will cover them due to loss of fire and theft.

 

[bannockburn]

I like the idea of those Ridgebackracks locks and if I was going the display route I would display them in conjunction with having the guns inside some sort enclosed glass front display case.

 

[nhcruffler]

Thanks for the many good ideas. Some are really neat but would be a bit pricey. Remember that my collection is modest with some older shotguns, mosins , nothing special mausers, some sks's and ak's with an FAl, Hakim, MAS 49/56 a couple mini 14s and some hand guns. After giving it some more thought I just might settle on a compromise. Buy two decent fireproof gun safes for the semi- autos and use wall and or rotating floor racks for the shotties and bolts. I would have to check out the cable lock idea as I kinda like that if it doesn't look too bad. Ammo would be secured also. This house will have a monitored security system also. I do feel that a well posted and obvious system will deter the serious thief. Too many easier targets out their. I would also imagine that a couple of kids trying to break in would be scared away by the alarm.

 

[g.willikers]

Keep the guns in the safe and put nice pictures of them on the walls.