Gun cabinet construction questions...

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X-JaVeN-X

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Hey guys...I'm planning to build myself a new gun cabinet based off the image below that I found on the net somewhere awhile back. I'm planning to actually turn the front into dvd/media storage instead of books or random objects. The main inside will be for long guns and the inside of the doors will be for hanging handguns.....soooo....with that said, I have a couple questions to anyone who may have attempted this. First, the wood build won't be an issue, but I have never lined anything with what I am assuming is felt? So that is my first question....is felt the best thing to line a cabinet with or is there a better option? Also, any tips tricks on attaching the felt (or other liner)? Is there a special glue? Is there an optimal thickness for the felt?

Secondly, what is a good option to hand handguns on the inside of the doors? Are there specific brackets just for this perhaps or should I just fab up something myself from wood? I want something that will provide some retention so they aren't moving around or fall off when the doors are opened/closed.

Give me some feedback on these two questions.

Pics:
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thats a nice cabinet to copy.
i built a few years ago and attached the felt in several different ways.
i've glued it in with 3m spray adhesive and i've also made masonite panels that were wrapped in felt and held in with velcro tabs if i thought i might change it around in the future. the thing that will get you is trimming out the edges & one of the easiest ways to do that is to wrap standard corner bead in felt then use clear silicone or finish nails to attach it.
 
felt is the easiest and comes in a boat load of colors. you just need some very sharp scissors to cut. As mentioned any adhesive spray should work fine. jut cut the felt and make sure they fit first. after that do small pieces at a time. dont spray the whole thing. it is very sticky. spray the felt maybe about a foot of it. then put it in place and rub it down. Once it looks good and is in place then spray another piece and continue rubbing down until you are done. get someone to help you. Its almost like putting on a big sticker. Felt looks really good when done.
This is a recent gun display box i just finished working on. my camera isnt the best but you get the idea. Oh the fabric i bought at jo anns fabric it is 4.99 a yard.

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In my personal experience, felt linings are not a good idea at all. I have a gun safe, and also wooden gun cabinets, in which the barrel rests originally were lined with felt padding strips. After some years of storage, the guns started to show rust spots at the point where the barrels contacted the felt padding. After taking out the felt padding, no more rusting. (The felt padding is not needed to prevent scratching, since wood is softer than steel.) I also have several authentic cases for cap-and-ball pistols, the interiors of which are lined with felt. These look good for display, but are not suitable for long-term storage of the guns, because of the rusting problem. Felt attracts and retains moisture, even if it feels dry to the touch. At the very least you need a plastic barrier between the gun and the felt.
 
Now that is the kind of cabinet I would love to have, but half the width. As for the felt, I'm no expert, but as food for thought, how about the "loop" half of hook & loop (Velcro)? It's generally made of man made fibers (Recycled plastic bottles) that won't retain moisture.
 
I hadn't really thought about felt causing rust issues, but it does make sense....and being in eastern NC, there is always a humidity issue. Every gun cabinet I ever see has at least the rests for the barrel lined with felt...there's gotta be a better material that gives a good look without causing a rust issue, or maybe I can just line everything except the barrel rests.
 
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