Like all responsible gun owners, we think that controlling access to firearms is important. Especially given that we have small grandchildren running around. We each have a gunvault on our side of the bed. Hers hold her Bersa Thunder 380 (also her everyday carry weapon) and a spare mag. Mine holds a Ruger P95 equipped with a streamlight light/laser combo and a couple extra mags. But there are a couple of rifles and a few more handguns in the house. Plus ammo. And toxic cleaning supplies.
What to do?
I thought about buying a big gun safe, but honestly I cannot see spending a couple thousand dollars on a metal box. These are not heirlooms or rare weapons. They're common, easily replaced (and covered by homeowners insurance) guns.
So here's the solution I came up with.
Our master suite is in the basement. We work nights, and it's quite down there for day sleepers... And there's a little closet built in under the stairs that's never really been used. I decided I could turn that into a reasonably secure space.
I put up 1/2" plywood (let's face it, you can kick a hole in drywall, but not plywood), then textured and painted. I removed the regular door latch and installed a keypad. I've put in a couple shelves, and I'm making more (notched for rifles, etc). I've moved a few things in to see how it looks, but finishing the shelves will have to wait till we get back from Bonaire.
You could break in with an axe, certainly, but as a way to control access I think this works pretty well. A walk-in gun safe for about $200.
View attachment $keypad.jpg View attachment $saferoom.jpg
What to do?
I thought about buying a big gun safe, but honestly I cannot see spending a couple thousand dollars on a metal box. These are not heirlooms or rare weapons. They're common, easily replaced (and covered by homeowners insurance) guns.
So here's the solution I came up with.
Our master suite is in the basement. We work nights, and it's quite down there for day sleepers... And there's a little closet built in under the stairs that's never really been used. I decided I could turn that into a reasonably secure space.
I put up 1/2" plywood (let's face it, you can kick a hole in drywall, but not plywood), then textured and painted. I removed the regular door latch and installed a keypad. I've put in a couple shelves, and I'm making more (notched for rifles, etc). I've moved a few things in to see how it looks, but finishing the shelves will have to wait till we get back from Bonaire.
You could break in with an axe, certainly, but as a way to control access I think this works pretty well. A walk-in gun safe for about $200.
View attachment $keypad.jpg View attachment $saferoom.jpg
