Modified/Custom Gun Safe Interior

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THE PROBLEM & ANALYSIS

• Maximize use of both the width and depth dimensions of the safe interior
• Limit shelf supports that use floor space
• Allow for upright storage of all firearms
• Allow for easy identification and removal of each firearm
• Maximize shelf space in unused area above firearms
• Allow for an easy, user-configurable layout that can be changed in only a few minutes.
• Be cost effective

I came up with several solutions to this, however most of the options were very expensive and required outsourcing parts to be CNC machined. Eventually, I decided to use some scrap ClosetMaid-brand track shelving from an old closet, cut it to size, and use that as the supports for shelving since I also had the posts laying around. I also decided that I liked the idea of rifle rods for upright storage but did not like how flexible they were and also that Velcro wears down over time. I purchased 5mm (0.19 inch - will fit in the barrel of a .22 rifle) carbon fiber tube that I affixed, to one end, a 3D printed connector with a neodymium magnet in the top. I would put 26g sheet metal on the underside of the shelving that would serve to attach the rifle rod.

THE PROJECT

Design

Additionally, from Amazon, I ordered

• 5mm x 200mm carbon fiber extrusion
• 10mm x 5mm neodymium magnet
• LED lighting strips
• Tan gaff tape (Pro Gaff-brand)
• 3D Printer Filament

Shelf Track InstallMaking ShelvesFinishing Shelves

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Installing Rifle Attachment System

Once the epoxy (or other finish) has dried and fully cured, you can begin attaching your under shelf rifle attachment system. I came up with a couple different ideas, but ultimately decided on using sheet metal under the shelves to attract magnetic rifle rods.

From my local metal store I got sheet metal cut to the size of my shelves. I sanded the bottom of my shelves flat - removing or marring the stain is fine, because it will be covered by the metal.



I sprayed the metal with primer and paint. I did 3 coats of primer and 3 coats of paint, because these are going to be wearing-surfaces. I waited the full cure time of the paint to make sure it was as strong as possible. I also primered the underside of the metal to prevent rust occurring from moisture in the wood being transferred to the metal.

I then used construction adhesive to secure the metal to the wood. Screws would work, but I prefer a totally flat surface.



Rifle Rods

To make the rifle rods, I purchased magnets and carbon fiber extrusions from Amazon. I created a connector in Fusion360 that would let me put a magnet in the top, and the carbon fiber extrusion in the bottom. The carbon fiber extrusion was 5mm in diameter, which is 0.19 inches and will fit in a .22lr. If you have a .17 HMR rifle, use 4mm extrusion.



Assembly of these is easy, once printed and the support material is removed, use super glue to attach the rods and magnet.



These can be made without the 3D printer, using a piece of wood and a hand drill with the right drill bits. I prefer 3D printing, not just because I have the tool, but because I make the length of the connector longer or shorter if I end up with a firearm in the future that needs a custom-designed solution.

Final Assembly

Last thing was to take the shelves, once the adhesive had dried, and install them in the safe. I used small screws run through the shelf supports to secure them, and then was able to arrange all my firearms inside.

I also decided that I wanted to install some lighting. Again on Amazon, I purchased a lighting kit that was equipped with corner-mount self adhesive lights and a flip switch that I was able to secure behind the upper lip of the safe. I secured and hid the wires with tan gaff tape (specifically Pro Gaff brand, which is very strong) that held them in place very well.





Conclusion

Hopefully this was able to help someone out. I was not able to find a project like this already on the internet, and wanted to make my contribution. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask below or send me a PM, I will do my best to help you out.

[billped]

Fine work. Thanks for the post.

[ja308]

Thanx for posting. How many hours do figure for the project ?

[target_shot]

Thanx for posting. How many hours do figure for the project ?

For active working time, maybe 15-20 hours?

However, waiting for everything to dry/cure takes awhile.

1st day was a full day to empty the safe, design the layout, make the home depot run, get everything cut to size, and get the spray paint on - then it cured overnight. I started the printer running to make the rifle rods, but that does not need anything other than uploading the program and hitting the "start" button.

The next day was only a half day - I got the shelf track installed, shelves cut, and stain on which needed 24 hours to dry. I also put in the lights.

3rd day was only a couple hours to set up for the epoxy, measure and pour the seal coat. This also took 24 hours to cure. The rifle rods were done, and I assembled them which only took a couple minuets.

4th day was the flood coat, just took 30 mins to sand & re-apply with sporadic blowtorching after. Another 24 hours to cure.

5th day was the final install, just 30 mins to empty the safe again, put the shelves in, screw them to the shelf supports, and put everything back in.

[golfish]

Well done sir

[subscriber]

Clever

[racinjason233]

Beautiful work!

[Oldmandan]

Looks very nice

[croue]

Nice! Interesting choice to go with wooden shelves instead of felt or carpet.

Interested in how the gloss holds up over time.

C


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wilsonm]

[Barang]

very nice! but where is the pic of the guns inside?

[SilveradoColt21]

Wow lots of ingenuity going on here, great job there's nothing like the feeling of accomplishing something yourself

[damngato]

Looks great, well done!

[target_shot]

very nice! but where is the pic of the guns inside?

I thought about it, but open forum and pics last forever.....trust me, I have doubled my useable space and everything is organized

Nice! Interesting choice to go with wooden shelves instead of felt or carpet.

Interested in how the gloss holds up over time.

C


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! Yeah, I wanted the feel of "luxury car", and thought that the wood does well. I put the same finish on my reloading bench, and it has held up well. It will scratch with heavy use, but a blow dryer and wool buffing pad will polish all the scratches out.

Looks great, well done!

Wow lots of ingenuity going on here, great job there's nothing like the feeling of accomplishing something yourself

Looks very nice

Beautiful work!

Clever

Well done sir

Fine work. Thanks for the post.

Thanks for the support!