The "First Gun Safe" thread got my gears turning and I didn't want to hijack it any further. It sounds like we all feel the same way with the current safe configurations, so much wasted space, so someone needs to come up with solution. I may break out the welder and give it a go it. I am picturing a steel case 4 or 5' tall, 5' long, double swinging doors that swing out each direction with pull out foam lined drawers that you lay your guns on. 8 or 9 drawers, 3' deep to hold 4 or 5 guns each interlaced = a true 40+ guns easily, probably 50+. Are high end safes double walled, how thick is the plate on them? I thought I remember seeing a cut away of one and it was double walled with insulation in the middle. Just priced the steel for the case itself, 1/2" plate to do a 4' tall x 4' deep case that is 5' long would be about $2,600. 3/8 = $1,800. If going double wall then 1/4" is about half the cost of 1/2" so about a wash, more labor and welding though. Should be able to find some heavy duty drawer slides like whats used on tool boxes Can use weld on hinges like I've used on heavy gates. Maybe double locks the like one below welded on. My initial though was to build a room but I do not see the house we are in currently being out forever home and it would be hard to take a room with us, the chest would take a forklift to move but it could be done. if done right it would be something passed down long after I'm gone. Start throwing out the issues I am not thinking about at this time

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Posted by Night Vision

Member since Feb 2018

19887 posts

Posted on 12/16/25 at 12:59 pm to TxWadingFool

Took 3 guys, an oversized dolly and a large truck with a liftgate to move my Liberty in.

That was while it was empty. Weighs a lot more now. Also bolted to the concrete floor.

This post was edited on 12/16/25 at 1:00 pm

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Posted by lsufan1971

Zachary

Member since Nov 2003

23913 posts

Posted on 12/16/25 at 1:22 pm to TxWadingFool

My Liberty Colonial 50 is 987lbs empty. It’s double walled with insulation and has 75 minute fire rating. The locking blocks are solid steel and the out doors are rolled with makes it harder to penetrate with a crow bar.

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Posted by OleBallCoach

Member since Nov 2007

1030 posts

Posted on 12/16/25 at 2:12 pm to lsufan1971

I bet you a brand new one plus $500 cash against my choice, that i can break in it with 2 crow bars in under 10 minutes. Super light metal junk they all are. Go watch the fire rating go up in smoke on you tube on all the cookie cutter safes out there. I refuse to own one when there are truly secure fire rated options out there if you are serious about your guns. Spending under $3500 to protect a gun collection north of $10k is a simple definition of ignorance. Building a homemade model is a great route if you have the time and resources. It'll be 5x what a store-bought version is.

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Posted by TxWadingFool

Middle Coast

Member since Sep 2014

5555 posts

Posted on 12/16/25 at 2:21 pm to lsufan1971

So in looking at the Liberty it says they use 12 gauge which is less than 1/8", so my 1/2" would be overkill it appears. In my opinion one could have the baddest locking blocks and door you want, the weak point is 12 gauge walls, a 7" grinder with a cutting blade would be through that in very short order. I would plan on rolling the edges around the doors so it couldn't be pried on. If I go 3/8" single wall, it would about 1,100 pounds for the box, I'm not worried about weight, I have something to move it, with it being lower to the ground I would think it would be a little less awkward to handle as well.

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