Suitcase

[generalmeow]

I started a thread here probably almost a year ago in which I suggested I was going to build a suitcase that holds (3) broken down AR's, (9) 30 rd mags, (3) Glock 22's, and (9) 15 rd mags.

I think the thread got deleted, but I actually did end up doing this. I moved a little while back and had it packed away, and just took it out to take some photos. I still need to dye the exterior, and add snaps and handles and such. But the inside is done.

It's a wood box, and wrapped in leather. There are no screws visible, and it's very heavy duty. The glock "holster" thing is made of leather and kydex. It's like an old CD case, and holds the Glocks very securely. The AR lowers snap onto the magwell blocks I made out of cutting board material (didn't want to risk expansion or moisture by using wood), and the uppers mount to the same material with pins. All the mags fit into the smaller box absolutely perfect. It's slick.

I can't remember what I figured this thing was going to weigh when it was done, but I want to say 40-50 lbs. So you could carry it like a suitcase for a short distance, but this is really more of a chest. I made it for my infant son.

I had a bunch of leather scraps stored in this case for the move, so the inside is all dusty. But you get the idea.

http://s22.postimg.org/yzi5k48v5/20130516_174340.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/4phq5i7gn/)
http://s22.postimg.org/3nkcka31d/20130516_175011.jpg
http://s22.postimg.org/qva1fdmg1/20130516_174443.jpg
http://s22.postimg.org/6cf5ab8ip/20130516_174454.jpg
http://s22.postimg.org/5qurry2u9/20130516_174519.jpg
http://s22.postimg.org/kljd64cf5/20130516_174510.jpg
http://s22.postimg.org/rnhasbg0x/20130516_174503.jpg

[spyder]

Nice pictures, now I want to see it full! I made something kinda like that out of a sawzall case. Ok, I guess it's nothing like that, but, it's a custom case that holds guns...http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h403/asrspyder/Myguns.jpg

[generalmeow]

Nice pictures, now I want to see it full! I made something kinda like that out of a sawzall case. Ok, I guess it's nothing like that, but, it's a custom case that holds guns...

I've actually never had it full. I've had various components in there from time to time, so I know it all fits, but never everything at the same time. It's just a lot of work taking everything out and putting it in there when I'm not done with the case yet. I will post a picture when it's full.

[Great-Kazoo]

Nice project.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Nice job to both of you, creative and cool indeed.

[00tec]

I wish I had the patience for that kind of thing. This is about as 'custom' as it gets for me:

[generalmeow]

Update on this project: Now have the exterior of the box dyed. Lowers and glocks in place. Still need to add snaps and handles to the exterior, but I'm just waiting on the uppers to call the interior complete.


http://s24.postimg.org/67ugiae45/20130621_232955.jpg


http://s24.postimg.org/r60mgddyt/20130621_233828.jpg


http://s24.postimg.org/sh8dou9kl/20130621_233835.jpg

http://s24.postimg.org/njut3q7lh/20130621_234048.jpg

http://s24.postimg.org/c4ybz3v91/20130621_235058.jpg

[generalmeow]

I'm debating on whether or not I should do anything with the interior of the top. I'm not really an artist. A painted scene, or a laser engraved something might be cool. I was thinking an IKEA like instruction manual on how to assemble the AR's and use the weapons might be cool. Or is it better off just plain?

I'm trying to think about what will be the most awe inspiring when someone opens this thing up in 100 years. I want them to say "What the fuck?", but also be in awe at the same time.

[cofi]

fit some sbr uppers in the top :)

[Wulf202]

Exploded parts diagrams or Velcro an assembly mat

[generalmeow]

Exploded parts diagrams or Velcro an assembly mat

Very good ideas. Thanks.

[HoneyBadger]

I like it with the beautiful stained wood. Nice job! [Awesom]

[HoneyBadger]

If you literally plan on stashing it away for a long time, I would include some sort of documentation such as receipts or a newspaper to date them. The receipts would be fun to look at in 20 years anyway when you can say "WOW! I only paid $1100 for that AR!"

Maybe a desiccant or something to keep the box and contents dry.

[oak86]

Update on this project: Now have the exterior of the box dyed. Lowers and glocks in place. Still need to add snaps and handles to the exterior, but I'm just waiting on the uppers to call the interior complete.


http://s24.postimg.org/67ugiae45/20130621_232955.jpg


http://s24.postimg.org/r60mgddyt/20130621_233828.jpg


http://s24.postimg.org/sh8dou9kl/20130621_233835.jpg

http://s24.postimg.org/njut3q7lh/20130621_234048.jpg

http://s24.postimg.org/c4ybz3v91/20130621_235058.jpg

Absolutely gorgeous!

[blacklabel]

Exploded parts diagrams or Velcro an assembly mat

That's a cool idea.

[def90]

Looks good but it needs to be built out like an Anvil road case. :)

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

[Wulf202]

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Arms-Gear-Complete-Includes/dp/B008FF11SW/ref=sr_1_23?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1372121596&sr=1-23&keywords=cleaning+mat
Possibly the cleaning kits under the stock tube void?

http://www.amazon.com/Glock-AD00062-Bench-Mat/dp/B000U3YWEM/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1372121596&sr=1-5&keywords=cleaning+mat

[Irving]

Glue a velcro patch on the inside of the lid and slap on a site patch. ;)

[HoneyBadger]

So how much does this thing weigh fully loaded (without the missing uppers)??

[Mazin]

Very cool!


Sent from my Otterbox Defended Tactical iPhone using High Capacity "Clips".

[generalmeow]

Thanks for all the compliments and ideas! After consideration I think I'm going in the direction of decoration, in lieu of more stuff. You could almost never stop thinking of stuff to add in there, so I'm going to keep it simple. Maybe a small cleaning kit, and probably a dessicant pouch. Maybe a couple of receipts as someone suggested.

In terms of decoration, I talked to this guy and he's going to paint the underside of the lid:

(http://http://tinyurl.com/mz9d576)http://tinyurl.com/mz9d576

Check out his art. I've known him for a long time. He's an awesome artist, and super creative. It won't happen for about 6 months, but I'm excited about it. I guess I've got quite a bit of time to think of something specific to tell him to put in there, but I think I'm just going to let him do whatever he wants. It's art, and he's going to be a famous artist someday, so what the heck? It's a nice blank canvas, and will make the case even more special having a real work of art on the inside. And maybe he'll even do something on the top of the magazine box lid to bring it all together.

Maybe I'll just set the mood by saying "If bad guys were outside and you had to throw open the lid and start assembling AR-15's, what would you want to be looking at?" Something glorious for certain. Naked women probably.

It'll be cool. I trust him to do something awesome.

He said he already has an idea of what he wants to do, probably something art nouveau. And I didn't know what that was so I googled it, and I agree that would be very cool and kind of old school looking.

http://tinyurl.com/n2eomp2

[3beansalad]

Very cool vault and art ideas. I like the idea and could see it as a base of something others would never consider to be a firearms case. Maybe a padded lid, on wheels, as an ottoman? But then it would require some type of lock.

I would definitely suggest a dehumidifier of some type to CYA.

[generalmeow]

Very cool vault and art ideas. I like the idea and could see it as a base of something others would never consider to be a firearms case. Maybe a padded lid, on wheels, as an ottoman? But then it would require some type of lock.

I would definitely suggest a dehumidifier of some type to CYA.

The firearms only touch cutting board material, which is the white stuff. So it won't swell or let off moisture. It's pretty dry here, but a desiccant pack in there couldn't hurt either. Maybe if it gets moved to a different climate someday it will need that stuff.

I think the coolest thing about this case is that nobody will ever expect to see what they see when they open it up. They're going to be like "who the fuck would make this?" That would have been cool to make it an Ottoman. It's too late now.

ETA - the glocks do touch leather, which I guess could give off moisture if it wasn't dry. Maybe I'll have to do something about that.

[generalmeow]

Got my uppers from Rock River today. They fit like a glove.

I kind of wish all the uppers faced the same way for aesthetic reasons, but there are good reasons for them to face opposite directions.

1) There isn't room to pull the pins if the mounts are all on one side
2) It helps balance the weight of the case.

http://s13.postimg.org/73yrfe9av/20130708_190603.jpg
http://s13.postimg.org/jjvh952mv/20130708_190718.jpg

[generalmeow]

And another pic, fully loaded. First time ever.

http://s16.postimg.org/j8qp687g5/20130708_195505.jpg

[Sawin]

I must say, that is very nicely done Sir. Your son is going to love that box, especially the older he gets. [Beer]