View Full Version : Ammo Storage
Couldn't find any thread dedicated to this. I thought perhaps some people were like me and want a good place to store ammo. Since I don't have any firearms, and my executive safe I just bought is full of various documents and other Liberal-Friendly items, I don't have enough room to put my Investment-grade ammo.
I figured this would be better than having stacks of Ammo cans laying around. This is by no means the best way, but once I got the ammo cans in there I was surprised at how well they fit in there so I thought I would share.
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The middle pic is the boxes 2 layers high. If I had more .30 cal boxes it would be completely full. If I didn't use the tray that the job box came with there is enough vertical room to put another row of boxes in there.
Feel free to post your ammo storage ideas in here as well!
SouthPaw
01-12-2014, 13:08
Tagged for this. I was going to post something very similar asking how others store ammo. My only idea so far was shelves in an old closest/book case.
I figure that if people trust their livelihood by storing thousands of dollars of their tools to this type of box, it cannot be all that bad.
Can you post pics of how it locks up? I'm curious to see how secure it *looks* and how accessible it is.
Can you post pics of how it locks up? I'm curious to see how secure it *looks* and how accessible it is.
First one is the hole on the front that accommodates the padlock, you can see the latch that is attached to the lid it is vertical.
The second one is the lid open (it is heavy and will get your fingers!) The latch goes in the space that holds the padlock.
The third one is the instructions on how to mount the padlock that is pasted on the lid.
There is two of these holes one on each side of the front of the box. Approximately 2 inches from the front corner of the box.
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One of the weaknesses I have heard is that the lock tumbler is generally softer metal than the lock itself, so it can be drilled out. I don't have a lock installed now because I plan on doing some research and finding a good quality set of locks that will work well for this box.
Ohh the Box is model 2048-OS
Looks like Rigid sources out the paint job to Maaco.
Thats the welds that look like drips
HoneyBadger
01-12-2014, 14:34
I have some (8gal?) rubbermade tubs that fit three .50cal cans in them with room for more stuff on top. I label them "winter clothes" or "old kitchen stuff" and stick them down next to a bunch of other rubbermade tubs in my basement.
It's really obvious if you try to move one of the ammo boxes... they weigh 100+lbs each.
Since HoneyBadger Jr is getting more mobile (he's almost walking now) I need to come up with a new solution. I'd like to finish the basement soon, which will give me an opportunity to build in a secure closet to keep things out of his reach.
Since HoneyBadger Jr is getting more mobile (he's almost walking now) I need to come up with a new solution. I'd like to finish the basement soon, which will give me an opportunity to build in a secure closet to keep things out of his reach.
I think I might ask Tim K to help me hide this room. [AR15]
Why did you get this size? it's already full
Why did you get this size? it's already full
Some of those ammo boxes are empty. I bought a bunch of ammo boxes a while ago to try this out, I'm just getting to it now. The Ammo crisis hindered my goals. Goal is to actually get this completely full.
Great-Kazoo
01-12-2014, 16:08
I would show you, but then EVERYONE with internet access would know also, Hint.
buffalobo
01-12-2014, 16:16
I have some (8gal?) rubbermade tubs that fit three .50cal cans in them with room for more stuff on top. I label them "winter clothes" or "old kitchen stuff" and stick them down next to a bunch of other rubbermade tubs in my basement.
It's really obvious if you try to move one of the ammo boxes... they weigh 100+lbs each.
Since HoneyBadger Jr is getting more mobile (he's almost walking now) I need to come up with a new solution. I'd like to finish the basement soon, which will give me an opportunity to build in a secure closet to keep things out of his reach.
Secure closet? How about built in vault? :thumbup:
clodhopper
01-12-2014, 17:58
I would show you, but then EVERYONE with internet access would know also, Hint.
How about posting some pics of the cool storage method that "friend of yours" showed you when you visited his out of state residence recently. Hint.
Great-Kazoo
01-12-2014, 18:13
How about posting some pics of the cool storage method that "friend of yours" showed you when you visited his out of state residence recently. Hint.
?? now i'm really lost. Probably take me 2-3 days b4 it clicks.
clodhopper
01-12-2014, 18:37
I don't have any firearms due to that damn boating idea. Therefore I don't have any ammo to store. This "buddy of mine" has some cool ideas on stuff that I post on web forums. mmmkay?
BuffCyclist
01-12-2014, 18:38
?? now i'm really lost. Probably take me 2-3 days b4 it clicks.
He's saying post a picture of your storage but say it is how your out of state friend stores his ammo...
HoneyBadger
01-12-2014, 19:15
He's saying post a picture of your storage but say it is how your out of state friend stores his ammo...
[facepalm]
HoneyBadger
01-12-2014, 19:16
Secure closet? How about built in vault? :thumbup:
I was originally planning on building a concrete gun room, but other things keep taking priority. I think I'll just build something that is relatively secure in the meantime to keep the kiddo(s) safe until they are old enough to handle firearms and ammo responsibly.
BuffCyclist
01-12-2014, 19:18
[facepalm]
Oh wait, was I not supposed to say that out loud? Whoops, my bad!
Great-Kazoo
01-12-2014, 19:33
I was originally planning on building a concrete gun room, but other things keep taking priority. I think I'll just build something that is relatively secure in the meantime to keep the kiddo(s) safe until they are old enough to handle firearms and ammo responsibly.
The spousal unit is pushing hard to do a tornado shelter / root cellar.
buffalobo
01-12-2014, 19:40
I was originally planning on building a concrete gun room, but other things keep taking priority. I think I'll just build something that is relatively secure in the meantime to keep the kiddo(s) safe until they are old enough to handle firearms and ammo responsibly.
Damn, I need to help somebody do theirs so I will know how to do mine(concrete room, vault door).
I currently have pretty much the same scenario you listed but my basement is inaccessible by the minions. Wife gets pissed when she pulls out a box that says "house hold goods" and it has ammo in it.
[QUOTE=buffalobo;1475173]Damn, I need to help somebody do theirs so I will know how to do mine(concrete room, vault door).
I would take the help building a room, but mine involves removing the concrete floor of my three car garage. Then digging out the dirt to basement level, re-installing a structurally supported concrete floor/ceiling then a vault door from the basement. I doubt anyone is willing to do $15K worth of backbreaking work on weekends, so it won't get done for years.
beast556
01-12-2014, 22:10
I just shoot all my ammo so I dont have to worrie about storing it any more.[M2]
I just shoot all my ammo so I dont have to worrie about storing it any more.[M2]
^^^Something like this.^^^
I have a 2-stage storage system.
1. Store the brass in various 5 gal. buckets in garage.
2. Store projectiles in various range berms around the Front Range and Eastern Plains.
:cool:
Sent via my Mobile Work Avoidance Device
I would show you, but then EVERYONE with internet access would know also, Hint.
This section of the forum is not public. Also, I figured this would be good information to many others on this site. If I wanted EVERYONE on the internet to see this thread I would have posted it on the General section.
I'm not concerned with who sees this. They don't know where I reside anyways, except for the Forum Administration. Plus I have many layers of security in use. As for a SHTF scenario and people knowing where my stuff is they could try getting it, however it will be costly for them.
This section of the forum is not public.
Exactly! [Awesom]
Also, I figured this would be good information to many others on this site. If I wanted EVERYONE on the internet to see this thread I would have posted it on the General section. Great idea.
As for me, ammo cans to keep it dry and sorted, stored in the basement to keep it cool, ammo will keep for years. Now it's just a matter of hiding it. For now, I have s shelf-like thing built around mine, but it's far from ideal. Next house will have a well hidden closet/compartment/area for it, concrete board and fire board lined.
buffalobo
01-13-2014, 12:28
[QUOTE=buffalobo;1475173]Damn, I need to help somebody do theirs so I will know how to do mine(concrete room, vault door).
I would take the help building a room, but mine involves removing the concrete floor of my three car garage. Then digging out the dirt to basement level, re-installing a structurally supported concrete floor/ceiling then a vault door from the basement. I doubt anyone is willing to do $15K worth of backbreaking work on weekends, so it won't get done for years.
You are right. Digging will not be a part of my voluntary labor for vault door install.
My interest is in the setting of the vault door and all that is involved with it's installation.
Great-Kazoo
01-13-2014, 12:47
Exactly! [Awesom]
Great idea.
As for me, ammo cans to keep it dry and sorted, stored in the basement to keep it cool, ammo will keep for years. Now it's just a matter of hiding it. For now, I have s shelf-like thing built around mine, but it's far from ideal. Next house will have a well hidden closet/compartment/area for it, concrete board and fire board lined.
You should store them ar least 6" off the ground, in case a water line or heater breaks.
The only up side regardign theft prevention at our place is. the shop and other "storage" areas are so "organized" [ROFL2] It take them 10 minutes to get around the crap.
You should store them ar least 6" off the ground, in case a water line or heater breaks.
Ammo boxes have good seals, and the Job box is water resistant.
SideShow Bob
01-13-2014, 19:47
[QUOTE=buffalobo;1475173]Damn, I need to help somebody do theirs so I will know how to do mine(concrete room, vault door).
I would take the help building a room, but mine involves removing the concrete floor of my three car garage. Then digging out the dirt to basement level, re-installing a structurally supported concrete floor/ceiling then a vault door from the basement. I doubt anyone is willing to do $15K worth of backbreaking work on weekends, so it won't get done for years.
The Panama Canal started with but a shovel full of dirt.
Have you seen those precast concrete vaults/shelters of different sizes for sale up on US 85 at I think 136th Ave on the east side of the HighWay across from the Dodge dealer ?
buffalobo
01-13-2014, 23:14
[QUOTE=Big E3;1475287]
The Panama Canal started with but a shovel full of dirt.
Have you seen those precast concrete vaults/shelters of different sizes for sale up on US 85 at I think 136th Ave on the east side of the HighWay across from the Dodge dealer ?
Yea, I have. Think they are made by Vaughn Concrete, they have a plant just east of there. Went to school with them in junior high.
Great-Kazoo
01-13-2014, 23:25
[QUOTE=Big E3;1475287]
The Panama Canal started with but a shovel full of dirt.
Have you seen those precast concrete vaults/shelters of different sizes for sale up on US 85 at I think 136th Ave on the east side of the HighWay across from the Dodge dealer ?
If it's not round, structural issues can happen, when utilized underground.
http://vaughnconcreteproducts.com/storm-shelters1
I store some of my ammo in an old five-drawer steel filing cabinet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/TennVol/Ammo/IMG_0631-1_zpsd0c97b26.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/TennVol/media/Ammo/IMG_0631-1_zpsd0c97b26.jpg.html)
ChunkyMonkey
01-16-2014, 20:24
I store some of my ammo in an old five-drawer steel filing cabinet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/TennVol/Ammo/IMG_0631-1_zpsd0c97b26.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/TennVol/media/Ammo/IMG_0631-1_zpsd0c97b26.jpg.html)
Looking good! Must weighs a ton!
You should fill the directory cards on each shelf with a big "A" for ammo. That'd be funny.
Great-Kazoo
01-16-2014, 20:35
I store some of my ammo in an old five-drawer steel filing cabinet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/TennVol/Ammo/IMG_0631-1_zpsd0c97b26.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/TennVol/media/Ammo/IMG_0631-1_zpsd0c97b26.jpg.html)
word of advice, don't open the top drawer without having the bottom open too. NOT that i've ever had anything like that happen, personally. jest sayin.
ChunkyMonkey
01-16-2014, 20:36
word of advice, don't open the top drawer without having the bottom open too. NOT that i've ever had anything like that happen, personally. jest sayin.
Thats how you lost your big toe?
word of advice, don't open the top drawer without having the bottom open too. NOT that i've ever had anything like that happen, personally. jest sayin.
Actually, I can open the top two drawers at the same time with the bottom three closed with no problem. The empty weight of the cabinet is close to 200 lbs, but I've also got some serious weight in the bottom two drawers to keep her steady.
I had no idea that filing cabinets were that strong.
This section of the forum is not public.
Wait, so how do we know which areas are public and search engine indexed and which aren't? I had no idea.
That job box idea looks cool. I'm also debating the "gun room" vs. separate safes and storage idea too. Saw some pics of a guy who built a metal cage in his basement because he didn't want to drop the cash on a full concrete safe room. That might be a mid-term option that still gives your family/kids access to your basement during tornadoes, etc. but keeps your guns and ammo locked up. All you guys who reload with kids around, I'm assuming your locked powder magazine has to be separate from your ammo stash too, right...?
Wait, so how do we know which areas are public and search engine indexed and which aren't? I had no idea.
That job box idea looks cool. I'm also debating the "gun room" vs. separate safes and storage idea too. Saw some pics of a guy who built a metal cage in his basement because he didn't want to drop the cash on a full concrete safe room. That might be a mid-term option that still gives your family/kids access to your basement during tornadoes, etc. but keeps your guns and ammo locked up. All you guys who reload with kids around, I'm assuming your locked powder magazine has to be separate from your ammo stash too, right...?
I always just "logged out" and saw which sections I could see and the ones I couldn't.
I am thinking about putting expanded metal around the room that the ammo and safe are in. Even though the room will not be visible after I get Tim K to hook me up.
Great-Kazoo
01-17-2014, 12:44
Thats how you lost your big toe?
Drunk Yakuza. Unable to stand up i had to take a toe instead. DON'T PLAY PLATOON WITH CHARLIE SHEEN.
I had no idea that filing cabinets were that strong.
Most of them aren't, but this one is probably at least 50 yrs old. They used to be made in the US and they were much stronger and heavier back then!
Great-Kazoo
01-18-2014, 09:04
Most of them aren't, but this one is probably at least 50 yrs old. They used to be made in the US and they were much stronger and heavier back then!
Last one i had was the fireproof style. weighed 300+ lob. It was concrete wedged in between the metal skins.
Last one i had was the fireproof style. weighed 300+ lob. It was concrete wedged in between the metal skins.
Sounds like one of our office safes back in the early 80's.
Sounds like one of our office safes back in the early 80's.
They Still use them, My company uses the Mosler ones pretty much haven't changed since then. I have one manufactured back then sitting next to a brand new one. Same thing except for the digital combo lock.
i was able to pick up some old lockable bank teller cabinets with drawers a while back for a good deal works great.
rockhound
01-22-2014, 11:32
so my ammo safe is full and the last set of ammo boxes i filled had to out to the shop, the job box is a great idea, as a former contractor i am ashamed i did not think of it, i have been trying to come up with an idea for security for the ammo that had to out there.
so my ammo safe is full and the last set of ammo boxes i filled had to out to the shop, the job box is a great idea, as a former contractor i am ashamed i did not think of it, i have been trying to come up with an idea for security for the ammo that had to out there.
I'm still looking for a set of padlocks that don't have a brass core that can be drilled easily. I heard American Lock has a drill-resistant lock, but haven't been that far in research.
I'm still looking for a set of padlocks that don't have a brass core that can be drilled easily. I heard American Lock has a drill-resistant lock, but haven't been that far in research.
They ain't cheap:
https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Protec2-PL-358-Hardened-Steel-Padlock.html
They ain't cheap:
https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Protec2-PL-358-Hardened-Steel-Padlock.html
OMG
Great-Kazoo
01-22-2014, 13:12
They ain't cheap:
https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Protec2-PL-358-Hardened-Steel-Padlock.html
They ain't tamper resistant either. ANY lock can be opened, it depends how serious one is about opening it.
Maybe I'll just do the Masterlock thing and rely on the fact that the room is unseen.
Can you have more than one lock, and make a removable cover for one lock so it doesn't look like it is there? Won't stop someone with all the time in the world, but most thieves don't have that luxury.
Padlocks are more drill resistant than people think since they shift around. Protect the hasp, Bolt and find a way to get as much protection from bumping as possible like using rare keyways.
Can you have more than one lock, and make a removable cover for one lock so it doesn't look like it is there? Won't stop someone with all the time in the world, but most thieves don't have that luxury.
I was going to get a steel cover and either weld it or rivet it to cover the padlock holes so I could only get my hand in there at an angle with the key, but I figured if they already had a drill they could drill the rivets iout or with a 2 lb hammer probably whack the cover off, then drill it.
Padlocks are more drill resistant than people think since they shift around. Protect the hasp, Bolt and find a way to get as much protection from bumping as possible like using rare keyways.
This is someone else picture looking at the lock area from the top when the lid is open...(the right of the pictures is actually the front of the box.) so most of the lock is protected. however it holds the lock niceley for someone to drill as far as my untrained eyes can guess.
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Again,. someone elses' picture, but you can see how the box holds the padlocks in a perfect drill position for you. I was going to put perhaps some sort of shroud over the holes, but I figured if someone is pringing a drill to the party, chances are they brough other stuff that can just get the box open in other ways.
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You'd still have to wedge the lock with something to get it stable.
Mine flop around just a bit.
The honest truth is that I own more than enough tools to break into it. If they have the time and intelligence I'm screwed.
You'd still have to wedge the lock with something to get it stable.
Mine flop around just a bit.
The honest truth is that I own more than enough tools to break into it. If they have the time and intelligence I'm screwed.
You got that right. Even if I bought a $3K safe just dedicated to ammo, I think there are ways of getting into anything given time and tools. I guess this project I am trying to keep homest people honest, andthe dumb criminals away from it.
trlcavscout
01-22-2014, 17:01
I have some wall mount metal cabinets that lock with a padlock, minimal security but hey are hung in a locked gun room which will be getting fortified soon. My question is how safe is it to lock ammo in metal containers in case of fire, would it matter?
Search on here for the vid of the fire fighter association burning ammo.
Its not dangerous. Just expensive
I have some wall mount metal cabinets that lock with a padlock, minimal security but hey are hung in a locked gun room which will be getting fortified soon. My question is how safe is it to lock ammo in metal containers in case of fire, would it matter?
I am pricing expanded metal right now for the inside of mine. Then to hide it.
http://youtu.be/3SlOXowwC4c
I want a slow motion video camera to mess with now. 12:30 is the fire part.
Just paint it white, add a weather seal in the gap, slap on a Maytag decall and call it a day.
hollohas
02-01-2014, 20:50
It's certainly not secure, but a while back I ran out of surplus ammo cans and couldn't find any at an even semi reasonable price...so I got some NEW and unused metal paint cans at Lowe's. Filled up with ammo they are a manageable weight, they stack ok and are air tight. Plus they cost like $3.
It's certainly not secure, but a while back I ran out of surplus ammo cans and couldn't find any at an even semi reasonable price...so I got some NEW and unused metal paint cans at Lowe's. Filled up with ammo they are a manageable weight, they stack ok and are air tight. Plus they cost like $3.
Ammo cans are getting real expensive.
blacklabel
02-01-2014, 21:09
Ammo cans are getting real expensive.
It's all those guys hoarding .22.
It's all those guys hoarding .22.
Industry should make it faster so I can buy some and shoot again.
It's certainly not secure, but a while back I ran out of surplus ammo cans and couldn't find any at an even semi reasonable price...so I got some NEW and unused metal paint cans at Lowe's. Filled up with ammo they are a manageable weight, they stack ok and are air tight. Plus they cost like $3.Damn, that's a good idea.
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