Weapon cabinets: choosing the right one
A house for your pistol, a mansion for your musket, a pied-a-terre for your pistol and a chicken coop for your rifle. For those avid gun collectors, a gun cabinet is essential for storing, preserving and, of course, displaying your prized collection. It’s time to get organized and I’m here to help you and walk you through some of the things to consider when shopping for a gun cabinet.
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The first thing you want to consider is size. Dig down to the bottom of that closet of yours and pull out all the weapons you’d like to display. Count them! Do you have 2? 10? twenty? The last thing you want to do is buy a cabinet that is too small and then have to “refill” it. This does not make for a very attractive display nor will your weapons be happy about it. Also, do you plan to add to your collection in the future? If so, increase your current count a bit to make room for future additions.
Where am I going to put this?
Now that you have calculated the size, consider what design you would like to have for your display. Gun cabinets don’t just come in one form, there are several to choose from, each providing a different way to view your weapons. Along with the layout, determine early on where in your home you will place the cabinet. Will you place it along a wall or in a corner? You’ll want to choose a straight-backed cabinet if you want to fit flush to the wall, or a specially made corner cabinet if a corner screen works best for you.
To rotate or not to rotate? That is the question
In addition to the basics of size and shape, there are several other features to choose from that can add to the lushness of your screen. The swivel function is functional and aesthetically appealing. It will allow you easy access to your weapons, just turn and you’re done. And it’s also a feature that you don’t see much of, which makes it that much more intriguing and unique. Some cabinets also have shelves, usually along the side. This is a great feature if you have other items in your collection that you would like to display, such as shells from that memorable hunt or other weapon accessories. Bottom unit drawers or merchandisers are another option and are perfect for displaying smaller pistols and other items.
Screen vs. Storage
Perhaps you are looking for a more discreet gun storage instead of a full screen. If so, a hidden gun locker is a great option. These pieces are often disguised as other items, such as a watch or a curio cabinet, and have a hidden door or pocket to store your weapons. From rifles to handguns, they also come in a wide range of sizes. A hidden cabinet is a great way to store your collection while adding functional furniture to your home.
Are there many colors to choose from?
Ok, you have the size, shape and features, now let’s see the color. Do you want to match the existing wood that lives in your home or do you want to dare and break the mold? It is your call. If you are looking for a wooden gun cabinet, there are several stains to choose from, including Dark Cherry, Natural, Fruit Wood, Golden Oak, Dark Oak, and Nutmeg. Along with the color, you will have the option of etched or decorated glass. Most of the decorated glass presents an outdoor scene (very suitable) with its real one; prey of choice.
Money, money, money, money … MO-NEY
You have a budget, stick to it. You can get a great gun cabinet no matter how much you have to spend. An important factor in determining how much a pistol holster will cost is the material. Some woods / materials cost considerably more than others. However, opting for a cheaper wood or material does not necessarily mean that the cabinet will look less attractive.
