Planning A Gun Room???

[@JamesM-l5g]

Gun Smoke has a gun rack in the Sheriff’s office….. Seems to work. I like it!

[@JamesM-l5g]

👍

[@peterconnan5631]

A gun room is a nice dream to have Tom and I hope I'm not way too late here. Some thoughts: 1) If like me you still use a beam scale and a trickler, it's handy to have a shelf at such a height that the scale's pointer is just an inch or two below your natural eye level. Mine is to the right of my loading bench. 2) How do you handle case storage? I have adopted "lin bins". I have a little bracket on the edge of my bench, just to the left if the press to which a bin of the size I use hooks. A second bin stands on the worktop just above it. That way I minimize movement and case handling and I can get through the laborious stages quite quickly despite only using a single-stage press. Also the card holder in the front makes it easy to track what prep work has been done to the contents of the bin. 3) I always make sure the only can of powder on the bench is the one I am loading with. The most dangerous mistake a handloader can make is mixing up powder and data. The last gun room I was in had it's entry through a clothes cupboard. I thought that was quite neat.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

Peter, you aren't to late and I especially like what you said about a shelf at eye level for the balance scale. I do use a digital scale now most of the time but I always have my balance scale put back and ready to go and that will encourage me to use it a lot more. Thanks! And the other points were pretty good too!

[@paxxsford]

I've always wanted the gun rack off the show Bonanza. With 2 antique leather recliners with a giant globe with hidden mini-bar table. With an antique map of anciet trade routes painted on the ceiling

[@paxxsford]

Also pinterest has a ton of gun room ideas

[@luvtahandload7692]

Sounds like you've seen Bonanza once or twice. It was a good show.

[@jonfranklin4583]

Congratulations on building a gun room Tom! I built one in my home in an existing attic space above the two downstairs bedrooms and the bathroom between them. My space is basically 8x14 with standing room, then off to either side I have another 6 feet of sloping storage. I am lucky in that a good friend of mine is a cabinet maker and he helped me with the build on the cabinets. I did what you were thinking of and built drawer sets for under the reloading bench as well as my work bench. Under the reloading bench are 15 drawers, 4 sets 4 to a row with the last being 3 instead of 4. I built them so they would hold my powder cans on their side, many of the bullet boxes fit end side up so I can see what they are without pulling them out, primers are in separate drawers and I have one double depth drawer for the larger 4 and 8 pound powder cans. On the gun bench side I bought from Grizzly Industrial a 30x72x1-3/4 maple butcher block top, under it I have 5, 54" wide drawers 5" deep 28" long, and 5, 10" wide, 5" deep by 28" long drawer. I use the large drawers for long gun storage and can fit 6 rifles in each drawer. I have a metal tool storage rack on the back of if with various hangers for tools and a shelf above that. Opposite side of the room I bought a steel rack system that has plastic bins that fit on it, I recall I have 36 bins for miscellaneous items. Like you I hate slop in a bench and even more if my press moves either from the mount or the bench top, I built my reloading bench top out of 2 pieces of 1" plywood construction glued and screwed together with a piece of 1/4" white masonite on top for good visibility. Tried one of the quick change mount systems but wasn't happy with the slop that had either so went back to hard mounting, much better. I did, however, make a special mount for my Dillon 650 that is a plate of 1/4 " steel tapped for 1'4-20 that I use to bolt it in place, works really well, much better than the quick change, only 2 more bolts to remove it and I have a set of holes for my Mec shotshell reloaders that I use on the same plate. I used Bamboo flooring as they told me it was tough, they were right! I have run over more than a few spent primers with my chair and you can't really tell. Best of luck with your build and happy scrutinizing!

[@RustySprocket]

I am primarily a bird hunter and shotgun sports enthusiast, but do reload metallic cartridges for a few rifles. I'm currently occupying our spare bedroom as my gun/hunting room, but am about ready to upgrade to our family room in the basement, after a mild remodel/redesign. However much room you think you may need, you will need more. First and foremost, I shoot tens of thousands of shotgun shells a year in all gauges. The shells are heavy and take up allot of room. For this, I'm using the largest husky shelving system that home Depot sells. I love it. Powder, shot, wads, reloaders, and a small beer fridge all fit in there too! I went with a peninsula bench for my main bench, have my shotgun presses mounted on separate 2'x2' 3/4" plywood, and clamp those to my bench as needed. This has worked really well, and has saved a run of space over having them all mounted along a wall. I have a separate bench for my single stage rifle press. I stiffened it up by connecting the the mounting bolts with angle iron. It made for an impenetrable triangle of sturdiness! My gun cabinet only holds my 8 favorite guns, but has two drawers underneath. One for pistols/ammo/holsters, one for the coyote caller and other miscellaneous items. Both are full. I have a large floor rack, and 3 wall racks. All full, plus some. My two boys have started to accumulate some firearms as well. I'm completely out of room! I keep my wheelybird thrower, battery, Clay targets, hunting clothes, and dog related things in there as well. I'm of the opinion that shelves are better than drawers, make plans to expand, and leave enough wall space for your favorite art! Oh, and have fun! Cannot wait to see what you end up building!

[@Alianderfarm]

I read a book a few years ago about organizing and minimizing and the main thing I remember is to have everything visible at all times. If you tuck it into a closed drawer then you will forget about it and it won’t get used. I now keep my tools visible and it has made a positive difference.

[@Mikejohnson-wr2hd]

I don’t think there is anything much I could addTom, even though I’ve been realoading since the early 70s. I really enjoy your channel and I sort of feel that you have become a friend. Keep up the great work you are doing and God bless you.

[@joshclemons9975]

I built a big gun cabinet in the wall of my old house and you couldn't tell it was there at all i frame the outside of it just like a window and put blinds and curtains on it, when you pulled the curtains back and turned the blinds you could see threw the glass of the door and see all of my firearms and then close them back and it looked just like another window i love it and if you didn't know it you'd have no idea there was guns there and i had a few friends come in my room and asked them where my guns were without moving anything in the room and no one ever guessed it right 👍

[@BuckIt00]

I'd say consider. Ventilation. Humidity. Fire suppression.

[@_MF1703]

hi sir, enjoy your videos. i am 2/3 done with my gun room. gun display done, tv/storage cabinet done, reloading bench/storage started. do the work myself so total custom. it's a fun journey. the room size is 12x12.

[@allmyhobbiesareexpensive2676]

It might sound counter intuitive considering the modern day politics, but scouring English heritage/country house publications for 18th, 19th, and 20th centry gun rooms might reveal some useful information. Speaking for myself, I have always admired the simplicity of a vertical gun rack. Whether that be a 'ready access' ranch style, or a glass front (or poly carbobate if you don't like shattery stabbys) enclosed case. I would also say that if you go with the 37 in height cabinet/counter you can always get an appropriately sized stool if you ever want a seat.

[@michaelwilson9986]

Good Luck.. n God Bless Ya n Yours

[@joeparker7508]

Humidifier is a must

[@kentowens2179]

Interesting topic. I'm presently in the process of expanding my loading bench, and a bit of reorganizing as well. It's a hassle trying to fit all the odds sized items in neatly. LOL Best of luck, you are blessed to have new space to work with.

[@jemsietrotter]

I am looking forward to seeing your gunroom coming together. Could I share a video of my gunroom with you? Even if it's just to give you a good laugh 😅

[@Lucysdad66]

I stoped my bench about a foot and a half short from the wall on the right side and hung my press on the edge so the drawers still open and then i hung 2 small shelfs on the right wall that i would keep small tools and my nylon brush for the neck lube and case gages and i like the height like you have it so i can lean on a bar stool well thats my 2 cents..

[@lylewalters909]

I got a few great ideas when i went to cabelas and went into the room where they have the high dollar antique collectable guns. The built into the wall cabinets with counters in front. The island in the middle for showing and handling the weapons was set up very well. Good luck.

[@trapdoorspringfieldmodel1888]

You might want to check out the images online of Gary Cooper's gun room to give you some ideas as to how an old "high end" gun room looked. Another source is from the KZbin channel called Today's Wild West where they have a video called Shiloh Sharps - the Most Famous Gun of the Movies. In it you can see how they display their guns on the wall, and that might just give you some ideas, and I recommend using something like a brass or wooden gun hanger for the looks and extra security it gives from a gun falling off due to an accidental bump. Then there is Julian and Sons online where they have numerous photos of the gun rooms they have built (really high end), but they may give you some ideas as to what you might want to do. Anyways, whatever you do I and I think many others are going to enjoy not only the end result, but the process of seeing it unfold. And I have no doubt based on the cabinets in your woodshop that you will come up with something that is beautiful and functional.

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

I’m actually in the same boat. Thinking about a prebuilt shed/shop! 👍🏽😀❤️🇺🇸

[@JOESRQFLUSA]

THE LIVING ROOM ! TV , BEER TAP, STEEL DOOR 👍👍👍

[@larrywilliams2359]

Tom, I have a suggestion for your reloading bench. Yrs. ago I had a friend in the cabinet making business. He made me my top for my bench to my specific size. The advantage of this it’s stout, perfectly flat, level and mine is white, any powder spillage can be noticed immediately! A large cabinet over the bench eye level would also be nice and convenient. Good luck in your endeavor! The counter top was of laminate Formica

[@larrywilliams2359]

The top was of laminate Formica

[@CarlShuck]

Tom deer hunting is not a loss for maybe a good thought could be a (hush program) like in Pa Hunters Sharing The Harvest. As a firefighter a safe place to keep you powders like a fire proof cabinet or that you well have. Thank you for your videos keep up the great work!

[@bobbydazzler4141]

Hi Tom. I have found the polythene/nylon type bin things that clip to the wall, the best thing since sliced bread. In New Zealand the Lamson size 4 bin is the best size for reloading gear. I'm sure there are equivalent bin type products available where you are, well worth checking out Tom. You would not regret it. Very cost effective, and also modular, so you are future proofed.

[@robertsebacher44]

Plan in several cabinets, one desk, countertop, heavy table or island, twenty gun glass display cabinet, good office chair. Consider buying display case, cabinets or at least door fronts.

[@jasonarringotn2501]

How about Sagamore Hill or the Old Springfield armory. Might give you some inspiration.

[@Alianderfarm]

Open shelves floor to ceiling with everything visible. Things you use often are eye level and above and things rarely used are kept low. Since you are designing a dedicated gun room then dust isn’t an issue. I’m currently building a hidden gun room to contain half my guns. Just a thought to help or disregard. Enjoy the build

[@christopherbryant3857]

I would consider something like the Inline Fabrication quick change system. I currently run my Redding T7 mounted on one 9 3/4" quick change ultra mount station on one side of my bench, and I swap my other presses out using a separate flush mounted quick change base plate. I rotate between a single stage press, my priming tool, my case trimmer, and multiple MEC 600jr presses. The trick is finding somewhere out of the way to store the presses and tools that you rotate onto your bench. A custom storage area under your workbench may help. If I had the space I'd likely set up three dedicated stations using the quick change system.

[@joeparker7508]

Been in gun room with concrete walls metaldoor gun vaults inside that.ammo vaults also.

[@bryanbest5113]

Stud walls.....horizontal 3/4" holes......3/4 rebar. Heavy metal mesh between studs and drywall. Can still be broken into, but it's a pain in the Biden.

[@diggernash1]

Watch videos of high-end shotgun retailers; the six figure shotguns. They have very nice, traditional gun racks. Kinda like a jewelry store for us dudes.

[@lostone2800]

Fire suppression?

[@gk5891]

I had a 6' x 8' walkin closet that I converted to a walkin safe / gunroom. I put a metal liner on the walls facing the house lnterior (It's a 2.5 Story House and it's on the upper floor) under paneling and a security frame and door. They look like a normal door and frame when closed. I leave them open so you can walk in and out when I'm home. I likely overdid the security, but at the time I owned automatic weapons. Of course first rhey would have needed to slip by Volod (145 lb Black Russian Terrier) and he tended to object to unkown visitors.

[@myparceltape1169]

Tradition used to be, the shotgun on a shelf in the kitchen with the shells in a drawer of the dining room.

[@gk5891]

@myparceltape1169 For firearms for more immediate use our family tradition was bedroom closet for the shotgun and by the back door for the rifle.

[@michaelwilson9986]

Sir I seem to recall a recent knee issue for you..Hope your doing better.. However.. I would suggest you think of alternatives on the bench in case ya find yourself in a situation where ya cant stand to do it. I would suggest some type of chair stool etc etc ie a draftsman chair n bench height figured in. Same for the other stuff.related.. Unexpected stuff comes up n Unexpected issues because of n it often sucks. Just Mentioning..

[@cullent5170]

Hey Tom, My grandfather recently gave me his 1923 Model 99 savage chambered in 300 savage which was owned by his father before him. I myself have never actually owned a firearm but I have shot a few. First of all, what are your thoughts on this firearm? And second, what company makes the best cartridge for 300 savage? I would like to shoot it sometime in the future. Thanks!

[@garywoodlief1976]

I would suggest that remember when you are older things that you like now might not be best when you are older like standing all the time

[@myparceltape1169]

In a laboratory I had to move to different parts of a bench and work higher than my hips But if I had to remain in one place there was a tall stool to sit on.

[@bradleyhughes6853]

A friend of mine went to the Bass Pro near him and went in their gun library to copy the layout for their display and made a section like they had.

[@glockky1]

First off if you would still like to hunt there are options. In my area they have hunters for the hungry. You kill the deer and take it to a processor. You can donate and pay the butcher fee or they pay for so many. Venison is given to under privileged families. Secondly although I think it’s priced a little too high inline fabrications offers a lot of mounts that allows you to store and mount various presses without taking up much space. Everything I have purchased from them has worked great. Good luck in your new adventure and I look forward to hearing how things go. I plan to build a home next year and have thought about my reloading room a lot.

[@hoffpbass]

Since the Marxist Revolution 2020 and 2021, in Minneapolis, every room in the house is a gun room 😂

[@JohnHjersman]

My over the top gun room would have built in gun cabinets as seen in the arch villain's house in "Longmire," the TV series.

[@joeparker7508]

Butcher block counter is thick,1"1/8 plywood will work for top

[@martinfitzpatrick6632]

I hope someday you truly do start back into the bird/shotgun world. I am sure it would be as fascinating listening to that as it is when you talk about rifles!

[@Zachrys]

Looking forward to videos in the new gun room someday

[@joeparker7508]

They have peg board systems for guns (pricey)

[@tedvandemoere4621]

If you make your loading bench top at least 2 inches thick and have solid cabinets underneath it you will find your reloading will go smother and be more accurate bench should have little to no movement in it. Ted

[@308guy8]

I'm not a wood worker at all mechanical things. I do alright, my plans on wood working usually don't work out in my favor, lol. If u decide to get back into bird hunting, my buddy raises quail and chukar and sells them

[@tracychilds3546]

Sort of an idea for a table or work station that folds back to the wall to free up space I seen a guy the other day had one of the best that I've ever seen but at this point I can't remember the name of the channel I seen it

[@GetJesse]

👍👍

[@billbearback2591]

the island bench is a must have if you've got the elbow room , nothin like bein able to simply turn around on the spot to transplant some of the too much that your about to knock off your work bench while in the middle of a job, years ago ,i think in the 80's in one of the gun mags there was an open gun rack sold by some mob , i think it was the " Rio bravo " or somethin , it was steel framed sort of covered with wood and had a steel security rod that locked to prevent just grabbin the rifles to make it sort of legal but still look old school , i unsuccessfully tried searching for the ad to see if i could make one but it'd never fly in fascist controlled downder though , cheers bra

[@todsimpkins8908]

Check out the Cabelas/Bass gun rooms for ideas on the built in gun rack/cabinets. And allergic to venison??? Thats horrible. So sorry to hear that. I didnt even know that was a thing.

[@lesliegee42069]

Mr. Rivers, I am a flooring contractor, would love to help you out with any suggestions if you need them in regards to that. One of the things I might recommend for your island is having is upholstered with a nice low pile carpet. We did this for my work table that we use for building custom picture frames and it really helps with not scratching any finishes and you can remove and replace it infinitely when it gets dirty after a few years for very cheap. It would also cut down on echo in the room for videos, were you to use it as a film set.

[@joeparker7508]

If I could afford it make the room stormproof from ground up.

[@sheridanblackley9394]

Make it bigger yep bigger

[@johnandrosemarywyatt977]

Talk to Jim at backfire.

[@jonnybabylon]

Yes Sir. Yes Sir, you are on the real again as usual. Think fake wall that you slide out when you're away from home. Light walls are great for maps and maps are great for confusing the limited. - think about so. Leave one that don't work and ain't worth nothing on the other wall, they can steal that. When home, roll things back. (Unless you need to map things out!)

[@jomommajokes5836]

Id say no widows in a gun room

[@joeparker7508]

Gun - storm shelter

[@michaelhuffer9966]

TOM, FIX THAT CHAIR FROM MAKING NOISE ,WHEN TALKING. 😊😊

[@357blackhawk]

Since you can't eat venison anymore, ever thought of donating the meat? Then again, can always hunt with a camera.