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....But probably not the question you think.

I've only recently reached the point where my living situation was stable enough and my collection large enough to justify a dedicated gun safe. I've already done some research and decided on a specific manufacturer and model, so I don't think I need much help with that.

What I do need help with is the internal layout. The safe I've picked (the largest that my space and budget constraints will allow at the moment) comes in two configurations. One includes a large empty space that can accommodate 16 long guns and a single shelf running the width of the safe above that for pistols. The other is split in half vertically, with one side having space for 8 long guns and the other being taken up by 4 shelves.

I'm kind of torn. Both would fit my current needs and then some. I do more handgun shooting than rifle or shotgun, so I don't own many long guns and don't plan to own many more, so that's a point in favor of the second option. On the other hand, it seems like it would be easier to add more capacity for pistols (with storage racks, door hangers, etc.) than for rifles, which suggests the first option might not be too bad either. I know the general rule is to get more space than you need, but the question in this case is between more rifle space than I think I'll need and more pistol space than I think I'll need.

What's y'all's experience with this sort of thing?

Steve133 wrote:....But probably not the question you think.

I've only recently reached the point where my living situation was stable enough and my collection large enough to justify a dedicated gun safe. I've already done some research and decided on a specific manufacturer and model, so I don't think I need much help with that.

What I do need help with is the internal layout. The safe I've picked (the largest that my space and budget constraints will allow at the moment) comes in two configurations. One includes a large empty space that can accommodate 16 long guns and a single shelf running the width of the safe above that for pistols. The other is split in half vertically, with one side having space for 8 long guns and the other being taken up by 4 shelves.

I'm kind of torn. Both would fit my current needs and then some. I do more handgun shooting than rifle or shotgun, so I don't own many long guns and don't plan to own many more, so that's a point in favor of the second option. On the other hand, it seems like it would be easier to add more capacity for pistols (with storage racks, door hangers, etc.) than for rifles, which suggests the first option might not be too bad either. I know the general rule is to get more space than you need, but the question in this case is between more rifle space than I think I'll need and more pistol space than I think I'll need.

What's y'all's experience with this sort of thing?

On my safe, it came with shelves on the right, however with the shelves removed it still has the part that long guns can "lean" into. The shelf part was just a flat board with an upside down "lip" that sits on top of the rifle part and covers the rifle part. In other words, I can remove the shelf and have a lot of room for long guns or put the shelves on the right or left sides. I removed the shelves completely and made my own door hanger. I have about 10 guns hanging on it.
If you want to see pics, PM me.

But I still recommend to ALWAYS buy bigger than you think you need!

10Shooter wrote:

Steve133 wrote:....But probably not the question you think.

I've only recently reached the point where my living situation was stable enough and my collection large enough to justify a dedicated gun safe. I've already done some research and decided on a specific manufacturer and model, so I don't think I need much help with that.

What I do need help with is the internal layout. The safe I've picked (the largest that my space and budget constraints will allow at the moment) comes in two configurations. One includes a large empty space that can accommodate 16 long guns and a single shelf running the width of the safe above that for pistols. The other is split in half vertically, with one side having space for 8 long guns and the other being taken up by 4 shelves.

I'm kind of torn. Both would fit my current needs and then some. I do more handgun shooting than rifle or shotgun, so I don't own many long guns and don't plan to own many more, so that's a point in favor of the second option. On the other hand, it seems like it would be easier to add more capacity for pistols (with storage racks, door hangers, etc.) than for rifles, which suggests the first option might not be too bad either. I know the general rule is to get more space than you need, but the question in this case is between more rifle space than I think I'll need and more pistol space than I think I'll need.

What's y'all's experience with this sort of thing?

But I still recommend to ALWAYS buy bigger than you think you need!

I'd go with more shelves. You will find that there are a lot of things other than guns that you''ll want to put in it.

Steve133 wrote:I'm kind of torn. Both would fit my current needs and then some. I do more handgun shooting than rifle or shotgun, so I don't own many long guns and don't plan to own many more, so that's a point in favor of the second option. On the other hand, it seems like it would be easier to add more capacity for pistols (with storage racks, door hangers, etc.) than for rifles, which suggests the first option might not be too bad either. I know the general rule is to get more space than you need, but the question in this case is between more rifle space than I think I'll need and more pistol space than I think I'll need.

What's y'all's experience with this sort of thing?

I ended up buying two!

One I keep the long guns. I added more shelves to the second safe which I keep the pistols, camera equipment and optics, documents and other important stuff.

WildBill wrote:

Steve133 wrote:I'm kind of torn. Both would fit my current needs and then some. I do more handgun shooting than rifle or shotgun, so I don't own many long guns and don't plan to own many more, so that's a point in favor of the second option. On the other hand, it seems like it would be easier to add more capacity for pistols (with storage racks, door hangers, etc.) than for rifles, which suggests the first option might not be too bad either. I know the general rule is to get more space than you need, but the question in this case is between more rifle space than I think I'll need and more pistol space than I think I'll need.

What's y'all's experience with this sort of thing?

I ended up buying two!

One I keep the long guns. I added more shelves to the second safe which I keep the pistols, camera equipment and optics, documents and other important stuff.

Well, glad you took my advice,

I'm starting to look at gettin Safe #2...

When you have to lean into the door to get it to shut properly...I think its time to expand...

Thats with everything hanging off the door hangers, shelves in the right place, and one big piece of artillery that will go unmentioned at this particular juncture...

I actually had to get "Wife Unit" to throw the wheel while I pushed the door closed to get it to secure...She just kinda looked at me and rolled her eyes...She knows whats coming...hehehe

WildBill wrote:

Steve133 wrote:I'm kind of torn. Both would fit my current needs and then some. I do more handgun shooting than rifle or shotgun, so I don't own many long guns and don't plan to own many more, so that's a point in favor of the second option. On the other hand, it seems like it would be easier to add more capacity for pistols (with storage racks, door hangers, etc.) than for rifles, which suggests the first option might not be too bad either. I know the general rule is to get more space than you need, but the question in this case is between more rifle space than I think I'll need and more pistol space than I think I'll need.

What's y'all's experience with this sort of thing?

I ended up buying two!

One I keep the long guns. I added more shelves to the second safe which I keep the pistols, camera equipment and optics, documents and other important stuff.

I actually ended up with two large safes and bought a 14 gun Sentry that I got a deal on for the "other stuff", but have some guns in it as well. If I got one to hold everything I don't think it would fit through the door!

I went with option # 2 because my SO decided she also needed some shelf space. I also added a door storage hanger for my handguns, another handgun holder for one of the shelves, and interior lighting on a motion sensor. Still ended up buying another safe though...