Convert A Class 6 File To A Pistol Safe?

[SweetMK]

I have a neighbor that has a couple Class 6 file cabinets, they look like this;

They are VERY heavy!

I was wondering if this is a possible candidate for conversion to a pistol safe?

Anyone ever take any pics of a conversion?

They look more secure than the safes that you get at TSC etc.

I would hate to get one and just throw the guns in loose!

The drawers will hold "legal" size paper, so they are nice and wide.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Fishinfool]

When I was in school, I worked security at a plant that made control panels for nuclear submarines. They had a couple rooms full of similar security file cabinets. Don't know what class they were, but at least as strong as a gun safe. Some were fire-proof as well. Is yours?

I would probably line the drawers with felt, then try using those coated metal stackers you see for handguns that guys use in their gun safes.

Larry

 

[cowart]

Something like this should fit in the drawers, after you remove the folder hangers:

 

[Coldshooter]

These are good for a minimum .5 hour intrusion delay meaning with regular hand tools it will take that long to breach. Quite fire "proof" but most have 2+ inches of Asbestos so don't drill into the walls.

 

[BC38]

Those look like they would make a GREAT pistol & ammo locker. Even if they can be broken into in "only" a half hour, the vast majority of burglars are in and out in less than half that time. Not very likely that they are going to spend that kind of time - or bring the kind of tools they would need to crack it - unless they know you have gins and that is specifically what they are after. In that case nothing short of a bank vault syle safe is going to keep your guns safe.

As for lining the drawers, automotive carpet can be bought in 3'x6' rolls for around $12 each. Makes a nice padded lining or covering for a shelf.

 

[therevjay]

A "class Vl" safe? That's where you lock up your good booze, ain't it?

Seriously, it sounds like it would make a great pistol/ammo locker. If someone breaks in with the proper equip. and is willing to spend a half hour at it. Well, I'd say he's gotcha anyway.

 

[rwsmith]

Looks like a...

Looks like a great pistol safe. I'd hate to price one that is new and built to those specs.

 

[SweetMK]

So, this thing looks like it will work out.
I guess it will need one of those Golden Rod heaters.

The inside will need some form of lining, possibly upholstery fabric.

The exterior looks rough. I was gonna paint it, but, ugly may deter interest?

Those gun racks look like the answer.

I wonder if there is any concern about long concerns about that material touching bluing!!??

 

[SweetMK]

Those look like they would make a GREAT pistol & ammo locker. Even if they can be broken into in "only" a half hour, the vast majority of burglars are in and out in less than half that time. Not very likely that they are going to spend that kind of time - or bring the kind of tools they would need to crack it - unless they know you have gins and that is specifically what they are after. In that case nothing short of a bank vault syle safe is going to keep your guns safe.

As for lining the drawers, automotive carpet can be bought in 3'x6' rolls for around $12 each. Makes a nice padded lining or covering for a shelf.

At $60 a brick, I may leave the guns on the mantle, and put the ammo in it!!

 

[DJINCO]

We shoved one of the five drawer safe's off the catwalk of a carrier to the pier below. Whole lot easier than carrying it down to the pier.

It stayed locked. Only bounced once.
That was back in the old days (1970's)

Now they would have to contract with three different companies and no sailors would be involved.

 

[SweetMK]

Looks like a great pistol safe. I'd hate to price one that is new and built to those specs.

Look at the price on Ebay, the prices are crazy!!

There are two, a 2 drawer and a 4 drawer, I do not know if I can move the 4 drawer.

 

[SweetMK]

We shoved one of the five drawer safe's off the catwalk of a carrier to the pier below. Whole lot easier than carrying it down to the pier.

It stayed locked. Only bounced once.
That was back in the old days (1970's)

Now they would have to contract with three different companies and no sailors would be involved.

Were you next to us when we had to empty the shipfitters storage room? (1971)

Move the stuff across a repair ship to the dock, or,

into the water!!

Anyone want to know where to find 300 feet of copper welding cable?

It might be wet!

 

[Herknav]

My only concern would be parts availability. Our safe guy at work said parts are getting pretty scarce. (We have a semi-stripped handle that won't be getting fixed short of replacement, which isn't going to happen.)

 

[radar1972]

JUST DO IT!!

I'd take a cabinet like that and make a pistol safe in a heartbeat if I had access to one!

 

[Smithsrevenge]

So, this thing looks like it will work out.
I guess it will need one of those Golden Rod heaters.

The inside will need some form of lining, possibly upholstery fabric.

The exterior looks rough. I was gonna paint it, but, ugly may deter interest?

Those gun racks look like the answer.

I wonder if there is any concern about long concerns about that material touching bluing!!??

Great test. See if he'll give ya two.

Take one out to a sand pit, and shoot the heck out of it. If multiple bullets wont go through. 90% of hand tools wont go through :-D.

In fact, take every hand tool you have and try to break in. If you spend 2-3 hours hammering on it and get no result other than a sore arm. USE IT! lol

 

[SweetMK]

My only concern would be parts availability. Our safe guy at work said parts are getting pretty scarce. (We have a semi-stripped handle that won't be getting fixed short of replacement, which isn't going to happen.)

Great test. See if he'll give ya two.

Take one out to a sand pit, and shoot the heck out of it. If multiple bullets wont go through. 90% of hand tools wont go through :-D.

In fact, take every hand tool you have and try to break in. If you spend 2-3 hours hammering on it and get no result other than a sore arm. USE IT! lol

I am not worried about the parts, there is not nothing inside I can not make.

The combination locks are readily available, I may add new locks anyway.

If that puppie is full of 300 Win Mag dents, the wife will not let it in the house!!

 

[steelslaver]

We shoved one of the five drawer safe's off the catwalk of a carrier to the pier below. Whole lot easier than carrying it down to the pier.

It stayed locked. Only bounced once.
That was back in the old days (1970's)

Now they would have to contract with three different companies and no sailors would be involved.

Gee I wonder why. LOL

 

[sipowicz]

If you have more Smith, Tauruses and Webleys I would file your guns from Z to A instead of A to Z so they are easier to get to. If you have more Astras, Bersas, and Colts, then disregard this post.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

FILE SAFE

I have a tall one (4 drawer)that I have used for almost 30 years. Mine is about as fire proof as they get, and as heavy as all get out ( let the weight work for you when moving) --- they sure are better than nothing-- I got some better ones at some point, but still use the file safe .

 

[SweetMK]

If you have more Smith, Tauruses and Webleys I would file your guns from Z to A instead of A to Z so they are easier to get to. If you have more Astras, Bersas, and Colts, then disregard this post.

If I put Ammo in the safe, I guess the Z-A filing would be best to keep the heavy weight at the bottom!!