Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I started a project

[11B3XCIB]

My dad and I were talking about "hiding in plain sight" and my dad, being a very good woodworker (not by trade, for fun), decided we should give it a shot. This was our first attempt just to get an idea of what was possible. We're working on a biometric release and more reinforcement. Right now, the only security is not being obvious. We also modified a bedside table my dad already owned; surprisingly easy and now it's got a hidden drawer that we built into it. We figured modifiying a customers' existing piece of furniture would give us some business if they didn't want one we built. This is really in the "concept" phase...and there's probably a 1% chance we'll ever sell them (unless someone really likes them). We'd sell bare wood models the customer could stain/paint to match their taste (or give a few options for a little extra $). Biometric latches would increase the cost proportionally. This is just a rough, plain version with no detailing or anything, just to prove that we could actually build it.

Here's a pre-existing end table from my dad's house that we modified. Simply removed the facing, "created" a drawer, then (unpictured) re-finished the raw wood so there's no light surfaces showing. This is an option if you don't want a new piece of furniture, just a modification to what you've got.

 

[beerman]

Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I start a project

That's a really neat idea.

 

[C_Carson]

Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I start a project

Nice work. How much would you sell the base models for, unstained?

 

[TheSwampFox]

Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I start a project

That looks nice. Yall should start taking orders for those. I'd be interested in one as well.

 

[11B3XCIB]

Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I start a project

Nice work. How much would you sell the base models for, unstained?

The one pictured is made from cabinet grade birch but a new one could be constructed out of your choice (Mahogany, cherry, etc). Dad and I had no real benchmarks out there to set the price, so we set the number based on the cost of wood and estimated cost of labor. Obviously, if the price drives away demand, then the price is too high, and that's one of the reasons I posted this to get feedback. The three conspicuous drawer model with the hidden lid and drawer, unstained, we estimated the asking price should be around $325.

We are working on the LLC portion...dad doesn't want to actually sell one until that goes through. But we were thinking about naming the LLC "Hidden Access Solutions".

 

[C_Carson]

Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I start a project

The three conspicuous drawer model with the hidden lid and drawer, unstained, we estimated the asking price should be around $325.

Ouch. I'm sure that's fair for the materials and labor y'all do, and competitive with the other stuff on the market, but definitely not in my range.

Good luck with your LLC; y'all make a nice product!

 

[11B3XCIB]

Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I start a project

The three conspicuous drawer model with the hidden lid and drawer, unstained, we estimated the asking price should be around $325.

Ouch. I'm sure that's fair for the materials and labor y'all do, and competitive with the other stuff on the market, but definitely not in my range.

Good luck with your LLC; y'all make a nice product!

Well, like I said, if the price point is too high, we'll have to adjust it. It's not a business if you're not selling anything, and honestly, I am going to talk my dad into starting out lower than that and as skill/demand increases, grow with it. I wouldn't even consider us in the early stages of this yet...we haven't even gotten THAT far. I did look at some unfinished wood pieces online and they ranged (by quality) from high 100s on up to the 6-7-800s depending on the brand name and type of materials, options, etc.

Carson, don't be scared off yet. If/when we make a real entry into this, I can guarantee it'll be more competitively priced.

 

[HarperJt]

Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I start a project

I looks great. If I could get a finished night stand for under $400, I would consider it a steal.

Please keep us posted,
Jeff

 

[beerman]

Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I start a project

I looks great. If I could get a finished night stand for under $400, I would consider it a steal.

Please keep us posted,
Jeff

Yeah, the price really isn't that bad for a nice solid oak/mahogany/whatever night stand. I'm definitely interested in hearing updates on how this endeavor works for you guys.

 

[fiundagner]

Im not sure where i could fit one in in my ouse, but i would like one. How big is the compatment in the top?

also, have you thought about a 4-6 drawer dresser version for long guns? I would so get one of those, and frankly i think my dad would love one too. And if you sell them unfinished my wife likes the occasional finishing project (ask to see her m1 carbine stock sometime. she did it all by hand)

 

[11B3XCIB]

I've definitely suggested a taller chest of drawers and possibly an armoire for long gun storage since I keep an AK-47 "nearby" in the house. It's current spot is decent, but would be improved with a furniture based hiding spot.

Beerman, I'm certain we'll be able to get you a nightstand finished product for under $400. When we get more operational I can discuss size/features/colors with you. I'll check with dad and see if we can build a prototype nightstand/end table to work out the kinks.

Fiundanger, I'll get some measurements for the top compartment (I'm assuming you mean under the lid). I think the depth is somewhere around 3" IIRC.

 

[04ctd]

when I went to buy matching night stands for my bedroom suite, they were $275 each.

good furniture is expensive, and will last forever. my wealthier relatives gave us GOOD furniture when were kids,
and it was still good a few years ago , and i ain't no spring chicken. we got rid of it when we got tired of looking at it.

this stuff looks that good.

my stuff is in pine, when you get ready, PM me a price for two matching pine stands, and i will send you pics of my existing stuff.

 

[11B3XCIB]

Thanks for the input, guys. My dad is looking into the LLC and we're both looking into a variety of designs and options so when we start this up in 4-6 months, we have a good selection.

 

[Enjay]

I'm more interested in an entertainment center and other living room furniture than a night stand, but I love the craftsmanship and the concept.

After the LLC is finished would you consider custom work?

 

[11B3XCIB]

Enjay, definitely!

I was telling my dad we should look at building larger pieces that could at least store a 12 gauge with a telescoping stock or pistol grip. The object is hidden home defense, so I would like larger pieces to incorporate larger firearms.

Some form of entertainment center would be good. Do you think an enclosed one like this:

or a flat one like this:

would be more popular? Obviously the pictures are just rough comparisons but just trying to get a "feeler" out there.

 

[fiundagner]

in these days of flat screen TV's i think the flat one would be a better choice, but thats just MHO.

 

[Enjay]

I personally like the flat one. If I'm going to go for an armoire style entertainment center I'd prefer something more formal with doors over the tv, but that's my personal taste. With the flat table style one I can see the whole front pulling out into a drawer with long guns behind it. Nice!

 

[HarperJt]

Any more thoughts on making a couple night stands?

 

[rotarymike]

Here's a thought: an underbed box with button lock or biometrics (like a pistol safe) for long guns. I'd love to be able to keep the AR ready to go in the bedroom but I need to toddler-proof it.

 

[bigfutz]

Hidden Access gun storage...my dad and I start a project

The three conspicuous drawer model with the hidden lid and drawer, unstained, we estimated the asking price should be around $325.

Ouch. I'm sure that's fair for the materials and labor y'all do, and competitive with the other stuff on the market, but definitely not in my range.

Good luck with your LLC; y'all make a nice product!

What other stuff on the market? Do you have some webby links? I bookmarked a site that showed these mantles with a hidden compartment for a long gun that was magnetically unlocked by placing some candlesticks in certain locations... but the link is now dead.