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 guide you through some of the things to consider when shopping for a gun cabinet.

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The first thing you’ll 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 put on 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 “stuff” it. This is not a very attractive display nor will your weapons be happy about it. Also, do you plan to add anything 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’ve determined the size, consider what layout you’d like to have for your screen. Gun cabinets don’t just come in one shape, there are several to choose from, each providing a different way to view your guns. Along with the layout, determine in advance where in your home you will place the cabinet. Will you be placing it along a wall or in a corner? You’ll want to choose a straight-back cabinet if you want to sit flush against the wall, or a purpose-built corner cabinet if a corner display works better 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 display. The swivel feature is both functional and aesthetically appealing. It will allow you easy access to your weapons, just turn and you are there. 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 feature 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. Lower unit drawers or displays are another option and are perfect for displaying smaller guns and other items.

screen vs. Storage

Maybe you’re looking for more discreet gun storage rather than a full display. If so, a concealed gun cabinet is a great option. These pieces are often disguised as other items, such as a clock or a cabinet of curiosities, and have a hidden door or pocket to store your weapons. From rifles to pistols, they also come in a wide range of sizes. A concealed cabinet is a great way to store your collection while adding a functional piece of furniture to your home.

There are how many colors to choose from?

Ok, you have the size, shape and features, now let’s look at the color. Do you want to match the existing wood that inhabits your home or do you want to be daring and break the mold? It’s your call. If you’re looking for a wood gun cabinet, there are several stains to choose from, including Dark Cherry, Natural, Fruit Wood, Golden Oak, Dark Oak, and Nutmeg. Along with color, you’ll have the option of etched or decorated glass. Most of the decorated glass features an outdoor scene (very fitting) with your own; prey of choice

Money, money, money, money… MONEY

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 gun crate will cost is the material. Some woods/materials cost a bit more than others. However, choosing a cheaper wood or material does not necessarily mean that the cabinet will look less attractive.