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I have enjoyed learning great information from so many of the experts on this site. I'm not at that level, but thought I would share my latest project.

I was looking for a locking case to store my Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun under my bed. I keep my Sig P320 handgun in a Gunvault beside the bed, which is opened every night and locked during the day. I really like the electronic push button lock on this case, but couldn't find anything similar for my shotgun which would also fit into the tight space. So, I built one.

I know that it can be opened with the right tools, but I think that applies to almost all cases of this type. It was a nice project to hone or learn new skills for making tight meters, dovetail joints, and hand chiseled hinge mortises. The wood is walnut and maple with 4 coats of Tung oil. The lock took some thought to install, since it's not meant for this application, but it works perfectly.

I now have easy access to my shotgun in a case that opens very quickly, plus some new woodworking skills.

Gallery

Comments

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Dovetails look just great…nice box.
 

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Beautiful work.
 

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That is nice work! Good job on the lock and the hinges. (not so easy)
 

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Nice job.

I need one. I made one but it's not as pretty as yours.

Could you post more pictures on how the lock is installed? Where did you get the lock.
 

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That is way too nice to put under a bed
 

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Thanks for all the nice comments. I'll try getting a couple more photos of the lock later today.
 

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man thats a beutiful case and i love the lock but a thief would probably just take the case and bust it open later,good for keeping the kids or a mad wife out though-lol.nice job,welcome to lumber jocks.
 

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Hey Pottz, I didn't realize that you knew my wife :) You're right about a thief being able to take the case If they break into my house when I'm not home. This is more about complying with San Francisco laws that require me to keep firearms locked up. That's why I like the push button electronic lock, because for me it's the fastest lock to open under duress.
 

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It is a gorgeous case.
Hopefully it never has to be SPEEDILY OPENED!
 

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Beautiful gun case. When I worked in Law Enforcement we used to say that " all a lock does is keep out the honest people ". Unfortunately that saying is more true than I would like to admit. Excellent job !!! Mel
 

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Thanks Mel, and thanks for your service in Law Enforcement.

Some have asked for more details about the lock. I bought this one from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S6C6DCI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is a cam style lock intended for cabinets. When the code is entered and the handle is rotated clockwise, the lever which is attached to the shaft also rotates. In a cabinet, that lever would block the door from opening when in it's closed position.

In my case, I traced the outline of the lock on to some MDF to make a template. I then used.a pattern bit to rout that shape in the lid. After drilling a couple of through holes for the lock shaft and mounting screw, I installed the lock.

I then routed a slot in the case, using a slot cutting bit, as a recess to accept the lever in it's closed position. When the handle is rotated, the lever swings free of the slot, so the lid can be opened. I then realized that I had to remove additional material to allow clearance for the shaft and hardware.

I realize this may not translate well with words, so hopefully the attached images make it clear.




 

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Great job! If I lived in San Fran, I would also sleep with my gun curled-up beside me to keep me warm…
My leftist attorney nephew moved there a couple of years ago and just abandoned it! I would ask him why, but he does not talk to his conservative side of the family…
Keep up the good work!
 

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Thanks Alex! It's getting harder to live in San Francisco every year. I was born and raised in North Carolina and don't exactly see eye to eye with the majority of people here, particularly those in charge. It was a beautiful city when I moved here years ago, not so much now. If my wife didn't have a strong attachment to our house, with a beautiful garden where she spends hours, I would live somewhere else.

And I know what you mean about discussing some topics with family members; we can no longer talk politics with my wife's daughter and her husband. Thanksgiving dinner was not pretty
 

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Thanks Alex! It's getting harder to live in San Francisco every year. I was born and raised in North Carolina and don't exactly see eye to eye with the majority of people here, particularly those in charge. It was a beautiful city when I moved here years ago, not so much now. If my wife didn't have a strong attachment to our house, with a beautiful garden where she spends hours, I would live somewhere else.

And I know what you mean about discussing some topics with family members; we can no longer talk politics with my wife's daughter and her husband. Thanksgiving dinner was not pretty

- Fotodog
should have been at my house for xmas with my wife and brother…....oh brother -lol.
 
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