Cheap ammo storage cabinet ideas?

[Cocowheats]

I have more ammo than I have room for on my current ammo rack and within my safe. I'm looking for a cheap (<$150) solution to store around 20,000+ rnds in the factory ammo boxes they came in(not interested in dumping them loosely into ammo cans at this time). I would like to be able to seal the storage unit up a bit so I can control humidity via a dry rod and some reusable desiccant packs. I am looking for something like a metal locker/cabinet with shelving that can hold around 80-100+lbs per shelf. I can devise a way to make it seal up decently...

I have metal NSF racks from Menards...The shelves can't hold what I need them to. I also have a humidity controlled room but have gotten tired of having to empty the dehumidifier(no near by drain to run it to) and the "wasted" electricity from it constantly running. If I had the option to run my dehumidifier to a drain, I would consider just building some wooden shelves(wouldn't reduce the electricity usage though).


Suggestions?

[hunterspirit]

Have you thought about a old fridge or freezer?

Toss the ammo into ammo can. In the boxes of course, then stack them up.

A chest type freezer is the bomb

[Mkc451]

I store all my stuff in factory boxes, in 50cal ammo cans w/silica desiccant packages. I have all of the stuff stored & broken down by qty, cal, prices, ammo can number -- in an inventory spreadsheet. I know how much I have, how much I paid for it, what can they are in, etc. The cans are staged by what I use most, in multiple locations on my property. Seems to work for me.

[Cocowheats]

Have you thought about a old fridge or freezer?

Toss the ammo into ammo can. In the boxes of course, then stack them up.

A chest type freezer is the bomb

Fridge or freezer is a pretty good idea...I could easily add a lock to it too.:scratch:

I could sort it all into plastic crates that stack and throw them in something(like a fridge/freezer) too I guess vs needing sturdy shelving...




I'm thinking I'd need way too many ammo cans for the amount I'm looking to store thus the cabinet of some sort thought. I could fill another safe easily with ammo alone...Was thinking a cheapy safe but not sure the shelves will hold 80+ lbs.

I like the idea of being able to open the storage unit and seeing the humidity level of all my ammo vs having a gazillion ammo cans.


I like where this is going...

[hunterspirit]

You can hardwire a light socket in the freezer and just run a incandescent bulb for heat and moisture control.

I installed a trouble light cover as a shield to limit bulb breakage when peeking at my stash.

[Cocowheats]

You can hardwire a light socket in the freezer and just run a incandescent bulb for heat and moisture control.

I installed a trouble light cover as a shield to limit bulb breakage when peeking at my stash.

Sort of what I was thinking although I'll probably just use the spare Peat safe heater I have laying around since I already have it and have been satisfied with the other one I use in my safe.

A lot of units have a pressure switch for interior lighting too...I can bypass the pump and what not so only the interior lighting gets power which is a kind of cool bonus.

Time to see what Craigslist has I guess...

[Quads]

I've got several of these for non-secure storage. They work well for the price, so long as your focus and expectation is a steel box that locks with a key.
I have a couple that store reloading components, and finished ammo. Otherwise, I stack in airtight milsurp ammo cans / boxes for other ammo.
What I like about them is they're quick and easy to build shelves in with 1x pine from the local lowesdepot.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stack-On-Products-Sentinel-18-Gun-Fully-Convertible-Steel-Security-Cabinet/19216477?u1=&oid=223073.1&wmlspartner=VCSYInvXQp8&sourceid=35253492280693129944&affillinktype=10&veh=aff

[Cocowheats]

I've got several of these for non-secure storage. They work well for the price, so long as your focus and expectation is a steel box that locks with a key.
I have a couple that store reloading components, and finished ammo. Otherwise, I stack in airtight milsurp ammo cans / boxes for other ammo.
What I like about them is they're quick and easy to build shelves in with 1x pine from the local lowesdepot.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stack-On-Products-Sentinel-18-Gun-Fully-Convertible-Steel-Security-Cabinet/19216477?u1=&oid=223073.1&wmlspartner=VCSYInvXQp8&sourceid=35253492280693129944&affillinktype=10&veh=aff
Those cheap stackon cabinets were sort of my initial plan.

How'd you go about making your shelving? I was thinking I'd have to run 4 vertical posts inside it in the 4 corners to attach horizontal boards to for the shelving. Didn't think it would be sturdy enough to drill through the cabinet and attach horizontal boards directly to the cabinet without some frame work. Easy enough either route...

[Quads]

I ran (IIRC, it's been a couple years) a 1X10 up the sides, then put some adjustable rail on it with clips that then allowed me to put shelves in where I liked. I used 1X6 for the shelves.
Like I said, it works well for me. It keeps kids sticky and curious fingers out of ammo, reloading components, and such.

I didn't want to drill anything in to the box, and I wanted it to be configurable with minimal effort (read: I'm lazy). So I can pull the 50cal cans and throw a couple shelves in there within minutes. EZPZ. The wood free stands in the cabinet. Measure twice, cut once. :)

http://i.imgur.com/bE1hNn6.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/ogWOkv5.jpg?1

[SpartyME]

Those cheap stackon cabinets were sort of my initial plan.

How'd you go about making your shelving? I was thinking I'd have to run 4 vertical posts inside it in the 4 corners to attach horizontal boards to for the shelving. Didn't think it would be sturdy enough to drill through the cabinet and attach horizontal boards directly to the cabinet without some frame work. Easy enough either route...

I use the same cabinet. I'll take some better pics of my shelving when I get home tonight but I'm 240lbs and can step on the shelves without worrying about it and they took up minimal room. I used 1x12 pine boards for the sides and shelves. The ammo cabinet and my safe are bursting at the seams with ammo now; about to move onto another one.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161003/89413fa6fe742f546c1df80e24c60a16.jpg

[Coctailer]

excellent ideas in this thread.:-)

[jmonarch]

excellent ideas in this thread.:-)

I agree. Thanks, OP, for asking the question. It's got me thinking...

[Casualty]

http://www.migunowners.org/forum/showthread.php?365775-Kenmore-refrigerator-model-59672232200-Works-fine!


Maybe you could keep the decorations!

[dirtmcgirt76239]

sportsmans guide and a few other places sell tubs made like ammo cans but much larger basically a air tight foot locker.

If you have a couple 5 gallon bucks, this lid is screw off and airtight. I use it for sitting on fishing, bringing fish home, storing seed, storing frying oil. But it would make a good ammo can as well. You can buy them at lowes locally https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-20537/Pails/Gamma-Seal-Lid-for-2-Gallon-Plastic-Pail?pricode=WY706&gadtype=pla&id=S-20537&gclid=CJHttva7v88CFYo7gQodQ8IAEw&gclsrc=aw.ds

[dirtmcgirt76239]

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/military-surplus/ammo-cans-military-storage/storage-containers?d=122&c=407&s=196

check out all the surplus stuff.

per cubic ft this is the best deal http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/new-us-military-surplus-58-gallon-shipping-drum-olive-drab?a=1041130

[Cocowheats]

Thanks for posting the shelving pictures guys...I like the adjustable shelving idea. Don't know why I didn't think of that since it's how the shelves in my nice gun safe work!

Got some pondering to do I guess...I did put up a local craigslist ad looking for a free or filthy cheap freezer or fridge so I'll give it least a week and see what that yields. I do have a relatively large yet flimsy locker in my garage that I may just clear out and repurpose instead now that I got some shelving ideas for inside of it. I had thought of clearing it out and using it for this purpose. I know how I'd shelve it now too!

Some great ideas all around! I'm glad I asked...thanks a ton guys! I'll have this project done by the end of the month, regardless of what route I go. Of course, I'll make sure to share!

And I'm still all ears on any other ideas!


http://www.migunowners.org/forum/showthread.php?365775-Kenmore-refrigerator-model-59672232200-Works-fine!


Maybe you could keep the decorations!
Looks like it's claimed and it's a bit far for me being I don't have a truck anymore. I put up a Craigslist ad looking for one in my neck of the woods being that I can borrow a buddy's truck if it's just short ordeal. Don't want to ask anybody to drive more than 20-30min away for this ordeal...not that I couldn't; just don't want to. Good looking out though, thanks!

First place I looked was the free cycle on here! ;)

[Coctailer]

I was thinking of getting a Knaack job box to store ammo.

[Musta Demoni]

I bought 2 used gym lockers on Craigslist. They're the type that are about 7' tall, each has 6 small compartments with locking doors. Each compartment is about 12"x12x12". I cleaned them up real nice, painted them OD green, then got some keyed alike padlocks from eBay. All in all, I'm in for about $120. They're great. I store a ton of shooting/hunting stuff in them. Slings, mags, ammo, knives, deer/turkey calls, gun/scope paperwork.

Now my safe isn't such a mess either.

[Cocowheats]

I bought 2 used gym lockers on Craigslist. They're the type that are about 7' tall, each has 6 small compartments with locking doors. Each compartment is about 12"x12x12". I cleaned them up real nice, painted them OD green, then got some keyed alike padlocks from eBay. All in all, I'm in for about $120. They're great. I store a ton of shooting/hunting stuff in them. Slings, mags, ammo, knives, deer/turkey calls, gun/scope paperwork.

Now my safe isn't such a mess either.

That's deffinately part of the problem for me too....I want to get some more "crap" out of it. More space in the safe means more space for more guns! :)

[Musta Demoni]

That's deffinately part of the problem for me too....I want to get some more "crap" out of it. More space in the safe means more space for more guns! :)

That was really the main reason I did it... that and I went on a buying spree last winter and acquired 3 new long guns. At the time, the one side of my safe was used for this messy stuff. Now my whole safe is only for guns and my lockers are a blessing. All that crap isn't in there anymore and there's just room for guns. I still keep a few things in the safe because I haven't bought enough guns to fill all the areas of it... yet.

But yeah, the lockers worked out great for me. You can usually always find some cheap/used on CL.

These are mine...

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[Coctailer]

That's deffinately part of the problem for me too....I want to get some more "crap" out of it. More space in the safe means more space for more guns! :)

Why do you put ammo in the safe?

[DEVIL DOG]

I have a home made shelving unit that 50 cal boxes fit in. Most of my ammo is in sealed containers. Some cal. have more than one. I've stored my ammo like this for over a decade without issue. My gun room is on the second floor, climate controlled & dry.
I do like the locker idea, wish I had more space.

[Cocowheats]

Why do you put ammo in the safe?

I keep my fancy dance semi-expensive hollow points in their since the safe is temp and humidity controlled. Guess it just makes me feel better. It really doesn't take up too much space but I'd like that space back.

[Coctailer]

I keep my fancy dance semi-expensive hollow points in their since the safe is temp and humidity controlled. Guess it just makes me feel better. It really doesn't take up too much space but I'd like that space back.

I keep my MK262 ammo on my garage floor.:pump:

[Timbo]

I use some older Pelican cases that the foam was missing and were in pretty rough shape externally.

They are ir tight and transportable if needed.

[erict]

Has anyone ever had ammo stored on shelfs in there basement that didn't go bang?

[rodolo]

well, welcome to 2019. Has any one tried lateral five drawer file cabinets. I use them in my garage to hold my biggest tools. chainsaws, air tools and tools kits. they hold lots of weight. I bet if you use them inside for ammo it will hold, lock up and look good in the home.

[Barney556180]

I’ve been using large plastic laundry detergent cans. They fit a lot of ammo boxes, are stackable, the lids seal well, and the handles make carrying easy.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190413/5de081f36ab45eee1022b5be8a17dba8.jpg

[dirtmcgirt76239]

scoop up a nice steel shelf on fb marketplace or craigslist

https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-1105GR/Storage-Cabinets/Industrial-Metal-Storage-Cabinet-36-x-18-x-72-Unassembled-Gray?pricode=WA9068&gadtype=pla&id=H-1105GR&gclid=CjwKCAjwkcblBRB_EiwAFmfyy8NKq4ADQdjz4S8rQvjl zArVjpeVcP0VHLLTkvoq8eKhc8Sk8I49oBoC368QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds


Then depending on humidity and all that put stuff in ammo cans, or just factory sealed if you are going to use it in a year or two.

I myself use amo cans for everthing, even storing my factory new galil and steyr FAL mags. I must have 20-25 ammo cans.

[RifleGuy]

MSU Salvage in Lansing has been a great place to score inexpensive desks, steel cabinets, etc., in the past.
I picked up a Steelcase desk for $60.

Also, check some of the used office supply centers for steel cabinets.

I scored $1500 worth of like-new office shelving and cabinets for $200 from a storage unit salvage.

[erict]

I'm not against storing ammo in sealed containers, boxes or anything to combat moisture. But I have yet to read anyone having issues with there ammo being stored outside these parameters. Even read some that have stored it in the garage in high humidity areas that still went bang after many years. So my question is, ammo being stored in your home with a consistent humidity level of 45-55% is it really necessary to keep it in sealed containers and or boxes?

[dirtmcgirt76239]

I'm not against storing ammo in sealed containers, boxes or anything to combat moisture. But I have yet to read anyone having issues with there ammo being stored outside these parameters. Even read some that have stored it in the garage in high humidity areas that still went bang after many years. So my question is, ammo being stored in your home with a consistent humidity level of 45-55% is it really necessary to keep it in sealed containers and or boxes?

probably not but ammo can is cheap, it can hold 300-400 bucks of ammo. A surplus ammo can and desicant than can be recharged is simple preventative as a percent of total value.

I leave out 9mm ammo I am going to shoot in a couple months.

My hordes of match ammo for rifles, nato surplus 5.56 and 7.62, and stuff I know I wont shoot for a year goes in ammo cans.

[3SHOOTINGKIDS]

A couple years throw it on a shelf if you want. Long term storage and protection from water (flooded basement, Mississippi) ammo cans sitting on a shelf or stacked off the floor on something.

[Coctailer]

What do you guys think of Job-boxes for ammo?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frontier-42-in-x-17-in-Steel-Job-Site-Tool-Box-JSB421720/304734563?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CD25T%7C25-11_STORAGE+DEVICES%7CNA%7CPLA%7C71700000034127206% 7C58700003933017532%7C92700031758439054&gclid=CjwKCAjwqfDlBRBDEiwAigXUaDX3QvQFiMtDmaG4rStT lSnGmtQulCOPfBKVzYHxeCcTtnzf7Rk0axoCUhcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[maustin195]

What do you guys think of Job-boxes for ammo?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frontier-42-in-x-17-in-Steel-Job-Site-Tool-Box-JSB421720/304734563?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CD25T%7C25-11_STORAGE+DEVICES%7CNA%7CPLA%7C71700000034127206% 7C58700003933017532%7C92700031758439054&gclid=CjwKCAjwqfDlBRBDEiwAigXUaDX3QvQFiMtDmaG4rStT lSnGmtQulCOPfBKVzYHxeCcTtnzf7Rk0axoCUhcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

That is what I have for ammo storage. All the ammo in sealed ammo boxes and locked in job box. Not going to pick up and haul away. Considering I have motion detector and motion activated camera as part of security system aimed at it I don't think it could be safer.

[RifleGuy]

What do you guys think of Job-boxes for ammo?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Frontier-42-in-x-17-in-Steel-Job-Site-Tool-Box-JSB421720/304734563?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CD25T%7C25-11_STORAGE+DEVICES%7CNA%7CPLA%7C71700000034127206% 7C58700003933017532%7C92700031758439054&gclid=CjwKCAjwqfDlBRBDEiwAigXUaDX3QvQFiMtDmaG4rStT lSnGmtQulCOPfBKVzYHxeCcTtnzf7Rk0axoCUhcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Nice idea!

[bunk]

I think they are a great idea, almost perfect for the job and they hold a LOT of ammo.
I got these pics from a thread on ARF.com to reference when I got a box for storage.
These pictures show how to place three layers of both 30 and 50 cal ammo boxes.

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