Craftsman gun cabinet on target for collection

Whether it’s your “lucky” deer rifle, the single-shot .22 that your dad gave you as a kid, or Grandpa’s old double-barrel shotgun, every gun collection has something special that’s fun to display. Unfortunately, however, most gun cabinets are large, dark and heavy – in other words, just plain ugly – not to mention expensive.

Now there’s an attractive and affordable do-it-yourself alternative to settling on something you (and your spouse) don’t really like. This classic Craftsman-style gun cabinet makes a handsome home for your collection and looks great with almost any decor.

Made from birch as pictured (other woods will work), the project can be finished clear or stained dark. And although it’s relatively compact (about 76 inches tall by 32 inches wide by 18 inches deep), it holds up to seven guns securely locked behind tempered-glass doors. The lower cabinet, which also locks, features a large shelf and drawer perfect for accessories and supplies.

The Gun Cabinet plan, No. 875, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, isometric drawings, construction diagrams, a complete shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions. A mail-order source for a complete hardware kit is also included.

A package of three gun cabinet plans, No. C124, is $21.95 and includes this project and two others. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2. Please include $4 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders), and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, 15241 Stagg St., Van Nuys, CA 91405.

To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.