Range Box Project

milesc2 · 10-16-2017, 08:24 PM

Just finished building this box to take my Luger to the range in.
Still need to get some additional latches on the lid. I don’t think one is going to cut it. Does anyone know where I could find something that may work?

DonVoigt · 10-16-2017, 08:42 PM

ebay has scores of various latches.
Maybe even the local home improvement store.

milesc2 · 10-16-2017, 09:30 PM

Wow! Just fount the same type that’s already used on the box.
Can’t believe I didn’t think of eBay first thing.

Thanks!

DonVoigt · 10-17-2017, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milesc2

Wow! Just fount the same type that’s already used on the box.
Can’t believe I didn’t think of eBay first thing.

Thanks!

I can't either!

But then I've spent hours looking for odd hinges and latches on ebay for various projects- never did find the right latches, but I did find a good source for undrilled piano hinge in various widthts!

sheepherder · 10-17-2017, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milesc2

Just finished building this box to take my Luger to the range in.

Did you build the entire box or build the interior of a conventional briefcase??? I need to 'build' up a briefcase to carry my carbine...

milesc2 · 10-17-2017, 10:13 AM

Sorry I was not more clear, I built the insert and used a store bought box.

It's not perfect by any means but it was my first attempt at something like this.

I am planning on adding some flat pieces of felt covered wood to the inside of the lid to aid with keeping everything in place.

sheepherder · 10-17-2017, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milesc2

Sorry I was not more clear, I built the insert and used a store bought box.

That's exactly what I want to do!

Why re-invent the wheel???

What store carries that 'box' or briefcase???

milesc2 · 10-17-2017, 03:29 PM

I have seen them at Target and Hobby Lobby. This one is from the latter. I do wish it was a little more sturdy but I think it will hold up fine for occasional use.
The green felt was purchased from hobby lobby as well.

rolandtg · 10-17-2017, 08:28 PM

Nice case!
I see a lot of nice brief cases at Goodwill going for cheap.
Some of them originally very expensive.
They seem to have fallen a bit out of fashion.

sheepherder · 10-17-2017, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolandtg

I see a lot of nice brief cases at Goodwill going for cheap.
Some of them originally very expensive.
They seem to have fallen a bit out of fashion.

There was a guy selling a variety of briefcases at a computer show some years back, all had the combinations set to zero...

I bought one, still have it. And I'm still wondering how he got them all re-combo'ed to zero...

ithacaartist · 10-19-2017, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepherder

There was a guy selling a variety of briefcases at a computer show some years back, all had the combinations set to zero...

I bought one, still have it. And I'm still wondering how he got them all re-combo'ed to zero...

I think they all start out that way, then the buyer sets his own combination.

sheepherder · 10-19-2017, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

I think they all start out that way, then the buyer sets his own combination.

Well, duh!!! But how does the middleman get the bus-depot/airport-locker left-luggage auction briefcases open to reset the dial combinations???

Actually, also35 PM'd me the answer. Several answers in fact.

22+ years ago, I had a bunch of money locked in my AF briefcase. I had set the combination while inebriated and the next day I couldn't remember what it was. Screwdriver time!!! Result - One ruined briefcase...

The moral is : Don't lock your money in your briefcase. Spend it!!!

milesc2 · 10-22-2017, 01:24 AM

Finished up all the additions to the box.
It feels much better with the latches on the sides!

aldo35 · 10-22-2017, 10:38 PM

I took an old silverware box and had a friend make an insert for me. Very pleased with the results. The pistols are shooters I made from lots of mixed parts.

sheepherder · 10-28-2017, 09:35 PM

I was going to ask milessc2 how you did the inserts to hold the handgun...But it looks like you partitioned them...

Joe used hardwood with cutouts. I'd like something softer. Balsa wood might be an idea but it would have to be a big piece...

The only square interior attache/brief cases I could find are only 17 1/2" long inner width, 13" height. My 'carbine' would have to fit in kitty-corner.

I was thinking of maybe getting some Styrofoam and carving out a cavity to fit the handgun, stock, two magazines, and whatever else might be related. Maybe cover the foam with velvet or felt.

But, as usual I've never done anything like this, and have no idea where to get these supplies.

Anyone dome anything like this??? Carving the foam has me stumped. I tried carving a piece of computer box Styrofoam packing and it doesn't want to carve very well...

DonVoigt · 10-28-2017, 09:56 PM

Styrofoam "saws" well, use a coarse hack saw blade. It also cuts with a very sharp, thin blade knife; but it makes a big mess and will keep on making a mess, I would not use it.

Look into ready made "equipment" cases for photographic equipment. It usually comes full of closed cell soft, but firm foam that is easy to cut.

Ebay has lots of them. Try a search for "aluminum hard case"; like this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/C402-Alumin...oAAOSwg0BZzso2

You can always line the hardwood cut outs with felt strips.

Rick W. · 10-29-2017, 09:20 AM

Rich,

You might consider what the Automag guys think of the oem Styrofoam inserts in their factory cases. Styrofoam deteriorates over time and has some side effects to the metal; at least in the automag world.

In my homebrew cases I used the French style insert. I have not made an English case yet. I used cheapo clear pine cutout(all one piece) to the pieces of the day to be presented. I used wool felt, over the cutout frame, to cushion the parts. If I needed elevation on some areas, more pine covered with felt. Then felt over the whole works in one piece stretched to get the wrinkles out. An old friend in Berlin sent me some pool table felt one time, it was nice grade stuff.

All of my cases were made from red oak or poplar(figured) from scratch in available dimensional lumber. I did put in a finger joint in each corner, and utilized a dust shield around the interior perimeter. When the case shuts, it goes whoosh with the air moving. One can inlet the hinges and latches into the case proper which gives a nice touch. Be sure to align (time) all of the screws too, gives one a sense of pride of craftsmanship..........or just satisfies the need.

Rick W.

John Sabato · 10-30-2017, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick W.

Rich,

You might consider what the Automag guys think of the oem Styrofoam inserts in their factory cases. Styrofoam deteriorates over time and has some side effects to the metal; at least in the automag world...

Rick W.

Amen to that Rick. I owned one of the early guns. I eventually sold my .44 Automag to a forum member, but a couple of years before that, I opened the original plastic case that came with it and found the "sponge" interior all melted and it decayed before my very eyes. I will never again store a gun in a case that has any kind of plastic, Styrofoam, or artificial sponge foam interior... If the gun had not been stainless steel, I am sure the finish would have been ruined.

Rick W. · 10-30-2017, 10:41 AM

Sadly I have seen a couple of TDE automags long time stored in the original case with the black interior of foam like material. The finish was eaten down about 20 thousandths. Yeah, was not a 2 line North Hollywood, but still a fairly rare item; and fine shooters when tuned.

Just passing on what I saw over the years. If one goes thru the trouble of making a case, surely should be a safe haven for the firearm.

milesc2 · 10-30-2017, 11:14 AM

I though about molding some sort of form fitted bottom as well. I couldn't come up with a feasible solution.
I ended up using some contractor shims I had left over from installing a door.
Just used some wood glue to bond two wedge shaped shims together to make a plank then cut the parts to fit and bonded them all together with wood glue. After sanding and painting it it's hard to tell they were once shims.
I then used spray adhesive to bond the felt to the wood frame. It all fits tightly into the box with no up and down movement.
I believe the felt mounted to pine is soft enough to not damage my pistol. The frame is very strong as well.

10-16-2017, 08:24 PM	#1
milesc2 User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kansas City Posts: 214 Thanks: 324 Thanked 249 Times in 66 Posts	Range Box Project Just finished building this box to take my Luger to the range in. Still need to get some additional latches on the lid. I don’t think one is going to cut it. Does anyone know where I could find something that may work? Attached Thumbnails

10-16-2017, 08:42 PM	#2
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,677 Thanks: 1,439 Thanked 4,347 Times in 2,038 Posts	ebay has scores of various latches. Maybe even the local home improvement store. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

10-22-2017, 01:24 AM	#13
milesc2 User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kansas City Posts: 214 Thanks: 324 Thanked 249 Times in 66 Posts	Finished up all the additions to the box. It feels much better with the latches on the sides! Attached Thumbnails

10-22-2017, 10:38 PM	#14
aldo35 User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Northern GA Posts: 308 Thanks: 2,159 Thanked 135 Times in 67 Posts	Pistol Box I took an old silverware box and had a friend make an insert for me. Very pleased with the results. The pistols are shooters I made from lots of mixed parts. Attached Thumbnails

10-28-2017, 09:35 PM	#15
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,181 Thanks: 1,398 Thanked 4,438 Times in 2,327 Posts	I was going to ask milessc2 how you did the inserts to hold the handgun...But it looks like you partitioned them... Joe used hardwood with cutouts. I'd like something softer. Balsa wood might be an idea but it would have to be a big piece... The only square interior attache/brief cases I could find are only 17 1/2" long inner width, 13" height. My 'carbine' would have to fit in kitty-corner. I was thinking of maybe getting some Styrofoam and carving out a cavity to fit the handgun, stock, two magazines, and whatever else might be related. Maybe cover the foam with velvet or felt. But, as usual I've never done anything like this, and have no idea where to get these supplies. Anyone dome anything like this??? Carving the foam has me stumped. I tried carving a piece of computer box Styrofoam packing and it doesn't want to carve very well... __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

10-16-2017, 09:30 PM	#3
milesc2 User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kansas City Posts: 214 Thanks: 324 Thanked 249 Times in 66 Posts	Wow! Just fount the same type that’s already used on the box. Can’t believe I didn’t think of eBay first thing. Thanks!

10-17-2017, 10:13 AM	#6
milesc2 User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kansas City Posts: 214 Thanks: 324 Thanked 249 Times in 66 Posts	Sorry I was not more clear, I built the insert and used a store bought box. It's not perfect by any means but it was my first attempt at something like this. I am planning on adding some flat pieces of felt covered wood to the inside of the lid to aid with keeping everything in place.

10-17-2017, 03:29 PM	#8
milesc2 User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kansas City Posts: 214 Thanks: 324 Thanked 249 Times in 66 Posts	I have seen them at Target and Hobby Lobby. This one is from the latter. I do wish it was a little more sturdy but I think it will hold up fine for occasional use. The green felt was purchased from hobby lobby as well.

10-17-2017, 08:28 PM	#9
rolandtg User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 471 Thanks: 361 Thanked 254 Times in 111 Posts	Nice case! I see a lot of nice brief cases at Goodwill going for cheap. Some of them originally very expensive. They seem to have fallen a bit out of fashion.

10-28-2017, 09:56 PM	#16
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,677 Thanks: 1,439 Thanked 4,347 Times in 2,038 Posts	Styrofoam "saws" well, use a coarse hack saw blade. It also cuts with a very sharp, thin blade knife; but it makes a big mess and will keep on making a mess, I would not use it. Look into ready made "equipment" cases for photographic equipment. It usually comes full of closed cell soft, but firm foam that is easy to cut. Ebay has lots of them. Try a search for "aluminum hard case"; like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/C402-Alumin...oAAOSwg0BZzso2 You can always line the hardwood cut outs with felt strips. __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

10-29-2017, 09:20 AM	#17
Rick W. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 339 Thanks: 81 Thanked 359 Times in 198 Posts	Rich, You might consider what the Automag guys think of the oem Styrofoam inserts in their factory cases. Styrofoam deteriorates over time and has some side effects to the metal; at least in the automag world. In my homebrew cases I used the French style insert. I have not made an English case yet. I used cheapo clear pine cutout(all one piece) to the pieces of the day to be presented. I used wool felt, over the cutout frame, to cushion the parts. If I needed elevation on some areas, more pine covered with felt. Then felt over the whole works in one piece stretched to get the wrinkles out. An old friend in Berlin sent me some pool table felt one time, it was nice grade stuff. All of my cases were made from red oak or poplar(figured) from scratch in available dimensional lumber. I did put in a finger joint in each corner, and utilized a dust shield around the interior perimeter. When the case shuts, it goes whoosh with the air moving. One can inlet the hinges and latches into the case proper which gives a nice touch. Be sure to align (time) all of the screws too, gives one a sense of pride of craftsmanship..........or just satisfies the need. Rick W.

10-30-2017, 10:41 AM	#19
Rick W. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 339 Thanks: 81 Thanked 359 Times in 198 Posts	Sadly I have seen a couple of TDE automags long time stored in the original case with the black interior of foam like material. The finish was eaten down about 20 thousandths. Yeah, was not a 2 line North Hollywood, but still a fairly rare item; and fine shooters when tuned. Just passing on what I saw over the years. If one goes thru the trouble of making a case, surely should be a safe haven for the firearm.

10-30-2017, 11:14 AM	#20
milesc2 User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Kansas City Posts: 214 Thanks: 324 Thanked 249 Times in 66 Posts	I though about molding some sort of form fitted bottom as well. I couldn't come up with a feasible solution. I ended up using some contractor shims I had left over from installing a door. Just used some wood glue to bond two wedge shaped shims together to make a plank then cut the parts to fit and bonded them all together with wood glue. After sanding and painting it it's hard to tell they were once shims. I then used spray adhesive to bond the felt to the wood frame. It all fits tightly into the box with no up and down movement. I believe the felt mounted to pine is soft enough to not damage my pistol. The frame is very strong as well.