How To Use A Picture Frame For Hidden Gun Storage

July 20, 2023

Impress your friends and fellow preppers with this awesome and functional hidden gun storage. Safety and home defense aside, this DIY trick is quick and fun!

There are all kinds of practical reasons to want to hide your guns in your home. With the help of this tutorial from DIY Projects, you’ll have this badass hidden gun storage project completed in no time.

Hidden Gun Storage | Hide a Gun With a Picture Frame

— This post is courtesy of DIY Projects shared with permission —

Using a picture frame for hidden gun storage can be an option for discreetly concealing firearms while also keeping them accessible to authorized individuals.

Hidden gun storage refers to secretly concealing firearms, making them less visible and accessible to unauthorized individuals. There are various methods for creating hidden gun storage, such as using furniture with concealed compartments, custom-built hidden cabinets, or integrating firearm concealment within everyday objects like picture frames or shelves.

The primary purpose of hidden gun storage is to enhance firearm safety by preventing access to weapons by unauthorized persons, especially in households with children or when the firearms need to be stored securely yet readily accessible in emergencies. When implementing hidden gun storage, following all applicable laws and regulations concerning firearms and prioritizing safety at all times is essential.

How To Conceal A Bad Ass Weapon – James Bond Style

For those who own firearms, safe storage is a must. You would not want your 3-year-old to have their little hands on a book of matches, would you? You would not want a burglar to have the ability to steal your car keys.

Guns are the same way. Proper storage techniques can help to ensure the safety of your loved ones. Here is a nifty way to store your rifle or a larger gun without anyone thinking twice about it.

How to Make a Hidden Gun Storage


AR15 Currently behind the picture. Mounted flush against the wall, only 2.5” thick.

What You’ll Need:

A decent-sized picture frame
2 wall mounts
2 brackets
Screwdriver
Hammer

Step 1: Mount Brackets Into the Picture Frame

Mount two brackets into the picture frame using a 1-3/8” wide drill bit for a perfect circle to inlay the cabinet-style bracket. Only needs to be 3/4” deep.

This allows the picture to open upward without hitting the wall and yet be flush when closed

Note: We recommend drilling a hole 1/4” or just slightly more from the edge. Not just for strength purposes, but when closed the 1/4” board used as backing will fit perfectly inside so the picture is flush against the wall.

The first step of creating hidden gun storage within a picture frame focuses on securely mounting brackets. These brackets will serve as the foundation to hold the hidden compartment in place. Carefully select a picture frame that is sturdy and spacious enough to accommodate the desired hidden compartment size.

Measure and mark the interior dimensions of the frame, planning where the brackets will be placed. Using appropriate tools, firmly attach the brackets to the inside of the frame, ensuring they are evenly spaced and properly aligned.

The stability of the stands is crucial, as they will be supporting the weight of the hidden compartment and its contents. Double-check the alignment and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the brackets are secure and provide a reliable base for the hidden gun storage.

Step 2: Mount the Frame & Add L Hooks

In Step 2 of creating hidden gun storage, after securely mounting the brackets inside the picture frame, the focus shifts to mounting the structure and adding L hooks for the concealed compartment. Begin by choosing a suitable location on the wall for the frame’s installation, ensuring it is convenient and discreet.

Mark the points where the frame’s top corners will be attached to the wall and, if needed, use wall anchors for added support. Securely mount the bracket on the wall using screws and a screwdriver. Next, open the hidden compartment door and attach L hooks inside the structure as a locking mechanism.

These hooks will ensure the compartment remains closed when not in use, adding an extra layer of security to the concealed storage. Finally, test the box by closing the door and confirming that the L hooks securely lock it.

Mount to wall using wall mounts. Hammer two L hooks (use your judgment) into the wall a decent length apart to support the weight of the rifle.

Step 3: Add Motion Detectors

Add motion detectors to the inside of the picture frame to set an alarm in case your hiding spot is disturbed! You can find these at some stores like Walmart.

Step 4: Set The Rifle

In Step 4 of creating hidden gun storage within the picture frame with different ideas, carefully place the rifle or firearm inside the concealed compartment. Ensure that the gun is unloaded and all safety measures have been taken.

Place the rifle securely within the box, ensuring it fits comfortably and does not experience any unnecessary movement. Position the firearm so it remains hidden and does not create any visible bulges or irregularities on the front of the picture frame. Secure the rifle and make sure that the gun is in place.

Step 5: Place the Picture Frame

Place the picture frame in a discreet and accessible location after completing all steps for hidden gun storage. Ensure a secure wall mount and smooth operation of the secret compartment door.

Prioritize safety, adhering to local firearm storage laws for responsible gun ownership. The final step is to make sure the picture frame is in place and will cover the weapon.

Want to see the full article?

Click here to read the full article on diyprojects.com!

Watch this video by Mattadata2 on how to hide your weapon using DIY in-wall storage behind a sliding mirror:<span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Keeping your guns out of the wrong hands is critically important, and having the ability to stash your guns in unconventional spaces could give you the tactical advantage you need in the event of a break-in.

Do you know another clever way of hiding your guns? Let us know in the comments section below!

Up Next:

Calling all preppers, craftsmen, bushmasters, outdoorsmen and all-around skilled people, Survival Life needs YOU! Click here if you want to write for us.

Don’t forget to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2014, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

- Advertisement -