I was musing about how to display my collection of Smith and Wesson revolvers, and I thought about getting an old gun cabinet for cheap and redoing the interior with shelves and LED lighting or getting a corner curio cabinet that already has shelves. However, I am concerned about the security of the cabinet. I know it's not going to be nearly as secure as a safe, but I was curious if anybody here had some ideas for beefing up the security of a standard display cabinet so that guns could be on display without worrying about children getting into it or deterring the intentions of anybody looking for a quick theft.

Hope this makes sense. Essentially I want to keep kids and sticky fingers out of my shit, and give my wife and myself a good feeling that the guns on display are fairly secured.

Unfortunately, display = vulnerable...

I get that equation, but I'm asking if there is a way to make a display case less vulnerable. As in, adding panels of some sort to the interior, a different, stronger clear material for viewing the pieces, reinforcing glass with welded wire, etc. Seeing if somebody has done this and can provide plans or ideas.

No specific plans but built from a steel frame/cabinet with laminated glass or mesh safety glass would buy you a reasonable amount of security for display purposes.

Before going custom though look into secure retail sales display cases. I'm sure these have to exist. It may not be as pretty as a wood case but looks would not be my priority here.

If looks are a concern, a skilled woodworker can likely add wood paneled interior, wood shelves, and exterior decorative wood frame onto a retail sales display to make it look classy.

You may get some good ideas if asked in safes & home security subforum.

We build these rooms and put steel doors on them. Inside we display the things we enjoy. This is the way.

A walk-in safe is definitely the optimal way to go here lol. Unfortunately, I am going to be renting for the foreseeable future and I don't think the landlords would want me adding something like that.

Thats not a bad idea. Thanks for the input!

Depending on your need for security. You could use a well built glass front gun cabinet with a good set of locks and entry alarms. Maybe glass break sensor, motion activated video. Could send alarm txt to a phone.

A stoutly built oak case with a steel case hidden inside it.
Thicker polycarbonate 'glass' is pretty tough stuff.

The way this is actually built is to make a steel cabinet and then cover it in wood for appearance.