I finally finished my trophy room. I have about a dozen rifles and shotguns on display vertically in four rows of four. They are behind glass panelled doors. Because the room is detached from the house, I would like to employ all security possible, so good door locks, motion sensor security system with an alarm, etc. I would also like to secure the guns, perhaps using coated stainless steel stranded wire through the trigger guards. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

It's not a safe.

Your only after deterance, I think a good alarm system, big dogs, and cables through the guards will help.

Replace the glass with security glass like what is used in museum display cases. Comes in different thicknesses, sometimes laminated with acrylic and bullet proof. That helps prevent the smash and grab scenario. Possibly have the glass doors covered with full coverage wood doors. Many times the best security system is one that is layered....meaning the use of multiple systems.

Let me give you a few thoughts on an alarm system.

First of all buy quality and have it professionally installed. My preferred brand of equipment is from ADEMCO although a few companies have it private labeled. ADT calls it the Safewatch 300 for example.

One thing to lookout for is companies that want to sell you a self contained model where the panel, keypad and siren are all one self contained unit. These units are extremely vulnerable if a thief breaks in that everything he wants to get at to defeat the alarm is right there on the wall 5 feet from the door. Instead make sure you get a system where the alarm panel and keypad and siren are all separate items. My recommended panels are either an ADEMCO Vista 20 or better yet for a larger system a Vista 50. The Safewatch I mentioned earlier is also a good panel.

Do not just do the cabinet doors. Do the whole outbuilding. If you like you can do the house and the outbuilding and have the trophy room set up as a separate partition which means it would remain armed even though the house might be disarmed. Utilize motion detectors and back that up with glass break detectors as necessary if you have any external windows. Think layers of defense here. Contact every external opening. If looks are a consideration there is a way to conceal the contact. This can be done even if you are using wireless transmitters. They have an internal terminal that allows you to utilize a hard wired concealed contact and put the transmitter up to 6-8 feet away for aesthetics. Definitely do this for the cabinet doors so you do not have ugly contacts visible.

The glass breaks and motions can be disguised with faux painting to match woodwork or paint schemes as long as you do not cover the lens on the motion or the mic on the glass break.

Additionally get the cell backup that is offered. That way if the phone lines are cut you can still send an alarm signal. Also if you do not have phone line to the building it can be used as a primary communications link.

There are also several other features I happen to like. One of them is the alpha numeric keypad. This allows you to see by verbal description what is wrong or what is not set. So you see “East door” instead of “Zone 5” as a description.

Now as an aside I have been designing high end alarm systems for 15 years professionally.

Thank you very much, all who responded. The situation is a little unusual in that the trophy room is above a garage, and the windows are not vulneerable. Also, the telephone/cable/electric is all underground, so not an issue.
Nevertheless, all comments have been of value, and I thank you for taking the time to help.
Best wishes to all.
Brice

strategically place sign saying caution poison snakes do not enter jokes aside multi layer security is best