I recommend a Baofeng UV-5R.  You can get one for around $30.00 on ebay or amazon and they are fully programmable.
I would also buy a Kenwood 2-pin hand mic with privacy port for an earpiece then you have push to talk and can hear everything that is going on.

Thanks! I'll look into that set.

I know you mentioned that space isn't an issue, but I know that's how my shop started out as well. Then space suddenly became a figment of my imagination. xD

Anyways, here's a nice rotary "lazy susan" style gun canter that I've used before. It's nice because you can build it yourself with relative ease. Just need some good wood (heh) and a little know-how. Should be able to store most LR platforms, you can even bore out one of the slots for a wider bearth if you have an MG or something a bit fatter than a traditional rifle. The cool thing about this stand is that it doesn't take up much room, it's perfect for a corner. Plus it rotates, so you don't need to wedge yourself between muzzles and a wall to get to something. I'd suggest slotting the bottom panel so that you can set your handguns near the stocks of the rifles.



Obviously this would be for replica use only, I'm sure you know to keep your iron monsters locked up tight.

Hope this helps!

Yo

The Devil is in the details, my friend. Mind telling us  what the platform is, what parts you're playing with and such? It should help us to help you diagnose the issue.

I'll just leave this here.

Hey there, young man!

You're by no means too old to come out and shoot with people. Not even for one moment should that thought be in your mind. So long as you have the will to have fun, you will.

And remember, An old snake is no less deadly.