Looking to build a simple vertical gun rack- Ideas or links
- Thread starter tallpaul
- Start date
- Status
USAF_Vet
Member
1911 guy
Member
My solution isn't fancy, but it might suit you. I gutted a linen closet and made it into a gun rack.
I cut notches into wood, screwed it into the walls around three sides at the height I wanted for barrel support. Removed outside handles then replaced the original handles with much longer screws through the handles, through the doors and into wooden blocks with 1 1/4" holes cut through. 1" dowel slides through these from the adjoining closet to make a simple but discrete "lock" that is easily opened if you know where to look.
Additionally, you have to know the closet is even there to see it. Must walk into the room and close the door to see the closet, as it is covered by the door when open.
I cut notches into wood, screwed it into the walls around three sides at the height I wanted for barrel support. Removed outside handles then replaced the original handles with much longer screws through the handles, through the doors and into wooden blocks with 1 1/4" holes cut through. 1" dowel slides through these from the adjoining closet to make a simple but discrete "lock" that is easily opened if you know where to look.
Additionally, you have to know the closet is even there to see it. Must walk into the room and close the door to see the closet, as it is covered by the door when open.
Mike C2
Member
mainecoon
Member
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2012
- Messages
- 472
I have an idea for a rack that would be kind of cool - rifles would stand vertically, secured by locking crossbars that rotate in from one side, giving the impression of a "salute" as the crossbar rotates in and locks into place. Maybe a bit conceited but fun for the armchair general.
loose noose
Member
It depends on how secure you want that vertical gun rack, and how many guns you want to secure to it. You might even look at some cowboy action gun carts, that happen to hold as many as 6 long guns. I built one quite a few years ago, and it I still have it, but mine only holds 4 long guns. If you want I can post a photo of it here.
BCRider
Member
Is this just a steadying bar that leaves the butt ends sitting on the floor or a full rack that is putting the rifles on display and supporting them a few feet off the floor?
Also what do you have for tools? I can imagine options that can be done with a hand drill, hand saw and some sandpaper that uses regular wood cut to length and drilled for "separator" dowels. And I can also imagine a hardwood cabinet with glass doors that uses full dovetail and mortise and tenon joinery. But a lot of this relies on what you have for tools and skills. Consider that skill and good hand tools can make up for a lack of big heavy shop tools. But if you don't have either then we'll need to keep it simple so the results can be done easily in a way that you can make it look good without a lot of complicated shop gear and relatively light duty wood working skills.
So which are you and will the rack be in a display area or just for storage? And what sort of height above the floor do you want the guns to sit at? Like butt ends on the floor or nearly so or with the muzzles up at or slightly over eyeball height?
Hey! Jmorris, what are the cutouts in the dowels in your rack for? They look very purposeful but I'm not sure how you're using these.
Also what do you have for tools? I can imagine options that can be done with a hand drill, hand saw and some sandpaper that uses regular wood cut to length and drilled for "separator" dowels. And I can also imagine a hardwood cabinet with glass doors that uses full dovetail and mortise and tenon joinery. But a lot of this relies on what you have for tools and skills. Consider that skill and good hand tools can make up for a lack of big heavy shop tools. But if you don't have either then we'll need to keep it simple so the results can be done easily in a way that you can make it look good without a lot of complicated shop gear and relatively light duty wood working skills.
So which are you and will the rack be in a display area or just for storage? And what sort of height above the floor do you want the guns to sit at? Like butt ends on the floor or nearly so or with the muzzles up at or slightly over eyeball height?
Hey! Jmorris, what are the cutouts in the dowels in your rack for? They look very purposeful but I'm not sure how you're using these.
Jmorris- I was and am thinkin that will be as simple as anything. I have done that before. Just storage and places to put stuff if the safe needs cleaned out or overflow- whatever As far as tools- I have most of em 
Just seein if there is a good solution am missing !
As far as the grooves I am guessin rubber bands to further secure things... maybe not
Just seein if there is a good solution am missing !
As far as the grooves I am guessin rubber bands to further secure things... maybe not
tjs45d
Member
Take a 3/4" thick board, 8" wide and drill 2" diameter holes thru with a hole saw. Then split the board down the middle on a table saw, or skilsaw if you don't have access to table saw. Then you end up with 2 usable racks out of each half of the board. Make the board half as long as you want the total rack length. I used 3.5" spacing on the 2" holes. Glue and screw a rail to the bottom for attaching to wall and you're done. I put felt strips in the radiuses where the barrels rest, but it isn't necessary...
Attachments
Sebastian the Ibis
Member
Whatever you make, make sure you measure off the shortest gun you have (or expect to have). I am shocked at how many gun racks will not fit a 16 in AR-15 with a telescoping stock, or a folding stock anything. Indeed, I have never seen a Kentucky rifle in one of those racks which is just about the only thing needing a rack so big.
horsemen61
Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2011
- Messages
- 6,766
Ttrl
Z-Michigan
Member
A friend of mine built a simply but effective rack using 2x4s and OSB. The main rack feature was drilling 2" diameter holes at the edge of a 2x4 spaced about 4" apart - on both sides but offset from each other. This top piece was supported by 2x4 posts at each end, which attached to horizontal legs that sat on a piece of OSB cut to fit. It sounds crude but it was actually a very effective rack for storing 20 or so rifles. The rifles were at ground level but sitting on wood rather than concrete.
"Someday" when I have sufficient free time I'm going to build a similar rack out of a nice hardwood like oak. The basic design is quite usable.
One drawback to this type of rack is that any oil in the rifle action tends to drain to the very bottom. In an AR15 it collects in the buffer tube, in other rifles it tends to run down the stock. For that reason I would also consider a rack that stores the rifles horizontally.
A coated steel cable used for locking bikes (in low-theft-risk areas) is a cheap and simple to use minor theft deterrent with this type of rack. Obviously not in the same league as an actual safe.
"Someday" when I have sufficient free time I'm going to build a similar rack out of a nice hardwood like oak. The basic design is quite usable.
One drawback to this type of rack is that any oil in the rifle action tends to drain to the very bottom. In an AR15 it collects in the buffer tube, in other rifles it tends to run down the stock. For that reason I would also consider a rack that stores the rifles horizontally.
A coated steel cable used for locking bikes (in low-theft-risk areas) is a cheap and simple to use minor theft deterrent with this type of rack. Obviously not in the same league as an actual safe.
jmorris
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2005
- Messages
- 24,254
If you don't want to do as much fab you can also get screw in hooks cheap.
$1 ea here
http://www.houzz.com/photos/39575681/Screw-In-Tool-Hanger-contemporary-nails-screws-and-fasteners
Use them in the posts that hold up the shade above one of my shooting benches. Only problem is cows and horses will break them off scratching themselves with them when they take cover from rain.
$1 ea here
http://www.houzz.com/photos/39575681/Screw-In-Tool-Hanger-contemporary-nails-screws-and-fasteners
Use them in the posts that hold up the shade above one of my shooting benches. Only problem is cows and horses will break them off scratching themselves with them when they take cover from rain.
- Status
