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easy and atractive gun rack

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10K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  Dez 
#1 ·
easy and atractive gun rack

For those of us who are proud of our ownership of long guns, a common problem is to find an easy way to display them that doesn't look cheap. I've designed one I think fits the bill.

First, my apologies for not having pictures, but I'm having troubles with both my camera and my main computer.

Now I'm sure you are all familiar with the fancy hooks used to hang the chains for swag lamps. Well, using two of them, a suitable size piece of hardwood and some 1 1/2 inch leather strap, you can make a very nice display mount for a shotgun or rifle of any size.

Start with the hardwood. Cut to length sufficient to make a backer board a few inches longer than the gun and a couple of inches taller than the gun when the barrel is level. If you want, you can cut a pleasing shape to the board's corners like a scallop or a miter. Rout the edges and apply finish of your choice. Glue felt to the back to protect the wall you will be mounting the display to and add hangers of your choice.

Now center the gun on the board with the barrel level with the top of the board. Mark a point an inch or so above the rear of the trigger guard and another point above the front of the forestock behind the curved portion that meets the barrel. Drill these points for the screw on the swag hook.

Punch a hole for the mounting screw of the swag hook 3/4 inch from one end of two 1 1/2 inch leather straps and round off the ends. Screw the hooks through the holes in the straps into the pilot holes. If the screw is too long for the thickness of wood you're using, trim the length of the screw so it doesn't go all the way through the wood. Now lay the gun on top of the leather straps and fold them over to cradle it where it looks best, then mark the straps for a hole to go over the hook. Punch a hole at this point (probably easiest if you remove the screws first) and punch another hole about 3/4 inch closer to the other end, then cut slits between these two holes at the loose end to make an elongated hole that will easily slip over the hook. Trim the loose ends of the straps. Re-install the hooks. Mount to the wall and hang your gun in the leather slings. Be sure the rear sling goes behind the trigger guard to keep the gun in position.

Stand back and admire the finished project, then do more for the rest of your arsenal. If you wish, make a wider board to hold two or more guns on a single display.

Hope this is clear enough to get the idea across and that some of you make one of these for your own favorite long guns. My first was for my great grandad's Remington "rolling block" 20 guage goose gun. It really lets the beauty of the old gal show without outclassing it.

Paul
 
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#2 ·
Paul, Here is a display I did for a customer who had a good collection of long guns. Made from rustic hickory with scrollsaw appliques made from bubinga. The long guns are cradled in deer antler sheds.

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