If you prefer to work with your hands in order to create something exactly the way you want it, you aren’t alone. Many people choose to DIY their own projects to avoid cheap construction, overly priced creations, or being forced to settle on something that isn’t “quite” what you wanted. Luckily, because of this trend, there are a ton of instructions and step by step guidelines out there to help you make just about anything you can think of.
Gun storage is an important part of your gun ownership responsibilities. Plus, a good storage solution can help keep your guns in good working order, within reach if needed, and displayed if you have something special worth showing off. Take a look at the ideas we have to help you create a vertical gun rack.
Why Gun Storage is Important
Although many people believe that in order to properly store a gun it must be behind a locked door of some sort, there are other ways to secure and store a firearm that also allows you quicker access when needed.
First off, the reason you should provide a proper form of gun storage is to ensure that your firearms are secure and safe from both children and thievery. Some forms of storage can also protect against the elements, as well as flood or fire.
So how can a vertical rack actually provide security? First off, a vertical rack is used for long guns and there are a few things you can do to ensure they do not get into the wrong hands. For starters, they can be placed out of reach from children, and ammunition can be stored behind a locked door or in a locked ammo can. You also can take advantage of gun locks and a secure way of keeping your gun trigger from being engaged, and the design of these can also slip through or around a part of the rack so it cannot be removed without a key.
Benefits of Vertical Gun Storage
If you already have wall decor that you don’t want to mess up, chances are you prefer having a customized piece that helps match what you already have. Making your own choice helps compliment your personal style, and vertical storage solutions are a great way to showcase your favorite long guns. It also is a way to help protect your gun, as each will be seperated to avoid rubbing or being marred from leaning against one another.
Use of a vertical rack and a gun lock is a great way to provide added security without sacrificing the ability to show off your guns, or negating a storage solution that works for you. There is no reason why you can’t take advantage of showcasing that excellent affordable rifle deal you received with the proper safeguards in place.
Vertical gun storage options also can fit into vault roms and closers as well if you feel added security is a must- or if you absolutely do not want people to know what sort of firearms you own.
Vertical Gun Storage DIY Guide
A vertical gun rack doesn’t have to be a complicated project, and if you have the tools and time, you can get one done without too much of a hassle. We’ve taken some tips from the woodworkingcorner.com, a site that offers woodworking tips and tricks and free instructions to help you fall in love with woodworking.
What You Need
Everything you need can be easily found at any hardware and lumber yard and isn’t very expensive overall. You will need some tools, especially if you want to make anything decorative. You may want a bandsaw or jigsaw, and also something to drill holes into the wood.
- 1″ x 6″ x 8′ Boards: Two Pieces
- ¼″ x 7″ x 21″ Plywood Panel: One piece for the Back Panel
- 1 ¼″ Kreg Screws; ⅛ lb.
- ½″ Wood Screws; ⅛ lb.
- Sandpaper
- Wood Filler and Glue
- Polyurethane Finish
Step by Step Guide
With so few materials you can probably already guess this isn’t a very intense job and can be done fairly quickly. Be sure to have your tools ready and a good workspace to get started.
Cut the Pieces
You will need to be able to draw and measure out the design you prefer, keeping the side pieces no more than around 38 inches in height, and the top and bottom approximately 21 inches in length. Remember, measure twice, cut once.
- Take the two 1″ x 6″ boards and cut two pieces to 6″ x 38 ¼ inches
- Draw and cut out a pattern on heavy paper that shows the style of side pieces on the rack you desire, and trace the pattern onto the two boards.
- Select the two boards and cut out the pattern with the band saw to make the two side pieces.
- Take the 1″ x 6″ boards and cut two pieces to 4″ x 21″ for the top and bottom cross pieces.
- Draw and cut out a pattern on heavy paper for the cross pieces and trace onto the boards.
- Cut out the pattern on the bandsaw
- Optional: you can also add a shelf, and to do so you need to cut two 5 ¾″ x 21″ boards from the 1” x 6” boards.
- Take the ¼″ plywood and cut one piece at 6 ¾″ x 21″ for the shelf backing
Assemble the Pieces
Obviously you will want to sand down your edges before assembly, so be sure to put that sandpaper to good use. Now you just need to assemble the pieces. It will be pretty easy to see how they all fit together, so you just need to attach them as such using your screws. When done, make sure to fill any holes and the stain and polyurethane to your own customization.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, a simple vertical gun rack that is easy to customize and piece together with minimal effort. All you need is a bit of time, a vision, and some tools to make it happen. Be sure to measure well before making any cuts and place your pieces together before permanently affixing them together.
