How to Build a Locking Gun Rack

A gun rack is an ideal way to keep your collection of weapons together and to display them for the benefit of others. However, safety matters dictate that will you need a locking gun rack to prevent children, or anyone else, from accidentally grabbing one of your guns and injuring themselves. Whenever they’re in the gun rack, your guns should be unloaded and the safety catch should be on. You can make your own gun rack that locks to keeps your weapons safe.

Step 1 - Assemble the Frame

To assemble the frame, start with the 2x6 piece of wood that is 12 inches. This will be the base of your gun rack. Now, put the sides in place. These are the pieces that are 1x4x6 inches. Screw into place, with screws being entered at every 2 inch interval.

When you’ve done this, fit the two pieces of wood that are 1x4 by 14 inches. Secure these with screws at the front and back of the base so that you now have a box.

Step 2 - Attaching the Arms

Take the two pieces of wood that are 1x4x12 inches. Stand one upright outside the rear corner of the box so it’s flat against the 6 inch side. Screw it in place, checking that is completely stable.

Repeat on the other side. You now have the arms of your gun rack. To join the arms at the top, slide in the piece of wood that is 1x4x14 inches. Screw it into place to give strength to your gun rack.

Step 3 - Barrel Holder

For a gun rack that will hold 3 pistols, use the piece of wood that is 4x1 and 14 inches long. Use your tape measure to mark points at the 3½-inch, 7-inch and 10½-inch points. Now, you want to make a “U” shape with your pencil around each of those marks. It should go ½ inch either side of the mark and be 1 inch deep. Cut these out with your jigsaw and sand smooth.

After this, put the piece in horizontally under the brace at the top of the arms, with the indentations facing into the box. Screw securely in place.

Step 4 - Butt Holder

Take the piece of wood which is 4x1 by 12 inches. Again, mark it at the 3½-inch, 7-inch, and 10½-inch points, and make “U” shapes. These should extend 1 inch either side of the mark and be 2 inches deep. Sand smooth.

Step 5 - Finishing Assembly

Glue felt in the base of the box then put the butt holder in the base with indentations facing into the box. On one arm, measure up 1 inch from the top of the box and screw the hinge into place. Attach the piece of wood that is 1x1 and 14 inches long to this so it swings across the arms. Attach the hasp at the other end.