How To Build a Gun Rack for Your Wall: Easy Guide

September 15, 2022 5 min read

Are you looking to build a storage display for your gun collection? Whether for defensive pistols, shooting sports, or heirlooms passed down, there are unique ways to store your collection in a safe place. 

Perhaps floor space is limited in your home or garage, or maybe you don't have the room for some of the gun safes on the market. A gun cabinet is an option, but they don't always look great, and don't allow an unobstructed view. An open wall rack is an easy DIY solution, ideal for those who want flexibility in their display. Enjoy the security and accessibility of a curated gun collection on display while adding function to your firearms.

You don’t need to buy expensive shelving or be an expert builder to have easy access to your firearms. We’re giving you the ammunition you need to pull out the toolbox during your next DIY weekend project and start your gun rack plans.

Read below for the gun-enthusiasts guide on how to build a gun rack for a wall with detailed steps.

DIY Gun Rack Wall Mount

How To Build a Gun Rack for Your Walls

Part of owning a gun is knowing how to store it correctly. After all, a poorly maintained firearm could become damaged or injure someone unintentionally. There are many quality gun racks on the market, but a DIY gun rack is an easy project that lets you safely store your collection with convenient access, while also saving you money. Building it yourself is also an easy way to create the best display gun rack for your collection, and can be a great addition to your wall space.

Vertical rifle racks take up less space than horizontal wall racks. This layout is especially beneficial if you are tight on space in your home or garage.

If you do have the space though, horizontal gun racks can offer you both quick access and a better looking display.

 

Step 1. Find a Design That Fits Your Needs

Do you want a horizontal gun display or a vertical rack for long guns? How many firearms do you want to keep on the rack? Do you want your firearms enclosed in a cabinet or closet, or more visible on gun walls? Take a few minutes to decide on your main goals, especially if you have a large collection.

Step 2. Measure the Wall and Desired Rack Size

Depending on the wall layout, doors and windows, it’s beneficial to build and plan the design for your gun wall. One great trick to laying out your firearms is to use blue masking tape on the floor to lay out the shape and size of your mounting location.

Step 3. Decide on Which Firearms You Want on Your Rack and Measure Them

Are you building a handgun mount or a shotgun mount? Decide the firearm type to determine the dimensions. For example, when storing rifles vertically, the length of the rifles will define the vertical space required. Repeat the steps for a horizontal gun rack. If you are using the masking tape trick from step 2, you can easily lay out all of your rifles, pistols, shotguns, and magazines exactly where you want them to be. Once you have your plan, you can easily transfer their locations to the wall.

Step 4. Invest in High-Quality Mounts and Materials

There are several quality options on the market, including grid panels, right angle mounts, and standard hooks. Choosing the best mount or rifle rack for your collection depends on your personal preference, rifle setup, or what you’re hoping to shoot. Consider Spartan Mounts for your gun wall display rack. They are heavy duty, made in America using the highest-quality material, a great way to mount each of your favorite guns, and even offer free shipping on bulk orders!

Step 5. Choose a backing material

Additionally, decide if you want to add any extras to your DIY rifle rack plan, like LED lighting, gray backdrops, solid wood backing, reclaimed pallet wood, reclaimed barn wood, or even a wooden American flag!

Step 6. Finalize the Rack

Once you have purchased the mounts you need, and have the layout planned, it is time to install your custom DIY gun rack! With your design and layout set, carefully transfer your firearms to the wall panels, using a measuring tape as necessary. Simple tools like a drill, hammer, screwdriver and level will help you in this step. Once all of your mounts are attached securely, mount your firearms and enjoy your

DIY Gun Rack Wall Mount

Tips To Remember for a Safe and Secure Gun Wall Mount

Implementing standard safety protocols when embarking on any DIY project is vital. If you rely on firearms for home defense, keep at least one in an accessible location but still secure. Now that you know how to make a vertical gun rack, here are some gun safety tips. 

  • Invest in high-quality mounts and materials for the best gun rack
  • Make sure your guns are mounted securely and locked safely
  • Make sure the gun is unloaded
  • Ensure there are no barrel obstructions like dirt, wads, shells, etc
  • Keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction
  • Ammunition should be stored in a dry place, in a separate location from the firearms
  • Never mount a gun within reach of a minor
  • Never mount your firearm so a person can walk in front of the barrel.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Racks

Do you still have questions about how to build a gun rack for your wall? Check out these questions and their answers for more guidance. 

Are Gun Racks on Walls Legal in All States?

Yes. However, several states in the US require secure firearm storage such as trigger or cable locks installed. There is no requirement for the safe storage of firearms under current federal law.

Gun ownership comes with responsibility. Follow local, state, and federal gun laws. You must still use extreme care when handling guns if you own or sell them.

Where Are The Best Places To Store Guns?

The best place to store your gun collection depends on the location, the type of gun, living situation, etc. A gun room is the best option for those with a gun collection that can’t fit in a safe. If this is not possible, then it is best to store them in a room where children are likely not present which gives you the advantage in the event of a crisis.

If the first floor of your home is above the basement, find a safe and secure location away from the kitchen and other sources of fires. 

 

Are You Ready To Build a Gun Rack?

Building a wall rack is an easy DIY solution to display your firearms. It allows you to safely store your guns to keep them visible and easily accessible. After all, you spent hundreds (maybe even thousands) of dollars on your collection and accessories. Why not protect (or show off) your investment?

Once you have determined your gun rack plans for storage, proper gun storage practices are essential to protecting your firearms from long-term damage. 

Whether you are looking to organize or build your gun room with a new wall rack, Spartan Mounts has over 400 custom solutions to choose from, from pistol racks to vertical mounts, and even a bow rack! Check out some of the best-selling gun mounts. Please note that all Spartan Mounts are designed for display loads and not made for vehicles.