How To Make a Vertical Gun Rack

If you have a few favorite guns in your collection, you likely have been wanting to show them off. But how do you show off your collection if you don't have a gun rack? One option is to invest in a vertical gun rack, or build your own.

Vertical gun racks are an ideal way to store your guns. They offer security, keep your guns in excellent condition, and look great. But you might be wondering how to make a vertical gun rack. Keep reading to find out how to make the perfect vertical gun rack for your collection.

Why Vertical Gun Racks?

There are many ways to store firearms, including horizontal gun racks and safes. So why use a vertical DIY gun rack? Well, this approach to gun storage offers several benefits, including accessibility, enhanced security, and less wear and tear.

Moreover, combining a vertical rack with a high-quality lock gives you an excellent platform to display your collection without worrying about the risk of theft or children getting their hands on them. So, you’ll have a reliable solution to exhibit your weapons without having to compromise on storage or accessibility. 

Easy Accessibility

One of the key benefits of a vertical rack is accessibility as guns can be easily retrieved. That cannot be said for its horizontal counterpart, which is less intuitive for gun storage. 

In particular, horizontal racks usually force owners to take their weapons from an angle. Some may even require the removal of a gun before you can get to the one you want. 

Protect Your Firearms From Damage

There’s no getting around the fact rifle stocks are vulnerable to deterioration. Unfortunately, horizontal storage can aggravate their susceptibility to being damaged because they are more likely to lean against each other. Choosing a vertical storage option avoids this, ensuring your guns remain in excellent condition. 

Less Wearing of Other Guns

Contact between guns can also lead to wear and tear. Vertical storage minimizes that risk by ensuring they maintain an adequate distance from each other.

Safe From Theft and Children

Gun security is one of the core aspects of storage. After all, you want to be certain that kids or thieves can’t easily take your weapons. Vertical gun storage offers owners an improved layer of defense against intruders as they can’t simply be grabbed off the rack. Instead, someone looking to steal a gun from a well designed vertical rack would have to break the assembly apart.

Moreover, you can utilize locks, secure triggers, and keep ammunition safely behind a locked door or dedicated can. Lock designs are versatile, with some extending through a rack and only being removable with a key. 

How To Make a Vertical Gun Rack

Now that we've gone over the benefits, let's learn how to make a vertical wall mount gun rack. You can easily make your customized gun rack using the steps below.

Step 1: Gather the Needed Materials

Before building your vertical gun rack, gather any materials you need for the build. Your materials will vary slightly if you plan on storing pistols or shotguns. Indeed, you might need to purchase unique handgun mounts.

Step 2: Measure the Size Where Your Rack Will Be Located

Now that you've gathered your materials, it's time to start building. The first step is to measure the size of the space where the rack will be.

Step 3: Note Down the Length and Width of Your Firearms

The next step is to measure the length and width of each firearm you want to put on the rack. You will use these measurements to determine how long the shelves must be. 

Step 4: Cut the Plywood to the Desired Size

After that, you need to cut your plywood with a saw. You will want to create a one-inch vertical segment along the plywood’s center. 

Step 5: Assemble and Attach the Wood Together With Nails or Screws

Carefully assemble the plywood using nails or screws. If you are using screws, drill holes first. 

Step 6: Drill Extra Holes Where You Can Place Your Mounts

Your next step is to drill into the rack where you want your mounts to sit securely.  Install them using #8 screws.  

Step 7: Attach the Rack to the Wall

Mounting the rack well is one of the most crucial steps. Take your time doing this and mount the rack carefully to studs in the wall. 

Step 8: Check if Your Firearms Fit

Now that your rack is finished, check if your firearms fit. 

Step 9: Put a Lock for Safety

The final step is locking up your firearms. Use a lock of your choice to prevent anyone from mishandling your guns. 

If you follow these nine easy steps, you will have your vertical gun rack ready to store your collection. Now you know the benefits of building a high-quality vertical gun rack, you might want to know more about this storage option.

FAQs About Vertical Gun Racks

These are some frequently asked questions about vertical racks.

Is a vertical gun rack better than a horizontal one?

Yes. No matter what DIY vertical gun rack plans you consider, you will maximize space compared to a horizontal option. Moreover, vertical racks offer greater security since the guns are less likely to fall over and be damaged. Plus, they are more aesthetically pleasing than a DIY horizontal gun rack.

How are vertical gun racks mounted?

Vertical gun racks can be mounted in several ways. The most common is to mount it on the wall. That approach is typically the most secure, as they cannot be easily tipped over or moved. They also offer the advantage of not taking up any floor space.

Spartan Mounts has a line of dedicated Vertical Rack options.  Additionally most rifle racks can be used vertically as well.

Are my guns safe in vertical racks?

Yes, as long as the racks are correctly mounted to a wall or other sturdy surface. You can secure your guns in a vertical rack with a lock to prevent them from falling over or being disturbed by children or pets.  Spartan Mounts rifle racks include mag-release latches which add an additional layer of security.

Are You Ready To Build Your Own Vertical Gun Rack?

Now that you know how to make a vertical gun rack, it's time to get started on your project. Gather the materials and follow the steps outlined above. You'll have a vertical gun rack in no time.