I need to get some guns up on a wall mounted rack so I am planning on building a couple of "shelves" to serve as a vertical gun rack. I'd like the spacing to be able to accommodate scoped bolt guns and shotguns. Will 3 1/2" centers work easily and safely (for protection from "safe rash") does anyone know? Can I go shorter? I have skinnier guns but I'd rather design the farm for the fattest cows instead of the skinniest.

Thanks!

Mark

Mark, I went thru the same issue you're facing. I wanted to avoid bolt handle dings but just as importantly hoped to show the wood in the guns by rotating the stocks into a viewing plane somewhat near perpendicular to the eye. I found that 4 3/4" worked very well. You can go less, resulting in more guns per foot or greater allowing viewing flexibility however this turned out to be a great compromise. Good luck...

My Safe is 3" centers and it is marginal.

quote:

Originally posted by airgun1:
My Safe is 3" centers and it is marginal.

Mine too, I wish they were 4".

Mine is 3" also

I alternate muzzle up....muzzle down to avoid hitting

Yes, four inches is plenty.

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
Mine is 3" also

I alternate muzzle up....muzzle down to avoid hitting

Ted that's a great idea I'll have to try that in my overcrowded safes.

I have built several vertical racks for people and myself. If you only have shotguns, 3 to 3 1/2 works. For bolt guns 4" is a minimum. I also set them at an angle, approx. 15 - 20 degs., this allows the bolts to clear easily. Just be careful when placing and removing. I think they display better at an angle, as well. If you use 1 1/2 " spacer at the butt end this leaves a 2 1/2" space for the butt stock, which is adequate.....Tom