Howdy folks. I am looking to build myself a pistol rack for the top shelf of my gun safe. I started searching the internet for what is available and came across a couple of simple options that I could emulate:

https://www.amazon.com/DGWJSU-...r/dp/B09ZTX3527?th=1

https://gun-racks.com/inc/sdetail/44

These looks like they would be easy to DIY and I've got a bunch of 1/2" HDPE material to use in my shop. Amazon has a bunch of cheap options but I don't need anymore made in China crap. I'm also not a fan of the ones that have rods that you put in your barrels.

I like using HDPE because it's really easy to work with, won't mar the finish on a pistol, is basically impervious to weather, will never rot, etc.

Do you guys have any ideas on additional features that a rack should have? Drawers, built in magnets, LED lights, etc?

I personally think wood takes up too much space. I use the rods in the barrels SO the HDPE is a good compromise there.

Given you know what YOU want I prefer the first one you posted but I would personally make sure the firearms touch felt and not the plastic. The felt COULD hold moisture but if the safe is maintained with proper humidity it shouldn't matter.

Would you make the little drawers underneath?

I don't think magnets or anything are necessary. I do have LED light strips in my safe, but they are permanently attached and I wouldn't want on on the rack, but one on the inner lip above the door shining on the rack would work well, especially if you had the little drawers built in.

Not knowing how your safe layout I'm inclined to question the usefulness of the drawers on a top shelf. Not feeling like you could easily see in them.

If you want a project have at it. I like the first one. That said if you are just looking for inexpensive and solid pistol storage I’ve used some variation of these for many years and they are great.

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/ho...cpc&utm_campaign=pla

Not specifically calling out GMW or the Horandy brand (in a positive or negative way) just using it as an example. There are lots of makers of this style of pistol rack.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:
If you want a project have at it. I like the first one. That said if you are just looking for inexpensive and solid pistol storage I’ve used some variation of these for many years and they are great.

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/ho...cpc&utm_campaign=pla

Not specifically calling out GMW or the Horandy brand (in a positive or negative way) just using it as an example. There are lots of makers of this style of pistol rack.

I use these as well. Don't remember the brand.

I use the barrel rod types in my safe. Cheap and work great.

I asked a similar question here not long ago and ended up building a few using some pistol hangars from Holdup. Been meaning to share some pics, so I'll snap some later this evening and upload.

This is what I did..had some left over mahogany from a project and used three 1/4” dowels from lowes

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
This is what I did..had some left over mahogany from a project and used three 1/4” dowels from lowes

good idea,


I have a couple of those in the first link of the OP an don't like them,


in my safe, I have them stacked upside down, as in resting on the sights, and stacked side by side,
but I also have an old old store safe with metal shelves, so they don't move, once placed,

I also have a few laying on their side in another safe,

quote:

Originally posted by neex:

Neex, now I LIKE that, you used the hold-up parts and built the rack?

I'm picturing building a double decker rack in this fashion...

Thank you for the idea, I'll be measuring and working on this this weekend.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

Neex, now I LIKE that, you used the hold-up parts and built the rack?

Yep, thanks. Note that, since I used the 90 degree from Holdup, I affixed the pistol holders to a board that is actually tilted so just a tad so that the pistol holders point at a slight upward angle. I cut an angle off the top of the bottom pieces to achieve this. I don't recall the exact angle of my cut, sorry. I think you can eyeball the first one and then use it as a template for the others. I did it this way because I think without a slight upward angle the pistols might have slid off the holders (the holders do flex a bit). The 55 degree that Holdup makes were too extreme.

I decided this was the best way to maximize the space, so the pistols are as close together as they can be while leaving just enough room for my hand to fit between and grab.

I don't like all the unused space under the racks, but I have't figured out how best to utilize it (aside from just organizing ammo boxes under there).

Thanks for the feedback guys. I do like the simplicity of the wooden one with dowels, but also want to keep some mechanical separation between each pistol.

I don’t know I can’t warm up to the idea of putting a rod in each barrel. That certainly seems like the easiest approach.

quote:

Originally posted by ACTEG:
Thanks for the feedback guys. I do like the simplicity of the wooden one with dowels, but also want to keep some mechanical separation between each pistol.

I don’t know I can’t warm up to the idea of putting a rod in each barrel. That certainly seems like the easiest approach.

It's plastic coated and I made the decision that the plastic coated rod can't possibly damage my barrel if a bullet being exploded out the end cant either .