How to Make a Deer Hoof Gun Rack: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you looking for a unique and rustic way to display your firearms? Look no further than a deer hoof gun rack! This traditional method of gun storage has been used for centuries, and with a little creativity and some basic materials, you can create a beautiful and functional piece for your home or cabin.
Materials Needed:
- 2-3 deer hooves (antlers work too, but hooves are more traditional)
- 1/2" x 1" x 6′ pine or cedar wood (for the base and supports)
- 1/4" x 1" x 6′ pine or cedar wood (for the shelves)
- 1/2" x 1/2" x 6′ pine or cedar wood (for the backing)
- 1" wood screws
- 1 1/2" wood screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain (optional)
- Hanging hardware (e.g. screws, hooks, etc.)
Step 1: Prepare the Deer Hooves
Before you start building your gun rack, you’ll need to prepare the deer hooves. Here’s how:
- Clean and disinfect the hooves: Use a mixture of water and bleach to clean and disinfect the hooves. This will help remove any dirt, grime, or bacteria that may be present.
- Dry the hooves: Use a clean towel to dry the hooves thoroughly. This is important to prevent any moisture from affecting the wood or the finish.
- Remove any excess material: Use a Dremel or a saw to remove any excess material from the hooves. This will help create a smooth surface for the gun rack.
Step 2: Cut the Wood
Once the hooves are prepared, it’s time to cut the wood for the gun rack. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Cut the base and supports: Cut four pieces of 1/2" x 1" x 6′ pine or cedar wood to the following dimensions:
- 2 pieces @ 12" long (for the sides)
- 2 pieces @ 18" long (for the front and back)
- Cut the shelves: Cut two pieces of 1/4" x 1" x 6′ pine or cedar wood to the following dimensions:
- 1 piece @ 12" long (for the top shelf)
- 1 piece @ 18" long (for the bottom shelf)
- Cut the backing: Cut one piece of 1/2" x 1/2" x 6′ pine or cedar wood to the following dimensions:
- 1 piece @ 18" long (for the backing)
Step 3: Assemble the Gun Rack
Now that you have all the wood cut, it’s time to assemble the gun rack. Here’s how:
- Attach the sides: Use 1" wood screws to attach the sides to the base and supports. Make sure they are evenly spaced and secure.
- Attach the shelves: Use 1 1/2" wood screws to attach the shelves to the sides. Make sure they are evenly spaced and secure.
- Attach the backing: Use 1 1/2" wood screws to attach the backing to the sides. Make sure it is secure and evenly spaced.
Step 4: Attach the Deer Hooves
Now it’s time to attach the deer hooves to the gun rack. Here’s how:
- Glue the hooves: Apply a small amount of wood glue to the top of the sides and attach the hooves. Make sure they are evenly spaced and secure.
- Clamp the hooves: Use clamps to hold the hooves in place while the glue dries.
- Sand the hooves: Once the glue has dried, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces.
Step 5: Add the Hanging Hardware
The final step is to add the hanging hardware to the gun rack. Here’s how:
- Attach the screws: Use 1" wood screws to attach the hanging hardware (e.g. screws, hooks, etc.) to the back of the gun rack.
- Hang the rack: Hang the gun rack on a wall or from a ceiling, making sure it is level and secure.
Tips and Variations:
Here are a few tips and variations to consider when building your deer hoof gun rack:
- Use different types of wood: Consider using different types of wood, such as oak or maple, to create a unique and rustic look.
- Add a finish: Consider adding a finish, such as stain or polyurethane, to protect the wood and enhance the appearance.
- Add decorations: Consider adding decorations, such as antlers or other natural materials, to create a unique and rustic look.
- Build a larger or smaller rack: Consider building a larger or smaller rack to accommodate more or fewer guns.
Conclusion:
Building a deer hoof gun rack is a fun and rewarding project that requires some basic materials and a little creativity. By following these steps and tips, you can create a beautiful and functional piece for your home or cabin. So why not give it a try?
