How to Make Rifle Cases

A rifle case helps preserve the value of a collectible rifle.

Rifle cases are used to display collectable rifles, or those with sentimental value. The cases are usually made are made out of hardwood, and feature a removable glass top. Rifle cases are often used to display guns for sale at stores or sporting goods emporiums. Building a rifle cases requires standard woodworking tools.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Tape measure
• 2 oak boards, 2-by-6-by-43 inches
• 2 oak boards, 1-by-5-by-9 inches
• Oak plywood, ¼ inch, 11-by-43 inches
• Glass top
• Table saw with fence
• Drill
• Drill bit, 3/32 inch
• Counter-sink, 3/8 inch
• Screw gun
• 8 wood screws, 3 inch
• Wood putty
• Sand paper, medium-grade, fine-grade
• Tack cloth
• Wood stain

Instructions

1. Set the table saw's fence ½ inch above the table. Position the fence 7/8 inch away from the blade. Run the 43-inch boards across the blade; keep the 43-inch edge against the fence during the process. These cuts result in a 1/8-inch groove that is 1/2-inch deep and 7/8 inch away from the edge of the board.

2. Position the 43-inch boards on edge. The boards must be parallel, with the grooves facing one another. Arrange the boards 9 inches apart, and 5 inches above the ground. Set the 9-inch boards perpendicularly between them; the boards must be on edge and 41 inches apart. The corners between these three boards must be flush. Drill 3/32-inch pilot holes through the 43-inch boards, and into the ends of the 9-inch boards. Two holes must enter each end of the 9-inch boards. Drill a 1/4-inch counter-sink hole in each of the pilot holes on the 43-inch boards. Screw the boards together using eight screws.

3. Apply the wood putty to the counter-sink holes surrounding the screw heads. Sand the rifle case using medium-grade and fine-grade sandpaper. Wipe the case clean with the tack cloth, and apply wood stain. Allow the stain to dry.

4. Place your rifle inside the case. Slide the glass sheet inside the grooves.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses when using power tools.

References

• New Wood Worker; How To Cut Dados; Tom Hintz; March 2010
• "Step by Step Basic Carpentry"; Ben Allen; 1997