Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.

Tip of the Week: Making a Store-Quality Pistol Display Setup

In this article, we cover the items and construction process needed to make a store-quality display stand for your handguns.
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
JUMP TO SECTION Jump To:

    Previously, I covered my tips for magazine storage and alternative long gun storage using re-purposed guitar racks.

    I love being able to just look at my guns and handle them at will; it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So this week, I wanted to go over the solution I came up with for gun shop-style felt-lined pistol storage and display.

    Wyatt's Pistol Shelf
    I need guns, lots of guns.

    Disclaimer: This solution isn’t for everyone. If you have children, other tenants who aren’t amenable, only have a few guns, or have stricter storage requirements, you may want to pass on this open-air storage technique. For other storage options, check out our Best Safes article.

    Table of Contents

    Loading…

    Step 1: Shelving

    I opted to use vertical shelving to help save space and keep most of my handguns centralized in a single location.

    The shelving I selected is commonly referred to as “boltless shelving,” meaning that no bolts or tools are required for assembly. Gun people may notice that the system for attaching the shelves looks a lot like KeyMod (I don’t doubt they borrowed the idea from boltless shelving).

    $62
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    These shelves are great for three reasons. First, they have a very high load capacity and should stay sag-free for a long time. Secondly, you can customize the height of the shelves fairly easily.

    But the last reason is the most important here. These shelves have metal frames, but the actual shelf portion itself is an MDF that sits inside the frame.

    Having a board that simply slips into the frame allows you to cover it in felt, which is essential for protecting your firearm while still having it sit in the frame.

    Step 2: Adding Felt

    Covering the shelf in a layer of felt cloth does two things.

    It protects the gun from getting scratched or dinged when being picked up and put down, but it also looks fantastic.

    Pistol shelf felt edge
    Even with the felt applied, there is just enough room to push the MDF board down into the slot. The result is a clean top and edges that look factory.

    A swath of guns on display on some Hunter or Kelly green felt just gives off Cabela’s gun library vibes. It looks like stuff that would be in a case at a nice gun store.

    $11
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    I purchased a roll of 72-inch wide felt, cut off a relatively large piece, set the MDF shelf on top of it, pulled the felt around the edges as tight as possible, and then used a staple gun (small nails will work, too) to secure the felt to the underside of the shelf.

    It does help to have someone hold the felt taut while you staple or nail it. I am lazy, so the bottom of my shelves looks terrible, but the overhang of the shelves covers it up.

    Pistol shelf bottom
    I hastily stapled the bottom, but better measuring and cutting and more patience will clean this up.

    Step 3: Prop Rods

    While you can store the pistols flat on their sides, this looks goofy and doesn’t always make for the best display.

    Staccato C2 prop rod

    Instead, you can use pistol prop rods to hold the guns up at an angle. I originally didn’t know the term “prop rod,” so it took me a while to find them, but I eventually found some from Rack’Em Racks.

    $15
    at Rack'Em Racks

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Having quite a few pistols, I eventually ran out of prop rods. I decided to cheap out and use 3/4-inch wooden dowels from Home Depot cut to about 3 inches in length. I slightly beveled the edges with a sander to prevent them from snagging on the felt and tearing it up.

    Pistol Prop Rods
    A makeshift dowel prop rod vs. a Rack’Em Racks prop rod.

    You can also use the kickstand-type pistol stand, where a wire rod goes into the barrel and holds the gun up. These may be a bit more secure, but they are also more expensive and slightly more difficult to remove the gun from them.

    Why Not Just Buy a Pre-Built?

    I hate overpaying for storage or display stuff just because it is marketed “for guns.” A felt-lined gun shelf with supplied prop rods would likely run $300-500 or more.

    I’d rather make something myself if it isn’t too complicated or expensive

    But half of the battle is just finding out exactly what each component is called and where to find them. The information is somewhat gatekept and isn’t always common knowledge.

    If you are looking for a simple three-step pistol display setup that you can snag for under $100 or $150, depending on shelving size, this might be worth a look.

    Final Thoughts

    Again, this storage solution isn’t for everyone, but I have had a few people ask about my shelves.

     People commonly assume the photos are from some gun store or storage facility. Guests who are into guns love it, and it is always a hit.

    Pistol shelf
    These are the 24″ deep shelves. If you have fewer pistols, shallower shelves would work great.

    I have been using this shelving, felt, and prop rod setup for about eight years now with no ill effects on my guns, and the shelves have survived at least one house move. I like the setup and will likely continue using it for the foreseeable future.

    What are your thoughts on this setup? Do you have any cool tips or tricks for pistol display? Let us know in the comments below! In case you missed it, check out our tip of the week on Alternative Long Gun Storage!

    The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

    Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

    Leave a Reply

    Join the community! Log in
    Please provide a valid email address.
    Password is required.
    or
    Register
    Please provide a valid display name.
    Please provide a valid email address.
    The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
    Please accept in order to continue.
    By unsubscribing, you will not be able to access exclusive training courses in your profile. You will still be able to save and access your products and articles.
    or
    Trouble logging in?
    Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
    Please provide a valid email.
    Password
    Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
    To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
    Field is required.
    Account already exists
    We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
    In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

    Account in Pew Pew Tactical means more.

    Login or create a free account to get the following
    Access and save hundreds of reviews, gun guides, and articles!
    Find the best daily deals on guns, gear, and ammo
    Manage your newsletter subscriptions and comments