First Thoughts on the Allen Gun Collector Hardwood Gun Rack 2 Rifle/Shotgun Brown/Black Wood/Steel
The Allen Gun Collector Hardwood Gun Rack 2 Rifle/Shotgun Brown/Black Wood/Steel is a simple and affordable storage solution for firearms, designed by Allen. It aims to offer a secure and presentable way to display and store up to two rifles or shotguns, appealing to those looking for a blend of functionality and rustic aesthetics. It’s a far cry from locking cabinets, but it could be useful as a display piece.
I recently moved into a smaller home and my safe is overflowing. I needed a safe place to keep a couple of long guns handy without sacrificing valuable closet space or resorting to stacking them precariously in a corner. I hoped this would be a nice looking solution.
The rack arrived in a compact box and required minimal assembly. The hardwood appeared decent enough, and the steel hooks seemed sturdy at first glance. The brown and black color scheme offered a classic look that I thought would complement my existing decor. It certainly looks a lot better than stacking the rifles.
I considered other options, including a metal standalone rack and a more elaborate wooden cabinet. However, the Allen Gun Collector stood out because of its simple design, low price point, and promises of easy installation. I also already have a few Allen products in my hunting gear.
My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism. I’m always wary of products at this price point, hoping the materials and construction would hold up to real-world use and not damage my firearms. I remained cautiously optimistic that the Allen Gun Collector would deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Gun Collector Hardwood Gun Rack 2 Rifle/Shotgun Brown/Black Wood/Steel to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Allen Gun Collector in my den, a room with limited space but high visibility. The installation process was straightforward, thanks to the included mounting screws and wall anchors. I used a stud finder to ensure I was drilling into solid wood, for enhanced stability.
Once mounted, I carefully placed a shotgun and a .22 rifle onto the padded steel hooks. The rack held them securely, and the spacing seemed adequate to prevent any scratching or bumping. There was some initial concern about the hooks feeling a bit shallow, but they seemed to hold fine.
The Allen Gun Collector performed well in a controlled indoor environment, without exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture. The only real issue was purely aesthetic, as the mounting screws stood out a bit more than I liked against the dark wood.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Allen Gun Collector continues to perform its basic function: holding my firearms. I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the hardwood base or the steel hooks. It seems pretty durable for such an affordable product.
The rack requires minimal maintenance; occasionally wiping down the wood with a damp cloth keeps it looking clean. I’ve also checked the tightness of the mounting screws periodically to ensure everything remains secure. I’ve had no issues so far.
Compared to my previous storage method (leaning rifles in a corner), the Allen Gun Collector is a clear upgrade in terms of organization and presentation. The firearms are displayed neatly, and the risk of them falling over has been eliminated. I am very happy with the look.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Gun Collector Hardwood Gun Rack 2 Rifle/Shotgun Brown/Black Wood/Steel
Specifications
- The Allen Gun Collector is designed to store up to 2 rifles or shotguns. This is a good capacity for a starter rack.
- The rack features a brown hardwood base, providing a traditional aesthetic. The wood seems basic, but it serves its purpose.
- The hooks are made of black powder-coated steel to prevent scratching. They are padded to protect the firearms’ finish.
- The rack is sized to hold up to 30 pounds. This load rating is adequate for most common rifles and shotguns.
- The unit comes with mounting screws and wall anchors for easy installation. This makes it simple to set up out of the box.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Gun Collector performs its primary function – storing firearms – adequately. The hooks securely cradle the guns, preventing them from tipping or sliding. It has done what I needed it to do.
The rack’s main strength is its simplicity and ease of use. There are no complicated mechanisms or adjustments to worry about. The main weakness is the lack of security features; it’s purely a display rack.
The Allen Gun Collector mostly meets expectations for its price range. It’s not a premium product, but it gets the job done without any major flaws. For the price it is pretty good.
Design & Ergonomics
The Allen Gun Collector features a simple, rustic design that blends well with traditional decor. The hardwood base and black steel hooks create a visually appealing contrast. It looks good on the wall.
The rack is relatively lightweight, making it easy to handle and install. The padded hooks are designed to protect the firearms’ finish. However, it does feel cheap to the touch.
Durability & Maintenance
The Allen Gun Collector appears to be reasonably durable for its price point. The hardwood base is solid enough to withstand regular use, and the steel hooks are coated to resist corrosion. It seems like it’ll last a decent amount of time.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wiping down the rack with a damp cloth occasionally is usually enough to keep it clean. More expensive waxes might improve the look of the wood.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Gun Collector doesn’t come with many accessories or customization options. The basic design is intended to be functional and affordable. There are no optics or grips.
While the rack itself isn’t customizable, users can add their personal touches by painting or staining the hardwood base. They can also use different mounting hardware to better match their wall decor. I may add a wood stain at some point.
Pros and Cons of Allen Gun Collector Hardwood Gun Rack 2 Rifle/Shotgun Brown/Black Wood/Steel
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Easy installation with included mounting hardware.
- The rustic design complements traditional decor styles.
- Padded steel hooks protect firearms’ finish.
- Efficient use of space compared to larger cabinets or safes.
Cons
- Lacks security features for preventing unauthorized access.
- The hardwood base feels somewhat basic in terms of quality.
- Limited customization options compared to higher-end racks.
Who Should Buy Allen Gun Collector Hardwood Gun Rack 2 Rifle/Shotgun Brown/Black Wood/Steel?
The Allen Gun Collector Hardwood Gun Rack 2 Rifle/Shotgun Brown/Black Wood/Steel is perfect for:
- Casual gun owners who want an affordable way to store and display their firearms.
- Hunters who need a convenient rack for their hunting rifles in a cabin or den.
- Collectors who want to showcase a small number of firearms without investing in expensive cabinets.
Those who should skip this product:
- Individuals seeking high-security storage for their firearms.
- Gun owners with very expensive or delicate firearms requiring specialized storage.
- Those looking for a high-end display piece with fine craftsmanship.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- Upgraded mounting screws to match wall decor.
- Wood stain or paint to customize the rack’s appearance.
- Cable lock for added security (although it will not prevent theft).
Conclusion on Allen Gun Collector Hardwood Gun Rack 2 Rifle/Shotgun Brown/Black Wood/Steel
The Allen Gun Collector Hardwood Gun Rack 2 Rifle/Shotgun Brown/Black Wood/Steel is a decent product. It is a simple and affordable storage solution that meets basic needs. It does not protect your firearms.
The value proposition is strong, considering the low price point and ease of use. It offers a convenient way to display and store firearms without breaking the bank. It is much better than leaning the firearms in the corner.
I would recommend the Allen Gun Collector to casual gun owners and hunters looking for a budget-friendly storage option. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done and looks reasonably good while doing it. Consider it if you just want to show off your rifles.