The rack weight a lot and is very sturdy. It would take someone intentionally trying to dump it to do so. Those side pillars are 1.5"x7" solid oak and the bares are 3"x9"

I took pics of these at the Dixons Gunmaker's Fair a few years ago - try to ignore the funny looking guns

it could be scaled to a double gun

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...g?t=1361922466

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...ps1ee3b18a.jpg

these come apart for transport
the cross members tennons go all the way through the mortice on the end pieces and are snugged with a key
the end pieces have tennons that set into a pair of mortices in the base - note the golf tees for pegs
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...ps67f57a25.jpg

see the height extention on the right rack to raise it above the front
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...ps1f5e4a0d.jpg
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/g...ps275de08a.jpg

That is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, but it kind of gets lost with all that cris-crossing of the guns. Imo.

I don't disagree Brian, but then focus of the display was meant to be those original 18th century longrifles not the rack.

Nice racks, indeed. Do they start to get lose and sag over time? Seems a lot of racks eventually get sloppy and need extra support if not well cared for.

they are not mine - but that set has been around longrifle shows for years and seems solid. the keys and pegs are tapered so that should help keep thing tight

Made just like old world craftsmen did. Some of the highest quality pieces don't use any hardware at all.

Ok, thought I was being a little funny here. Guess not.

Jay, it was funny. It's just that no one could top that!

Thanks Alan. Just trying to inject a little levity into the day. Cheers!