Question framing a gun

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Frame Gal

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
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Mar 23, 2008
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Customer just brought in a rifle from the 1890's, it is 41.5" long. We are making a shadow box for it that will have a door. Customer wants to be able to remove it from the box. Several things-

1.) Where should I look for hooks I can use to mount it or are there specific "gun mounts"?

2.) I am looking for a magnet that is round, kind of like a watch battery but thicker, you drill a hole and set the magnet down in, I want to say it called a bullet magnet but might be wrong. The magnet and it's corresponding mate would hold the hinged door shut. Does that sound familiar to anyone?

3.) Thought I would see if there have been any threads about framing guns but must be searching wrong because I could not find any. If someone could send me a link I would appreciate it.

Unfortunately the customer has a very limited budget for this so project is not going to be fancy. Might end up at the hardware store for some hooks.
 
Check out Lee Valley for rare earth magnets. They have "ring magnets".
 
How about notching a groove in frame, or have side buildup act as slot, to allow sliding plexi front in & out.
That way don't have to spend time on hinged door. Also will act as a basic "security" deterrant.
 
CB Art & Framing said:
How about notching a groove in frame, or have side buildup act as slot, to allow sliding plexi front in & out.
That way don't have to spend time on hinged door. Also will act as a basic "security" deterrant.
Click to expand...

Really like this idea. For gun mounts, I use door stops that screw in
images

They come in several lengths and can be cut.
 
I had a very old rifle that was mounted in a shadow box. There is a forge in my community that makes great hooks, here is the link http://ponderosaforge.com/forged-hooks/ The hooks had to be shaped a bit to hold the rifle but the end product was very nice. The forged hooks worked out nicely with the age of the rifle and my customer was very happy.
 
CB Art & Framing said:
How about notching a groove in frame, or have side buildup act as slot, to allow sliding plexi front in & out.
Click to expand...
That sounds a lot like the "Gravity Groove" frame that I designed in 1990. Gemini Moulding/Showcase Acrylics markets what they call "Enhanced Gravity Groove" framing, which is a modified version of the original two-frame design. They're good. If you Google "Gravity Groove Frame" you can access photos and more information. There is also a link to a Canadian PPFA site where you can download the handout for my Complete Guide To Shadowboxes and Framing Objects lecture, which gives illustrated instructions for Gravity Groove designs.

It might be easier and possibly cheaper to stack two frames with a continuous hinge across the top edge, so gravity would close the lid. Use acrylic in the lid frame, and aluminum composite material (ACM) as the mounting substrate in the wall-mounted base frame, covered with matboard or fabric. ACM is rigid, lightweight, smooth, chemically stable. You can drill it and attach hooks for the gun using screws/nuts.
 
Just curious what is his budget?
 
Great suggestions for hooks and magnets. Thanks, exactly what I was looking for.

Customers budget is $550. We framed a knife for this customer 8 years ago and he wants the same frame. It is not a shadow box frame so I will build a box out of plywood, line with a suede mat (same one as the knife) and hinge the frame to the box. The box will stick out the back (way out) but customer is OK with that. Customer really wanted it to look just like the knife.
 
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