Gun Cradle

Hold your rifle securely while cleaning it or working on it.

Build the cradle from 25x75mm (1"x3") timber.  The single bolt hole in the centre long section serves to bolt the cradle to the bench top and allows it to swivel 360 degrees.  Use leather or neoprene to pad the surfaces that face the rifle.  Neoprene works best as it does not absorb any liquid and is impervious to most solvents.  Carpet or felt does not work well as padding as it accumulates all sorts of crud and will eventually damage a fine finish. You will need one bolt long enough to go through the centre section and through the bench top.  Two bolts, 115mm (4.5") long with large flat washers and wing nuts are used to secure the T piece and the clamp at the back of the cradle.  Use wood screws to screw the sections together that make up the long section and the vertical post that holds the T piece.  Make sure the bolt, that holds the cradle to the bench, is countersunk.  The cut list for the wood is: 2 x 20cm (8"), 2 x 45cm (18"), 1 x 60cm (24"), 3 x 25cm (10"), 1 x 17.5cm (7").