Gun Rack Question

[caddyr2]

I recently purchased an '09 Ranger XP LE and added the sport roof and half windshield. Now I am looking at adding on a gun rack for deer season. I know I can buy the polaris brand rack or many aftermarket brands but since I am handy with metal I will be building my own. My plan is to put the rack above the head under the roof, for easy access and protection. That way during snow/rain/sleet conditions my guns are kept dry and out of the way and don't need to be in a hard case. Has anyone else placed a gun rack above their heads? Any tips out there? I really haven't seen anyone selling one that mounts that way but they make them for trucks so why not?

[ELK_HUN10]

If you do not wear your seat belt, the overriding consideration is head space. If you are riding offroad and hit a stump or rock, you do not want to be hitting your head on your guns. Other than that, there is no reason that your idea would not be practical. Be careful with your design of the release mechanism. Good luck.

[caddyr2]

I've taken some measurements and all appears good but the best way is to throw it up there and see what happens. Luckily if I do hit a large bump I should just bump my head on the stock or barrell and not the scope. I think I'll do the "trial and error" approach. And yes, I am getting very secure brackets so the guns are held it place very well. Plus I never have a bullet chambered while transporting anyways.

[GRAZOR]

My brother who has the RZR like mine has the floor mounted one from Cabelas I think. It keeps his gun in an upright position and inside at the ready. It is mounted on the passengers side so it is never in his way and he rarely has a passenger. I have an older plastic scabbard type that I mounted the same way on the passengers side but with the barrel facing down and the T bar is the upper mount for it. In nasty weather I can use the butt half to keep my gun dry but most times I just slide the gun in and go with the butt half sitting on the floor.

Gary

[heath_jhns]

They make overhead gun holders for the ranger. I've seen a couple of them and they work great but I can't remember who makes them.

Heath

[caddyr2]

Got er done. Ended up using a couple 1 1/2 inch flat straps of stainless that went on top of the rops at the front and rear of roll cage and hooked to the ranger rops using 1 1/2 inch conduit clamps with pull and stick insulation strips around the rops where the racks attach to keep it from vibrating and scratching the paint. Then mounted the Rugged Gear double gun rack to the straps of flat. Keeps the guns under the roof for snow/rain protection and higher up than any store bought one i could find. The only manufactured one I saw mounted to the actual plastic roof, which i was afraid would bounce. These things are as solid as the rops themselves. I can attach a pic if anyone is interested in copying. Couldn't have turned out any better. Now on to manufacturing a rear bumper.

[heath_jhns]

Post up some pics. I'd like to see how it turned out..

Heath