While I wasn't impressed by how the top shelf turned out, thankfully there's still a few more steps to go.
The rifles don't need to sit in a 2-1/2" deep "u" cut, they only need to sit in a slight recess. If the "u"' cuts were left as deep as they are, I'd be concerned that my rifles would get damaged just by taking them in and out.
I'm going to leave the far right and far left of the top piece alone, but everywhere else I'm going to remove 1" from the leading edge, and this will make these cut-outs not only shallower, but also eliminate any proof of my poor workmanship on this. Double bonus!!!
Attachment 113818
After a few more steps, I'll also bevel each corner, again to avoid damaging the rifles when they're put away.