I use a pistol rack from cabela's. They are a coated metal but I'm not sure what the coating is made of. Very sturdy and doesn't mar the finish in the least. They come in 3 sizes and in my opinion, worth the money. Cabela's: Versatile Rack Safe Handgun Rack
I've always found marks where rifles and shotguns leaned on felt but I've never seen rubber coatings that left marks. I think the felt gathers dust over the years and starts to slowly scuff away at bluing.
I also have the Versatile 6 gun rack, and is one of the best out there. Been using it for about 3 years with no problems. It has a thicker coating than the other brands I have seen. I am going to purchase a couple of the 4 gun racks from Midway as soon as a few buddies get their order together so we can split the shipping. Buy it, you won't regret. GO CATS.
I use a coated metal rack from Home Depot with slightly slanted vertical pins that go in the muzzle of the gun. Nothing touches the outside surface of the gun or grips.
I have used the plastic/rubber with no problems. Additionally I use old fashioned clothes pins (with slot almost all the way down) to hold by trigger guard. Am watching to see if the wood holds any moisture. None in a year so far.
I use a viynl coated wire rack sold at walmart for dishes. The grip bottom and the barrell rest on the carpeted shelf and the gun rests against the coated wire divider, Cheap and works great.
Thanks guys for the information, it is greatly appreciated. The wife was wanting to know what to get me for christmas and this sounds like what it will be.
I can't believe I'm saying this..... go to Dick's (I still hate them). They have the same pistol rack as Versatile makes for about $15.00 less. The 6 pistol rack at Dick's is $24 versus the $39.99 Versatile wants for theirs. I have 3 of the 6 pistol racks and one of the 4 pistols models. Versatile is way over priced for what they are offering. Go visit Dick's (I still hate them).