Do you display your guns?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Do you display your guns?

Posted: 3/14/2005 5:59:50 AM EDT

I used to have a gun cabinet in my family room where I kept some of my more interesting guns. Good for conversation but I was afraid the word would get out that I had guns and someone would break in to steal them.

I moved all the guns to the back room of my basement and have kept them in a couple gun safes. When we had the basement remodeled a couple years ago I thought about displaying them out in the open but again decided against it because my sons always had friends over and I didn't want the word to get out. My sons always had access to my gunsafes and I never had a problem with them abusing my trust.

Recently I thought about it again, since my sons are at college and rarely home. I started to consider displaying some of my guns. Primarily I am thinking my C&R guns ie., Mosins, Mausers, SKSs etc. not my ARs or AKs. We are talking at least a dozen or so.

So what do you think? Should I display them? Should I display them with trigger locks and/or should I figure a way to lock them to the wall so they can't be easily removed?

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:02:58 AM EDT

[#1]

I don't think I would.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:03:41 AM EDT

[#2]

I'm sure you could figure out a way to lock them onto the wall or something, through a trigger lock?

Someone must make a decorative display thing that can lock a firearm down... if not I'll go invent one and make millions of dollars.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:05:17 AM EDT

[#3]

Sure! I hang mine in the front window. On saturday I set them out on the front lawn!

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:05:46 AM EDT

[#4]

If they are in your basement, put a very solid door on it and lock it with deadbolt, etc... Reinforce the jam.

ETA: do you lock up your computer when you are gone? Someone could use it to host child porn, if they break in and steal your computer.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:15:19 AM EDT

[#5]

The only way I'd do it is if they were locked into a wall rack that was bolted to some studs. Even then I've remove the gun bolts/carrier and lock the bolts/carrier in the safe. If someone steals your AR15 that you don't have secured and shoots up a school or whatever, you'd be sued for everything you have and then some.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:16:45 AM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
The only way I'd do it is if they were locked into a wall rack that was bolted to some studs. Even then I've remove the gun bolts/carrier and lock the bolts/carrier in the safe. If someone steals your AR15 that you don't have secured and shoots up a school or whatever, you'd be sued for everything you have and then some.

Probably some truth to that, but I'm not going to live my life in fear.
Not enough time to worry that much.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:24:03 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
I'm sure you could figure out a way to lock them onto the wall or something, through a trigger lock?

Someone must make a decorative display thing that can lock a firearm down... if not I'll go invent one and make millions of dollars.

If you are worried about them walking off, then nothing will beat the safe. If you just want to make them inert (relatively) without impairing the function when you need them, you could look for one of the internal gun locks. Omega was designing locks for rifles and revolvers to go with their pistol line but I don't if they ever hit production. They were invisible to anyone looking at the firearm. Looks like a special cartridge. You put the lock-round in the chamber, close the bolt, and then lock it via a rod that goes down the barrel. They are even CA legal. A round cannot be chambered without proper removal, and removal without horrendous damage is not possible without the key. Removal, at least on pistols is fast - you insert the rod, turn it less than 1 revolution, and rack the slide (lock is ejected, round inserted). I only have one in .45ACP, which I bought a few years back b/c I thought the company had a decent concept with good execution.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:27:24 AM EDT

[#8]

I wouldn't display them - it's just asking to get robbed. Although I do occasionally leave one or two lying around the house.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:30:13 AM EDT

[#9]

The only one displayed in my house is my old replica 1851 Colt Navy revolver. I have it nicely perched in my bookcase. I hardly think anyone would know what to do with it if they did steal it.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:33:57 AM EDT

[#10]

No.

Quoted:
Sure! I hang mine in the front window. On saturday I set them out on the front lawn!

w00t!

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:36:06 AM EDT

[#11]

MY At-4 (fired) is the only thing I have out in my office. Everything else is locked up and I dont show nothing off uless I go shooting.

The less you let people know you have, the less you have to worry about. Also, I have three kids int he house. 22 months- 12 yo.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:36:39 AM EDT

[#12]

What guns?

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:40:22 AM EDT

[#13]

NO!

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:42:03 AM EDT

[#14]

I have a couple wall hangers

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:42:37 AM EDT

[#15]

I wish I had guns to display. Damned leaky boat....

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:44:10 AM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
I wish I had guns to display. Damned leaky boat....

+1

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:44:59 AM EDT

[#17]

I guess that all depends on whether you have people over that you do not explicitly trust... If you host parties or anything like that, then it probably isn't a good idea. Don't want to be cased out for a theft.

Posted: 3/14/2005 6:55:17 AM EDT

[#18]

I wouldnt. Pretend like you dont even have them. People are fuckers these days and will take anything from anybody

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:05:50 AM EDT

[#19]

If I had any guns, I would only display one that could be stolen. And it would be displayed in an area that, as soon as I walked in I would know it was stolen.

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:08:24 AM EDT

[#20]

yes, get a alarm system.<Thumb Alarm>I have it in 2 houses.

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:10:02 AM EDT

[#21]

The only people who go into my basement these days are close friends (ie, shooting buddies) and relatives.

As I said, my really good stuff is kept in a safe. I would like to look at my Mausers, SMLEs and Mosins sometimes without having to dig them out. I do have an alarm on my house.

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:10:57 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
I wish I had guns to display. Damned leaky boat....

How tragic ...

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:19:47 AM EDT

[#23]

Personally, I would display them. I try not to let worry regarding what people might do dictate my actions. Be responsible, but you don't have to wear a tinfoil hat all day.

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:23:22 AM EDT

[#24]

Never ever pull your pants down like that.

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:33:31 AM EDT

[#25]

Personally I have a glass front gun cabinet I keep my guns in. I like looking at them I think guns are works of art and prefer not to keep them hidden from sight. But I never have anyone over that I don't completely trust either.

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:37:28 AM EDT

[#26]

Bad idea to display now days.

Never know what the neighborkid's wacky parents would do......

Never know what crackhead will hear about it and think "score!".......

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:42:20 AM EDT

[#27]

I have a personal motto: One gun dissuades a burglar. More than one attracts them.

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:46:22 AM EDT

[#28]

Nope, just my swords and knives (some of them, anyway).

Posted: 3/14/2005 7:51:00 AM EDT

[#29]

I only display one. I have an 1816 M.T .Wickham smoothbore musket ( flint lock coverted to percussion) on the wall of my office at work. Other than that they stay in the safe.

Posted: 3/14/2005 8:14:48 AM EDT

[#30]

I find this thread somewhat depressing. As I grew up, one of the few constants throughout my childhood was my grandfather's house. He kept almost all of his rifles (mostly Winchesters, some rare) openly on display throughout his house. You can imagine what it was like for a boy with hoplophobic parents in a house with rifles lining the living room walls. While I can certainly understand those concerned with security, I can't help but wonder if I would be here (wasting the majority of my income on this hobby) had it not been for his collection serving as an informal introduction.

It is my opinion that if you can display your collection in a safe manner, you should.

Posted: 3/14/2005 1:30:02 PM EDT

[#31]

Ript, you are right. It is kind of depressing. I am no expert but I enjoy learning about different kinds of gun and the historical significance of them.

When I bring out a Swedish Mauser that is dated 1916 it opens up history as do Mausers and Mosins dated during the war. Even an SKS dated 1950 is interesting. My sons used to bring some of their friends over for a history lesson on these guns. One son even invited his history teacher over. This teacher was a 20 something WWII buff who had never held a gun in his life. For him to hold a German Mauser, a M1 Carbine or Garand, a Mosin etc was thrilling. It is living history.

It is a damn shame that kids and others aren't exposed to the real thing instead of what they see about guns on TV.

Posted: 3/14/2005 1:46:26 PM EDT

[#32]

NO.

Absolutely not.

Never.

HH

Posted: 3/14/2005 1:47:20 PM EDT

[#33]

Why not? If it is locked and secure behind halfinch thick polycarbonate windows, and secured to the floor. I see no problem,

Posted: 3/14/2005 1:52:07 PM EDT

[#34]

Ive got an old side-by-side muzzleloading 12g next to my bed as a decrative piece. But all the good stuff is in the safe.

Posted: 3/14/2005 1:54:04 PM EDT

[#35]

No, I do not display them.

Posted: 3/14/2005 1:58:11 PM EDT

[#36]

Yes, if you call the 800 pound liberty safe in the middle of the house "Display" . . .

Posted: 3/14/2005 1:59:07 PM EDT

[#37]

I lost all of my guns in a horrific boating accident.

Remember the Alamo, and God Bless Texas...

Posted: 3/14/2005 2:13:12 PM EDT

[#38]

My father used to display his guns in a glass fronted cabinet. I cannot count the times I have sat in front of that cabinet waiting for the weekend to arrive so we could go shooting. <sigh>

Times have however, changed. Even if any of my guns had survived the tragic burning of my camper I do not think I would display them.
I do have a rack in my garage that I put my dirty/clean guns in after a day at the range. Works well but when I am done they go in the safe again.

Posted: 3/14/2005 2:17:59 PM EDT

[#39]

Nope, and since I missed out on the NcStar fake ACOGs, I can't even post decent pictures yet.

Posted: 3/14/2005 2:26:43 PM EDT

[#40]

I dont display anything, other than on this board.
I could see displaying maybe a single, special rifle....in my case, a #5 Enfield...I would probably not display anything new, or tactical....would probably ever put a WWII or earlier weapon on display.
My rationale for this is, the only people that will take interest in an antique are reposible enough to keep their mouth shut about it. I certainly would never put a modern weapon up where folks can see it....but thats just me. I think you would be best served to keep them in the safe, but if you have a few very special pieces, and can display them safely, then maybe....really up to you and your comfort level.

Posted: 3/14/2005 2:30:40 PM EDT

[#41]

I wish I could.

Posted: 3/14/2005 2:33:06 PM EDT

[#42]

One of these days I'm going to have a safe ROOM where I will display my babies. Only the most trusted of family and friends would ever enter, and even if the word DID get out, the safe room itself would be damn near impossible to break into.

I have to agree that firearms are too beautiful to just keep locked inside a safe. Provided you take adequate security measures, there is no reason you shouldn't be able to mount them for your viewing pleasure.

Posted: 3/14/2005 2:36:05 PM EDT

[#43]

My brother-in-law just had all of his guns stolen. He didn't have a safe but somebody knew he was a hunter. (Tacoma, WA area). He didn't display them at all and now they are gone. The only reason the cops even showed up was because of the guns; not the jewelry etc.

I would not display anything you want to keep!!

Posted: 3/14/2005 2:41:01 PM EDT

[#44]

Quoted:
My brother-in-law just had all of his guns stolen. He didn't have a safe but somebody knew he was a hunter. (Tacoma, WA area). He didn't display them at all and now they are gone. The only reason the cops even showed up was because of the guns; not the jewelry etc.

I would not display anything you want to keep!!

Sounds like someone he knew or a friend of a friend who couldn't keep his mouth shut.

Remember the Alamo, and God Bless Texas...