Guns are used for self-defense and hunting. It can also be seen as an expression of personal interest or a form of art. Owning and displaying a gun collection can be a great source of pride and satisfaction for gun collectors. Regrettably, finding a balance between the urge to show firearms and safeguard them is challenging regarding storage. Owning guns comes with a great deal of responsibility.
Proper display of your gun collection can be a great way to showcase your collection safely and securely and prevent any accidents or thefts. Here are some tips on how to display your gun collection safely:
1. Identify A Safe Gun Display Location
Choosing a safe and secure location is essential when displaying your gun collection. Avoid displaying your firearms in areas easily accessible to unauthorized individuals such as near a window or door. Instead, identify a suitable location and a reliable gun mount like a mount for AR 15 and out of reach of children and pets. A locked room is an ideal option as it provides an added layer of security.
It’s crucial to place your gun rack or mount in a secure location accessible only to authorized individuals. Additionally, the storage area shouldn’t be visible outside the house, which could attract unwanted attention. If you choose to display your collection in a public space such as a gun show or museum, ensure it’s secure and that only authorized individuals can access it.
Due to this concern, many gun lovers place gun mounts in a secure location like a room basement with enhanced security measures. Alternatively, some may publicly display their firearms if location and privacy permit.
2. Secure Your Collection With A Safe Display Case
One of the most important things you can do to ensure the safety of your gun collection is to obtain a display unit that’ll enable you to organize and keep it secured in a safe or locking display case. This could be a rack, cabinet, mount, or another storage alternative that meets your requirements. It’s essential to consider both your preferences and the available space when choosing the size and design of the display unit. This will prevent unauthorized access to your firearms and protect them from theft, fire, and other disasters.
A good safe should be made of high-quality steel and have a complicated locking mechanism to pick or break. You can choose from a wide range of sizes, from small safes holding just a few firearms to large ones storing dozens of guns.
It’s also prudent to consider the sizes and quantities of firearms you wish to display. Professionals suggest organizing guns based on weight and length and selecting a storage space for their specific requirements.
3. Enhance Your Display With Frames
To mitigate the theft risk of anyone smashing the glass or removing the firearms, you can include frames in your display to avoid the withdrawal of big guns. However, this measure won’t be practical for handguns.
The concept behind the frame is that it’s designed to be small enough to prevent the firing of a rifle, regardless of its orientation. This frame could resemble a bigger window, partitioned into reduced panes, with each section small enough to fit the guns. While this approach may partially obstruct the view of your guns, it’s crucial to prioritize security over an unobstructed display.
4. Store Ammunition Separately
Another essential safety tip is to store your ammunition separately from your firearms. This will prevent accidental discharge or unauthorized use of your guns. Store your ammunition in a locked container such as a small safe or a locking cabinet.
When storing your ammunition, keep it away from heat sources such as direct sunlight or heaters. Also, avoid storing it in damp or humid areas as this can cause corrosion and reduce the effectiveness of the ammunition.
5. Keep All Guns Unloaded
Keeping all guns unloaded is a critical safety measure that should always be followed when displaying firearms. This applies to all types of guns, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns. The importance of this safety measure can’t be overstated as loaded guns pose a significant risk of accidental discharge, leading to injury or even death.
While it may be tempting to display your defense weapons such as handguns, it’s crucial to keep them in secure, hidden, yet accessible places. This ensures they’re readily available in case of an emergency while also preventing unauthorized access to these weapons. Such locations could include safes, gun cabinets, or other secure storage solutions.
In addition to keeping guns unloaded, storing magazines separately from the firearms is also recommended. This ensures that magazines aren’t easily accessible, which helps prevent unauthorized access to loaded firearms. A gun magazine holder can be an ideal solution to keep magazines organized and tucked away from easily accessible areas.
It’s worth noting that these safety measures should be followed when displaying firearms and storing them. Unloaded guns and separated magazines should be stored securely, out of reach of children or unauthorized individuals.
6. Educate Yourself And Others About Gun Safety
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your gun collection’s safety is to educate yourself and others about gun safety. This includes understanding the basics of gun handling, storage, and maintenance, thus building a safe home for your family.
If you have children in your home, educating children about gun safety is essential. Teach them never to touch a gun without adult supervision and always to assume that every gun is loaded. You should also ensure that any visitors to your home are aware of your gun collection and the safety precautions you have in place. This will help prevent accidents and ensure that your firearms remain secure.
7. Use Trigger Locks or Cable Locks
Another way to ensure the safety of your gun collection is to use trigger locks or cable locks. These locks prevent the trigger from being pulled, which makes it impossible to fire the gun.
Trigger locks are designed to fit over the trigger guard and prevent the trigger from being pulled. Cable locks, on the other hand, are intended to be inserted through the action of the firearm, which prevents the gun from being loaded or fired.
Conclusion
Owning a gun collection can be a rewarding hobby, but it’s important to remember that safety should always come first. These tips and best practices ensure your gun collection is displayed safely and securely. Remember to keep your firearms locked up and out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals. Store your ammunition separately and use trigger or cable locks to prevent accidental discharge.