JUNE 7, 2022 – If you are a gun enthusiast, chances are, you must be tired of having to take them out of their storage cases whenever your friends visit. An easy way to show off your arms collection is to utilize the benefits a gun rack offers. Not only will it save you storage space, but it can provide a great display for your arms. The only question is, how do you properly and safely display them, especially when children are around?
Preparing Your Arms for the Display
Putting your arms up for display requires a ton of work beforehand. This will protect them from damage and provide a unique experience for gun enthusiasts looking at the exhibition.
Clean Your Arms
Guns should be thoroughly cleaned inside out before propping them on display. The copper, lead, and plastic used in arms is highly susceptible to moisture. Use a highly absorbent cloth on all its surfaces and make sure to clean the bore out as well.
Apply a thin layer of lubricant on the metals and treat the wood parts ahead of displaying your arms. It will prevent the metal from rusting and the wood from swelling or breaking.
Wipe off Any Fingerprints
Visitors will likely be looking at your arms display up-close. Fingerprint smudges left on the arms will ruin their aesthetic, and natural salts from the hands can act as a catalyst for rust. An ammonia-free cleaner can do miracles for wiping unsightly fingerprints off your arms on display.
Limit Humidity
Ideally, your arms should be at 50 percent less humidity than the atmosphere. You can install a dehumidifier to lower moisture levels or keep track of daily humidity with a hygrometer. Perform random checks on your arms and check on them regularly if you live in a humid climate.
If you are planning to display your arms in separate cases, placing a packet of hydro absorbent Silica Gel can prove to be extremely valuable. Packets of silica gel effectively absorb moisture and prevent arms from condensation and rust.
Follow Firearm Safety Rules
Safety should be your top priority before displaying your guns. Do not rely entirely on your arm’s inbuilt safety and unload it before placing it on display. Ensure that safety is on as an additional measure.
Build an Inventory
Keep an up-to-date inventory of all your arms on display. Ensure that it includes current information regarding your arm’s serial numbers, latest use, and the dates they were serviced.
Securely Displaying Your Arms
Owning arms is not nearly as fun as showing them off. Unfortunately, it can be hard to agree on a method that secures your arms and displays them in all their glory. The following are a few arm displays that can complement your living room.
Conventional Display Cases
Traditional cases are a popular choice for many art enthusiasts. It safely stores your gun and is an old-fashioned case that goes perfectly with your family heirloom guns. You can find many variations online and choose one that is best suited to your needs.
An upward standing case does not take up a lot of space and is capable of storing your arms at knee level. Your guests will be able to admire the collection closely through the transparent glass, and the display’s back allows easy access. Traditional display cases also include numerous lights that keep the arms well lit.
Classic Wall Mounted Display
Wall-mounted displays are efficient at saving space and utilizing empty areas on your walls. Quite often, classic displays are fashioned after a cabinet. You can quickly access the guns from the front, and a transparent glass allows guests to inspect the collection without having to touch it.
An excellent benefit of having a wall-mounted display is the flexibility it offers. You can decorate the area with awesome military flags and pledge your allegiance to your home country. The display can also be mounted at a specific height so that it is always at your eye level.
Coffee Tables
If you are a fan of coffee and guns, displaying your arms on a coffee table is an excellent choice for you. The tables can be found in many variations online. You can always DIY one to better fit your living room’s aesthetic. Mosin crates are a popular choice for art enthusiasts, especially if your living room is also a man cave.
However, most crates are not the only option, and any sort of chest, crate, and tabletop can be fashioned to create a display case for your arms. One key benefit of a coffee table is that it does not take up any more space than necessary and can double as a dining table. Your arms will be safely tucked in the middle and can be closely inspected behind see-through glass. You can install lights to ensure that your arms remain well-lit at night!
In-Wall Display Case
Arm cases built right into your wall are known as In-Wall Display cases. While they are not widespread, they are a far more secure option than their counterparts. The project can be costly as it requires significant modifications to your house. This means it is not a renter or apartment-friendly option. However, if you own a home, it can make for a fantastic modern display.
In-wall displays allow greater security for your arms. Unlike traditional coffee table displays, it is only accessible from one end. It can also be discreetly hidden away and is kid-friendly. Hang up a painting or stick a poster over the display, and no one will know about it.
Open Display
If you are someone who uses their arms on a regular basis and does not want to go through the hassle of having to take them out and place them back daily, an open display is a perfect option for you. This display type offers a variety of options to choose from and provides an elegant and sleek solution to show off your collection.
Gun racks are installed on the wall, and you can place your arms on them. The frames are suited for long guns and are lined with a soft cloth to prevent scratching your arms. While these are not the most secure, they can be a great way for art enthusiasts to get a closer look.
The benefit of opting for a gun rack is that it allows for both a vertical and horizontal display. The change in layout can accommodate arms of all shapes and sizes.
Tips That Work for Any Display
You should utilize any tips that help build a better and more secure gun rack. The following tips come in handy regardless of the display type you choose to erect in your living room.
Stronger Glass
The glass display is the most observable weakness of all displays. Typical glass can easily be broken by applying a relatively small force. It allows easier access to the gun, and the broken shards can be a hazard for animals and children. Opt for either laminated glass or polycarbonate. A stronger alternative would be to use a spring for suspended particle devices. It not only protects the arms but also acts as an innovative glass that can change its tint and the amount of light it allows through with the push of a button.
Additional Reinforcements
You can never be too safe with arms on display. Introducing extra reinforcements is a great way to reinforce glass and strengthen the display case. It can be an excellent safety and security feature if you own a classic arm display.
Store Ammo Separately
Gun ammunition should not be next to the arm. You need to ensure that ammunition is stored away safely in another part of the house. It is better if you use a locked case to add an additional security layer. The process ensures that anyone who comes in possession of the gun needs to access its ammunition separately in order to use it.
Keep the Display Cases Locked
It goes without saying that only you should have access to your display case. It is essential that you use more than one lock and have access to multiple keys or codes at all times. Locking your display case is the perfect way to keep your kids, pets, intruders, and even visitors from accessing your arms without authorization.
Keep a Separate Gun for Safety
While you may be tempted to place all your arms on display, it is always better to have one stored away securely in a location that you can easily access in times of an emergency.
Motion Sensors
Sensors that detect motion can be an excellent security addition. Even the slightest movement in the display case or around it will set off an alarm, and you will be immediately alerted of any unauthorized attempt at access.
The responsibility of owning arms and the requirements involved in displaying them are alike. You need to make sure that they are unloaded, if not in use, that they cannot be accessed easily, and that everyone in immediate contact with them understands the dangers of using them irresponsibly. Check up on your display cases regularly and exercise their security measures often to ensure that they are working perfectly.