Gun museum in Claremore, Oklahoma

[Checkman]

I’ve just returned from my vacation. Thought I would tell everybody about a really great gun museum that I came across in Claremore, Oklahoma. It’s called the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum. J.M. Davis was a wealthy hotel owner in Claremore and by the time of his death in 1973 he had over 20,000 handguns, rifles, shotguns, sub-guns and machine guns in his collection. The collection spans from the 16th century to the mid-20th century. Of course as the years have gone by the museum has had numerous other donations made to it. While the museum might not have the polish of the Cody museum in Wyoming or the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Mass it’s still a great way to spend a few hours.

It’s free though they do request a donation and it’s right on the old Route 66. The old 66 runs right through Claremore. Claremore is also the birthplace of Will Rogers and he’s buried there. There is a very impressive museum about Will Rogers in Claremore as well. Anyway here is the link to the museum’s site. If you happen to be in that area of Oklahoma (just to the northeast of Tulsa) stop in and check it out. It’s worth spending a few hours going through it.

http://www.state.ok.us/~jmdavis/index.html

 

[PaulTX]

I found that museum online but haven't had a chance to visit it. I sure would like to!

Paul

 

[Bart Noir]

He said it all. I've drive from OK City and from Wichita just to visit that museum, and might make a 3rd trip someday. Just park next to the battle tank, go in and enjoy. OBTW, I like the way Tulsa PD has given them confiscated handguns to display.

Bart Noir

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I also hit that a few years ago while following Rt. 66.

It is INCREDIBLE!! Really worth a trip if you're in the area.

Or, if you're going to take the lady on a Rt. 66 tour it's a good stop to plan into the tour

 

[Checkman]

The museum would be considered politically incorrect in some parts of the country. It even has the ropes used in individual executions and the hoods worn by the respective executioners!

Thank god for Oklahoma and it's non-PC ways.

While I was there I struck up a conversation with the staff. They were nice enough to let me go back into the storeroom.Truth be told they did this because they learned I was a cop. The admin folks made it real clear that they wouldn't have done so if I hadn't been able to show them proof of my profession. Sorry guys.

Not only did they let me go back there, but they let me handle a few of the pieces. It was the first time in my life that I've handled a Swedish K smg (Model Carl Gustav)a Sten smg and an antique flintlock pistol from the 18th century. My wife snapped a couple pictures of me holding these piece, but unfortunately it's a 35mm film camera so I don't know how to post them onto the Internet.

Needless to say it's like most museums in that what you see is only the tip of the iceberg.

That's why I had to go back. I spent most of my first visit in the storage area.

 

[gunokie]

I live about an hour from Claremore and have seen Mr Davis' collection many times! Years back they used to have gunshow right in the actual museum about twice a year!
Mr. Davis left us all a wonderful legacy. I wanted to mention however, that there have been some pretty crappy goings on within the administation of the museum and a couple of former employees have illegally sold off some of the collection for their personal gain. Some of the weapons have been recovered, but there are still some missing, auditors still don't know the extent of the damage done to the collection by these discpicable hair balls.
If you are ever in the area, make a point of seeing the collection! I have been to the Cody museum and it pails in comparison to Mr. Davis' Collection.
BT

 

[tulsamal]

If you are ever in the area, make a point of seeing the collection!

And if you are in the Claremore area, you might as well go just a bit NW and hit the former home of Frank Phillips. There are some nice guns upstairs but I always wonder how many visitors leave without seeing the _wonderful_ gun collection that is downstairs. Some _really_ rare and valuable guns there.

http://www.woolaroc.org/

Gregg

 

[49hudson]

And let us not forget the 45th. Infantry museum In Oklahoma City.
If you are interested in WW11 weaponry it's a nice place to spend an hour or two.

 

[Checkman]

Glad to have done my part for Oklahoma's tourist economy. Very pretty state with nice people and really good food.

 

[PaulTX]

I've been to the 45th Infantry museum - it is great. I wish I would have had most of the day just for it.

Paul

 

[STW]

the museum might not have the polish of the Cody museum in Wyoming

Polish is not always a good thing. I've been going to the Cody museum since the Buffalo Bill portion was across the street in a log cabin. I'm headed that-a-way again next weekend. The less polished displays were better for both it and for the Indian museum out back. I would have liked to see the Winchester collection before it made it's way west, as a comparison.

 

[kansas45]

As long as everybody is going to that part of Oklahoma you should go on down to Tulsa & visit the Gilcrese Museum. They have some wonderful display's including a LARGE exibit of Indian Headress that is unbeliveable!

 

[mondocomputerman]

I just passed by that town today on a business trip. I was wondering about this place. Thanks for the post.

 

[Bob R]

The museum in Claremore is worth the trip out of the way if you get close.

There is some sad news fom there although. They seem to be missing some guns.

Audit finds 125 guns missing from Claremore museum

http://www.kotv.com/news/?105974

bob

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

DANG IT !!!!!

I was just in Oklahoma a week-&-a-half ago!! Had a whole day to kill and had no idea about this museum; I definitely would have gone there had I known.

Sam