A year ago I accepted an appointment to the board of directors of the local historical museum. Even thought I'm located in beautiful coastal California most of the staff seems to be pro-gun if anything. History is so important to them that they really don't care that if it's preserved in the form of firearms.
Still, the curator and the collections manager were concerned about handling the firearms -- they needed to be audited to make certain we have what our records say we have and they need to be inspected for corrosion.
I made the entire staff a deal -- we would audit, inspect and clean the firearms as a team. A few other board members even showed up. Last Saturday I arrived with plenty of Ballistol and cleaning gear in hand and gave them a little seminar on cleaning guns. We began with the NRA's safe gun handling rules plus how to clear/check a firearm for the absence of ammo.
We made it through all 136 firearms in the collection. From three gorgeous German drillings, to a pair of 1873 Colts to three 1911s, a Luger and a Garand. They were all in great shape and now have a nice coat of Ballistol protecting them.
We are planning a historical firearms shoot sometime next year. Our goal is not to appeal simply to gunnies, but to tap into those with a deep interest in history and museums. We figure such an event will also be a great way to grow our collection.
Still, the curator and the collections manager were concerned about handling the firearms -- they needed to be audited to make certain we have what our records say we have and they need to be inspected for corrosion.
I made the entire staff a deal -- we would audit, inspect and clean the firearms as a team. A few other board members even showed up. Last Saturday I arrived with plenty of Ballistol and cleaning gear in hand and gave them a little seminar on cleaning guns. We began with the NRA's safe gun handling rules plus how to clear/check a firearm for the absence of ammo.
We made it through all 136 firearms in the collection. From three gorgeous German drillings, to a pair of 1873 Colts to three 1911s, a Luger and a Garand. They were all in great shape and now have a nice coat of Ballistol protecting them.
We are planning a historical firearms shoot sometime next year. Our goal is not to appeal simply to gunnies, but to tap into those with a deep interest in history and museums. We figure such an event will also be a great way to grow our collection.