TexasShooter59
Member
I need some advice on how to handle a situation. I am involved with moving a collection of firearms out of a museum and into a storage facility. The problem is that some of the firearms have been left in a cocked state. I have not looked at every single item, but just happened to notice about 4-6 in this condition. Some of these are Winchester 1873s that are all the way cocked and not just halfway. Also, some muzzle loaders were noticed to be cocked as well.
I would appreciate some advice on how to deal with these items. They are 70 years old at a minimum. No one is around these days that was involved with the accumulation of the collection. So, no one knows the state that these are in, nor are they experienced with handling firearms! Obviously, I am familiar with handling firearms since I'm on this forum, but not every type out there by a a longshot. Also, my boss who is involved is experienced as well.
Our concerns are opening the chambers of cocked guns to check for cartridges and having something bad happen, like a part fail and the hammer drop. Also, checking the really old muzzleloaders to confirm they are empty is an issue because we have zero experience with them and don't know how to verify. There are quite a few muzzleloaders, too.
Any suggestions on how to do this safely, or any other advice related to this move??? Thanks!!!
I would appreciate some advice on how to deal with these items. They are 70 years old at a minimum. No one is around these days that was involved with the accumulation of the collection. So, no one knows the state that these are in, nor are they experienced with handling firearms! Obviously, I am familiar with handling firearms since I'm on this forum, but not every type out there by a a longshot. Also, my boss who is involved is experienced as well.
Our concerns are opening the chambers of cocked guns to check for cartridges and having something bad happen, like a part fail and the hammer drop. Also, checking the really old muzzleloaders to confirm they are empty is an issue because we have zero experience with them and don't know how to verify. There are quite a few muzzleloaders, too.
Any suggestions on how to do this safely, or any other advice related to this move??? Thanks!!!