Thread: Display rifle

Hi I have just brought a old 303 rifle with the intentions of turning it into a display rifle for my lounge.
I was wondering if anyone one knows the rules around this is doing something with the firing pin enough (eg grinding it down.)
Thanks Ben.

There is no such thing as a deactivated firearm in NZ, unlike in say the UK.

I would look to safe storage requirements for a bolt action rifle. If you have a secure locked bracket then the rifle is fine. As for the bolt, a bit naff to display the firearm without its bolt, I'd maybe have it mounted in the bracket in a way so you cannot pull the bolt back / out without first removing whole rifle from the locked bracket.

You can legally store the bolt in the gun - just ensure you don't have ammo lying about, this has to be stored securely and separately.

It is of course temptation to some to see a gun hanging there, yes, I'd remove the firing pin in case of burglary, just unscrew the cocking piece from the firing pin, remove the pin, and attach the cocking piece to the back of the bolt with a length of nail, or superglue. Even better, screw the firing pin too far into the cocking piece, so that it just won't strike a primer right - has the same effect as if you shortened the firing pin with a grinder, but it is reversible this way. Many idiots will never work that one out (including your offspring, so explain to them exactly what you did to their heirloom before you get Alzheimers).

Thanks for the info.

There is nothing in the law that prevents a firearm from being deactivated for display, but the definition of a 'firearm' in the Act is so all-embracing that any deactivation needs to be very thoroughly and irreversibly done. I have done many in the past and certified them as no longer being 'firearms'. This work involves hidden milling and grinding on the barreled action, followed up by extensive hidden welding. All-in-all a lot of work and consequently not cheap.

Is it ok to make a dummy bolt just for display and keep the original locked away. The gun will need to be locked in place but would be useless if stolen?

I saw one where the guy had drilled through the side of the chamber and threaded a 303 case he had filled with metal. It was then bolted to the display board from behind. He also drilled a hole into the side of the action and lined that up to a threaded hole in the rifle Bolt at half open. You could see the back of the case, (or what appeared to be the case but the bolt would not move.)

Part f the issue is that these still apear to be firearms. And whether they work or not, the victim in the dairy / tobacco store / service station cannot be expected to tell if it is deactivated or not. Add this to the fact that a display rifle is out for show and is visible and would indicate the owner clearly has an interest in these things, it could also increase the chance of someone trying to find out if you have more too steal.

I expect this could be why we dont see many "wall hangers" now.

You could always put it on one of those crappy gun racks that some people use to get their A License. Just mount it horizontally on your wall screwed in to a wall stud. I've seen some low profile ones of trademe that should work for wall hanging while staying technically within the law.

https://www.craftys.co.nz/wp-content...2017/06/32.jpg

Originally Posted by TheWuce

You could always put it on one of those crappy gun racks that some people use to get their A License. Just mount it horizontally on your wall screwed in to a wall stud. I've seen some low profile ones of trademe that should work for wall hanging while staying technically within the law.

https://www.craftys.co.nz/wp-content...2017/06/32.jpg

i still wouldnt wanted visible if someone looked thru an accessible window, crims will still try and steal it and have a good luck around your house while doing it.

I saw some replica 303s at an army surplus store once they looked close to real. That’s what made me think of a fake bolt. I would never leave anything real or (real looking) on display but if someone wanted to and keep within the law. Then a fake bolt may be the answer?

always wanted one but i just think leaving firearms (or replicas) on display is deterring me. i know someone who got their car broken into presumably cause of a gun city sticker on the outside (nothing was taken, but the cr was ripped apart)

Inlay it in resin inside a nice timber topped coffee table

Fit an orange highlighter lid over the tip of the barrel so it looks AirSoft.

The idea was to replace this that I had hanging on my wall . It was on loan and gave it back to the owner .

Related question: what are the requirements for a "strong room"? I plan to one day build a strong room so I can have my milserp collection on the walls inside and have my reloading table etc all in the room. Is it just rebar/concrete walls and a beefcake door?