Thread: How to immobilise old fiream to create safe wall hanging

Originally Posted by Billymavs

I have been present for a similar process pre 2019 for two No3 mk1* rifles, the requirement was any and all load bearing parts and any moving components must be structurally compromised and incapacitated in a manner that is irreparable.

So the list included a 9’ 1.5mm slit from chamber to rifling, with a large hole underneath the chamber, which conveniently helped to weld the bolt face solid to the barrel and action

Two holes along the length of the barrel one underneath and one on top

Bolt weakend and cross cut underneath through 50% of the mass and all channels and holes filled with weld.

Bolt welded from under magazine well to action

Magazine welded in place with no internals, and magazine catch welded, witness hole drilled in the bottom.

Sear and fire control components removed, area filled with metal and welded.

Trigger welded solid

Saftey welded in “safe position”

Rod pressed into barrel, welded in place 2’ back from muzzle and via aforementioned large holes drilled in barrel.

All of the slicing and holes were hidden under the wood and one could barely tell, somewhat an art from in its own right.

They were sent off to Wellington for a check with the anmourer and deemed acceptable for public display.

They were for or a part of some of Peter Jackson’s WW1 displays in Wellington, although I’m not entirely sure why he required genuine rifles that a prop couldn’t fill in, but he owns more guns than all of us put together so, can’t blame him for wanting the real deal.

As to the legality of them now, I have no idea, but back then they were fine for handling and promotional shoots in public, I’d love to know what became of them.

One would think someone could find a sporter with a full length clapped out barrel and sloppy bolt to restore with repro wood than mutilate a bona fide piece.