Firearm Disposal Service Issues Warning

DALLAS - Dec. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Just because a gun is old and rusty doesn’t mean it isn’t deadly, says Gatling Gun Rescue™.

Few tools made over the past 200 years can be just a reliable today as they were when they were new. But a well-maintained firearm can function just fine. And the scary part is that most of them were kept loaded for immediate use.

“I’ve found fully-loaded revolvers, rifles, shotguns and pistols,” says Gatling founder Bob Wieland. “If the gun has been stored in a dry environment, there’s a good chance it still could go ‘bang’ when you pull the trigger – with disastrous and deadly consequences.”

Most flintlock, percussion and early cartridge arms relied on flat springs for cocking and firing. These springs can wear out, but may not break until they work one last time.

Early ignition systems also relied on priming powder in the pan or a copper percussion cap placed on the nipple. These ignition elements are usually missing, but not always.

Starting around 1900 with the growing popularity of smokeless gunpowder, guns were made with coiled springs that lasted much longer. And the ammo remained viable for a longer period because the primers were better.

“We fully support the 2^nd Amendment to own firearms,” Wieland says. “But with that constitutional guarantee comes a responsibility to use and store guns safely. If somebody inherits a gun they don’t want or know how to use, they may want to dispose of it.”

The news is full of tragic stories of shootings involving children who found unsecured, loaded guns. Some gun owners did not even know the gun was there. Others did not think to check if it were loaded.

Gatling Gun Rescue is a free, confidential service that provides in-home removal and disposal of unwanted firearms. They encourage gun owners to exercise safe gun storage: keep the weapon unloaded, locked up, with ammunition stored separately. If the gun owner is unable or unwilling to do that, they encourage them to give the gun to a friend or relative who appreciates the responsibility and understands how to handle the gun safely.

However, if somebody has a gun they don’t know what to do with, Gatling provides safe in-home removal and disposal of guns and ammunition.

Gatling is bonded and hold a Federal Firearms License for collecting curios and relics. Appropriate guns are sold to law enforcement officers. Non-functioning guns are broken down for parts. Guns that are collectible or of value to hunters are sold through gun stores since Gatling does not maintain a storefront and does not sell to the general public.

You can contact Gatling at www.gatling.biz and help them make homes safer, one gun at a time.