The National Firearms Museum in suburban Fairfax, Virginia tells the history of firearms, from the earliest Match and Wheel Lock muskets, first introduced to the New World in the 17th century by the Spanish, to modern day hunting, target, military and collector’s weapons.

And America’s history is steeped in gun and firearms history.  The firearm played important roles throughout history, starting with the initial settlement of the New World.  Events such as the American Revolution, major wars and minor battles, the rise of organized crime in the 1920s, and law enforcement’s response would have never occurred.

The museum has one of the most extensive collection of hand guns, shotguns and rifles, military weapons and speciality firearms covering every use from law enforcement to hunting, military to shooting competitions.  The collection also includes one-of-a-kind ands limited issue commemorative firearms.  There’s also a section of personal firearms from well-known military men.

Just a few of the over 2,200 classic firearms on display at the museum include:

• Thompson submachine gun
• Colt 45 automatic
• German Luger pistol
• M-1 Garand & M1903 Springfield rifles
• Colt’s Single Action Army revolver
• Sharps carbine
• Model 1803 Flintlock rifle
• Personal handgun collection of famous military men, from Gen. Eisenhower to Chuck Yeagar.

And don’t miss Detective Harry Callahan’s (aka Dirty Harry) Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum and police badge and ID form the movie series that’s on display.

There’s even a collection of bb guns, including the classic favorite of boys everywhere, the Daisy Red Ryder bb gun.

The museum’s collections are split into 13 rooms, which cover a specific period of history, theme,  or type of firearm.

The current exhibit is Guns of the Old West, which includes examples from Native Indians and Indian fighters, Buffalo Soldiers, gun fighters, hunters. 

Additionally, an extensive collection of John Wayne movie memorabilia is also on display (see photo below).

National Firearms Museum
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Hours – Daily, 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m., except major holidays.

Admission – FREE

Nearest Metro Station – Vienna / Fairfax / GMU – Orange Line, then a 5 mile cab ride or take a bus.

Parking – Free parking is available.

Images – from personal collection – ©2008, Jon Rochetti

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Yet the use of firearms continues to have a very negative impact on our society.  Even staunch gun rights supporters must admit the firearm is a double-edged sword, in the hands of the wrong person or criminal.

And at the top of the gun debate is the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which allows gun ownership.

It sates, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

The Amendment is continually reinterpreted, under attack or vocally supported by all types of pro and anti-gun organizations.

In March of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments regarding a Washington, DC law which bans handgun ownership in the District and whether the Second Amendment forbids DC from making or enforcing such law. The outcome may dramatically impact handgun laws in cities across the nation. 

Regardless of the court’s decision, the first step in gun safety is to either never touch one or to take a course in gun use and safety, and then learn to shoot with proper oversight.

With a knowledgeable staff, classroom instructions, guns for rent and twenty, 75-foot shooting lanes, Blue Ridge Arsenal in Chantilly, Virginia it’s an ideal place for the novice to not only learn to shoot, but learn proper gun safety.

Their 4-hour Introduction to Shooting Course ($125) covers firearm safety, ammunition overview, safe operation, loading, unloading and storage of both semi-automatic pistols and revolvers, along with the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship.  The class, limited to ten students, includes everything, including materials, range time, firearm use and limited ammunition.  

Blue Ridge also rents handguns to shooters over 21 years of age for  use at the range.  Renters must be or be accompanied by someone who is familiar with the rented firearm or similar weapon.  Rental fees for most firearms is $12.00 plus ammunition, which must be purchased at the range.

Before visiting the range, please be sure to review basic gun safety rules and more advance safety rules.  If your planning on bringing an older (and hopefully VERY responsible) child to shoot or learn with you, here’s some great info for parents and a list of basic safety rules for bring children to a gun range.  

Blue Ridge Arsenal
14725-K Flint Lee Road,
Chantilly, Virginia 20151 (map it)
703-818-0230

Dates and Times – Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10-8, Sunday 10-6.

Fees ands Course Information - Range time costs $20.00 per person/per lane/per hour. Each additional person sharing the same lane costs $10.00 per person/per hour/per lane.  Children 12 and younger are no charge.

Additional equipment rental costs:

• Eye protection rental – $2.00 each
• Ear protection rental – $2.00 each
• Gun rental is $12.00 per firearm (ammo and targets not included)

For course schedules, e-mail blueridgearsenal@aol.com.

Closed-toed shoes are mandatory (so leave the flip-flops at home) and wear comfortable clothes, preferably with long sleeves.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Vienna/Fairfax-GMU – Orange line, then a 20 minute cab ride.

Parking – Free parking is available.

Images – Flickr – man on range, woman on range, target, range, S&W, 

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Post from: The DC Traveler