Couple questions on displaying hand guns at show

[AJGUNNER]

I plan to have a few Mark 2's in my display for the Idaho show in January. Is there any proper "etiquette" for displaying these?

Should bolts be locked open?
Should magazines be in or out of the pistol?
Should chamber plugs be used or not used?
Which side shows best with an auto loader---right or left?
Any definite do's or don'ts with adding live ammo to a display?

Those of you veteran displayer---please share your thoughts.

I am also short 2 or 3 prop rods. If anyone has some they would not mind selling at a reasonable price, or loaning some to me, please let me know. Hoping to find some in red.

 

[Xrayist]

IMO, obviously unloaded, other than that, bolt closed, magazine inserted. I would not have live ammo available, or at least accessible. You might keep that in a locked display case. I would have at least try to have a display that shows both sides, so that people can learn/admire. If you have two of the same model, then that makes a great display, one facing each way.

 

[RoninPA]

I would go to the ROCS site and look at the "Exhibits" section, https://www.rugersociety.com/exhibits.html it will show what has been done in the past. An exhibitor can go mild or wild. We've seen one gun displays up to 20 or more (me when I'm showing my Six series revolvers).

This was one my bigger ones one year (at my house getting it set up to make sure I had what I wanted it to look like for the show.) I've done other displays of 6 guns or less.

 

[contender]

Good for you for taking the time to do a display!!!

You can lock the bolt open or keep it closed. Most gun show promoters don't require the tie-wrap on collectible displays.
Empty magazines in the guns.
No chamber plugs.
If possible, using 2 guns to be able to show both sides. But if only one gun, I prefer to try and show the side with the serial number. But it's also important that you have a display that looks balanced.
Live ammo can be displayed using all kinds of creative methods that also prevent someone from picking any of it up. ( example; showing a line of ammo like .38 short, .38 long, .38 spl., .357 mag, and.35 maxi )
But empty ammo boxes are more attractive. If it's older or collectible ammo, leave the box full and wrap it in clear cellophane.

Prop rods, PM me.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

If I were going to display ammo I'd prepare some "safe" display ammo that does not contain any powder. I'd leave a spent primer in place just as a point of identification. JMHO

Some might go so far as to drill a small hole thru each case, side to side. Your call.

 

[RoninPA]

I've shown regular live ammo at shows before (to show the differences in .357 Mag, .38 Special and .380 Rim). They were rounds, RTV'd to a poster that described them and never had any problems at any of the shows where they were displayed. Others have displayed boxes of ammo, some of the boxes were empty, some were full but since they were on the displayers table and viewers couldn't get real close, there was never a problem.

 

[gnappi]

I plan to have a few Mark 2's in my display for the Idaho show in January. Is there any proper "etiquette" for displaying these?

Should bolts be locked open?
Should magazines be in or out of the pistol?
Should chamber plugs be used or not used?
Which side shows best with an auto loader---right or left?
Any definite do's or don'ts with adding live ammo to a display?

Those of you veteran displayer---please share your thoughts.

I am also short 2 or 3 prop rods. If anyone has some they would not mind selling at a reasonable price, or loaning some to me, please let me know. Hoping to find some in red.

Bolts zip tied open, chamber plugs are then useless, no mag, you can make inexpensive prop up rods with 1/2" wood dowel (or aluminum) painted and cut to size. Aluminum could be powder coated to add some flair.

Also tie them together.