Gun Foundation Up In Arms

A Claremore gun museum could be history soon.  The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum has been around for nearly 40 years.  But, News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports the foundation that owns the collection is suing the state and the museum's commissioners, claiming neglect.

Both sides say they're not backing down without a fight. 

The foundation is up in arms about the care and maintenance of the 20,000 guns at the museum, but the museum's commission says it's fired up about nothing.

J.M. Davis' passion packs more than 650 cases at the museum bearing his name.

"It is a jewel not only for Claremore, but Rogers County and the State of Oklahoma. People come here from everywhere to visit the museum," said Bill Higgins.

About 25,000 people visit a year, but the Route 66 attraction is in jeopardy.

"It's clear that the museum is underfunded.  They don't have the money to care for these 20,000 firearms. If you're a gun owner you know you can't just leave a valuable gun in a case for years without attention," said Steve Peters.

Steve Peters represents the J. M. Davis Foundation.  The group is suing the state and the commission over the museum for neglect.  He says the firearms aren't properly cleaned, inventoried, and he believes some were stolen and even loaned out.

"We believe the museum as it is now is in the best condition it's ever been in," said Bill Higgins.

Bill Higgins with the museum's commission says the lawsuit has no merit and is about money.

"They want to sell it off.  It's a museum that was given to the citizens of Oklahoma for view. They want to get rid of it.  I think money comes into play," said Bill Higgins.

"Don't forget that these guns are on loan.  They are owned by the foundation.  The foundation has an obligation to take this asset and use it, but it's a nonprofit foundation.  None of the foundation members will profit by the sale of these guns," said Steve Peters.

Peters says the foundation just wants Davis' love of guns to live on.  It's hoping private or public collectors will buy what's housed in Claremore and give them a home.

The foundation says the collection is worth anywhere between $10 million and $30 million.

Since the state is under contract with the foundation to care for the guns, it's working with the commission to come up with a solution.