Here in the U.S., gun laws are formulated not only by the central Federal Government, but also by State and even City Governments. In addition to the gun law question, should your vehicle mounted weapons be perceived by the public as being "threatening", you may then also be charged with creating a civil disturbance. So having the proper canvas covers on them during transit to legitimate functions is a must.
As a result of the above, and potential liabilites resulting from live firearms mounted on historic military vehicles, the major U.S. military vehicle clubs have banned live weapons on vehicles participating in club activites.
As a Federally licensed gun collector, and a "living history' enthusiast, I personally attempt to present my fighting vehicles to the public in the manner in which they were fought.
My Saracen is fitted with a M1919A4 Browning MG in the turret, and a Bren Mk2 on the rear ring mount. To me, they are an essential part of the vehicle. No ammunition of any type is ever carried.
Explaining this to the public at "regular" antique car meets can sometimes be challanging. However, I have come to the realization that these same people who are critical are usually anti-military anyway, and would be objecting to the presence of an historic military vehicle at "their" car meet even if I were wearing an Hawiian shirt with matching Bermuda shorts...........
Pennsylvania law allows for the display of firearms in public for the purpose of "dramatic events". As a result, by wearing the proper uniform of the vehicle's era as a living history display, that qualifies me for the "drama" end. I am also the holder of a Pennsylvania concealed weapons permit, which allows me to legally carry any firearm in public-on my person, or on a vehicle. From a derringer to a .50 Cal
There is no margin for error-make one mistake amid all these laws, and you go to jail and your life is ruined. Getting the proper permits and obeying the law is crucial.
At the end of a run, I pulled the Mk VI over into a parking lot, and dismounted from the vehicle. I then noticed that there was a Police car with flashing lights behind me. The cop came up to me and said that he was curious about the Saracen as he had never seen one before. He then announced that he was glad that I had "pulled over" because if I had not pulled over, he didn't know how to make me:D
On another occasion, I had a M151A1 "MUTT" gun jeep at an event at a Naval Air Station. I had a .50 cal mounted on theM4 pedistal mount, and a 20mm Lahti anti-tank rifle mounted on a reinforced dash mount It was the only large caliber weapon I had at the time, and it just looked impressive on the vehicle. A contingent from the 101st Airborne was also there, participating in the display. At that time (circa 1980), the 101 only had M-60's mounted on their gun jeeps. They crawled all over my 4x4, examing my reinforcements to the uniframe that enabled my MUTT to handle these large caliber weapons.
I am proud to state that the following year, the 101 rolled out modifed 151A2 Mutts with 50's on the pedistal as well as newly developed dash mounts (which had never before been on the 151 series vehicle). So much for we collector's!
I realize that this thread was posted by a U.K. collector, but I thought readers would be interested in how American military vehicle collectors handle this same situation.
Gary Rubel
Wisconsin, USA
Hi, Richard It has only taken me 4 YEARS to see this! I guess that I should log on here more frequently. I apologize for that.And YES! The Saracen is overheating, and we had to pull the front end and repair/replace a radiator hose that seemed to have been sliced by the fan blade. I generally run her with the second top covers propped open a bit. I have updated the turret with wire guided anti-tank missile launcher (French SS11) containers w/carriers on either side of the turret; removed the armored plate on the rear roof; installed a US WWII M49 ring with carriage & trolley in order to mount a M2HB 50 cal; and I am in the process of designing a mount in order to place a L39 20mm Lahti anti-tank rifle on the top of the turret. I also have the front shield and rear bell off the turret of the M113 ACAV APC, but there's so much stuff topside already, I'm about out of imagination for where to fit them......I am still looking for seat cushion bottoms and backs for all the troop seats. I am also in the process of fabricating a new aluminum full size fuel tank for the vehicle, which is taking a while, as it is a custom one-off, hand made fabrication project. This fuel tank replacement project does worry me, as I don't want to blow up due to static electricity, etc. Anyone have any thoughts on that? Again, I am very sorry for my disappearance. Sincerely, Gary Rubel
