Late Caseyville police chief J. D. Roth owned 62 firearms ranging from famous weapons of war to guns made for the training of children.
Fairview Heights police catalogued the gun collection in his home on June 13, after he took his life.
He owned:
- An M1 carbine, the standard firearm for U.S. troops in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and a Marlin 98M2 that looks like the M1.
- An M14, another standard U. S. rifle in use since 1957, and a miniature version that Ruger produced as the Mini-14.
- Four semi automatic Saiga shotguns, which the Soviets used prior to introducing AK-47’s.
- Two Enfield rifles, standard rifles of the British army from 1895 to 1957.
- Two Armalite AR-7 Explorers, semi automatic rifles that the U. S. Air Force adopted as a survival weapon for flight crews.
His collection also included law enforcement weapons:
- A Colt Ar-15, which according to the maker is “used as a patrol rifle with tactical accuracy by federal, state and local agencies.”
- A Savage Model 10, designed for short range accuracy in special weapon and tactics (SWAT) situations.
- A Rock River LAR-15 rifle, a model that the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration has purchased by the thousands.
- A Smith & Wesson Magnum .357 revolver, a massive gun that gained popularity from its role in the Clint Eastwood film, “Dirty Harry.”
He owned a variety of other rifles, revolvers, shotguns, and pistols.
His collection included a Savage Cub, which the maker describes as pint sized, and a Ruger 10/22, which Wikipedia calls ideal for young shooters.