Question for dads

[maintenanceguy 510]

Although I grew up in rural NJ on a farm and now live around the corner from where I grew up, I lived in New Brunswick and Bayonne for just over 10 years after college - I understand the political climate in the rest of the state. I owned guns then and in college would take a bunch of the kids from my dorm on road trips back home to shoot for the weekend. Everyone had a blast, nobody ever didn't want to come. Some weekends there were 12 or 15 of us caravaning down to the farm. I don't think any of these kids had ever shot a gun before.

 

Fast forward 20+ years. I still have half a dozen friends from college all over northern NJ that I've stayed close too. Several became gun owners because of that experience. One close friend has a Christmas party every year in Bayonne. He usually sneaks me up to the 3rd floor bedroom to show me his latest purchases. He's become a big collector but thinks his North Jersey friends wouldn't understand.

 

I understand not wanting to blacklist your kid. But the down side of acting like gun ownership is a dirty secret is that you reinforce that idea among the people who already believe it is. 10% of New Jersians own guns. There aren't enough people down here in SJ to make up nearly 10% of the state. Those of you in Newark, Bayonne, Highland Park - all of North Jersey have friends and neighbors who own too. And if you're an upstanding respectable guy, you might be able to convince somebody that not all gun owners are scum bags if you aren't ashamed of it.

 

I realize that college kids are more open to trying new things than 40 year-olds are but invite a friend to the range who's never been. I believe that most of those who are against Guns know very little about them. If every one of us can respectfully, and politely introduce a friend to responsible gun ownership, we might shift the anti-gun tide in NJ.

 

I've made a point of doing this. My daughter is 13. I've asked her a couple of times if she would like to invite a friend to shoot with us. A few times she's said "I don't think her parents would like that" and we didn't. Twice she said yes so I called the dad and asked if it would be okay. I don't know the dads so they are already likely gun owners but they said yes both times. The girls had a fun, safe time and one more future voter is now just a little more comfortable with guns and understands that gun ownership isn't reckless because I shoot safe and made sure they did too. I understand the political climate is very different here but both girls came back to visit again.

[dman2112 6]

Depends how well I knew the kids parents. If not well I would just say that is where we keep our important adult things.

[dman2112 6]

If I knew the parents I would just say that's where we keep our firearms. But if I knew the parents I would have already told them that I have firearms in the house locked up securely, are you ok with that when your kid comes over. Worked for me and shows to them that I am proactively responsible.

 

I line in red NJ anyway so it has not been any issue at all yet.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Please clarify this if you will.

 

Easy, if you think about it.

[ChrisJM981 924]

Ray, if you don't already have a safe, buy one. Put off buying that new zombie killer, or sell something you don't use to finance it. Ammo should also be locked in a dry container to prevent any misunderstandings. If you have a HD firearm loaded get some sort ofGunVault. Oh and take your zombie targets from the range off the fridge and put away all your gun porn periodicals.

[remixer 1,645]

There is no need to explain to anyone. Just keep your firearms safe. If you concerned just keep them out of sight.

[e80hydro 120]

You don't owe her an explanation.

[Sonnylee 20]

Ray was that you on 101.5?

[tony357 386]

Never had that problem as every one of my neighbors have always been gun owners, Recently been changing though with alot of northerner's moving in and i am assuming because of the low crime rate which has also been going up and i am also contributing that too less gun owners..

years ago you were foolish to try and break into a home in our town chances are you would be bitten by a dog or possibly shot..simple as that..

 

 

I think it would be best to tell the parents that you are a gun owner and that your guns are put away safe that a child cannot gain access,, I am correct yes!!

[SafetyHit 1]

 

 

Easy, if you think about it.

 

 

Interesting because in the initial post I believe you state you "had no idea it was that easy". But rather than play games how about you just take a moment to explain the comment for those of us that don't understand it? Please.

[Jersey Joe 4]

I have coached my kids sports teams for MANY years. A lot of times I'm wearing a "gun" T-shirt when I'm pacing up and down the sidelines and such. I've had many parents come up to me and talk about guns/shooting, and it's always been positive. Hell, one of my favorites is my Sarco shirt with an M-16 across the entire back

[raz-0 1,259]

Interesting because in the initial post I believe you state you "had no idea it was that easy". But rather than play games how about you just take a moment to explain the comment for those of us that don't understand it? Please.

 

 

Short of him mentioning it on face book or the like. HE could have sold it here and the other person somehow found the thread. ALso could have sold it to a mutual acquaintance.

[BOOMSTICK 6]

I always inform the parents that there are legal firearms in the house before their kids are allowed to come in. I also invite those parents to inspect the situation for themselves to satisfy any questions or doubts. I would expect the same in return if it were my kids going into another house. Doing this even got me a couple more neighbors that are now firearms owners.

[mcbethr 42]

My son's friend requested a sleepover this past Friday.

 

The father asked me if there was a gun in the house.

 

My response: "Oh, God no! I don't have a gun in the house. I have like, 10 guns in the house."

 

I managed to convince him to come shooing with us at Ft. Dix on Saturday and now he's considering a permit...

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Ray was that you on 101.5?

 

Yeah, that was me. I get through more often than not. I've called and gotten through 4 times, I think.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Interesting because in the initial post I believe you state you "had no idea it was that easy". But rather than play games how about you just take a moment to explain the comment for those of us that don't understand it? Please.

 

Okay, google your email address and see what comes up. That's how she found out.

[Wojo 98]

Father of four here. Most important, my stuff is either kept in my safe, night stand safe or locked in my shed if I am working on something.

 

My kids have watched Eddie Eagle so many times they can recite the entire video from memory.

 

If they don't ask, I don't tell. There is no reason to create any more worry or drama then need be.

 

Do you tell them that you (or do they ask) have working smoke / CO detectors? Fire Extinguishers? First Aid Kits? Common toxic household chemicals locked up? Lead Free Paint? Dogs / Cats had their rabies shots current?

 

If they ask, I tell them the truth. My shit is locked up and odds are YOUR kids are safer in my house and under my watch then just about any other place around. I am a Sheepdog and I protect my flock at all costs and that includes your little monster.

 

Side Note: I probably wear more Pro-2A shirts, NRA Hats, Military Support, Team Rubicon stuff, etc. Anyone that knows me, even from church, figures I'm geared up. If I said no, they would call me a liar behind my back. Hell, I've offered plenty of free training to any, and all of the faculty and parents at St. Mary's School post the Sandy Hook shootings.

[Walt of Destiny 412]

+1 Wojo

 

That's my main conflict. My wardrobe alone gives it away. As does my kid's, my son often wears an FN "Distinct Advantage" t-shirt or his ANJRPC t to school.

 

As long as you, as a responsible Homo Sapiens, keep everything locked in safes then I have nothing to hide.

 

 

 

 

[ryan_j 0]

My son's friend requested a sleepover this past Friday.

 

The father asked me if there was a gun in the house.

 

My response: "Oh, God no! I don't have a gun in the house. I have like, 10 guns in the house."

 

I managed to convince him to come shooing with us at Ft. Dix on Saturday and now he's considering a permit...

 

lmfao

 

Yes I was having this conversation with my coworkers over lunch. Somehow we began talking about guns. One of them asked me, "do YOU have a gun in your house?" I said, "No. I don't have A gun. I have a few guns."

 

The reaction wasn't the same as yours though. He said that it was cool and that he has an old drill rifle with the firing pin removed and that he thinks that hunting is cool.

 

I said, "that's too bad. All of mine work."

[SafetyHit 1]

Ray Ray I understand that certain unexpected things can come up with such a reference, but what that has to do with a random woman being aware of one of your firearm transactions still eludes me. Are you trying to say that you discussed the matter publicly and somehow she found the discussion(s)?

 

And honestly I'm not trying to find fault with anything. I'm a single, full-time father of a 9 year old boy who has many neighborhood children in my home often. While I break no laws this is of relevance to me and likely others here as well.

[ryan_j 0]

It's really up to you but I personally wouldn't disclose information unless I had to.

 

As for items related to guns, it could be anything like magazines (the printed type like American Rifleman), shirts, hats etc and not necessarily firearms or ammo.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Ray Ray I understand that certain unexpected things can come up with such a reference, but what that has to do with a random woman being aware of one of your firearm transactions still eludes me. Are you trying to say that you discussed the matter publicly and somehow she found the discussion(s)?

 

googling an email address can be an eye-opener.

[SafetyHit 1]

 

 

googling an email address can be an eye-opener.

 

 

I googled my email and the expected connection to my name came up since my last name is in it. There was nothing pertaining to my past firearm transactions however.

 

I'd say that at the very least you're being a bit vague, almost irresponsibly so since you mentioned the unlikely but relevant issue. But we can let it go if you like, I was genuinely curious as to how that happened and nothing more.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

I googled my email and the expected connection to my name came up since my last name is in it. There was nothing pertaining to my past firearm transactions however.

 

I'd say that at the very least you're being a bit vague, almost irresponsibly so since you mentioned the unlikely but relevant issue. But we can let it go if you like, I was genuinely curious as to how that happened and nothing more.

 

Not sure what your talking about, but whatever.

[MartyZ 693]

The funny thing is I have 1 couple I am friends with who are ultra liberal, and they know that I have guns and they know they're in a safe. Many times they have said that they won't let their kids come over to play with my kids at my house because I have guns, but they still let them come over. But wouldn't know it, during the 7 day power outage that resulted from hurricane Sandy, they didn't say a single word about my guns. However, I am proud to say that I have already converted 3 couples to the dark side and am working on the 4th .

[Hare Trigger 0]

I have two girls and they have been eating deer since they were old enough to eat solid food(almost). They grew up around guns and I started them shooting a pellet rifle when they were about ten. My firearms were always in a safe but they were told that if they were ever interested or had questions about guns or shooting that I would stop what I was doing to take the time out to teach them, talk and handle anything any of the firearms I own. They were told at an early age that the guns were locked up to keep them out of the hands of their friends and not them. They were also told it was none of their friends busness that we had guns and they should not brag about what we had. Growing up, their friends would see the trophys and hunting related items and when asked they would tell thier friends that I hunt and that usually would defuse the situation or start conversations about the sport. Now 26 and 21 they both have a healthy respect for firearms and the younger daughter is quite a shooter and started hunting two years ago. I taught them not to be embarresed, but not to advertise and be proud that they of what they do. I hope that they can some day pass these values to they're children.

[Fullblown9 0]

All good stuff here. My nine year old has been to the range a hand full of times. She likes to watch. Started her with air soft then bb guns about a year ago. Tonight she took her first shot with the 22 pistol. And she did well. She wanted me to put a pix on FB, so I did. Most replies were positive. But one guy thought it was wrong for a kid to be shooting a gun, and started a post about it. I think gun safety for kids is a must. And if they want to shoot and you think they are reddy, let them.

[Socom 19]

 

 

I googled my email and the expected connection to my name came up since my last name is in it. There was nothing pertaining to my past firearm transactions however.

 

I'd say that at the very least you're being a bit vague, almost irresponsibly so since you mentioned the unlikely but relevant issue. But we can let it go if you like, I was genuinely curious as to how that happened and nothing more.

 

Ray likes to talk a lot of shit; if he didn't just lay guns around the house where everyone can see them he wouldn't have a problem or need to ask this question. Be safe!!!

[mikeytapz13 0]

Hey RayRay, awesome post that you started. I have been married now for about a year, and never thought of the possible question that my future children's friends or parents can ask. I guess being childless for now you take advantage the freedom of doing what you want in your home with your guns. What i can say is that i have a 12 gun safe in my office at my house, and though it not a room that gets much traffic, people still see usually see it. Whether it be from leaving the door open to the office, or having to grab paperwork for a friend. What i can say is no mattter who sees my safe, they always ask question. The most common is "Wait, you have guns?". I kind of laugh it off, and say yeh. But the follow up questin is always the best. "Can I see them?." Now being from brooklyn, most of my friends are still in the city, so firearms to them are not as commonplace as they sre for us. So it always amuzes them to see what it have. In our group of friends, some being liberal others not, all of them have asked to go to the range. Lets just say now whenever i choose to go shooting , i am never alone. Long story short, I keep my guns safe and locked up, and never had to convince someone of there purpose is my home/life. Hopefully my children are friends with their's and we have a nice future of gun owning responsible citizens.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Thanks for all the insight gentlemen, except for safetyhit