[The_Next_Generation]

Hey everyone,

As you may or may not know, I currently "possess" but one firearm. My (passed) grandfather's 1957 Remington 740 ADL in .30-06. It is no surprise to me, but I really love shooting. Unfortunately, being only 17 and jobless (too many chores around here to do) feeding a .30-06 on my own dime(s) is not financially possible. Therefore, I set out to find a solution. I wanted to shoot, and CHEAPLY.

This is when I discovered the wonders of the vast assortment of 22LR rifles available.

Only seven bucks for 100 match grade cartridges :eek: I was in love.

So I started doing some research, and decided that the CZ455 American with a Mueller 4.5-14x40 on top would serve me well.

However, I have hit a snag. My dad said he would (reluctantly) allow me to purchase the rifle. But, he had to clear it with my mom.. :banghead:

So he talked to my mom the other day about it, and apparently she does not want "another gun" in the house. My dad said I should talk to her more about it.

So, I called her today (she is on a book tour on the east coast) and discussed all my main points: "It's a fantastic rifle, I've read only positive reviews about the rifle/company, I want to practice my marksmanship more, Its more economical.." etc. etc. I made sure to stress that the driving force in my decision was to make my new hobby more economical.

She said she'd think about it some more, and talk to my father. Usually, I can talk to my mom about something like this and we can come to a mutual agreement rather quickly, this time it seems like she wont budge.

Of course, I could suggest we have the 06 stored at another location. But I wouldn't feel right asking someone else to store my grandfather's only rifle because we can't handle it in addition to a 22LR.

As a side note, my mom loves going shooting with her "daddy's gun". I was even the one that taught her how to shoot the thing. I also showed her pictures of the CZ455 to which she commented, "Its beautiful!". I am really confused as to why she seems so against the purchase now. Maybe some of you guys out there have experience with this sort of thing, only with your wives?

Just looking for some advice, feedback, and other insight.
Thanks all,

The Next Generation
73

[ljnowell]

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles my young friend. I grew up in household were firearms were common christmas and birthday gifts, so I have no experience to draw from. I would suggest that you try to find ways to stress to your mom that you are mature enough to handle having a second firearm. Take the initiative to set up some good security for them. Perhaps save and buy a safe first, then a another rifle. Such an action may help. It doesnt have to be an expensive one to give your mom a sense of "security."

It seems you are a sensible young man, I am sure she will see that soon enough. However, remember, you are getting to the point where you can be your own man and strike out on your own soon. Believe me, a few years isnt much in the grand scheme of things.There is a whole lifetime to buy guns and shoot ahead of you, dont make it to big of an issue between you and your mom.

[hammerklavier]

Maybe if you showed her the ballistics comparison between .22 LR and .30-06. Noting that the .22 LR is not a toy, but was developed for small game and has since become the most widely accepted target rifle. Seeing how much less powerful it is might sway her.

[The_Next_Generation]

Great points ljnowell and hammerklavier. If she ultimately decides against it, I only have to wait a few years until I can have my own place and my own rules. However, I really like the idea of a ballistics comparison. Maybe it will appeal to my mom's scientific side.

Of course, anyone else who wants to chime in is welcome!

- TNG

[Eric M]

What exactly are her concerns about having another rifle in the house?

If you think you're frustrated, my mom won't even let me have airsoft. :(

[orionengnr]

First, take a loaded .30'06 cartridge and a loaded .22LR cartridge and show them to her, side by side. Given the visual, it will not be difficult to explain the difference in relative weight, power, recoil and expense per round.

Then explain the financial aspect--30'06 is buck a round (or more) for commercial ammo, and that .22LR is about .03 per round. Once again, given the visual, that will be easy to understand.

Then find someone with a .22LR rifle and take her shooting. It will help her to understand the vast difference between the two, and why you want "another" one. Many people think "a gun is a gun...why do you need more than one?" because they do not understand how different each can be, and how useful one may be for a given purpose. Explain that the 30'06 is well suited to deer hunting (unless she would find that intensely distatseful, in which case think of another way to approach it) but that the .22 is perfectly suited to paper target practice and developing/maintaining proficiency.

You say she has shot the 30'06. Once she shoots the .22, the light bulb will come on. You just have to get her to that point.

Make the discussion a visually-based and interactive one. Think "Show and Tell".

Let us know how it works out.

[yellatynot]

My wife is a published author, just as you mother, so you may wish to try what I did. I asked her to go to the range with me and meet the Shooters. When she realized that
A) They where not a bunch of bubbas
B) It is safe, fun, educational, entertaining etc,
C) A large number of ladies shoot
D) did I mention a large number of ladies shoot
The informed are less likely to fear and more likely to agree

[The_Next_Generation]

If you think you're frustrated, my mom won't even let me have airsoft.

Eric M, I've jumped that hurdle too, only a few years ago. It can be very difficult.

Personally, I think the airsoft wall is much harder to jump than the airgun/rifle fence. Because generally speaking, an airsoft gun is for shooting other "airsofters". In short, all many parents see are young adults using extremely realistic (and "scary looking") replicas to shoot one another in a combat fashion. Whereas with an airgun or a rifle, you will most likely be paper-punching (or varmit hunting, depending on your location). Also, an airsoft gun does not teach the same lessons as a rifle. With an airsoft gun, you can afford to be relatively careless in maintenance and action. However, with a rifle (air or conventional) the consequences can be much worse as a result of carelessness.

Airsoft is great tool for practicing tactics. Unfortunately, many parents view it as just another violent outlet for society. What worked for me was proving to my parents that I am responsible (I know it seems cliche). Talk to them about eye protection, research you've done, what laws will apply, where you will play and with who, etc. Did I mention eye protection?

Good luck!
- TNG

[CharlesT]

Maybe she wants to get you a .22 rifle when she returns home and spend some time with you shooting it.

:)

[chhodge69]

Sounds like they may be stalling till Christmas... maybe.

[22-rimfire]

After you try some of the stuff mentioned, suggest that they put a trigger lock on the gun so that you can't shoot it except when they approve. This may go for a while, but they'll warm up to you after seeing how much you are enjoying it and how it may spark interest in such things as ballistics (math & physics), a drive for improvement of your skills, and the demonstration of your competence with the gun in a safe manner.

Your mom may well warm up to shooting with you. Parents really like to see their children absorbed with good things.

I had my first 22 rifle in the 9th grade. I almost immediately was allowed to take walks in the woods, plink around the house and so forth with my brothers. If I took a walk in the woods around home, that 22 was with me.

I think your choice of the CZ and the Mueller is sound. I have a CZ452 Varmint with the Mueller APV 4.5-14x scope on it.

[Geckgo]

This might sway closely into the realm of "off topic" but I have some notes which might or might not be helpful. I'm not trying to be a fuddy duddy just noting some things.

"I don't want another gun in the house" - I don't know about your mother but my wife can be absurdly stubborn when she makes a comment, and beating around the bush with alternative data that doesn't directly impact what she said is just annoying. Figure out this statement and why she doesn't want another gun, then you will know how to approach. Maybe she is just insecure with loose weapons in the house, in which case the comment about the safe is very valid. You could start by asking your dad what she meant by this, he may be able to offer some insight as he should know her very well.

Second, if there is even a slim possibility, try to change the subject and start talking about getting a job and start applying. Having a job at 16-17 gives you a better bargaining chip. If your parents are spending less on you then they tend to worry less and you look more responsible, opens up a lot of freedom. This is how I got away with so much mischief in highschool but it works well for good causes as well. Offer to pay the water bill or something after you get your job and keep up on the chores also as best you can. You are going to have to balance chores and work someday, might as well get used to it.

If you get the job, save money for a safe first for your gun, then comment about how empty it looks :P

[DoubleTapDrew]

Well I'd wait until she got back first. She may be busy with her work and not want to think about it much yet. Then explain why you want a .22. You love shooting and would like to get good at it but it's too expensive to shoot an '06 enough to become a marksman. Maybe look into the Appleseed program and show her that (it's a great program from what I've heard, haven't attended one yet) http://appleseedinfo.org/
I thought about talking with her about the safety aspect and how you'd be responsible, careful, etc. but if she's ok with you having a 30-06 that's probably not a big issue.
Most shooters have at least one .22lr. It's an economical way to enjoy the sport and improve ability without breaking the bank. My first firearm was a single-shot .22
If she doesn't object to it much but still doesn't want you to do it chhodge69 may be onto something as well.

[The_Next_Generation]

Geckgo, I would get a job. Unfortunately, not only do chores take time, but my course load is even more time-intensive. My AP Physics B class alone requires a minimum of 4 hours of work per night (The University of Washington awards 15 credits for a 4 on the AP test for this class). I view my schooling as my job, if I earn 15 credits at the UW, that is equivalent to several thousand dollars in tuition.

You are right about considering the reasons behind her not wanting "another gun" in the house. I did talk to my dad about this, but he was unsure.

As for all the other ideas, I think I will definitely try orionengnr's idea of an interactive discussion when she returns. I can probably scrounge up a .22LR cartridge from a neighbor.

[MachIVshooter]

Not that I'm advocating going against house rules, but you do not need their blessing to buy a rifle-you just can't buy it from an FFL. Private sale of long guns to a minor is perfectly legal at the federal level. That said, I don't know what Washington state laws are; You would need to research that yourself.

Point being, if you can find one for sale privately, and WA state doesn't prohibit you from possessing/purchasing privately, you can buy it yourself and find somewhere else to store it so that you won't be violating their rules. This is exactly what I did when I was 14.

Of course, it would still be best to come to an agreement with your folks, and for that, you already have many good suggestions

Mueller 4.5-14x40 on top would serve me well

Wayyyyyy more scope than necessary on a .22, and Muellers are not that great; Dark and narrow FOV. Take that $150 for scope and buy a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x; Much better quality and more than enough magnification for a rimfire.

[InkEd]

Tell her your dad said it was okay, it will save a bunch of money and that it will keep you from wearing out your grandfather's rifle. If "the authority of dad," "logical finacial savings" and "preservation of a family heirloom" doesn't persuade her; there's only one thing you can say at that point....

"Why not? It's not like you're here anyway?"

A little guilt about being away from her family should do the trick. (Just be careful moms are the originators of the guilt-trip and may turn it against you.)

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

Inked, I think that's the wrong way to look at things... Just MY opinion.

I live with the folks as well, though for different reasons (job market stnks, and I can't find a job). But since I'm 22, if I want a gun, I go and buy it (providing the funds are there). It's gotten to the point that she doesn't even ask anymore, lol. At first, she used to protest, but being of legal age for rifles, it ended up with a "whatever" from her. Now, if she knows I was at the 'shop, she just says "I dont wanna know!" lol :D

[JHenry]

you could always just wait till your 18. Sucks to have the bug early. AS soon as i turned 18 i had a massive desire for an AK, sadly it never worked out:mad:

hopefully it will though;)

[Sav .250]

When you turn 18,things "should" change.

[Vermont]

Listen to her first. I'm not saying you should capitulate, but stop talking and find out why she doesn't want another gun in the house. Then you can work from there. Make sure you don't approach it as if you are trying to win. You are trying to find a solution that is acceptable to both of you. Also, let her know how important it is to you and why. That can be just as convincing as any other argument.

[22-rimfire]

A few comments on the scope choice.... pretty good scope for the money. The AO feature is handy for 22 ranges. I have had no problems with my Mueller.

If you are planning on walks in the woods or casual plinking sessions with friends or family, you might be happier with a 3-9x scope due to their size as compared to the APV. Consider the size of the Mueller. The Mueller is great for punching paper from the bench, but not as great for field use (my opinion). I also suggest you get a rimfire scope if it is not an AO scope.

[wannabeagunsmith]

Hmm, you know what works on my mom? Listen up:

1. History. She loves it. If you start rambling on about how, say, the .22 was one of the first self-contained cartridges, and how the Union used the idea to make bigger, better ones in the Civil War, it may help.
2. Friends? My mom was completely anti-gun until one of her friend's husbands got into shooting and realised that guns are important esp. in instances such as a "chinese invasion" or a government takeover, then she was TOTALLY fine with it. Then she let my dad buy guns. And pretty soon I may buy a nice gun of my own. So have a friend talk to her.
3. KEEP PRESSING!! Not annoying, but just randomly drop "facts" and stuff. works for me.


Hope this helps!

[Mike1234567]

Heh, heh... Tell her you need the rifle so you can write an article about rim fire target shooting. She, being a writer, may be so pleased that you, her offspring, are interested in writing that she may cave in. :D

[stonecutter2]

Don't press the issue too hard. Being too persistent can result in them saying no just because you've gotten annoying.

I agree with the approach of explaining the economics of it, 30-06 vs. 22LR is a vast price difference per round for target shooting. Say you enjoy shooting, and can do it for a lot less with just the investment of the other rifle.

They could be stalling for Christmas, but if they were I'd suspect they'd drop a bigger hint.

[jonn5335]

wait for you next birthday or christmas then lay down a giant guilt trip about how the only thing you want is a 22 have you thought about a Ruger 10/22 lots of aftermarket part if you decide to get into customizing your guns

[Sheepdog1968]

Congratulations in the tranisiton you are making in life from a child to an adult. I'm guess part of your parrents discussion is about your maturity and it might not be as much about a firearm. How are your grades? Do you get in trouble much at home or outside of the house? How responsible are you in getting your chores done with minimal compliaining and doing them well? Have you been avoiding drugs and alcohol? Do you have plans to go on to college or learn a good career/trade? Have you gotten speeding tickets or accidents if you have started driving? These are the things you can influence and may influence their decision. If you could find some small part time job (mowing lawns, etc) that won't impact your school work or home chores that could help. If I were them and you were doing good in the above stuff I might say yes but tie it to you to saving/paying 50% to learn about the value of saving money. Good luck and respect their decision whatever it is. You will be 18 soon enough. I remember my 18th birthday like it was yesterday and I'm now 43.

[kayak-man]

TNG,

I didn't read all the posts, so maybe you all ready mentioned it, but have you asked your mom why she doesn't want another gun in the house?

I would highly recomend getting a job of sorts to pay for the gun. There is a Huge difference between asking a parent to buy you a gun, and saying "I've earned the money for the gun, is it OK with you if I keep it at home?" I hear you, AP classes are pretty dominating when it comes to your time, but if you really try, you can find a way to do it, and make it work. It may not be fun, it may be a headache, but you can do it. (Sorry, that was a little off topic)

Out of curiosity, where do you shoot? Woods, a specific range?

A.A.R. Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

[Dnaltrop]

1)
Sha na na na - sha na na na na
Sha na na na - sha na na na na
Sha na na na - sha na na na na
Sha na na na - sha na na na na
Dip dip dip dip dip dip dip dip
Mum mum mum mum mum mum
Get a job
Sha na na na - sha na na na na


Show that work ethic they hopefully raised you with, hold down a part time job for the money side.

2) Now that you have money it's not " I'm doing what I want" You want the conversation to be which of the evils is she going to pick. (No hanging on the anthropomorphic nature of attaching such a word to a tool, Nitpickers, there IS a point)

"Ok Mom, I really want to practice more... I have two options. I can pick up a Lee loader, and start reloading 30.06 in the kitchen here... It's the only way to really enjoy my hobby without causing extreme financial hardship".

You should do that anyhow... the primitive Lee loader costs under $25, and while slow... you can reload at home, or in the field. show her youtube videos of people whacking away at the loader with a mallet, make sure she knows a cartridge is inside that tube. If she's not well informed in shooting, and not paying attention to the millions of rounds that HAVEN'T exploded in the process to date, she might not like the idea of you doing that over the linoleum.

OR....

"It would really make a lot of financial sense if I invested in a lower caliber rifle that I can shoot for pennies, instead of a buck or more a shot. "


Which is the lesser "evil" in her mind? You've now given her adult reasoning, using a purely financial motive to not be wasteful. (with the subtext of ruined floors and hitting live ammo with hammers)


Good luck, sounds like you have your head on straight already.

[Alex23]

Explain that you want to improve your marksmanship as cheaply as possible. Explain that the .30-06 is a big bad hunting rifle and that the .22 is not. This is bending the truth a bit, but should get the job done.

[youngda9]

Parents that threat their 17 year olds like this are way too over protective...their kids will go off the deep end once they go to college or get a whiff of freedom from opression(I am not saying OP will, but many others will). This poster seems very reasonable and responsible. If he can afford it(get a job if you don't have one) and demonstrates responsibility in his life and with firearms handling then have at it I say.

[VT Deer Hunter]

Just throwing it out there, you could do a hunter safety or firearm safety course. Doing one of these can reassure your mom that you know for sure and i am sure you do. Know how to safely handle and use a firearm.

[JSpear]

I think taking a course would help your case, from what you have said earlier , you seem to have your head on straight, parents will see that. I think she'll change her mind and give the go ahead, but if she doesn't, take it easy you'll be 18 soon enough. Good luck to you!

[nero45acp]

-Get at least a PT job to pay for the .22, and to take her to the range to experience a .22 rifle/carbine herself.

-Respect her wish, if she holds fast against. Barring some God-forbid, ugly luck, you'll have many years ahead that you can have as many firearms in YOUR place as you wish/can afford. That time'll be here in a flash.


nero

[Mp7]

wait for Xmas :-)


hopefully.


if not, get a high powered airgun :-)
Tell em its a a toy. BB gun ya know.

[SharpsDressedMan]

Trade off. You have to approach your parents with the will to be more responsible, more mature, and thus, more "worthy" of being responsible with firearms. Get a part time job (which will also reward you with the funds for future gun purchases), offer to do even MORE around the house, or ask them to tell you what THEY would want from you before they treat you like an adult. This will get their attention, and they will realize that the guns are not a fad, power trip, and that you are very serious about your hobby. At the very least, a part time job will give you the funds in hand for when you turn 18, can buy the rifle on your own, and keep it elsewhere if you have to.

[3KillerBs]

As a mom of teens and young adults, I would want to see demonstrations of how responsible and mature you are and evidence of your mindfulness about safety. We mom's can't help dragging our heels a bit at seeing you kids growing up and away from us, but for the most part we'll award you the amount of adult freedom that suits the behavior and habits we see out of you.

You didn't mention if you have younger siblings or about how the existing gun is currently stored but if you do have younger siblings and/or if the existing gun's storage arrangements are less secure than desirable that could contribute to a disinclination to add to the gun collection. So working on that aspect could help.

I understand about AP courses being your job because I did the same in high school -- studied hard to earn scholarship money. But, in retrospect, I could have done a little paid work on weekends and it probably would have been good both financially and as work experience to benefit getting started in life. There's something about a person who is holding a job, even a minor job, that commands respect and changes people's attitudes about them.

My daughter has what I consider the perfect student job -- she delivers some of those free-for-the-taking magazines. Except for unloading the truck at the warehouse once every two months her schedule is completely flexible as long as those racks around town stay full. Seeking out something along those lines might work for you.

Good luck.

[Mike1234567]

Folks, I just can't quite agree that this is mainly about safety. After all the OP already has his granddad's .30-06.

[Konstantin835]

Tell her about the economics of the 2 rounds.
Tell her about how fun it is and that she could shoot too.
Show her how safe you can be with a firearm, constantly remind her about the rules of safety.
Show how responsible you are, with AP + Honors this shouldn't be hard, I know from experience. Show off your good report cards to show how responsible you are.
If all that fails just flat out ask her why she doesn't want another gun in the house. If she can't give a logical answer, which I doubt she will just appeal to her logical side and explain why you should have another gun. My mom didn't want me to buy a gun but I argued using logic and told her to think logically, not emotionally. Although she still doesn't like guns she has no problem with me getting them. Make all kinds of safety rules and agreements with them like where to keep the gun and to keep it locked. I did all this a little over a year ago and after that first purchase all the rest were easy, they just roll their eyes and say "yea whatever". Now both my parents acknowledge that I know way more about guns and gun safety than they ever will and they let me keep them in my room. I've got 2 Mosins leaning in the corner not 5 feet away right now. Keep pushing with logical arguments but do not nag. The first purchase is the hardest, the rest are easy providing you have the funds.
By the way very nice choice on the rifle, I don't know how long your range goes too but you might not need such a high power scope.

[The_Next_Generation]

Hey all,

Let me clear some things up. First of all, I talked to my mom today and we came to an agreement! She will allow me to purchase the rifle, on the condition that the .30-06 will have to have a trigger lock (she and dad will have the key). :D

However, I'd like to clear some things up about myself personally. My GPA is a 3.7 and I am currently under a full AP and UW-in-the-high school course load. My schedule:
1. AP Physics B (equivalent to a year-long course on the UW campus)
2. University of Washington Writing 131
3. AP Calculus AB
4. UW Earth and Space Sciences (Geology course at UW)
5. APGI
6. Film as literature

With this kind of a course load, I cannot maintain my grades AND a job. I have had an AP course load similar to this my entire high school career, and hope to be an aerospace engineer when all is finished (looking at Georgia Tech, U Michigan, or U of Washington). In fact, because of my AP tests and UW credit classes, I will be entering college with 40 credits. This will save an entire year's worth of tuition (kind of like having a job).

Also, I did not say I did not have any money, I said I do not currently have a job. During the summer, I do general contracting with my dad, and of course odd jobs with neighbors/family friends. The only time my parents buy anything for me is for Christmas or my birthday. Other than that, I am on my own financially.

As far as my responsibility goes, I have never touched drugs or alcohol, and have yet to get in a car crash (When, not if..I am aware.) Also, this past July I safely lead a small group to the summit of Mt. Hood.

I apologize if some feel I went to far in this post, but a few of the comments made me feel looked down upon.

Anyway, the point is, I can get the rifle!

Thanks for the input everyone,

- The Next Generation

Back to my homework...

[Konstantin835]

Congratulations! That course load sounds tougher than mine and I know I have a lot of work with honors everything and engineering. Be careful, THR is a great source of homework distraction :). Good luck shooting and in school.

[The_Next_Generation]

Someone asked where I shoot (kayak-man). I shoot at a great little range called the Renton Fish and Game Club. Not a whole lot to talk about, but they have a nice trap shooting area, some action bays, a covered pistol range to 50 yds, and a 12 bench covered rifle range to 200yds (concrete floor of course). Plus, membership is only a $1.00 per year until I'm 18. Can't go wrong!

Sometimes I go to the Cascade Rifle and Pistol Club with my neighbor (members only range). It is fantastic. All kinds of options, rifle range out to 600yds.

Adios,

- The Next Generation

[wannabeagunsmith]

Glad to hear it all worked out! I am on my way to a first firearms purchase as well so it is good to hear of another person around my age making it! (LOL)

[grumpy66]

TNG,
Now that Mom is on board with the .22, have her check out Appleseed.

Top-notch marksmanship instruction, with an emphasis on safety. PLUS, you get to learn some history about this great country that isn't taught in school anymore.

Since you are under 21, it only costs $5 for the weekend, and only $10 for Mom.

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

Congrats, Buddy!

Now the hard part... Which one to get? lol.

I love my little Marlin Model 80. A little short on the LOP, but I've had it since I was 12.
http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g350/lj-mosinfreak-buck/Marlin%20Model%2080/p_00043.jpg

[amflyer]

Glad you got it worked out.

I was going to recommend telling her, "Flick says he saw some grizzly bears near Pulaski's candy store!"


My story, at the risk of being only 'Pretty High Road":

My mother was against me getting my first firearm because of age, or so she said. I was not old enough for a gun, she maintained. I was on her case constantly, debating the finer points, the coarser points, telling her I feared for the family's safety, the country's security, being overrun by rabbits, etc.,all to no avail.

We had one bathroom in the house. No shower, only a bathtub. I used to lay in the tub relaxing until the water cooled, add some more hot water, and repeat. i could get through almost two Springsteen cassettes on a good day if I really tried. Anyway, there I was, curtain retracted, when my mother barged in with a load of towels.

She stopped mid-stride, wrinkled up her nose like she smelled something bad, and yelled "Holy Cripes, you've got PUBIC HAIR!"

I pulled the curtain, and calmly told her, "If I'm old enough for hair, I'm old enough for a gun..."

It was a Universal Doublewing 20 gauge SxS, choked full and modified, and I still have it. Were I more creative back then, or given to naming my guns, I would have called this one "Curly" without doubt.

[Sheepdog1968]

Thanks Next Gen. It does sound like you are someone your parrents can be proud of. I've got some friends who have some kids whom are on the other end of the spectrum and a number who are just getting by. You just never know. Getting a good education will definately help you in later life. Glad to hear your mom and you have reached an agreement.

[wannabeagunsmith]

amflyer- LOL! I am going to name my first gun (which I should purchase within a matter of weeks) Abraham- because it will be the father (first) of many.

[kayak-man]

TNG,

Sounds like you've got everything handled pretty well! I took UW-in-highschool and AP classes in highschool, so I really do understand what you mean when you say there is a huge time commitment.

Since you're just getting into guns, I'd like to, if I may, give you some free (and worth every penny) advice that I wish someone had told me when I started shooting:

Don't settle. Get the gun you want. You may have to save up longer, but in the long run you'll have to pay more as you get the sub-par gun AND the one you want years later.

I may check out both of those ranges if I end up on the other side of the water (I'm near Bainbridge right now).

Have a good one,

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

[788Ham]

Next Gen.,
Congratulations on your endeavor, and your educational studies! I was fortunate to have a Dad that understood shooting, and responsibilities that go hand in hand. My first .22 rifle was a single shot target rifle, once I proved I was responsible, the restrictions were loosened, and more lateral thinking applied. As I got older, hunting became the next scene........ I'm just trying to give you a time line on this. You've already proven you can be trusted, never let this be compromised in any way! Good luck in your future plans, I hope you graduate with top honors in your field, you're deserving!

[The_Next_Generation]

Thanks everyone for the support! Hopefully I will be ordering the rifle this weekend from a nearby FFL. I totally understand the "you may as well start with what you'll end up with" mentality, and intend to live by it. As I stated earlier, my chosen rifle is the CZ455 American. I am rethinking the scope though, perhaps it would be a better choice to sacrifice magnification power for a MOA or MIL dot reticle. I'll probably start another thread shortly, or find one to see if this is wise.


- The Next Generation

[Sheepdog1968]

For the fundamental rifle marksmanship, iron sights are fine. Look into Appleseed rifle marksmanship. For your age it would be free and the 22 is all you will need. IMO, a low powered fixed scope in the 2.dx to 4x is all that you need for a hunting rifle. I've shot out to 400 yards at steel with a simple crosshair scope and didn't feel the need for mil dot or MOA reticles.

[Dnaltrop]

Next time put the AP student stuff at the front Young man!!! Dagnabit, that's the sort of filler that is of direct relevance to your position.

Congrats on convincing the Maternal unit to see the light! Good students should be rewarded with personal freedoms at least in some basic ratio to the workload they endure, some parents forget how good they have it compared to some of the monsters we see being raised today.

As you seem to hike a lot, look into one of the collapsible Henry AR-7 explorers (you can mount a scope on them and they float!) or a Papoose, I own the former in a 1973 incarnation and have heard nothing but good about the latter.

Enjoy! at 17 I was still mowing lawns with equipment I had to pay for myself to get extra spending cash of any kind.

[Sheepdog1968]

When I started high school, they taught Latin. My dad wanted me to take it and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. If I took Latin for a year and I got A's both semesters he would buy me my very own 22 cal multi pump pellet gun (technically it was a rifle). I took Latin and got A's both semesters. When my report card came and I saw the A I pointed out the agreement. That comming weekend he took me out and bought me a v ery nice Benjiman air rifle in a nice walnut stock. I have it to this day. To this day it stands out to me how he was no nonsense and kept his word. Turned out I liked Latin and took four years of it. I wanted to take more of it in college as they had classes listed but it was only available by independent study. Basically my dad rewarded good academics and I now have a good career. Nice to see your mom doing the same.

[REDMASTA]

I had the same problem growing up parents were completely against guns in the house it was torture. When I turned 18 halfway through my senior year I skipped class on my birthday to go buy a Ruger 10/22 because it was cheap and so was the ammo. I hid it in the unfinished basement of my parents house behind the pink insulation between the framing. Was a perfect hiding spot if I say so myself. We had a good bit of land behind the house and I would go shoot it in the woods almost every day after school when they were at work. Was a blast, good times!

When I finally moved out for college I told my parents about my rifle and they were upset at first but over the years they started to change their tune. I've taken them out shooting and my brother and I even got my dad his own 1911 which he loves. Now my mom wants her own revolver and to begin taking classes. Funny how people can change when they understand it and open up to it.

[wannabeagunsmith]

When I started high school, they taught Latin. My dad wanted me to take it and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. If I took Latin for a year and I got A's both semesters he would buy me my very own 22 cal multi pump pellet gun (technically it was a rifle). I took Latin and got A's both semesters. When my report card came and I saw the A I pointed out the agreement. That comming weekend he took me out and bought me a v ery nice Benjiman air rifle in a nice walnut stock. I have it to this day. To this day it stands out to me how he was no nonsense and kept his word. Turned out I liked Latin and took four years of it. I wanted to take more of it in college as they had classes listed but it was only available by independent study. Basically my dad rewarded good academics and I now have a good career. Nice to see your mom doing the same. Wow, you took latin and got A's?? I am taking it right now, and wish I had the same....

[Austin97]

Sorry about the situation man, just talk to her every once in a while not all the time. Moms are big on "maturity" when guns are in the picture. So, just act real mature and maybe ask for something else to do around the house:) (trust me this works!!) It may take a little time though...

[The_Next_Generation]

Working on pictures, will post soon!