About to acquire my first real gun

[Chrissa]

Though I realise many do not consider it a "real" gun (Nagant 1895 revolver) . Whatever - I am about to get my first gun-that-shoots-bullets after only ever having blackpowder reproductions for Civil War re-enacting. (Lamott, which I loved and which I'd love to have in "real" form, despite one nasty chain-fire, the lesson from which I learned was: Load your own weapon every single time; and a Colt Navy pistol.)

I am both excited and also in search of advice. The situation is:

I have a five-year-old. My ex-in-laws are Quakers (I am serious, bear with me, so to speak). There has been a fair bit of "gun fear" instilled in the boy. I want to instill gun knowledge and respect instead. We've been talking about the gun for a few months now, and he seems to feel free to ask questions, which is great. We have talked about "If you see a gun, don't touch it, and tell an adult", of course. We both find the Eddie the Eagle videos a bit... aesthetically tacky, though the message is good.

Any experience in this area you could share would be great. I am planning to get a lock, a box, and etc. But the gun will be here, and kids are curious, so...

 

[CNYCacher]

corneredcat.com has a lot of great stuff on kids and guns

 

[tydephan]

Congrats on your first gun.

I have two little ones at home as well.

I struggled with keeping the gun accessible for emergencies, yet securing the weapon away from tiny hands. Obviously I always erred on the side of caution.

Finally I purchased the Gunvault, and it solved the issue. Easily and quickly accessible, yet secure from children.

My son isn't old enough to begin discussions (22-months), but my daughter is four and I've had talks with her about what to do if she sees one.

As usual, education is the key. Both for you and your child.

Best of luck!

 

[Corporal K]

We have 3-year old twins, so I can completely relate. Part of our strategy has been to take the mystery out of the guns. If either of the kids asks to see one, we all go together, check the chamber, and then they get to touch the stock or handle. That way they're learning to respect the guns, but also that they're not so taboo.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

You know all the rules of gun safety, right?
I'll post them anyway:
1:Always treat all firearms as loaded, always, even when they aren't
2:Never let the firearm point at or close to anything you are not willng to destroy
3:finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
4:Know your target and what's behing it. Makes sure little billy isn't behind that target.

As for the kid, I think the best option is to carry it during the day and then put it in a safe at night, maybe with a simplex type lock.

 

[bthest86]

BTW, It's actually spelled LeMat.

 

[Chrissa]

Thanks, everyone.

(And I guess I'd best learn to spell it if I really want one, eh?)

 

[Ruodo]

I just bought a nagant revolver and I love this thing. Funky design and heavy trigger pull, but its really fascinating. Hope the kid ends up liking guns, could be something fun for you guys to do together.

 

[Brian Dale]

A Nagant "not a real gun?" Who sez? Anybody with that attitude probably wouldn't understand a Walker Colt, either. to any such folk.

Oh, I had a revolver chain fire once, and it was my own fault. I didn't like it.

Thanks for posting what you're doing; it's delightful to read about.