Family is alright, but sometimes at the range people ask me to see my pistol. I dont like random people handling my guns, but I let one person last trip. He got it and was dry firing it (in a safe direction, unloaded) which is not good for my gun. He was also playing with the safety, which came loose. I hate when people handle my guns, but I dont want to be rude and say no. Anyone else understand what im saying?
Anyone else not like people handling thier guns?
- Thread starter boo17
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natedog
Member
I don't mind people asking to handle, or even shoot my guns, provided I'm assured they know safe and proper handling. I'd like them to do the same to me. You always have a right to refuse.
cfabe
Member
I don't have a problem with letting someone handle or shoot my guns as long as they're responsible shooters. I've had the opportunity to shoot guns at the range that I'd never be able to have in my collection and I like to return the favor.
ChickenHawk
Member
It's tough to say 'no' when you're a regular at the range and a reasonable person asks to see your handgun.
But, you should feel free to say, "Sure, have a look. But, please keep it pointed down range and please do not dry-fire it."
I'm guessing the guy you met would have respected your wishes.
Live and learn.
Cheers!
ChickenHawk
But, you should feel free to say, "Sure, have a look. But, please keep it pointed down range and please do not dry-fire it."
I'm guessing the guy you met would have respected your wishes.
Live and learn.
Cheers!
ChickenHawk
It depends who it is. If it's someone who is knowlegeable about weapons and safety, I don't mind. If it's someone who isn't knowledgeable but safe, I don't mind either. But if you act like you know everything, I will decline.
For instance, my AK. People seem fascinated by it and they like holding it and all. But some want to pop the mag out and put it back in. The thing about the AK is that the front end of the mag goes in before the rear snaps in and they don't know that. So they take the mag out and don't know how to put it back in and try to force it. That's when I sternly ask them to hand the gun back to me.
On the other hand, one guy asked me if he could take the mag out and how to put it back in. He even asked how to strip it to clean and I very kindly showed him. Even with all his experience with guns, and life in general, he was kind and humble enough to ask.
I personally don't like handling other people's guns because I don't want to damage them. I won't ask to see someone elses gun but I will accept if they offer, especially for something nice like a Kimber.
Saying no to that is like saying no to a supermodel when she asks you if you'd like to be her towel boy.
For instance, my AK. People seem fascinated by it and they like holding it and all. But some want to pop the mag out and put it back in. The thing about the AK is that the front end of the mag goes in before the rear snaps in and they don't know that. So they take the mag out and don't know how to put it back in and try to force it. That's when I sternly ask them to hand the gun back to me.
On the other hand, one guy asked me if he could take the mag out and how to put it back in. He even asked how to strip it to clean and I very kindly showed him. Even with all his experience with guns, and life in general, he was kind and humble enough to ask.
I personally don't like handling other people's guns because I don't want to damage them. I won't ask to see someone elses gun but I will accept if they offer, especially for something nice like a Kimber.
Saying no to that is like saying no to a supermodel when she asks you if you'd like to be her towel boy.ducktapehero
Member
When I hold other people's gun I treat them like glass even if I am familiar with the design. The very most I do is open the action to see if they're unloaded. I won't pull the trigger, drop a magazine or do anything else unless I ask if it's alright. I expect the same with my guns.
chevrofreak
Member
What type of gun was it? I'd like to know, because it sounds like a model I should stay away from.
Feanaro
Member
I understand your position, I'm attached to my "stuff" as well. Don't think that you're being rude by turning someone down. It's your property. That said, if someone who has demonstrated good safety habits wants to have a look/feel, I'm normally happy to show off. But I prefer to lay some rules out. If you want to do something then ask, please keep it pointed down-range, don't dry fire(Only applies to my M48A. I don't think I'll destroy it anytime soon with dry-firing but it does show signs of wear from it.), and for the love of Allah, don't point it at anyone. Especially me. And if I they treat it well, I might let them fire it. Cool stuff is no fun if you can't share now and again.
Yooper
Member
I would think manners would dictate that a person would wait until invited to examine someone else's guns, but maybe I'm from another era. Hard to get used to the IMeMyMe attitudes perpetrated for the last 25 years.
41mag
Member
I haven't had problems w/people asking to look/shoot my guns.As cfabe said,it gives an oppurtunity to try something different.
The only problem I have is trying to figure the etiquette of shooting someone elses' gun.I generally load the gun,lay it down,& say have at it.Others I've seen only want one or two shots fired by a stranger out of their guns.It can be a little awkward.
The only problem I have is trying to figure the etiquette of shooting someone elses' gun.I generally load the gun,lay it down,& say have at it.Others I've seen only want one or two shots fired by a stranger out of their guns.It can be a little awkward.
The majority of the time, I don't have a problem with people asking; in fact, if I can see the person demonstrating safe handling and respect for their own guns, I'll even make the offer if they seem to be showing interest in any of mine.
On the occasions I've had to refuse, my excuse is usually that "it's been acting up lately and I'm just going to be firing a few rounds to test the feel and see if I can figure out what's wrong." Works with most people who aren't too familiar with firearms in general. So far I haven't had to worry about the more knowledgable shooters because they fit the profile outlined above. But if I find myself in that situation, a polite no will have to suffice.
On the occasions I've had to refuse, my excuse is usually that "it's been acting up lately and I'm just going to be firing a few rounds to test the feel and see if I can figure out what's wrong." Works with most people who aren't too familiar with firearms in general. So far I haven't had to worry about the more knowledgable shooters because they fit the profile outlined above. But if I find myself in that situation, a polite no will have to suffice.
Zach S
Member
You read my mind.
I dont mind, but if they do something stupid, I politely point it out. That goes for [wherever] just looking at it, or at the firing line.
I'm the same way as you, and they always ask before loading another mag, I guess I'm blessed in that situation. The guys around here that only want one or two rounds fired through their gun by someone else always just load one or two in the mag, IME anyway.
Speaking of other people firing my guns, I instanly feel guilty when a lady asks to shoot my thompson since its so heavy and vertical foregrip is hard to reach... Most dont get through a 20 round magazine. I got to where I only load it half way and let them know theyre welcome to more if they'd like (OTOH, guys normally get one magazine, and they want to shoot it more, they buy the ammo).
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I concur, although I'm not convinced good manners are still in style. Heaven knows they should be, but I'm afraid it's been awhile.
mustanger98
Member
Well, ya'll are liable to disagree with what I'm fixin' to say, but around here, we tend to like to see what each other brought. And I have asked to see, pointed it downrange to look at the sight picture and the guy says "go ahead and dryfire it", which I did (most models I know of won't be hurt by it, but some models will- this was one of the former group). No problem that I know of.
Oh, and I won't buy a used gun without having dryfired it and generally checked it out to my satisfaction. If some idiot behind the counter don't like it, I don't have to contribute to his paycheck.
Oh, and I won't buy a used gun without having dryfired it and generally checked it out to my satisfaction. If some idiot behind the counter don't like it, I don't have to contribute to his paycheck.
JohnBT
Member
It's real friendly and polite where I shoot. I like to let folks try out my guns, but I don't like them fiddling with them. I have to check out how they treat their guns before they get a chance at mine.
My standard answer to most requests at a public range would be "Sorry, it's not my gun." It just depends.
John
My standard answer to most requests at a public range would be "Sorry, it's not my gun." It just depends.
John
RavenVT100
Member
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If you are respectful and follow my instructions, you may handle my guns. Even if you are new to shooting, as long as you follow my directions carefully, you may handle them (as long as it is legal for you to do so).
I think it is very valuable to get new people (who are interested) into shooting. So the benefit outweighs the annoyance in this case.
I think it is very valuable to get new people (who are interested) into shooting. So the benefit outweighs the annoyance in this case.
I'm cautious about it, but depending on the circumstances it's OK with me.
I have a very simple reason for this, I had no interest in 1911s, but I was at the range one day and the guy in the lane next to me was banging away with his 1911. I recognized him from work even though I didn't know him, and we exchanged some small talk while reloading. I said casually, "what's the fascination with the 1911" He replied, "you won't know until you shoot it." Gave me a quick run down of how to operate it, and let me fire a couple magazines worth. Well it was great. I now own a 1911 and am building another. I never would have gotten the 1911 bug if he hadn't been generous enough to let me shoot his gun.
I have a very simple reason for this, I had no interest in 1911s, but I was at the range one day and the guy in the lane next to me was banging away with his 1911. I recognized him from work even though I didn't know him, and we exchanged some small talk while reloading. I said casually, "what's the fascination with the 1911" He replied, "you won't know until you shoot it." Gave me a quick run down of how to operate it, and let me fire a couple magazines worth. Well it was great. I now own a 1911 and am building another. I never would have gotten the 1911 bug if he hadn't been generous enough to let me shoot his gun.
I've invited people to shoot my guns before because i noticed that they seemed interested in something that I was shooting. I only do this if I have been watching them behave responsibly on the range.
I think that the custom around here based on the very few times that i have been asked is that people offer to trade guns for a few mags. This saves having to worry about the ammo issue (I don't want to pay for them to shoot my gun, but i dont want them to shoot "mystery ammo" in it either). And it lets me shoot something that i may not have tried before.
For example one time i was at the range there was a young couple there shooting a Ruger MkII. The lady was having some trouble with her grouping and her boyfriend/husband asked if they could try the Buckmark i was shooting and offered to let my try the MKII. We both learned that day that they liked the Browning more than the Ruger, and that I liked the Ruger a bit more than the Browning. I almost offered to trade but, I figured i could just buy a MKII and then have an extra .22 just in case.
I think that the custom around here based on the very few times that i have been asked is that people offer to trade guns for a few mags. This saves having to worry about the ammo issue (I don't want to pay for them to shoot my gun, but i dont want them to shoot "mystery ammo" in it either). And it lets me shoot something that i may not have tried before.
For example one time i was at the range there was a young couple there shooting a Ruger MkII. The lady was having some trouble with her grouping and her boyfriend/husband asked if they could try the Buckmark i was shooting and offered to let my try the MKII. We both learned that day that they liked the Browning more than the Ruger, and that I liked the Ruger a bit more than the Browning. I almost offered to trade but, I figured i could just buy a MKII and then have an extra .22 just in case.
Well most gun folks are pretty open about it. What I hate is the idiots that just have to do that Hawaii 5-0 cylinder spin and wrist flip to snap the cylinder home or the guys that just have to dry fire the cap revolvers on the nipples. Most guns will survive a lot of dry fires and if a saftey comes loose from being messed with its a POS gun.
joe sixpack
Member
When first becoming aquainted with guns and ranges I was very happy
to see that gun owners seemed a sociable bunch, it reflected well upon them.
My first experience included standing back and watching folks shoot and asking a couple questions and them asking me if I would like to try what they were shooting. I was overjoyed to take aim through the sites of an M1 Garand and fire it until I heard the famous sound of the clip ejecting.
If someone seems interested in what I am shooting, I am happy to let
them fire a few off.
cheers, js
to see that gun owners seemed a sociable bunch, it reflected well upon them.
My first experience included standing back and watching folks shoot and asking a couple questions and them asking me if I would like to try what they were shooting. I was overjoyed to take aim through the sites of an M1 Garand and fire it until I heard the famous sound of the clip ejecting.
If someone seems interested in what I am shooting, I am happy to let
them fire a few off.
cheers, js
Byron Quick
Moderator In Memoriam
Except for NFA firearms, most of the firearms I want to handle; I've handled.
I observe the other folks on the firing line with me. I observe their gun handling and their general demeanour. If I like what I see and the person asks to see my gun then I'll probably say yes with restrictions such as don't dry fire it, etc.
Most of the folks at the Yuchi WMA are pretty polite. Even the ones without hearing or eye protection
Did have one event last year. Man covered my with the muzzle of his Marlin. I moved. The muzzle followed. I asked him to practice muzzle control as he had pointed it at me twice. He said ok. And did it again. I was about ready to pack up and leave when he did. It was real tempting to tell him that the next time he covered me with his muzzle that I would be in fear of losing my life or of sustaining grave bodily injury. He probably wouldn't have known what I was hinting, though.
I observe the other folks on the firing line with me. I observe their gun handling and their general demeanour. If I like what I see and the person asks to see my gun then I'll probably say yes with restrictions such as don't dry fire it, etc.
Most of the folks at the Yuchi WMA are pretty polite. Even the ones without hearing or eye protection
Did have one event last year. Man covered my with the muzzle of his Marlin. I moved. The muzzle followed. I asked him to practice muzzle control as he had pointed it at me twice. He said ok. And did it again. I was about ready to pack up and leave when he did. It was real tempting to tell him that the next time he covered me with his muzzle that I would be in fear of losing my life or of sustaining grave bodily injury. He probably wouldn't have known what I was hinting, though.
My roomate (a gun owner himself) is no longer allowed to even touch my revolvers anymore for this very reason. I would have thought that "cowboying" the cylinder on SOMEONE ELSE'S gun was an obvious breach of etiquett but, I guess not.
If the guy wants to shoot one of my guns he gets my old and pitted makarov, I don't think that even he can break that thing.
The Grand Inquisitor
Member
I just got back from the range about an hour ago and I went out wit my AR180B (which I bought on Friday), CETME, Mosin Nagant and my Steyr M9, and I had about 300 rounds of .308, 80 rounds of .223, 60 of 7.62x54r, and 100 of 9mm.
I went through most of the ammo today, but I fired very little of it. When I pulled up I started a conversation with a nice guy whom I'd met at the gas station in which he works and we really liked my rifles and I let him go to town with them. He was there with about 5 other people (two of which had just got here from India and one here just from somewhere in Africa) and they all enjoyed shooting, but this guy was really into it, but is very new to shooting.
I went to shoot from a little while, which I generally enjoy, bu today I had a good time watching these guys fire my rifles and have a blast with them. The one guy I was mostly speaking with really wanted to get rifles because he wanted to move beyond his .357 revolver and his .44 magnum revolver.
If someone is nice and respectful I am more than willing to let someone go to town with anyone of my firearms. I enjoy watching people enjoy themselves and I shoot as a hobby. and for something to do as fun, and I have no concern to be anal about my rifles because they are well built and can handle someone who's not a master handling them.
I do this for fun.
I went through most of the ammo today, but I fired very little of it. When I pulled up I started a conversation with a nice guy whom I'd met at the gas station in which he works and we really liked my rifles and I let him go to town with them. He was there with about 5 other people (two of which had just got here from India and one here just from somewhere in Africa) and they all enjoyed shooting, but this guy was really into it, but is very new to shooting.
I went to shoot from a little while, which I generally enjoy, bu today I had a good time watching these guys fire my rifles and have a blast with them. The one guy I was mostly speaking with really wanted to get rifles because he wanted to move beyond his .357 revolver and his .44 magnum revolver.
If someone is nice and respectful I am more than willing to let someone go to town with anyone of my firearms. I enjoy watching people enjoy themselves and I shoot as a hobby. and for something to do as fun, and I have no concern to be anal about my rifles because they are well built and can handle someone who's not a master handling them.
I do this for fun.
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