TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
Now THAT'S the kind of gun control I can deal with. Congrats! Sounds like a great kid!!!!
Children and Loaded Guns
- Thread starter Famine
- Start date
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Now THAT'S the kind of gun control I can deal with. Congrats! Sounds like a great kid!!!!
Five kids, 9yr, 6.5yr, 5yr, 3yr, 6mo.
No loaded long guns or revolvers, though I have a few loaded magazines, all ammo except for 1 mag is stored separately. All stored out of reach, all in cases. With my kids I don't feel the need to lock the cases.
My wife's Kel-Tec P11 was stored loaded (w/o round chambered) on a high book shelf by the bed, and the S&W 411 was stored with a loaded magazine in a pistol box (which the kids are not strong enough to open) out of reach, and none of them are strong enought to rack the slide - yet.
Then I got an XD-40. I deemed it not safe to keep loaded with one in the chamber (too easy for kid to manipulate the safeties and pull the trigger), but since I bought it as my primary HD weapon, I wanted to keep it "condition 1" so to speak. So I bought this for $25 at Wal-Mart:
https://www.honeywellsafes.com/sites/prod_detail.cfm?product_id=32
Now the XD and the P-11 reside in the box, rounds chambered, in Kydex holsters.
My kids are taught Eddie Eagle style as soon an they can understand. The 3 yr old isn't ready yet. On average it happens somewhere around 4-1/2 years. When I have been shooting the three oldest ones are apt to ask if they can see/hold the guns, which I always allow them to do, and every time we review Eddie Eagle, then it goes something like...
"What do I have to do before I hand you a gun?"
"Check if it's loaded."
"OK, let's check." (go through steps for that particular gun) "Is it loaded?"
"Nope."
"What do you do when I hand it to you?" (later, when they are able, I will add "don't trust me, check it yourself" to the list)
"Point it in a safe direction."
"OK. Where are you going to point it?"
"That way?"
"OK. What else?"
"Don't touch the trigger."
"OK. Here you go."
No loaded long guns or revolvers, though I have a few loaded magazines, all ammo except for 1 mag is stored separately. All stored out of reach, all in cases. With my kids I don't feel the need to lock the cases.
My wife's Kel-Tec P11 was stored loaded (w/o round chambered) on a high book shelf by the bed, and the S&W 411 was stored with a loaded magazine in a pistol box (which the kids are not strong enough to open) out of reach, and none of them are strong enought to rack the slide - yet.
Then I got an XD-40. I deemed it not safe to keep loaded with one in the chamber (too easy for kid to manipulate the safeties and pull the trigger), but since I bought it as my primary HD weapon, I wanted to keep it "condition 1" so to speak. So I bought this for $25 at Wal-Mart:
https://www.honeywellsafes.com/sites/prod_detail.cfm?product_id=32
Now the XD and the P-11 reside in the box, rounds chambered, in Kydex holsters.
My kids are taught Eddie Eagle style as soon an they can understand. The 3 yr old isn't ready yet. On average it happens somewhere around 4-1/2 years. When I have been shooting the three oldest ones are apt to ask if they can see/hold the guns, which I always allow them to do, and every time we review Eddie Eagle, then it goes something like...
"What do I have to do before I hand you a gun?"
"Check if it's loaded."
"OK, let's check." (go through steps for that particular gun) "Is it loaded?"
"Nope."
"What do you do when I hand it to you?" (later, when they are able, I will add "don't trust me, check it yourself" to the list)
"Point it in a safe direction."
"OK. Where are you going to point it?"
"That way?"
"OK. What else?"
"Don't touch the trigger."
"OK. Here you go."
ZeSpectre
Member
No kids in my house.
One loaded gun in a quick access safe which is bolted down in a good location. All other guns in a big safe, all ammo in another safety cabinet.
One loaded gun in a quick access safe which is bolted down in a good location. All other guns in a big safe, all ammo in another safety cabinet.
Raine
Member
We don't have children ourselves, but we do have loaded guns in the house, and I have one on my person most've the time. When friends with children come over, it takes less than a minute to lock a couple doors & put 3 up so that they are no longer accessible to their kids. It's also a convenient reason to keep the spare bedrooms & home office locked, so I can hide my clutter. 
When I was growing up, my dad kept most of the guns in one area of the house, and most've the ammo in another, but I knew where both were at a pretty early age. I also knew where the one loaded revolver was, once he was satisfied I could handle it safely and shoot on target, and was tall enough to reach the shelf. It was made clear from before I can remember that we weren't to touch any guns without his permission, or to tell anyone that they were in the house - friends, teachers, and law enforcement included. I'm [somewhat] grown now, and I still ask what I can use when I go home to hunt or shoot.
When I was growing up, my dad kept most of the guns in one area of the house, and most've the ammo in another, but I knew where both were at a pretty early age. I also knew where the one loaded revolver was, once he was satisfied I could handle it safely and shoot on target, and was tall enough to reach the shelf. It was made clear from before I can remember that we weren't to touch any guns without his permission, or to tell anyone that they were in the house - friends, teachers, and law enforcement included. I'm [somewhat] grown now, and I still ask what I can use when I go home to hunt or shoot.
Axman
Member
I have no children in my home. If I did have small toddlers I would have to keep one defense handgun unloade in my nightstand. The magazine would be in a separate drawer but in easy reach. It takes only a few seconds to insert the mag and slide a round into the chamber. As it is right now, there is a round in the chamber all I have to do is cock the hammer.
SamTuckerMTNMAN
Member
around since young
Like some other posters, I remember the fascination and fun of learning about firearms as a young kid. I started shooting a lot around 4 years. My grandpa gave me my first bb gun by 7 or 8. All family taught me to respect the weapons, staged 'accidental' discharges nearby to scare the crap out of me as to how quick accidents happen, and I was able to go out shooting by myself before 6th grade or so. Children are a lot different when raised with expectations and consistent discipline, and an investment of time using creative ways to educate them about firearms. Our country depends on these kids, and their parents.
This being said, I would definitely not leave a loaded weapon within range of a toddler or very young child. The risk is that if something did happen not only is it ammo for the socialists, its a preventable tragedy. We are the protectors of our homes and families!
Get kids educated, shoot with them, teach them to clean, maintain, fix, load, and break down weapons. Then teach them to shoot......
+1 to the guy with the squared away little girl!
ps - the game of TAG was banned this week and its spreading, now its been banned along with other 'chase' and games with 'win/lose' components in charleston SC, wyoming, and a few other places. What the hell is the country doing?
Like some other posters, I remember the fascination and fun of learning about firearms as a young kid. I started shooting a lot around 4 years. My grandpa gave me my first bb gun by 7 or 8. All family taught me to respect the weapons, staged 'accidental' discharges nearby to scare the crap out of me as to how quick accidents happen, and I was able to go out shooting by myself before 6th grade or so. Children are a lot different when raised with expectations and consistent discipline, and an investment of time using creative ways to educate them about firearms. Our country depends on these kids, and their parents.
This being said, I would definitely not leave a loaded weapon within range of a toddler or very young child. The risk is that if something did happen not only is it ammo for the socialists, its a preventable tragedy. We are the protectors of our homes and families!
Get kids educated, shoot with them, teach them to clean, maintain, fix, load, and break down weapons. Then teach them to shoot......
+1 to the guy with the squared away little girl!
ps - the game of TAG was banned this week and its spreading, now its been banned along with other 'chase' and games with 'win/lose' components in charleston SC, wyoming, and a few other places. What the hell is the country doing?
Glockfan.45
member
What do you mean? Are kids banned from playing tag at schools in those areas
?CowboyEngr
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2005
- Messages
- 58
I will tell you guys something that is understandably sensitive to me and I don't want your comments, support, or ridicule. My two sons were educated, obedient, well adjusted and intelligent. I have had guns all my life, educated my wife and children and am totally satisfied that they always followed my rules - right up to the day my 16 yr. old son was alone one day, went into the closet, got one rifle, went into another closet and retrieved the ammunition and then shot himself to death. It was un-diagnosed, under the radar depression. He was literally about the best kid you ever knew, but he did something I never even considered he would do. It's perhaps the worst thing that can ever happen to a parent.
You do what you want to, in your own house. My comments are only for your consideration. But, I now believe that all guns should be locked up in a safe, except for the one that is in your IMMEDIATE possession and control.
I love guns and don't blame anybody or anything. Yes, he could have chosen another way that I couldn't have prevented and maybe would have, but guns are especially dangerous for depressed boys and young men. They don't use pills, slit their wrists, or hang themselves (generally). They shoot themselves!
Take your children to the range, teach them gun safety, take them hunting, let them enjoy firearms in whatever way, but keep your guns locked up securely. When they are men of their own homes, they can make their own decisions about loaded guns, but don't let it happen in yours.
All I am saying is: I don't want this to happen to you. If you think it can't, then you are lying to yourself, ignorant, or are way too stubborn for your own good.
My surviving one son is now 23 (nearly 24) and has guns that I bought him and he bought himself. It is possible that he could repeat what his brother did, but he is now the man of his own house and a fine young man.
Best wishes,
Bob
You do what you want to, in your own house. My comments are only for your consideration. But, I now believe that all guns should be locked up in a safe, except for the one that is in your IMMEDIATE possession and control.
I love guns and don't blame anybody or anything. Yes, he could have chosen another way that I couldn't have prevented and maybe would have, but guns are especially dangerous for depressed boys and young men. They don't use pills, slit their wrists, or hang themselves (generally). They shoot themselves!
Take your children to the range, teach them gun safety, take them hunting, let them enjoy firearms in whatever way, but keep your guns locked up securely. When they are men of their own homes, they can make their own decisions about loaded guns, but don't let it happen in yours.
All I am saying is: I don't want this to happen to you. If you think it can't, then you are lying to yourself, ignorant, or are way too stubborn for your own good.
My surviving one son is now 23 (nearly 24) and has guns that I bought him and he bought himself. It is possible that he could repeat what his brother did, but he is now the man of his own house and a fine young man.
Best wishes,
Bob
Manedwolf
member
With appropriate hearing protection, I hope.
Hearing aids don't work too well for the popularity scene in high school...
MD_Willington
Member
I too have children. If things are not too busy and my son (4.5 years old) asks to see a firearm, then he can see it only if mom or dad show it to him, and only if we both (son and adult) verify there is no ammo in the firearm.
His sister on the other hand is 15 months, she just points and claps her hands, that means "I want to see it too".
Other than that, my gear is locked up seperate from the ammunition.
I do have my CPL but am not carrying at present, I'm trying to sort out a holster(s) that best fits what I have.
His sister on the other hand is 15 months, she just points and claps her hands, that means "I want to see it too".
Other than that, my gear is locked up seperate from the ammunition.
I do have my CPL but am not carrying at present, I'm trying to sort out a holster(s) that best fits what I have.
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22-rimfire
Member
When I was a kid, my parents bedroom was OFF LIMITS. To this day, I have rarely been in that room. Most of the guns were locked up until we got into our teens. However, that never stopped us from looking at them-unfortunately.
I'd keep the handguns in a safe unless it was concealed on my person. Period. Handguns are just too tempting for children of all ages. With very young children you might get away with keeping a loaded handgun on a high shelf beyond reach. They are very resourceful though when they want to be. I would keep a shotgun loaded with instructions not to EVER touch. I would tell them that the "kick" will knock them down until they got a lot bigger.
I would have a room in which they were NEVER welcome (office of sorts).
I'd keep the handguns in a safe unless it was concealed on my person. Period. Handguns are just too tempting for children of all ages. With very young children you might get away with keeping a loaded handgun on a high shelf beyond reach. They are very resourceful though when they want to be. I would keep a shotgun loaded with instructions not to EVER touch. I would tell them that the "kick" will knock them down until they got a lot bigger.
I would have a room in which they were NEVER welcome (office of sorts).
I have three kids.
Not all the guns I have are loaded but the rule in my house is such: if you are ever in the presence of a gun, you are always in the presence of a loaded gun - if not the one you are holding/looking at, then the one next to it.
I hope for the best and take all measures that my children could not access a gun, did not want to do so and knew what they are doing if they are holding a gun.
My 5-year old asked me to hold my Blue Gun replica of a J-frame snub. Once he got it, he complained that he could not unlock the cylinder to swing it out and check if it is loaded - as I taught him previously.
miko
Not all the guns I have are loaded but the rule in my house is such: if you are ever in the presence of a gun, you are always in the presence of a loaded gun - if not the one you are holding/looking at, then the one next to it.
I hope for the best and take all measures that my children could not access a gun, did not want to do so and knew what they are doing if they are holding a gun.
My 5-year old asked me to hold my Blue Gun replica of a J-frame snub. Once he got it, he complained that he could not unlock the cylinder to swing it out and check if it is loaded - as I taught him previously.
miko
sicario103
Member
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2006
- Messages
- 196
I believe that children should be introduced to firearms at an early age. It's better you teach them about the responsabilities it entails, the positive sides and how dangerous it can be in the wrong hands, then have one of their friends "introduce" him to a firearm.
Anyways, in Venezuela, where I got my nephews (age 9,7,3), I always have my primary gun on me at all times even when I'm home. My back up, if not with me, is stashed away in the top of my closet loaded with one in the tube at all times. I trust my 2 oldest nephews with a loaded gun (I have taken them to ranges lots of times where they have shot everything I had or get their hands on and understand the potential dangers). But even so, I don't risk it by having a loaded gun within their reach when I'm not present.
Now about being asked by other parents. No, I haven't been asked yet. And I wouldn't tell them that I have guns at home if asked. The less people know you're armed the better for you. Plus, I'm not retarded if I have guests (especially kids), I take the necessary precautions.
In Canada, all my visitors are adults, so all my hunting rifles/shotguns are in the gunsafe and ammo in the ammo safe until I need to "prepare" for a hunt or a day at the range since I sometimes have alot of people in the house or a drinking session sparks without advance warning. It's funny though, I trust my nephews ALOT more than I trust my friends when it comes down to a loaded firearm.
Anyways, in Venezuela, where I got my nephews (age 9,7,3), I always have my primary gun on me at all times even when I'm home. My back up, if not with me, is stashed away in the top of my closet loaded with one in the tube at all times. I trust my 2 oldest nephews with a loaded gun (I have taken them to ranges lots of times where they have shot everything I had or get their hands on and understand the potential dangers). But even so, I don't risk it by having a loaded gun within their reach when I'm not present.
Now about being asked by other parents. No, I haven't been asked yet. And I wouldn't tell them that I have guns at home if asked. The less people know you're armed the better for you. Plus, I'm not retarded if I have guests (especially kids), I take the necessary precautions.
In Canada, all my visitors are adults, so all my hunting rifles/shotguns are in the gunsafe and ammo in the ammo safe until I need to "prepare" for a hunt or a day at the range since I sometimes have alot of people in the house or a drinking session sparks without advance warning. It's funny though, I trust my nephews ALOT more than I trust my friends when it comes down to a loaded firearm.
Sean Dempsey
Member
I see the statement "I trust my kids" in this thread alot.
My weapons are locked away and unloaded, like I said before, unless they are in MY care, custody, and control. That means, I don't care how much I trust you, your kid, my kid, my parents, or ANYONE for that matter. Accidents with guns are always unplanned, and often by people who SWEAR they were doing everything right. Trust != accident-free
There are alot of smart, responsible adults who can mishandle a gun. As well as kids. Are we forgetting the definition of accident, i.e:
accident: 1 a : an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance b : lack of intention or necessity
I don't care if my kid is 25 with NRA certifications and pistol trophies. My guns are either locked away, or in my friggin' hand.
My weapons are locked away and unloaded, like I said before, unless they are in MY care, custody, and control. That means, I don't care how much I trust you, your kid, my kid, my parents, or ANYONE for that matter. Accidents with guns are always unplanned, and often by people who SWEAR they were doing everything right. Trust != accident-free
There are alot of smart, responsible adults who can mishandle a gun. As well as kids. Are we forgetting the definition of accident, i.e:
accident: 1 a : an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance b : lack of intention or necessity
I don't care if my kid is 25 with NRA certifications and pistol trophies. My guns are either locked away, or in my friggin' hand.
4 Handguns, 2 young girls, 1 safe and to digital lockboxes under the bed.
I always keep my guns either on me or under lock and key. My dad was a cop and never locked his guns up. I knew proper gun handling at a young age, and in not so nice terms my father threatened to beat me if I played with his guns. That said I probably touched or handled my father guns a dozen times without his permission DO NOT TRUST YOUR KIDS!
I always keep my guns either on me or under lock and key. My dad was a cop and never locked his guns up. I knew proper gun handling at a young age, and in not so nice terms my father threatened to beat me if I played with his guns. That said I probably touched or handled my father guns a dozen times without his permission
DO NOT TRUST YOUR KIDS!Flak_Jakett
Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2006
- Messages
- 172
When I was single I always kept a loaded weapon near me at all times. When friends came over with children or not I always made sure that all weapons except the one I was carrying were locked up. Now, I have a 5 year old daughter.
I keep my rifles in my closet unloaded. I have a built in cupboard in my room that has two 6' high cupboards. My wife can't even reach my loaded pistols in there. A gun safe is a purchase in my near future, but my current set up is good enough for a few more years.
I keep my rifles in my closet unloaded. I have a built in cupboard in my room that has two 6' high cupboards. My wife can't even reach my loaded pistols in there. A gun safe is a purchase in my near future, but my current set up is good enough for a few more years.
starsandstriper
Member
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2006
- Messages
- 73
Im 15, all of our guns are locked and stored in a safe. but i have a key to the safe and keys to my guns locks. "my" 1100 20 gauge and my mossberg 500 .410. i know that i am very trustworthy, and we have problems with losing pets to coyotes. if my dad didnt let me protect my dogs and cats with a gun, he knows i would still try to do it without the guns and potentially get hurt.
RGBydand
Member
My wife and I have two girls, 4 and 2 years old. The 4 year old knows I have guns and knows not to handle them (yet). The 2 year old's hands are too small to pull a trigger (she's petite like my wife), but the 4 year old could. I keep my Sig P226 with a trigger lock, no mag inserted, no bullets in the case, and case locked with 2 combo-locks. Not exactly burglar ready, but even IF my 4 year old could open the storage case, the trigger lock will prevent any accident. My shotgun is kept similarly. I wish I could feel safe about loading them, but can't. I've seen others post about safes and the like. I like the idea of having quick access to a loaded weapon to protect my family, but would like to do so ONLY in a way that would prevent ANY possibility of an accident. I have looked at GunVaults and other products. I see they have a key lock, and a four button combo/sequence lock. they advertise "Over 12 million User-Selectable Access Codes Available" Does anyone have experience with devices like this?
My daughter is two years old, I have a small Brinks lockbox that I keep my pistol in, it is locked when I get up in the morning and unlike before I go to bed, basically unless she is asleep or it is on my person the Pistol stays locked up. I keep my long guns in a metal locker, won't keep a theif out but it will keep the guns out of her hands.
psychophipps
Member
I got a horror story about this...
My friend decided to go get his shotgun back after loaning it for quite a while to a mutual aquaintance. So they chat a bit in the living room and eventually go onto the bedroom where the gun is being stored:
Right next the aquaintances bed.
In plain sight.
Loaded.
One in the chamber.
Safety off. :banghead:
With three kids aged 4-10 in the house.
My friend just took the shotgun and left but I probably would have given him a good smackin'...
Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )
My friend decided to go get his shotgun back after loaning it for quite a while to a mutual aquaintance. So they chat a bit in the living room and eventually go onto the bedroom where the gun is being stored:
Right next the aquaintances bed.
In plain sight.
Loaded.
One in the chamber.
Safety off. :banghead:
With three kids aged 4-10 in the house.
My friend just took the shotgun and left but I probably would have given him a good smackin'...
Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )
I have dozens of guns. All except one are locked in safes all of the time. I keep a loaded Kimber in a holster on my hip ALL of the time. When I go to bed it is still holstered on my pants right next to me. I have 3 teenage boys in my house. They all know how to handle guns safely.
I have never left a loaded gun anywhere that anyone can get to it. I know how quickly s*** can happen. As long as the boys are living here I'll continue to keep the guns safely locked up.
I have never left a loaded gun anywhere that anyone can get to it. I know how quickly s*** can happen. As long as the boys are living here I'll continue to keep the guns safely locked up.
cassandrasdaddy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2006
- Messages
- 4,206
not trying
to criticize anyone else or say that they should do it like this. but i'm uber paranoid in this area. i have a friend whose 5 year old shot and killed his 10m year old brother.a few years went by and one night half in the bag dad confessed to me that it wasn't an accident the 5 year old was mad and killed his brother on purpose and dad covered it up. since then i have been over worried. my critter would climb in my lap and turn the key to start moms car when she was 18-20 months and then grab the gear shift to try to put it in gear. shes been around enough shooting that she definitly understands the mechanics and while i believe shes as gun safe as you can make a kid i'm not a gambler. and i don't know what her lil friends might do so i have a small safe that hides between the studs in a wall cavity and opens to mine and wife fingerprint with a key backup. someday i will add kids print to safe memory but shes 5 a lil young yet i think.
to criticize anyone else or say that they should do it like this. but i'm uber paranoid in this area. i have a friend whose 5 year old shot and killed his 10m year old brother.a few years went by and one night half in the bag dad confessed to me that it wasn't an accident the 5 year old was mad and killed his brother on purpose and dad covered it up. since then i have been over worried. my critter would climb in my lap and turn the key to start moms car when she was 18-20 months and then grab the gear shift to try to put it in gear. shes been around enough shooting that she definitly understands the mechanics and while i believe shes as gun safe as you can make a kid i'm not a gambler. and i don't know what her lil friends might do so i have a small safe that hides between the studs in a wall cavity and opens to mine and wife fingerprint with a key backup. someday i will add kids print to safe memory but shes 5 a lil young yet i think.
1911 guy
Member
Three loaded guns and a two year old.
My wife and I keep the following:
her Sig is locked up when not on her person during the day, set on top of the bedside safe at night.
My .45 is either on me or unloaded in a drawer.
The 12 ga. is "cruiser ready" on a wall mounted rack about six feet off the floor.
The handguns aren't a concern, they're either being carried or secured.
The shotgun may be a concern in a few more years when our son can reach higher, but hopefully by then we'll have gun-proofed our son.
My wife and I keep the following:
her Sig is locked up when not on her person during the day, set on top of the bedside safe at night.
My .45 is either on me or unloaded in a drawer.
The 12 ga. is "cruiser ready" on a wall mounted rack about six feet off the floor.
The handguns aren't a concern, they're either being carried or secured.
The shotgun may be a concern in a few more years when our son can reach higher, but hopefully by then we'll have gun-proofed our son.
PennsyPlinker
Member
When our three children were young, I kept the gun unloaded and hidden from them. They knew we had it, but never really knew where. Now that they are older (the youngest is 14), and even for some years now, they have all had practice in handling them, learning how to load, unload, shoot, etc. They have also been mercilessly drilled over and over that you never point or even wave a gun in the direction of another person, even if the action is open, and every gun is always loaded, even if it is not.
One time when the youngest was about nine, I sent her to the nightstand to get the fingernail clippers so I could fix her hangnail. She came back without the clippers. When I asked why, she said that the gun was in her way, and she was not allowed to touch it. They aren't always that good in every area, but when it comes to the guns, we have never had a problem.
When other kids come to the house, or even other adults, all of the guns get locked up except the one I have. I don't have to worry about whether or not I can trust them that way.
One time when the youngest was about nine, I sent her to the nightstand to get the fingernail clippers so I could fix her hangnail. She came back without the clippers. When I asked why, she said that the gun was in her way, and she was not allowed to touch it. They aren't always that good in every area, but when it comes to the guns, we have never had a problem.
When other kids come to the house, or even other adults, all of the guns get locked up except the one I have. I don't have to worry about whether or not I can trust them that way.
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