Convincing A Parent To Buy You A Gun

[IcemanUnlimited]

My 19th birthday is next month.. Money isn't an issue, I just want a cheap Hi-Point handgun. My mom is fairly neutral on guns yet I'm worried she'll say no if I ask for one from her. Any tips or advice on convincing her if necessary?

 

[kingpin008]

Outside of demonstrating that you're responsible enough to own/handle a gun, I don't see any other way to "convince" her. If she's worried about it being dangeorus, you could point her towards sites like corneredcat.com and the like, but ultimately it's her house and her rules, ya know?

Good luck, and happy (early) birthday.

 

[Tomcat47]

Federal Law: Age 21 for Handgun

Provided that federal law and the laws of both the dealer's and purchaser's states and localities are complied with:

An individual 21 years of age or older may acquire a handgun from a dealer federally licensed to sell firearms in the individual's state of residence.[7]

An individual 18 years of age or older may purchase a rifle or shotgun from a federally licensed dealer in any state. However, the applicant may not purchase a pistol gripped long gun that does not have a shoulder stock until he or she is 21 years of age.

And when considering state by state laws, remember this....Federal Law Supersedes State law.

Better wait on this one! And Mom cannot buy it in her name for you! Big NO-NO!

 

[hirundo82]

Your mother cannot buy a handgun for you with the intention of getting around the federal background check--that's a federal felony for both of you. She can buy one for you as a gift because then she is the actual purchaser; she cannot buy one for you with your money because you are the actual purchaser in that case.

Under federal law, the only way for you to purchase a handgun while under 21 is in a private party transaction. IIRC Minnesota still requires a permit to purchase, so I don't know if that is an option in your case.

 

[firemanstrickland]

hold on just one second, you DO NOT have to be 21 to own a handgun in sc. If it is a gift you can have one and if it is a private transaction your legal, the only thing you cant do is buy from a dealer of course im not sure about mn. good luck, focus on your mom getting you one, not the legal side.

 

[IcemanUnlimited]

I can legally own the handgun at age 18, you can legally buy a gun as a gift as well.. So this is perfectly legal.

 

[firemanstrickland]

explain to her the safety precautions you will be taking, let her know you know what your doing, be an adult about it, give it to her strait.

 

[IcemanUnlimited]

Forgot she'll need a Permit To Purchase... She might not want to fill out all that crap. This isn't looking so good.

 

[CraigC]

Boy, the armchair legal team is hard at work trying to ruin Christmas.

 

[Jim Watson]

My first pistol was a 9mm (you could get Lugers pretty cheap in prehistorical days) and that was a BIG mistake. I kicked and blasted myself into a flinch that still shows up.

I recommend a nice .22 so you can learn something and not just make fireworks.
That approach might help you convince Mom you are responsible and serious.

 

[IcemanUnlimited]

Well I'm not a rookie with firearms, nor am I a professional. =P

 

[kingcheese]

ok, lets cover the basics first.

in most states you can legally own a handgun at the age of 18
according to federal law, you have to be 21 to buy a handgun(there are ways around this)
it is legal for a legal gaurdian to provide a handgun to a minor for supervised personal use
and it is legal for family to provide someone with a firearm for personal use assuming they are not a minor

i am 18, turning 19 next month, i live in Indiana, and i can legally carry a concealed weapon, although i can not buy a hangun, or handgun ammo, handgun ammo thing is a state law, not federal

i got my parents to buy a gun for me by telling them i needed another interesting firearm for my collection, i got a nagant revolver, i dont ever carry the thing unless i am going to shoot it

i would say that it would help if the gun you wanted had some historical/sporting use, like a revolver or single shot pistol for hunting, hi points are cheap, and that isnt a good thing

it would be like spending 100 dollars on a car recently used in a demolitiond derby so you could use it as a daily driver, vs spending 1000 dollars on a car that runs, but is well used

your best bet is to choose a high qaulity gun, for a non defensive purpose

 

[DAP90]

If you haven’t already – get some safety training. Make sure you have a cert or class information to show, etc. Pick out a safe or whatever to secure the gun in the house. Show her that you’ve considered all the angles and are trying to think it through.

Then, there’s something to be said for competition in a structured environment. I know you said you’re interested in a Hi-Point. Instead, maybe find a shooting sport you’re interested in and choose an appropriate gun for that. She’s likely to feel better if there’s an organized event with judges, range officers, official rules and something to compete for.

 

[Telekinesis]

according to federal law, you have to be 21 to buy a handgun(there are ways around this)

That's not completely true. Fed law only says that a FFL can't transfer agun to anyone under 21. It says nothing about actually purchasing the gun. FTF sales are perfectly legal for anyone 18 and older as far as fed law goes. (states may differ on private sales and age though)

I agree with kingcheese as far as going for a quality gun, but for different reasons. Choosing a higher quality gun (and a bit more expensive) shows not only that you are looking for something to last and not just something for a quick thrill, but also that you are willing to sacrifice to achieve that goal. There is no need to go all out on a brand new thousand dollar HK, just something that is a bit more durable than a hi-point. Maybe one of those P6 imports that were about $350. Nothing says class like a Sig!

A better gun will also last longer. For example, my family has a gun that has been handed down for over 100 years and is still in good working order. Wouldn't you want your first pistol to be something your great grandkids can shoot?

Also, and this may be some really bad advice depending on your specific situation, but assuming you're out of the house already, your parents don't have to know about any guns… (which would mean private transfer only)

And for the record, some parents just can't be convinced. My parents funded a 14,000 round/year competitive shotgun habit, but flatly refused to get me anything approaching a rifle or pistol, including a bolt rifle strictly for range use. They still don't know about any of my pistols…

+1 on getting into some form of competitive shooting. But be warned, it's very addicting. I started out with the intention of just doubt a little here and there for the fun of it, and wound up loving it and traveling across the country for competitions every week!

 

[IcemanUnlimited]

I started out trying to do private sale. I still have a few listings posted around, but it's tough because it needs to be local. I may just stick with that to keep it simple.. Then the only parties that need to be involved are the seller and I. Government not being involved is also a perk.

About the Hi-Point part of it.. That's not really up for discussion. I've taken my time and done lots of research and this is what I'm going with. If I am wrong, at least it wasn't an expensive mistake.

 

[Davek1977]

it would be like spending 100 dollars on a car recently used in a demolitiond derby so you could use it as a daily driver, vs spending 1000 dollars on a car that runs, but is well used

Hi-points are inexpensive, yes, but by and large, the overwhelming statement from those who actually own or shoot them is that they are quite reliable, have amazing warranty service (for the lifetime of the gun, regardless of number of owners), and are generally quite undervalued by most. yes, they are heavy, ugly, and don't have the classic lines of say a 1911. However, they do shoot, and quite accurately AND reliably by many accounts. They aren't everyone's cup of tea, but for someone looking for a HD gun on a budget or a range toy, I haven't read or heard anything that would steer me against buying one. Comparing them to a car that's been run through a demo derby just isn't a fair statement IMO. I'd rather spend $150 on a hipoint that worked out the box than $600 on a kimber that MIGHT work right after a 200 ( and roughly another 60 bucks in ammo cost...if using CHEAP ammo)) round break in period. The name on the slide or the price tag says very little about how reliable a gun is. it sounds like the poster has done his research and has his mind made up. He isn't asking for fireams advice, just acquisition advice

 

[bigfatdave]

Boy, the armchair legal team is hard at work trying to ruin Christmas.

As always, the "I watch CSI" legal team has an opinion ... you're surprised?

Iceman ... just buy local and private, you're probably better off getting a .22lr target gun, you won't have as much hassle buying ammo and you can shoot a lot more ammo per dollar on rimfire. Browning Buckmark or Ruger mk__ or 22/45, or whatever rimfire pistol strikes your fancy will be a lot easier to find a private seller for than an ultra-cheap centerfire handgun. At least near me you don't see a lot of the cheapo centerfire guns popping up used, people buy them because they need them, not as toys. People do buy target pistols as toys and sell them off fairly often, making them easier to find on the used/private market.

 

[axxxel]

Well why doesn't she want to buy you the pistol? Start there! If she's "afraid" of guns or concerned rather, then maybe you should try a completely different approach. Show her that you understand firearms safety by spending your own money on a safety class, or change the item on your wishlist from a black scary handgun to a friendly rifle. That could help emphasize that what you're looking for in the gun is a way to learn marksmanship and responsibiliy.

Edit: Or if you're really into handgunning you can replace your black scary handgun with a friendly .22 handgun.

Btw I'm more of a rifleman myself and there is a .22 rifle on the top of my to buy list right now.

When funds are limited (which they usually are for young people anyway - I'm 22) the price of ammo really impacts how much shooting you are going to do.

I have an m14s in my gun safe but I haven't shot it in months because I need to put my student loan money towards rent and food.

Plenty of dry firing going on though...

 

[Davek1977]

Well why doesn't she want to buy you the pistol?

He doesn't know that she WON'T buy him one....just "afraid" she MIGHT not. He's yet to discuss the issue with her

 

[kingcheese]

Fed law only says that a FFL can't transfer agun to anyone under 21

and buying a gun from someone who is not an FFL is the way around it

 

[Shadow 7D]

HA HA HA HA
no really, that's funny
Tell your mom that you would like X
and hope she's up a conversation about it
Or, you might just get a pack of underwear and two packs of socks.

 

[kingcheese]

i guess if you want a semi auto i can respect that, i just dont like most semi autos that much, i like the old time semi autos, like pre ww2 design, but outside of that im a revolver ad sigle shot pistol kinda guy

and back to my car anology, all i was getting at is that you can do more with a slightly more expensive gun, accessories, and parts would be easier toget, mabee a little more comfortable, but if you want a hi-point, its not like im gonna stop you

 

[msparks]

Too bad you are not in my family.

My daughter graduates high school today. Her gifts include.

1. Title to the truck I gave her 2 years ago.
2. Luggage, (hint don't stick around too long)
3. S&W Model 60 .357 Profession 3" barrel.

My dad gave me a gun for graduation, so I figure this would be a great thing to pass on. Though he gave me a "cheap" Llama 1911 clone that would jam even on ball ammo.

The Model 60 pro is a beautiful gun that I hope she will have with her the rest of her life.

"Go out into the world in awe. Explore, experience, and live life to the fullest. Just be ware it is not all balloons and bubble gum, be prepared, be aware, and always protect yourself"

Good luck with your mom. Maybe you could sign up for a safety class. Many ranges will rent you a gun for the class, once you do this, it will demonstrate you are responsible.

 

[InkEd]

I would suggest you just buy yourself a rifle. It sounds like alot of hoops to jump through in your home state to get a handgun. Also, I suggest you wait/save-up more money and buy a nicer pistol. You'll be happier with the higher quality and pride of ownership.

 

[IcemanUnlimited]

I'm not at all interested in a rifle at this point. I have a shotgun I want but it's a few hundred dollars more.

I said this earlier:

About the Hi-Point part of it.. That's not really up for discussion. I've taken my time and done lots of research and this is what I'm going with. If I am wrong, at least it wasn't an expensive mistake.