Convincing A Parent To Buy You A Gun

[hso]

Any tips or advice on convincing her if necessary?

Like any gift you'd like to get from someone it is best if you're explicit.
In the case of family it is also often good to explain that it is as inexpensive a reliably working new item as available, but you wouldn't turn something down that was a bit better if they wanted to spend the extra money.
In the case of a firearm pointing out the utility of it never hurts, but if you live at home you'll have a hard time selling the idea if you include defense. If they thought home defense was an issue they'd already have guns for that purpose and they won't have as easy a time accepting that you having a gun in their home for home defense makes much sense.

 

[NavyLCDR]

better off getting a .22lr target gun, you won't have as much hassle buying ammo

He would have just as much legal hassle buying .22lr ammo for use in a handgun as he would buying 9mm or .45ACP ammo for use in a handgun. The law is exactly the same.

Personally, I think a .22 target pistol would be easier to convince mom to buy.

Also, maybe attend a handgun safety course with range time with mom? Especially if they have .22 pistols available for her to shoot. Never know, she might end up liking it.

 

[hermannr]

I'm with NavyLt. Talk her into a taking a handgun safety class,,,with you. First!

 

[hso]

That's a good idea since money isn't an issue.

Engage with your mother and both of you take a class together so that she can have more in common with you in an area that you're interested in.

The advantage to the .22 is that it the ammo is cheap in bulk and allows for a lot of shooting. It won't take long for Mom to want something "more" or happily want to get something more for you.

 

[Heretic]

Agree to "supervised use". She'll feel safer about it and it won't be long before she won't worry about it anymore. Thats how I got my first pistol at age 14.

 

[Tokarevsrule]

I got my first handgun when I was 17. It was a yugo tokarev. If I have the money my dad will fill out the paperwork. He has been teaching me gun safety since I was 8, so he knows I won't mess up.

 

[IcemanUnlimited]

I got my first handgun when I was 17. It was a yugo tokarev. If I have the money my dad will fill out the paperwork. He has been teaching me gun safety since I was 8, so he knows I won't mess up.

I'm jealous, my parents have nothing to do with guns. My cousin is an LEO, so at least he's someone to talk with lol.

Anyways guys.. Turns out this is going to be too much of a pain. I don't wanna put my mom through the hassle of loads of paperwork that will be required. I'm probably just going to stick with getting a used one myself in private trade.

 

[hirundo82]

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

Sorry, on first read it looked like he was going to ask his mom to purchase one for him with his money. I now see he was going to ask for it as a birthday gift, which is perfectly legal in most states.

It does stink that federal law makes it so difficult for a legal adult (which an 18/19 year-old is) to purchase a legal object. Hopefully that can be rectified through the courts in the next few years.

Until then, it's gifts and private purchases, and it is a shame that Minnesota makes you go through the permit to purchase process as well. If that isn't required for a private purchase (or if Minnesota law allows a 19 year-old to get a purchase permit), it's a good option (birthday money?).

If I have the money my dad will fill out the paperwork.

That's the kind of (illegal) transaction I thought the OP was proposing. Don't do that--it's a straw purchase, and a felony under federal law.

 

[CZguy]

I'm not at all interested in a rifle at this point.

Out of curiosity why?

 

[Curator]

Take the NRA Basic Pistol course and show her the diploma you recieve when you complete the class. Explain your plan to keep it in a safe place away from possible unauthorized use. Be prepared to spend your OWN money. Most parents understand responsibility and are prepared to encourage it.

 

[jhansman]

The legal aspect has been covered here pretty well, so I'll only add that your relationship with your mother is what's at stake. If you are concerned that she will say no, I would advise you to discuss her reasons with her. She may not know enough about handguns to make an educated decision about giving you one legally; convincing her is, IMO, less important than helping her understand the whole picture. That said, my wife is an anti through and through, and while she understands that I am a conscientious and safe gun owner, that does nothing to affect her opinion of guns and ownership. Good luck in working this out.

 

[IcemanUnlimited]

CZguy - I'm primarily interested in home defense and Conceal and Carry. The pretty much rules out a rifle.

jhansman - I'm pretty sure I'm just going to get it through private trade now.. Keep things simple.

 

[22-rimfire]

Since I had little experience with handguns as did my family, I waited until I was 21. Lots of long gun use and comfort and I had a 22 rifle when I was in the 9th grade. You have lots of time ahead of you. I do recommend a 22 handgun as a first handgun.

 

[Big_E]

I struggled with wanting a pistol for several years. I just waited until I turned 21 to buy them though, since I inherited a few from my grandfathers.

I went out and bought a CZ-75 and S&W 22A on my birthday. Personally, I think it's best to wait until legal age to avoid the hassle of having to buy ammo for pistols and whatnot.

The Hi-Point is a pretty decent pistol in it's own right. I even met the owner and he is a good guy who stands behind his products. My dad is a pretty good acquaintance with him.

 

[J-Bar]

In a very short time, you will be 21. And with luck you will be over 21 for a VERY long time. Enjoy being 19. Majority, and the rights and responsibilities that come with it, will come soon enough. When it does you won't have to talk to Mom at all...

 

[22-rimfire]

You do know that you have to be 21 to get a handgun carry permit in MN, right? http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/minnesota.pdf

Home protection, sure. What home? But if your parents don't want you to have a gun, then the home protection argument is kind of moot. Get your parents approval or wait until you are out on your own.

Added: I looked up MN laws for handgun purchase and there is a requirement for a purchase permit prior to the purchase of a handgun from a FFL dealer. I am confused as to whether it is legal to purchase a handgun from an individual (aka private sale) without a purchase permit in MN. Maybe somebody can clarify this. It is perfectly legal in my state as long as you are legally able to own a firearm.

 

[mortablunt]

Never happening. I'm not even allowed to buy a gun and keep it locked at a range. Here's the conversation.

Me: "Do you mind if I purchase a gun?"
Mother: "No, but you can't keep it in the house."
Me: "Then is it alright if I keep it locked up at a range?"
Mother: "No! You're not having a gun!"

I purchased a stiletto dagger that afternoon.

 

[withdrawn34]

Is there a reason you can't save up the money yourself?

 

[Ultravox]

You do know that you have to be 21 to get a handgun carry permit in MN, right? http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/minnesota.pdf

Home protection, sure. What home? But if your parents don't want you to have a gun, then the home protection argument is kind of moot. Get your parents approval or wait until you are out on your own.

Added: I looked up MN laws for handgun purchase and there is a requirement for a purchase permit prior to the purchase of a handgun from a FFL dealer. I am confused as to whether it is legal to purchase a handgun from an individual (aka private sale) without a purchase permit in MN. Maybe somebody can clarify this. It is perfectly legal in my state as long as you are legally able to own a firearm.

In MN you do not need a purchase permit to purchase a handgun from a private party. The law just says that they can't sell it to someone whom they know to be unable to purchase one. (Felon, etc.)

 

[mortablunt]

@ paul34:

I am planning on doing it with my own money. I never wanted or suggested to use my parents' funds to purchase weapons. Mom's just a bitch about this.