Convincing mom to let a .22LR in..

[The_Next_Generation]

Hey everyone,

As you may or may not know, I currently "possess" but one firearm. My (passed) grandfather's 1957 Remington 740 ADL in .30-06. It is no surprise to me, but I really love shooting. Unfortunately, being only 17 and jobless (too many chores around here to do) feeding a .30-06 on my own dime(s) is not financially possible. Therefore, I set out to find a solution. I wanted to shoot, and CHEAPLY.

This is when I discovered the wonders of the vast assortment of 22LR rifles available.

Only seven bucks for 100 match grade cartridges I was in love.

So I started doing some research, and decided that the CZ455 American with a Mueller 4.5-14x40 on top would serve me well.

However, I have hit a snag. My dad said he would (reluctantly) allow me to purchase the rifle. But, he had to clear it with my mom.. :banghead:

So he talked to my mom the other day about it, and apparently she does not want "another gun" in the house. My dad said I should talk to her more about it.

So, I called her today (she is on a book tour on the east coast) and discussed all my main points: "It's a fantastic rifle, I've read only positive reviews about the rifle/company, I want to practice my marksmanship more, Its more economical.." etc. etc. I made sure to stress that the driving force in my decision was to make my new hobby more economical.

She said she'd think about it some more, and talk to my father. Usually, I can talk to my mom about something like this and we can come to a mutual agreement rather quickly, this time it seems like she wont budge.

Of course, I could suggest we have the 06 stored at another location. But I wouldn't feel right asking someone else to store my grandfather's only rifle because we can't handle it in addition to a 22LR.

As a side note, my mom loves going shooting with her "daddy's gun". I was even the one that taught her how to shoot the thing. I also showed her pictures of the CZ455 to which she commented, "Its beautiful!". I am really confused as to why she seems so against the purchase now. Maybe some of you guys out there have experience with this sort of thing, only with your wives?

Just looking for some advice, feedback, and other insight.
Thanks all,

The Next Generation
73

 

[ljnowell]

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles my young friend. I grew up in household were firearms were common christmas and birthday gifts, so I have no experience to draw from. I would suggest that you try to find ways to stress to your mom that you are mature enough to handle having a second firearm. Take the initiative to set up some good security for them. Perhaps save and buy a safe first, then a another rifle. Such an action may help. It doesnt have to be an expensive one to give your mom a sense of "security."

It seems you are a sensible young man, I am sure she will see that soon enough. However, remember, you are getting to the point where you can be your own man and strike out on your own soon. Believe me, a few years isnt much in the grand scheme of things.There is a whole lifetime to buy guns and shoot ahead of you, dont make it to big of an issue between you and your mom.

 

[hammerklavier]

Maybe if you showed her the ballistics comparison between .22 LR and .30-06. Noting that the .22 LR is not a toy, but was developed for small game and has since become the most widely accepted target rifle. Seeing how much less powerful it is might sway her.

 

[The_Next_Generation]

Great points ljnowell and hammerklavier. If she ultimately decides against it, I only have to wait a few years until I can have my own place and my own rules. However, I really like the idea of a ballistics comparison. Maybe it will appeal to my mom's scientific side.

Of course, anyone else who wants to chime in is welcome!

- TNG

 

[Eric M]

What exactly are her concerns about having another rifle in the house?

If you think you're frustrated, my mom won't even let me have airsoft.

 

[orionengnr]

First, take a loaded .30'06 cartridge and a loaded .22LR cartridge and show them to her, side by side. Given the visual, it will not be difficult to explain the difference in relative weight, power, recoil and expense per round.

Then explain the financial aspect--30'06 is buck a round (or more) for commercial ammo, and that .22LR is about .03 per round. Once again, given the visual, that will be easy to understand.

Then find someone with a .22LR rifle and take her shooting. It will help her to understand the vast difference between the two, and why you want "another" one. Many people think "a gun is a gun...why do you need more than one?" because they do not understand how different each can be, and how useful one may be for a given purpose. Explain that the 30'06 is well suited to deer hunting (unless she would find that intensely distatseful, in which case think of another way to approach it) but that the .22 is perfectly suited to paper target practice and developing/maintaining proficiency.

You say she has shot the 30'06. Once she shoots the .22, the light bulb will come on. You just have to get her to that point.

Make the discussion a visually-based and interactive one. Think "Show and Tell".

Let us know how it works out.

 

[yellatynot]

My wife is a published author, just as you mother, so you may wish to try what I did. I asked her to go to the range with me and meet the Shooters. When she realized that
A) They where not a bunch of bubbas
B) It is safe, fun, educational, entertaining etc,
C) A large number of ladies shoot
D) did I mention a large number of ladies shoot
The informed are less likely to fear and more likely to agree

 

[The_Next_Generation]

If you think you're frustrated, my mom won't even let me have airsoft.

Eric M, I've jumped that hurdle too, only a few years ago. It can be very difficult.

Personally, I think the airsoft wall is much harder to jump than the airgun/rifle fence. Because generally speaking, an airsoft gun is for shooting other "airsofters". In short, all many parents see are young adults using extremely realistic (and "scary looking") replicas to shoot one another in a combat fashion. Whereas with an airgun or a rifle, you will most likely be paper-punching (or varmit hunting, depending on your location). Also, an airsoft gun does not teach the same lessons as a rifle. With an airsoft gun, you can afford to be relatively careless in maintenance and action. However, with a rifle (air or conventional) the consequences can be much worse as a result of carelessness.

Airsoft is great tool for practicing tactics. Unfortunately, many parents view it as just another violent outlet for society. What worked for me was proving to my parents that I am responsible (I know it seems cliche). Talk to them about eye protection, research you've done, what laws will apply, where you will play and with who, etc. Did I mention eye protection?

Good luck!
- TNG

 

[CharlesT]

Maybe she wants to get you a .22 rifle when she returns home and spend some time with you shooting it.

 

[chhodge69]

Sounds like they may be stalling till Christmas... maybe.

 

[22-rimfire]

After you try some of the stuff mentioned, suggest that they put a trigger lock on the gun so that you can't shoot it except when they approve. This may go for a while, but they'll warm up to you after seeing how much you are enjoying it and how it may spark interest in such things as ballistics (math & physics), a drive for improvement of your skills, and the demonstration of your competence with the gun in a safe manner.

Your mom may well warm up to shooting with you. Parents really like to see their children absorbed with good things.

I had my first 22 rifle in the 9th grade. I almost immediately was allowed to take walks in the woods, plink around the house and so forth with my brothers. If I took a walk in the woods around home, that 22 was with me.

I think your choice of the CZ and the Mueller is sound. I have a CZ452 Varmint with the Mueller APV 4.5-14x scope on it.

 

[Geckgo]

This might sway closely into the realm of "off topic" but I have some notes which might or might not be helpful. I'm not trying to be a fuddy duddy just noting some things.

"I don't want another gun in the house" - I don't know about your mother but my wife can be absurdly stubborn when she makes a comment, and beating around the bush with alternative data that doesn't directly impact what she said is just annoying. Figure out this statement and why she doesn't want another gun, then you will know how to approach. Maybe she is just insecure with loose weapons in the house, in which case the comment about the safe is very valid. You could start by asking your dad what she meant by this, he may be able to offer some insight as he should know her very well.

Second, if there is even a slim possibility, try to change the subject and start talking about getting a job and start applying. Having a job at 16-17 gives you a better bargaining chip. If your parents are spending less on you then they tend to worry less and you look more responsible, opens up a lot of freedom. This is how I got away with so much mischief in highschool but it works well for good causes as well. Offer to pay the water bill or something after you get your job and keep up on the chores also as best you can. You are going to have to balance chores and work someday, might as well get used to it.

If you get the job, save money for a safe first for your gun, then comment about how empty it looks

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Well I'd wait until she got back first. She may be busy with her work and not want to think about it much yet. Then explain why you want a .22. You love shooting and would like to get good at it but it's too expensive to shoot an '06 enough to become a marksman. Maybe look into the Appleseed program and show her that (it's a great program from what I've heard, haven't attended one yet) http://appleseedinfo.org/
I thought about talking with her about the safety aspect and how you'd be responsible, careful, etc. but if she's ok with you having a 30-06 that's probably not a big issue.
Most shooters have at least one .22lr. It's an economical way to enjoy the sport and improve ability without breaking the bank. My first firearm was a single-shot .22
If she doesn't object to it much but still doesn't want you to do it chhodge69 may be onto something as well.

 

[The_Next_Generation]

Geckgo, I would get a job. Unfortunately, not only do chores take time, but my course load is even more time-intensive. My AP Physics B class alone requires a minimum of 4 hours of work per night (The University of Washington awards 15 credits for a 4 on the AP test for this class). I view my schooling as my job, if I earn 15 credits at the UW, that is equivalent to several thousand dollars in tuition.

You are right about considering the reasons behind her not wanting "another gun" in the house. I did talk to my dad about this, but he was unsure.

As for all the other ideas, I think I will definitely try orionengnr's idea of an interactive discussion when she returns. I can probably scrounge up a .22LR cartridge from a neighbor.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Not that I'm advocating going against house rules, but you do not need their blessing to buy a rifle-you just can't buy it from an FFL. Private sale of long guns to a minor is perfectly legal at the federal level. That said, I don't know what Washington state laws are; You would need to research that yourself.

Point being, if you can find one for sale privately, and WA state doesn't prohibit you from possessing/purchasing privately, you can buy it yourself and find somewhere else to store it so that you won't be violating their rules. This is exactly what I did when I was 14.

Of course, it would still be best to come to an agreement with your folks, and for that, you already have many good suggestions

Mueller 4.5-14x40 on top would serve me well

Wayyyyyy more scope than necessary on a .22, and Muellers are not that great; Dark and narrow FOV. Take that $150 for scope and buy a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x; Much better quality and more than enough magnification for a rimfire.

 

[InkEd]

Tell her your dad said it was okay, it will save a bunch of money and that it will keep you from wearing out your grandfather's rifle. If "the authority of dad," "logical finacial savings" and "preservation of a family heirloom" doesn't persuade her; there's only one thing you can say at that point....

"Why not? It's not like you're here anyway?"

A little guilt about being away from her family should do the trick. (Just be careful moms are the originators of the guilt-trip and may turn it against you.)

 

[LJ-MosinFreak-Buck]

Inked, I think that's the wrong way to look at things... Just MY opinion.

I live with the folks as well, though for different reasons (job market stnks, and I can't find a job). But since I'm 22, if I want a gun, I go and buy it (providing the funds are there). It's gotten to the point that she doesn't even ask anymore, lol. At first, she used to protest, but being of legal age for rifles, it ended up with a "whatever" from her. Now, if she knows I was at the 'shop, she just says "I dont wanna know!" lol

 

[JHenry]

you could always just wait till your 18. Sucks to have the bug early. AS soon as i turned 18 i had a massive desire for an AK, sadly it never worked out

hopefully it will though

 

[Sav .250]

When you turn 18,things "should" change.

 

[Vermont]

Listen to her first. I'm not saying you should capitulate, but stop talking and find out why she doesn't want another gun in the house. Then you can work from there. Make sure you don't approach it as if you are trying to win. You are trying to find a solution that is acceptable to both of you. Also, let her know how important it is to you and why. That can be just as convincing as any other argument.

 

[22-rimfire]

A few comments on the scope choice.... pretty good scope for the money. The AO feature is handy for 22 ranges. I have had no problems with my Mueller.

If you are planning on walks in the woods or casual plinking sessions with friends or family, you might be happier with a 3-9x scope due to their size as compared to the APV. Consider the size of the Mueller. The Mueller is great for punching paper from the bench, but not as great for field use (my opinion). I also suggest you get a rimfire scope if it is not an AO scope.

 

[wannabeagunsmith]

Hmm, you know what works on my mom? Listen up:

1. History. She loves it. If you start rambling on about how, say, the .22 was one of the first self-contained cartridges, and how the Union used the idea to make bigger, better ones in the Civil War, it may help.
2. Friends? My mom was completely anti-gun until one of her friend's husbands got into shooting and realised that guns are important esp. in instances such as a "chinese invasion" or a government takeover, then she was TOTALLY fine with it. Then she let my dad buy guns. And pretty soon I may buy a nice gun of my own. So have a friend talk to her.
3. KEEP PRESSING!! Not annoying, but just randomly drop "facts" and stuff. works for me.


Hope this helps!

 

[Mike1234567]

Heh, heh... Tell her you need the rifle so you can write an article about rim fire target shooting. She, being a writer, may be so pleased that you, her offspring, are interested in writing that she may cave in.

 

[stonecutter2]

Don't press the issue too hard. Being too persistent can result in them saying no just because you've gotten annoying.

I agree with the approach of explaining the economics of it, 30-06 vs. 22LR is a vast price difference per round for target shooting. Say you enjoy shooting, and can do it for a lot less with just the investment of the other rifle.

They could be stalling for Christmas, but if they were I'd suspect they'd drop a bigger hint.

 

[jonn5335]

wait for you next birthday or christmas then lay down a giant guilt trip about how the only thing you want is a 22 have you thought about a Ruger 10/22 lots of aftermarket part if you decide to get into customizing your guns