Who among your neighbors is pro or anti gun? How do you determine this? If the topic comes up and you find out they own guns, do you tell them in turn… or do you stay mum?
The reason I bring this up, is I’ve heard some THR members rant to NEVER reveal to anyone if you own a gun- the less people who know the better. I understand the logic there- but aren’t you curious to know who on your block does own guns and what their views are?
Maybe your neighbor could be a clay shooting pal but you’d never know if you don’t breech the topic.
Here is my story. We’ve lived in our new town house for six months. Generally it is younger couples- the town houses are new construction and it is a nice neighborhood. We finally got around to having a small BBQ with the neighbors (there are six town houses in a row) and it’s a general “get to know you” social function.
In conversation I played my cards pretty close to the vest, but as the night continued some common topics came up- lawn watering, deck maintenance, the other neighbors, and then… home security. Of course, first a few people said they have security systems (as advertised by the signs on their yards), but then one guy stepped up and said “I have a Sig Sauer pistol… you can’t wait around for 911 if intruders break in.” My ears perk up- things were getting interesting! Then my next door neighbor chimes in “I have a bat and knife in case anyone breaks in.” I stifle a chuckle, but hey he means well.
By night’s end I find out four out of six of the town houses are armed. One guy is former Army and is really into guns (and I never knew it). And even the single girl (GOP) has a Glock! It was a real delight to find out if things go sour around here, we won’t be the only ones armed. And not a single Hillary Clinton reaction to the conversation- we lucked out with good neighbors!
How did I react to this topic? I really resisted the urge to show my cards. Despite having enough Warsaw Pact rifles and ammo in the house to equip a Russian squad for patrol in downtown Grozny, I downplayed things and only mentioned I had a shotgun for shooting clays and self-defense. No need to reveal the full extent of the arsenal.
So this thread doesn’t apply to those of you who live out in the sticks and don’t interact with anyone, or those in apartments where you get neighbors moving in and out every year. I am opening this up to anyone who wants to share experiences about the following:
- do you know which of your neighbors are pro or anti gun?
- how did you determine this?
- do you have a “zero disclosure” policy? (don’t tell anyone you own guns, regardless if the neighbor would make a great shooting pal)
- have you had any positive or negative reactions to neighbors who found out you own guns?
- have you ever been able to convert a neighbor or introduce him/her to guns?
(note: I'm not looking for flip replies on how you never tell anyone what guns you own, if this is the case elaborate on it)
* To end this on a positive note- my next door neighbor (who is currently unarmed) later came to me and said “you know, I really think I should look into getting a gun for home defense, maybe you could give me some tips.” So now, I am looking forward to instructing him on gun safety/education, getting some range time in, and then advising him on a good HD shotgun/pistol.
The reason I bring this up, is I’ve heard some THR members rant to NEVER reveal to anyone if you own a gun- the less people who know the better. I understand the logic there- but aren’t you curious to know who on your block does own guns and what their views are?
Maybe your neighbor could be a clay shooting pal but you’d never know if you don’t breech the topic. Here is my story. We’ve lived in our new town house for six months. Generally it is younger couples- the town houses are new construction and it is a nice neighborhood. We finally got around to having a small BBQ with the neighbors (there are six town houses in a row) and it’s a general “get to know you” social function.
In conversation I played my cards pretty close to the vest, but as the night continued some common topics came up- lawn watering, deck maintenance, the other neighbors, and then… home security. Of course, first a few people said they have security systems (as advertised by the signs on their yards), but then one guy stepped up and said “I have a Sig Sauer pistol… you can’t wait around for 911 if intruders break in.”
My ears perk up- things were getting interesting! Then my next door neighbor chimes in “I have a bat and knife in case anyone breaks in.” I stifle a chuckle, but hey he means well. By night’s end I find out four out of six of the town houses are armed.
One guy is former Army and is really into guns (and I never knew it). And even the single girl (GOP) has a Glock! It was a real delight to find out if things go sour around here, we won’t be the only ones armed. And not a single Hillary Clinton reaction to the conversation- we lucked out with good neighbors! How did I react to this topic? I really resisted the urge to show my cards. Despite having enough Warsaw Pact rifles and ammo in the house to equip a Russian squad for patrol in downtown Grozny, I downplayed things and only mentioned I had a shotgun for shooting clays and self-defense. No need to reveal the full extent of the arsenal.
So this thread doesn’t apply to those of you who live out in the sticks and don’t interact with anyone, or those in apartments where you get neighbors moving in and out every year. I am opening this up to anyone who wants to share experiences about the following:
- do you know which of your neighbors are pro or anti gun?
- how did you determine this?
- do you have a “zero disclosure” policy? (don’t tell anyone you own guns, regardless if the neighbor would make a great shooting pal)
- have you had any positive or negative reactions to neighbors who found out you own guns?
- have you ever been able to convert a neighbor or introduce him/her to guns?
(note: I'm not looking for flip replies on how you never tell anyone what guns you own, if this is the case elaborate on it)
* To end this on a positive note- my next door neighbor (who is currently unarmed) later came to me and said “you know, I really think I should look into getting a gun for home defense, maybe you could give me some tips.”
So now, I am looking forward to instructing him on gun safety/education, getting some range time in, and then advising him on a good HD shotgun/pistol.
