Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
If there was a single house on my street that didn't have a firearm in it, I'd be amazed.
Determining if Neighbor’s are Pro or Anti Gun
- Thread starter buck00
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Neo-Luddite
Member
I don't know--I'd feel differently under different circumstances; in the corner of IL we live in most families have firearms of some type for whatever reason. Some might be very low-pro about it for their own reasons and that's fine.
I'm rather matter-of-fact about the whole subject myself. I do have to walk a certain line with my kids as they have been taught not to make a big thing about it either. I'm fortunate in that I'm home quite a bit and if away for extended periods store my collection off site to deter theft.
(Of course the gun safe is boobytrapped in a lawful yet very bizarre manner that would cause pain and horrible (however brief it might be) life-long anxiety to any would be gun thief, but I digress....)
I guess the reverse scenario is fun to consider; how do YOUR neighbors know you own guns?
For me they could point to;
1) NRA & ISRA decals on the truck and other places.
2) the fact that I carry gun cases to and from vehicles often.
3) my habit of cleaning guns on my deck outdoors in warm months (easier to see/less fumes).
Someone who KNEW could spot me as a gun nut a mile off by the usual signs, signals and passwords; I make no attempt at concealment---I like being me. As an asside, when I go 'garage sailing' with my Mrs. I play the game of 'does a gun nut live here' based on what is left exposed in the garage for all to see. That little orange cleaning tip left on the workbench and similar broadcast to all--those of good will and ill.
Other than that, I really don't put on RKBA puppet shows and the neighbors don't either or anything...but my kids WOULD if they got to use scissors, glue and paint to make the puppets...
I'm rather matter-of-fact about the whole subject myself. I do have to walk a certain line with my kids as they have been taught not to make a big thing about it either. I'm fortunate in that I'm home quite a bit and if away for extended periods store my collection off site to deter theft.
(Of course the gun safe is boobytrapped in a lawful yet very bizarre manner that would cause pain and horrible (however brief it might be) life-long anxiety to any would be gun thief, but I digress....)
I guess the reverse scenario is fun to consider; how do YOUR neighbors know you own guns?
For me they could point to;
1) NRA & ISRA decals on the truck and other places.
2) the fact that I carry gun cases to and from vehicles often.
3) my habit of cleaning guns on my deck outdoors in warm months (easier to see/less fumes).
Someone who KNEW could spot me as a gun nut a mile off by the usual signs, signals and passwords; I make no attempt at concealment---I like being me. As an asside, when I go 'garage sailing' with my Mrs. I play the game of 'does a gun nut live here' based on what is left exposed in the garage for all to see. That little orange cleaning tip left on the workbench and similar broadcast to all--those of good will and ill.
Other than that, I really don't put on RKBA puppet shows and the neighbors don't either or anything...but my kids WOULD if they got to use scissors, glue and paint to make the puppets...
ZeSpectre
Member
When the big brown truck drops off a couple of BIG boxes from Midway USA that tends to be a hint that your neighbor likes guns <grin>.
Now I'm just about to expire with curiosity <grin>
Now I'm just about to expire with curiosity <grin>
bdickens
Member
It can be done if handled with discretion and tact.
Beatnik
Member
I know that two of the neighbors are armed. One was boring finding out - he was lending me a saw and I saw he had decoys in his shed, so we talked hunting for a while, and that was it - no exposition of what hardware was floating around.
Now the other one, that was priceless.
I was tying a couple on with friends, when at about 2am, I see someone walking down the street. We live on a street where that doesn't happen.
Suddenly there's a flashlight shining through our picture window from the street. And there's no cop car. WTH? We have a house rule about the guns being locked up while we're drinking, or else I may have met him out there with something other than a blue moon in my hand.
Well, it's the neighbor down the street, a good-ol-boy who I've met like twice before at that point. He tells me that his dogs started going berzerk, and he couldn't figure out why, so he decided to grab his shotgun and check out the neighborhood. Folks, this is in the most blue part of Virginia, in the DC suburbs.
I didn't reveal my hand, but I let him know I was totally cool with the way he thinks. That's one of the reasons I can never move - I have neighbors who are not only packing, but willing to take to the streets armed when they think something's wrong - plus I'm still close enough to civilization to order a pizza.
Now the other one, that was priceless.
I was tying a couple on with friends, when at about 2am, I see someone walking down the street. We live on a street where that doesn't happen.
Suddenly there's a flashlight shining through our picture window from the street. And there's no cop car. WTH? We have a house rule about the guns being locked up while we're drinking, or else I may have met him out there with something other than a blue moon in my hand.
Well, it's the neighbor down the street, a good-ol-boy who I've met like twice before at that point. He tells me that his dogs started going berzerk, and he couldn't figure out why, so he decided to grab his shotgun and check out the neighborhood. Folks, this is in the most blue part of Virginia, in the DC suburbs.
I didn't reveal my hand, but I let him know I was totally cool with the way he thinks. That's one of the reasons I can never move - I have neighbors who are not only packing, but willing to take to the streets armed when they think something's wrong - plus I'm still close enough to civilization to order a pizza.
U.S.SFC_RET
Member
Tallpine Quoted:
The only similiarities between Montana and Maryland is the first letter M
The word would get around fast in Maryland alright. With blue lights right behind.
The only similiarities between Montana and Maryland is the first letter M
The word would get around fast in Maryland alright. With blue lights right behind.
Who among your neighbors is pro or anti gun?
Not certain. I am polite to my neighbors, but I tend to keep to myself.
How do you determine this?
na
If the topic comes up and you find out they own guns, do you tell them in turn… or do you stay mum?
I do not talk much with my neighbors with the exception of one couple. Generally the conversations only cover light topics. This couple knows I am a firearm owners and hunter, but that is about it. They have seen me loading stuff into vehicles for range and hunting trips. I do not advertise but do not go all “black-ops” either. They signed for a pistol delivery for me once when I knew I would not be home. I cannot remember what their reaction was. It must have been a non-event.
Do you know which of your neighbors are pro or anti gun?
No.
How did you determine this?
na
Do you have a “zero disclosure” policy? (don’t tell anyone you own guns, regardless if the neighbor would make a great shooting pal)
No.
Have you had any positive or negative reactions to neighbors who found out you own guns?
Not really.
Have you ever been able to convert a neighbor or introduce him/her to guns?
No. I need to ask the couple I talk to if they would like to go to my range though. I do not really see any down side in that. I should have done so previously.
Not certain. I am polite to my neighbors, but I tend to keep to myself.
How do you determine this?
na
If the topic comes up and you find out they own guns, do you tell them in turn… or do you stay mum?
I do not talk much with my neighbors with the exception of one couple. Generally the conversations only cover light topics. This couple knows I am a firearm owners and hunter, but that is about it. They have seen me loading stuff into vehicles for range and hunting trips. I do not advertise but do not go all “black-ops” either. They signed for a pistol delivery for me once when I knew I would not be home. I cannot remember what their reaction was. It must have been a non-event.
Do you know which of your neighbors are pro or anti gun?
No.
How did you determine this?
na
Do you have a “zero disclosure” policy? (don’t tell anyone you own guns, regardless if the neighbor would make a great shooting pal)
No.
Have you had any positive or negative reactions to neighbors who found out you own guns?
Not really.
Have you ever been able to convert a neighbor or introduce him/her to guns?
No. I need to ask the couple I talk to if they would like to go to my range though. I do not really see any down side in that. I should have done so previously.
Where I live, you just KNOW all of your neighbors are pro-2A.
We had one person who moved into our neighborhood from out of state who turned out to be anti-2A.
Oddly enough, he is the only person that I know who has been arrested for shooting at their neighbor!
He got in an arguement with his neighbor over some work being done early in the morning and brought out a rifle and proceeded to shoot over the workers heads until they left.
Classic.
If any of my CLOSER neighbors were Anti's, I suspect they would have moved long ago. It is not uncommon to see me driving down the road on a 4-wheeler with an AR-15 strapped over my back.
-- John
We had one person who moved into our neighborhood from out of state who turned out to be anti-2A.
Oddly enough, he is the only person that I know who has been arrested for shooting at their neighbor!
He got in an arguement with his neighbor over some work being done early in the morning and brought out a rifle and proceeded to shoot over the workers heads until they left.
Classic.
If any of my CLOSER neighbors were Anti's, I suspect they would have moved long ago. It is not uncommon to see me driving down the road on a 4-wheeler with an AR-15 strapped over my back.
-- John
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TallPine
Member
I replied once but didn't really answer the questions:
- do you know which of your neighbors are pro or anti gun?
all of my immediate neighbors are presumably pro-gun since they own guns
- how did you determine this?
Let's see ...
one neighbor has a big gun safe in his living room
another neighbor comes out here to hunt and in fact left his rifle at our house last winter
another neighbor had an AR-15 just leaning against the wall (these folks are anti-hunting but the lady called me up there to shoot a porcupine after their dogs kept getting stickered)
other neighbor has passed away but he was a hunting guide/outfitter in the past and he mentioned that he had a gun
- do you have a “zero disclosure” policy? (don’t tell anyone you own guns, regardless if the neighbor would make a great shooting pal)
I open carry in the summer around my land and the neighborhood, plus I shoot on my own land
- have you had any positive or negative reactions to neighbors who found out you own guns?
Not really either. The first time I met one of my former neighbors (he was a good guy, not the other one) we were both wearing sixguns on our hips
- have you ever been able to convert a neighbor or introduce him/her to guns?
No, because I don't know anyone that doesn't have guns. But a good friend of ours who has 2 guns but doesn't shoot much is going to come over for Independence day to shoot her guns and shoot the breeze (also eat a lot too).
- do you know which of your neighbors are pro or anti gun?
all of my immediate neighbors are presumably pro-gun since they own guns
- how did you determine this?
Let's see ...
one neighbor has a big gun safe in his living room
another neighbor comes out here to hunt and in fact left his rifle at our house last winter
another neighbor had an AR-15 just leaning against the wall (these folks are anti-hunting but the lady called me up there to shoot a porcupine after their dogs kept getting stickered)
other neighbor has passed away but he was a hunting guide/outfitter in the past and he mentioned that he had a gun
- do you have a “zero disclosure” policy? (don’t tell anyone you own guns, regardless if the neighbor would make a great shooting pal)
I open carry in the summer around my land and the neighborhood, plus I shoot on my own land
- have you had any positive or negative reactions to neighbors who found out you own guns?
Not really either. The first time I met one of my former neighbors (he was a good guy, not the other one) we were both wearing sixguns on our hips
- have you ever been able to convert a neighbor or introduce him/her to guns?
No, because I don't know anyone that doesn't have guns. But a good friend of ours who has 2 guns but doesn't shoot much is going to come over for Independence day to shoot her guns and shoot the breeze (also eat a lot too).
oneounceload
member
did ya ever think to just ASK them how they felt???
I live with a bunch of retired folks....never saw any of them with a gun, but then, I have over 40 sets of extra eyes and ears around during the day, and if the SHTF, I'll help them out from the crazies.......
to those who don't say anything or whatever, try being NEIGHBORLY and TALKING to your neighbor......ya never know just how helpful they can be......
I live with a bunch of retired folks....never saw any of them with a gun, but then, I have over 40 sets of extra eyes and ears around during the day, and if the SHTF, I'll help them out from the crazies.......
to those who don't say anything or whatever, try being NEIGHBORLY and TALKING to your neighbor......ya never know just how helpful they can be......
Interesting conversation. I live in the blue part of a red state, a major city (where some men wear womens clothes and theater is a sport), and usually keep to myself and don't talk guns unless I am with someone I know is a gun person, of which I know two, sorry three, my daughter is a Marine and is good with weapons. During a business trip though, I was surprised to find out that as many customers that golf, about the same percentage hunt, and taking a customer shooting is just as good for business as taking them golfing. I just would not have thought it so.
thebaldguy
Member
I knew my neighbor was pro gun years ago when I saw him packing cased firearms in his truck for a hunting trip.
We had a great conversation and have been good neighbors ever since.
We had a great conversation and have been good neighbors ever since.
yesit'sloaded
Member
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2007
- Messages
- 1,662
Something about my neighbor sitting on his porch with his AR15 after Katrina gave it away that he might not quite be anti gun. I don't think there is a house next to mine that doesn't have at least one gun.
armedandsafe
Member
I would be very surprised is there were 10% of the homes in this county unarmed. I sit in school board meetings and talk about guns and shooting and hunting with the board members and school personnel. The principal of one of the elementary schools will be taking my long distance shooting for hunting course this summer.
Pops
Pops
usmarine0352_2005
member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2005
- Messages
- 2,796
.
When I move into a new neighborhood, I wait till all of my neighbors are outside, then I take out my pistol and shoot it a few times in the air.
They usually go inside after that.
See, no problems.
;-)
When I move into a new neighborhood, I wait till all of my neighbors are outside, then I take out my pistol and shoot it a few times in the air.
They usually go inside after that.
See, no problems.
;-)
sig228
Member
How do I know?
When I get their NRA junk mail by accident that's a pretty good indication.
When I get their NRA junk mail by accident that's a pretty good indication.
TCB in TN
Member
Not to sure if my neighbors are anti or not, the next time they are out shooting skeet I will have to go over and ask them!
22-rimfire
Member
This is not something I concern myself with much. The easiest way to get a feel for their views on gun ownership to bring up the topic of hunting. SHTF scenarios make great back yard bbq topics especially for young folks. You learn to read people. Do they ever wear camo etc?
I would not even bother with temporary neibhbors such as in apartments and I don't really care what they think on the subject in general. Again, you learn by observation.
I would not even bother with temporary neibhbors such as in apartments and I don't really care what they think on the subject in general. Again, you learn by observation.
Microlon
Member
Quote:
The house across the street from mine has a large "OBAMA" sign in the front yard. I'm pretty sure they're anti.
what makes you so sure?
maybe they just think one of the things he stands for is the most important... Gun owners would never do that...
......
Well, I live in Austin, the residents of the house are both women, and they give me weird looks when I wear my Gun Juice cap. Just a hunch, really
Hmm, just went outside and the Obama sign is gone. Maybe they read THR!
The house across the street from mine has a large "OBAMA" sign in the front yard. I'm pretty sure they're anti.
what makes you so sure?
maybe they just think one of the things he stands for is the most important... Gun owners would never do that...
......
Well, I live in Austin, the residents of the house are both women, and they give me weird looks when I wear my Gun Juice cap. Just a hunch, really
Hmm, just went outside and the Obama sign is gone. Maybe they read THR!
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Madison_ultralight
Member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2008
- Messages
- 47
I just make friends with people and get to know them before I present them with my beliefs. If people know you beforehand and are "anti" they are less likely to slam the door and more likely to consider your argument. Everyone that I have been able to present the facts to have opened up, even my anti-gun family. The most anti-gun people that I have met are the ones with their fingers in their ears going "la-la-la!"
blackcash88
member
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2008
- Messages
- 885
JesseL said:
Which one? J&G or High Country? High Noon in Prescott Valley? I do love Gunsite.
ZeSpectre
Member
Hey, I've met those people too!
I don't hide who I am or what I believe in.
STUFF can happen NO matter how careful you are and that may include 'something stolen'. I have never had a gun stolen.
Back east, my late husband and our VERY close friends were military people, Nam, other war Vets and so forth. Some were in the sheriff's department - all ranks including very HIGH ranks. I had ALL kinds of friends - they knew who I was and what I stood for. Some of them were gun nuts and some were not. I did know a FEW EX military and even some police who did NOT believe that ALL people should own some TYPES of guns. NO kidding. Some of their VIEWS have now been changed there too! Grin. I had some influence. Ha ha.
We lived in the country. I was always open about my self defense gun of my late husband's and very open when I started to buy my own in 1998 and on. More into the shooting sports and especially in SELF defense issues.
I have lived way UP in the mountains out here. Camped butt up to wilderness. I lived in a small log cabin during the winter - same place. Almost everyone knew that I was INTO guns from the gitgo... ones that I met casually or knew well. I open carry, I talk guns, I talk politics, I talk my 'faith' if someone wants to discuss God or ANY religion or lack thereof, etc. If anyone wants to 'shoot the breeze' with me about ANY subject matter including guns and the RKBA - I am game and NOT shy! I used to give talks, speeches and hand out literature at gun shows, on street corners, at homes, etc. back east. I do some of THAT out here too. I used to write a lot on some former public and private boards too. Same with 'chats'.
My neighbors here ALL know that I shoot and own guns. They see me and now that I am married - his stuff too. He used to COMPETE when he was on another schedule at our range. He does HUNT. He is big into the RKBA issue. He will testify on Montana hunting when the MSSA (Montana Shooting Sports Association.) gets a court date here in town too. The court dates were changed and he was called as a witness on being a third generation hunter here in Montana. He will say it is not just a sport as SOME people 'think' but for FOOD to many people. He has pulled in with deer and elk in his truck here. Grouse too! A nice retired USN VET and a Marine helped him with a cover last winter when it was freezing out - a BIG ELK in the back of his truck! They see our hunted meat and some have even eaten our hunted MEAT at dinners or for gifts. He gives his elderly mother and some people some meat too. We give OTHER food and STUFF to the poor out here. They see me open carry. He conceals and open carries. They see us go to the range or travel and load up the car with some of our firearms. I have some EX military here around me too. They are as we are... INTO guns. Some are not EX military but they SHOOT, HUNT, some others compete or plink and they do believe in the RKBA issue.
I have met some anti gunners and some liberals here too. If they want to talk guns and/or any GUN issue - I talk. I don't shove it down their throats and I don't want their anti gun talk shoved down my throat either. I talk about the RKBA at gun stores too. Casual conversations and about my gun organization or some other gun/political issue.
I have been respected by most people. I have had disagreements in the past with anti gunners too.
Frankly... I don't care if anyone knows that I like or own guns.
I do understand that some gun nuts do not agree with me or live THEIR LIFE as I do, as my late husband or my husband live our lives. That is OK.
Live and let live. Agree to disagree if you want to live your gun life your own way.
Sincerely,
Catherine
STUFF can happen NO matter how careful you are and that may include 'something stolen'. I have never had a gun stolen.
Back east, my late husband and our VERY close friends were military people, Nam, other war Vets and so forth. Some were in the sheriff's department - all ranks including very HIGH ranks. I had ALL kinds of friends - they knew who I was and what I stood for. Some of them were gun nuts and some were not. I did know a FEW EX military and even some police who did NOT believe that ALL people should own some TYPES of guns. NO kidding. Some of their VIEWS have now been changed there too! Grin. I had some influence. Ha ha.
We lived in the country. I was always open about my self defense gun of my late husband's and very open when I started to buy my own in 1998 and on. More into the shooting sports and especially in SELF defense issues.
I have lived way UP in the mountains out here. Camped butt up to wilderness. I lived in a small log cabin during the winter - same place. Almost everyone knew that I was INTO guns from the gitgo... ones that I met casually or knew well. I open carry, I talk guns, I talk politics, I talk my 'faith' if someone wants to discuss God or ANY religion or lack thereof, etc. If anyone wants to 'shoot the breeze' with me about ANY subject matter including guns and the RKBA - I am game and NOT shy! I used to give talks, speeches and hand out literature at gun shows, on street corners, at homes, etc. back east. I do some of THAT out here too. I used to write a lot on some former public and private boards too. Same with 'chats'.
My neighbors here ALL know that I shoot and own guns. They see me and now that I am married - his stuff too. He used to COMPETE when he was on another schedule at our range. He does HUNT. He is big into the RKBA issue. He will testify on Montana hunting when the MSSA (Montana Shooting Sports Association.) gets a court date here in town too. The court dates were changed and he was called as a witness on being a third generation hunter here in Montana. He will say it is not just a sport as SOME people 'think' but for FOOD to many people. He has pulled in with deer and elk in his truck here. Grouse too! A nice retired USN VET and a Marine helped him with a cover last winter when it was freezing out - a BIG ELK in the back of his truck! They see our hunted meat and some have even eaten our hunted MEAT at dinners or for gifts. He gives his elderly mother and some people some meat too. We give OTHER food and STUFF to the poor out here. They see me open carry. He conceals and open carries. They see us go to the range or travel and load up the car with some of our firearms. I have some EX military here around me too. They are as we are... INTO guns. Some are not EX military but they SHOOT, HUNT, some others compete or plink and they do believe in the RKBA issue.
I have met some anti gunners and some liberals here too. If they want to talk guns and/or any GUN issue - I talk. I don't shove it down their throats and I don't want their anti gun talk shoved down my throat either. I talk about the RKBA at gun stores too. Casual conversations and about my gun organization or some other gun/political issue.
I have been respected by most people. I have had disagreements in the past with anti gunners too.
Frankly... I don't care if anyone knows that I like or own guns.
I do understand that some gun nuts do not agree with me or live THEIR LIFE as I do, as my late husband or my husband live our lives. That is OK.
Live and let live. Agree to disagree if you want to live your gun life your own way.
Sincerely,
Catherine
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