How to convince household to learn the gun?

[bigalexe]

Sorry for the confusing title. I recently got a shotgun and it is the only firearm in the home. Both my parents have handled shotguns at one point in their life but arent real shooters per say. I am 21 and have a difference of opinion id like to get across to them so im asking you guys how.

Since we have a firearm in the home, along with ammunition. I see a potential security situation. The gun can stay locked in the case with a cable through the chamber and in all likelihood in the event of a break-in it may not even come into play. On the other hand the way my brain works the gun in the home in the event of a break-in can either work for me or the person coming into my home. Having a criminal in the home get to my gun first and then shooting me with it would rather suck.

I would like my parents to at least learn how to get into the case, load it, safety operation, basically bare minimum to at least know its operation and if needed be able to USE it. My parents on the other hand dont appear to give a S@#T about it.

Am i wrong in thinking that if there is a gun in your home (no matter who owns it) then you should be competent with its operation and ready to use it?

 

[1KPerDay]

no, you're not wrong. all adults (who are willing) should know basic operation of the shotgun. If they don't want to, don't push it.
IMO

 

[psyopspec]

It appears that there are two separate issues you bring up in your OP:

1) Location and status of HD shotgun.

2) Training for those in the household on firearm in the home.

To address issue 1, there are a variety of factors that help decide how to store an HD weapon when you are away. Bottom line though, it needs to be secured if you want to reduce the chances of it being taken, and possibly used against you. If you live alone and have an alarmed, locked, dwelling patrolled by guard dogs, sticking it in the corner of the closet might be good enough. If you live others, but they are mature enough not to touch the gun if not trained in it's use, treat as if you live alone. If you live in a place that's easy to break into (IE most homes in the US), get a safe, locker, or some other device that will slow down or deter thievery. If you have kids, their safety becomes your main priority, and that shotgun may spend most of it's life locked up, only coming out at night or when you go to the range to practice.

If you wish to have half a chance of using it in the event your home comes under attack, it needs to be unlocked, loaded (at least the magazine, though I recommend the chamber as well), and nearby when you are home.

As far as your parents, I would sit them down and try to have a serious discussion about the HD aspect of home safety. However, if you can't talk them in to wanting to train, or even just familiarize themselves with a weapon, don't push it. Being forced into something breeds resentment and tedium, which in turn lead to accidents.

 

[catspa]

When there were people in my household who were opposed to guns, I locked mine away from them as much as from the criminals.

Parker

 

[bigalexe]

My parents arent outright opposed to guns in general. Just the idea of using one in a defensive situation. Myself on the other hand am an individual that believes we are all responsible for our own safety and cant always depend on those designated to guard us.

 

[MarineOne]

Your best bet would be to get the police blotter (reports of criminal activity) for your surrounding area and just present them with undisputable evidence:

"I'm doing this because we *might* have a problem and I want to make sure we don't end up like these folks on this report."

At that point, they're adults so let them make their own choices.

For your "not at home" times a decent safe would suffice, and then for your "at home" times when you want to have it close and ready. This is where you need to look outside the box and figure out a good place to have it for quick access.

Places like behind the headboard mounted on wooden dowels, or if you really wanted to show off, Cheaper Than Dirt has some inexpensive long gun/shotgun holsters that you can mount behind/beside the headboard or inside a closet which will allow you to keep it off the floor or keep it from being propped up in a corner.


A little time and some brain power and you'll come up with some ideas.



Kris

 

[bigalexe]

Alright thanks, i think i have someone local i can talk to about it. Just that he happens to be @ the grand canyon this week on the other side of the country.

 

[mbt2001]

Pushy gun owners have done more to ruin peoples opinions on this than anything.

It is there decision and despite what your beliefs are, they are entitled to their opinion. Save your money, get your own place and move out. There house, there rules.