loaning a gun

[carry24-7]

my inlaws are going on a trip for a little vacation, and would like a pistol to take with them just in case.
they are going to be renting a cabin for a week, and don't foresee any problems, but just in case of any preditors 2 or 4 legged happen to show up, they will have some protection with them.

they have both fired guns, and are not gun shy, but i want to take them out shooting, just to make sure all safety precautions are followed, and as well as knowing how to shoot that perticular gun.

i will probably be loaning out my ruger p-89 9mm. i figure it will be easy enough to handle, and acurate if needed. so my question to you folks on this bord is: any ideas for what i should do with them as far as training?

 

[Claude Clay]

IMHO a revolver is safest in the hands of someone who hasn't a lot of experience. Raking the slide requires 2 hands & if not done properly can lead to miss-feeds. And emptying the gun, drop the mag & that pesky un-seen & forgotten about round chambered= potential for trouble. If it has a magazine disconector like the Browning high power, it is much safer than a semi-auto that doesn't.
-know where each other is
-load and insert the mag
-don't chamber a round till you NEED it
-2 hand grip
-finger off trigger till target aquired
-bullet will travel...what is it going to impact in the background?
-finger on trigger when decision to fire has been made
-fire....& practice double taps as standard proceedure
good luck

 

[.45&TKD]

my inlaws ....would like a pistol

They're adults. They should buy their own.

Seriously, should they be jeopardising their daughter's financial security by being to cheap to buy their own weapon? The civil liability alone of lending someone your weapon are huge, not to mention your risking your CCW permit, if you have one.

I'd rather give an extended relative money to buy a weapon, rather than lend them one of mine for defensive purposes.

 

[Hokkmike]

Before you loan your pistol make sure that they can put in in their car and carry it around and into the rented cabin without some kind of legal "unlawful possession" problem. See how it affects your status as owner, as well.

As far as training, they should know the basic laws of gun safety, be able to load, unload and discharge the weapon, utilizing the gun's safety, decocker (if it has one) effectively. Basic knowledge of holding, pointing, shooting, and etc., is important. They would have to go and shoot with me to demonstrate competence.

But to be honest, for the intended purpose, I would probably NOT loan them my handgun.

 

[Leanwolf]

"Quote:
my inlaws ....would like a pistol"

.45&TKD - "They're adults. They should buy their own."


Yep!! Anyone who is too cheap and irresponible to buy his or her own self defense object, is not someone to whom you should "loan" a gun.

Could also be serious liabilty and legal problems for you if they had to use it ... or even were caught with it. You, and they, had better know the State laws where this would happen, re "loaning" or "transferring" guns is an issue.

Also, as said above, if they want a handgun for protection, have them buy a revolver. Semi-autos are not neophyte friendly.

L.W.

 

[Sniper X]

"A" trip to the range is neither enough to train or see if trained correctly someone is. I also think that the thing about liability is a biggie. I'd say tell them to buy a Taurus 605 for 250 or so and a box of ammo, and be done with it.

 

[Jay1958]

pepper spray might be an option

Pepper spray might be a reasonable option in this case. Personally, I wouldn't loan a handgun. In my state, it would be illegal to do so.

I know I will probably be flamed for even suggesting pepper spray as an option, but to me, it's far better than 'nothing' or bare hands. I have a CC permit and carry when legally permitted to do so, but I always carry pepper spray also, since I am not allowed to carry at work (employer restriction), in restaurants that serve alcohol or public assemblies where admission is charged.

Jay1958

 

[heypete]

If they're responsible with the gun, I see no reason why not.

I've loaned guns to friends who've needed them for various purposes -- the most recent example was loaning my Bushmaster AR to a police officer friend who needed to qualify with an AR for his patrol rifle class, and needed to lug one around in his cruiser for a month or two until he got the financial resources to purchase one of his own.

No big deal, at least in my eyes.

 

[GCW5]

I've never had a problem loaning guns to family. Heck, what's family for?

Not everyone, espically thows that don't use them often, don't care for auto pistols. I'd make darned sure they were comfortable with it's opperation before I turned them loose with one. If it were me, I'd give them a revolver, probabley in .357 instead.

It also sounds to me you have an idea of a good aniversary or christmas gift.

 

[tinygnat219]

Depends on the situation,

If it's like Nawleans and Hurricane Katrina, I open up the safe and say "which one do you like?" and give them ammo enough to make it through.

If it's for the vacation, I will go with them to purchase a gun.

If it's for a hunting trip and I am accompanying them, sure no problem.

 

[DWARREN123]

Loaning a gun is not a good idea, especially handguns. Make sure they are legal all the way and where they are going allows it or else all could be in trouble if they get caught with it.

 

[islandphish]

In my state there are no restrictions or registrations besides the forms you fill out with the FFL. I can loan or give away my guns so long as the owner is 21 and not a known felon.

I would most certainly lend them a gun. Some of these hard liners want to get down on your relatives for not purchasing a gun themselves and I think that is wrong. Maybe they just realized that they need a gun. There are any number of reasons why they may be gunless. Make sure they know how to use one and do what you can to help keep them safe.

You might also suggest that they drop 125 bucks for a good used 870 Express.

 

[BobTheTomato]

+1 on spending under $200 on a used shotgun and buckshot.

 

[Robert Hairless]

I'm absolutely sure that you're in-laws are wonderful people, always exercise good judgment, and are both expert marksmen.

So all you need to do when you lend them a gun is think about how you will handle one of these situations:

1. Pop shoots a bad guy with your 9mm Ruger and the bullet passes through him and injures the bad guy behind him. Both of them survive, and both of them sue Pop and you both. The behind bad guy argues--legitimately--that he hadn't threatened Pop's life and didn't deserve to get shot. Come up with a reason that the jury will not make an award against both you and Pop.
   
2. Pop shoots at a bad guy and misses only by a little. The bullet lodges in someone who was in the next room or was just passing by or who had come to see what was causing the noise. Pop gets sued, you get sued. Can you get enough money from the forced sale of your property to satisfy the judgment against you.
   
3. Either Mom or Pop turns out to have something in their past that disqualifies him or her from owning a firearm. It happened so long ago that they forgot, and besides it was so very long ago. They are in the wrong place at the wrong time and law enforcement discovers your gun and their past. After you explain to the nice men who arrest you that you didn't know, what do you do to stop them from laughing while you are disqualified from owning firearms for the rest of your life.
4. Mom and Pop lose your gun or somebody steals it.

Lots more scenarios if you don't like the above selection. I can't think of any scenarios in which what you want to do turns out to be a good idea.

 

[SunRunner]

If you can legally loan them a gun in your state you could most likely give them one also. I know where I live I can sell or gift a handgun to a legal resident of the same state. If you all feel strongly enough that having a just-in-case handgun is important for this vacation, just give it to one of them. Most likely you’ll get it back someday. As a gift you’re most likely out of the lawsuit loop providing they can legally own a firearm. Pop can even go down and pick up a box of ammo on his own. A little range time with their new gun and they're good to go.

This is all just an opinion and in no way intended to be legal advice as I’m not a lawyer. I personally would not loan a handgun intended for the purpose of self-defense to anyone including my own sons. On the other hand I would give them one, someday quite a few in fact.

I also agree with the previous revolver and shotgun suggestions as an alternative to an auto. Both, IMO, excellent choices for these type uses.

 

[Shipwreck]

I'd sell it to them, and if they "don't like it when they return," U can buy it back. I never loan a gun to anyone.

 

[glassman]

HOME SECURITY

Why would they need a firearm for security while on vacation and NOT need it in their own home? Take them to your favorite gun shop and look at the many choices of pump action shotguns available. Then put in some range time to get comfortable with it. That way, they are good to go both at home and away. JMHO.

 

[bensdad]

I would never consider "loaning" someone a gun. The liability issues are tremendous.

Tell them where to get a gun. Help them learn how to use it. Loaning a firearm is bad medicine.

 

[LT1coupe]

In the states I've lived in, loaning a gun to someoe who could legally own one is no different than loaning them any other tool.
If I loaned somebody a tool knowing they planned something illegal, I'm liable.

 

[Clipper]

In Michigan, it's illegal for anyone but the registered owner of a handgun to carry or shoot it unless it's under the direct supervision of the owner. I'd be willing to bet Ohio is much the same.

 

[ravencon]

Don't rely on general Internet advice, check the laws in your state.

As has been pointed out, in some states loaning a gun is not against the law. In other states it could be construed as a serious criminal offense resulting in criminal prosecution, permanent loss of your permit, not to mention civil liability if the gun is actually used by the person you've loaned it to.

Even where legal, I would be reluctant to loan a firearm to anyone given the liability potential. If people don't care enough to plan for their own safety and well being why should you take the risk of doing so on their behalf?

 

[tvdilbert]

Personally, I wouldn't loan a handgun. In my state, it would be illegal to do so.

Loaning a handgun is not illegal in NC. However, I would only loan one of mine to a friend who was a shooter themselves.

- Jon -

 

[carry24-7]

we live in ohio, and they are going to tenesee. wich means traveling thru different states. is there any laws against interstate transporting of a firearm?

 

[12GA00buck]

I have no problem loaning guns to friends and family, provided their responsible adults. It really depends on their character and firearms expirence. I have a few friends/family members I would lend a gun to, no questions asked, others, not a chance.

Exercise Good Judgment

 

[BullfrogKen]

OK. Since this is not L&P, the legal issues of loaning a handgun, while relevant, and it wasn't what the poster asked about, let's keep this relevant to S&T. I think the legal end has been brought out enough to put the poster on notice to check into it first.


I'd have to ask how you feel about loaning a gun to someone unfamiliar with it. Do you feel he has the resolve to use it? I have to second glassman's question:

Why would they need a firearm for security while on vacation and NOT need it in their own home?

Its a little late to study up for the BAR exam the night before the test.


Some folks think a gun is a magic talisman that will ward off evil when its waved about. Do you think your father-in-law might think this way? It takes a lot more than just a few hours getting familiar with a gun to be able to use it properly in the defense of our lives.