Secretive about guns, ammo, etc.?

[Chuck R.]

I dont necessary make efforts to hide my shooting hobby. My neighbors can hear my frequent shooting sessions. Passersby can see my steel gongs and my target stands.
However, I dont have gun related stickers on my vehicles or clothes. When conversations turn to conceal carry, a dont disclose any information. My carry habits are strictly confidential. (Ironically, no secrets on thr)
I'll talk hunting anytime.

Same here.

My target berms & swingers can be seen from the road and just about everyone around shoots on their property. No stickers etc. on vehicles.

The obvious range, volume of shooting, and my wife's dog agility equipment are probably the reasons we haven't had any issues.

 

[Hartkopf]

I don’t have any guns

Me either. Sold several and then had a terrible accident recently with the Tracker.

 

[Gumby0961]

Maybe if they knew you, knew what a great guy you are and knew you were a gun owner they could put 2 & 2 together....

I know them all very well and we all get along. Because I know them, that is why I keep my hobby low key.

 

[Coop45]

I'm guessing that after my ND a few years ago they may have figured it out.

 

[Howland937]

Sadly, I have more trust in people on here than in some members of my own family. Besides, ya'll don't know my address or what vehicle I drive. Lol

...if we were really trying to be secretive, would we really be here posting on a public forum?

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[buck460XVR]

Sadly, I have more trust in people on here than in some members of my own family. Besides, ya'll don't know my address or what vehicle I drive. Lol

Easy for big brother to find your IP address to find your general location and go from there. I too have trust in the folks here, that's why I find the idea of being secretive silly. Owning guns is legal and very commonplace. It's not distilling moonshine for profit, having a grow in your basement or planning on overthrowing the government. Opposed to what many think, gun owners are not under the severe scrutiny some folks want us to believe. Got a hunting license...you probably got a gun. Because you have a hunting license, your state has probably sold your name to hunting supply sellers, etc. So not only does Big brother know you probably own firearms, so does the advertising folks at Midwest Turkey Supply. Guess what? They know your address, and the state, because of cross referencing, knows what vehicle you drive.

I don't feel I have anything to hide simply because I am a gun owner. I own hunting dogs...what does that tell folks? I own camo clothing(as shown in your profile pic), what does that tell folks? My postman regularly delivers heavy boxes with return labels from Graf's and Midway. My meter reader can see the targets and backstops/berm from where he parks. It's not a big deal.

 

[AZAndy]

A few years back, when I still had a C&R FFL, I got a delivery of a pistol from SOG. When the UPS guy knocked on the door to get a signature, he asked if was a gun. I said yes. He said, "Cool! What is it?" and I opened the box so we could look it over and talk about it. Gotta love Arizona!

That said, I don't put stickers on my car or wear gun-related stuff, except when I'm going to the outdoor range. The fewer people know about my little hobbies, the better.

 

[FL-NC]

I am fortunate to live somewhere that being anti-gun would make you "the weird one".

 

[Stevie-Ray]

My friends and acquaintances usually find out fairly quickly. It has in fact turned quite a few anti-gun people around, as some will generally think all gun owners are "gun nuts." When it turns out some of their friends are gun owners they start seeing and hearing the importance of it, rather than leaning on just what they hear on CNN.

 

[Speedo66]

I hide the fact that I own guns. When I worked in LE, my neighbors did not know what I did for a living even when I lived on a city street in NYC.

Now retired in another state, still no mention to anyone. I load my car for range trips in a closed garage. You will not know I'm carrying, I take great pains to insure I do not print.

I guess a lot of it depends on what region you live in, and whether you live in a rural, urban, or suburban setting. I currently live in an upscale liberal suburban setting, the kind of place where even one gun is anathema, and two guns would be considered an arsenal. I don't want my neighbors to have to seek safe places and years of therapy should they find out a gun owner is living in their midst.

 

[ericuda]

Not sure I care either way and would do no good. Small town post offices are similar places for information as a hair salon

 

[herrwalther]

My neighbor knows I am into guns. And so is he. I know he has a 22 Walther and a Marlin 30-30 at the very least. And he has asked me to keep an eye out for a good firearm to teach his son on (age 12 I believe). In all likelihood, after getting my FFL I will order him something and he becomes a customer. Outside of him and some family members, I don't think anyone knows I own firearms.

 

[bdickens]

My friends and acquaintances usually find out fairly quickly. It has in fact turned quite a few anti-gun people around, as some will generally think all gun owners are "gun nuts." When it turns out some of their friends are gun owners they start seeing and hearing the importance of it, rather than leaning on just what they hear on CNN.

Exactly the point I made earlier. When others find out that "normal" people like them own guns, carry guns, etc. It removes a lot of the "evil" mystique.

I hide the fact that I own guns. When I worked in LE, my neighbors did not know what I did for a living even when I lived on a city street in NYC.

Now retired in another state, still no mention to anyone. I load my car for range trips in a closed garage. You will not know I'm carrying, I take great pains to insure I do not print.

I guess a lot of it depends on what region you live in, and whether you live in a rural, urban, or suburban setting. I currently live in an upscale liberal suburban setting, the kind of place where even one gun is anathema, and two guns would be considered an arsenal. I don't want my neighbors to have to seek safe places and years of therapy should they find out a gun owner is living in their midst.

Sad on multiple levels. See above.

 

[Speedo66]

Exactly the point I made earlier. When others find out that "normal" people like them own guns, carry guns, etc. It removes a lot of the "evil" mystique.



Sad on multiple levels. See above.

As I mentioned, "normal" can vary by region and setting. I'm sure even in TX there are anti areas, Austin maybe, having a gun was not "normal" in NYC. I've talked to people who would literally accept being killed by a robber rather than touch a gun to defend themselves.

I'm not a "biker", but I ride a motorcycle, this makes me strange enough for some people. No need to totally freak them out by letting them know a dangerous motorcycle riding gun crazed nut job lives in the neighborhood. I'd see torches and pitchforks in my future.... lol

I'm also concerned about any possible adverse effects this may have on my grandkids who go to school here, and possible thefts.

 

[huntsman]

I live in the "boondocks" and you can hear folks shooting in the distance all the time. The folks up the hill, the folks next door and the cattle across the road know I shoot and have some guns.
They don't know what or how many...

Same here and while I don’t have personal contact with my neighbors I have influenced them.

I was first in my neighborhood to hang a steel plate, ran into a neighbor (who lives about 1/2 mile a way) he asked what I was shooting at. Now I can here at least 3 of my neighbors plates ringing

 

[Kleanbore]

I have been a firearms hobbyist since 1957, and a concealed carrier since 2008.

I am not "secretive" about it, but I can see no benefit whatsoever in advertising the fact that there are firearms in the house or the fact that I carry.

In fact, I think it is generally rather imprudent.

That has nothing to do with the existence of "anti-gun" people.

 

[Howland937]

I think your post sums it up for me. I'm not above having a conversation with someone regarding firearms. My SO was extremely slow to come around because of a lack of exposure or practical knowledge (blame her dad for that...) Now she is more comfortable and enjoys shooting. But it's not about avoiding confrontation for me. It's about avoiding having to post in the "Keep an eye out for stolen guns" thread in this forum.

 

[buck460XVR]

I have been a firearms hobbyist since 1957, and a concealed carrier since 2008.

I am not "secretive" about it, but I can see no benefit whatsoever in advertising the fact that there are firearms in the house or the fact that I carry.

In fact, I think it is generally rather imprudent.

That has nothing to do with the existence of "ant-gun" people.

I'm a tad confused as to what an "ant-gun" person is. I'm thinkin' anti-gun?

Like you I see no reason to be "secretive", nor do I feel it is prudent to openly advertise the amount of ammo, number of guns, etc. on my person or in my house. I do feel tho, that there is a lot of ground between the two.I often feel those folks that feel the need to be overly secretive about their guns have more than just firearm ownership to hide.

I hide the fact that I own guns. When I worked in LE, my neighbors did not know what I did for a living even when I lived on a city street in NYC.

Now retired in another state, still no mention to anyone. I load my car for range trips in a closed garage. You will not know I'm carrying, I take great pains to insure I do not print.

I guess a lot of it depends on what region you live in, and whether you live in a rural, urban, or suburban setting. I currently live in an upscale liberal suburban setting, the kind of place where even one gun is anathema, and two guns would be considered an arsenal. I don't want my neighbors to have to seek safe places and years of therapy should they find out a gun owner is living in their midst.

I'm also concerned about any possible adverse effects this may have on my grandkids who go to school here, and possible thefts.

Seems to me it just ain't the neighbors that have the severe case of paranoia and may need therapy. Sorry, but I've been in many places in America. The idea of gun ownership is not that foreign, nor offensive to the majority of folks, only exceptions may be the most ardent of anti-gunners......and they themselves are very few and far between. While we like to exploit those occasions when a soccer mom peed her pants upon sighting a weapon that was inadvertently exposed when a CWCer bent over, those incidents too are rarer than Grizzly attacks. But like grizzly attacks, seems everyone thinks they are at risk.

Yes, I am fortunate. I live in a community where gun ownership is the norm. Hunting is considered a healthy hobby. Our High School Trap team has consistently placed in the top three places in State the last three years and folks are proud of it. While I understand a undercover cop not wanting his neighbors to know what he does for a living, IMHO, the phrase "to protect and serve" for regular LEOs, means folks around you need to know who the police are. I wonder why you felt the need to keep your profession from everyone? Were you embarrassed to be in law enforcement? Were you that afraid of criminals seeking revenge on you and your family? If so, why get into it in the first place? How did you go out on calls without folks knowing your were a cop? Even in New York City, wasn't there a chance your neighbors would see you performing your job?

Ain't tryin' to be a jerk, just curious as to the why.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Do you keep your hobby private? I feel like I've run into too many anti gun people who say there are "gun nuts" out there and are quick to judge. So I feel like I keep it semi private.

So I went out to my mailbox to grab 3,600 9mm bullets packed into a small box and ran into my neighbor. I commented (and was surprised) how heavy it was. He asked (car parts?) And I just said "no, not car parts!" And went inside. My wife says that is awkward and suspicious and I say oh well!

It's hard to keep it a secret when you shoot in your backyard. My neighbor commented that some of my guns sound like a cannon.
We both reload, but he never asked how many guns I have or how much ammo.
I honestly don't know how much ammo or how many firearms I have.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I consider myself a friendly ambassador for the sport, as I’m almost always willing to talk guns. Defense techniques I am less vocal about, as some folks will twist your words.

I’m open about my interests.

 

[Dibbs]

I live in the "boondocks" and you can hear folks shooting in the distance all the time. The folks up the hill, the folks next door and the cattle across the road know I shoot and have some guns.
They don't know what or how many...

I have a lot of friends and neighbors are shooters, too. That said, I don't go out of my way, to advertise it, to folks I don't know.

 

[Speedo66]

I'm a tad confused as to what an "ant-gun" person is. I'm thinkin' anti-gun?

Like you I see no reason to be "secretive", nor do I feel it is prudent to openly advertise the amount of ammo, number of guns, etc. on my person or in my house. I do feel tho, that there is a lot of ground between the two.I often feel those folks that feel the need to be overly secretive about their guns have more than just firearm ownership to hide.




Seems to me it just ain't the neighbors that have the severe case of paranoia and may need therapy. Sorry, but I've been in many places in America. The idea of gun ownership is not that foreign, nor offensive to the majority of folks, only exceptions may be the most ardent of anti-gunners......and they themselves are very few and far between. While we like to exploit those occasions when a soccer mom peed her pants upon sighting a weapon that was inadvertently exposed when a CWCer bent over, those incidents too are rarer than Grizzly attacks. But like grizzly attacks, seems everyone thinks they are at risk.

Yes, I am fortunate. I live in a community where gun ownership is the norm. Hunting is considered a healthy hobby. Our High School Trap team has consistently placed in the top three places in State the last three years and folks are proud of it. While I understand a undercover cop not wanting his neighbors to know what he does for a living, IMHO, the phrase "to protect and serve" for regular LEOs, means folks around you need to know who the police are. I wonder why you felt the need to keep your profession from everyone? Were you embarrassed to be in law enforcement? Were you that afraid of criminals seeking revenge on you and your family? If so, why get into it in the first place? How did you go out on calls without folks knowing your were a cop? Even in New York City, wasn't there a chance your neighbors would see you performing your job?

Ain't tryin' to be a jerk, just curious as to the why.

We'll, you say you "ain't trying to be a jerk". You make the statement "I often feel those folks that feel the need to be overly secretive about their guns have more than just firearm ownership to hide."

Then you say "Seems to me it just ain't the neighbors that have the severe case of paranoia and may need therapy."

Followed by "I live in a community where gun ownership is the norm.", after I mentioned it was not where I live, so our experiences are totally different. You also had a few snide comments, not knowing me at all, about how I handled my commitment to 40 years in LE.

For someone who "ain't trying to be a jerk", well, I'll just leave it alone and try and go High Road here.

 

[MacTech]

I don’t exactly hide the fact that I’m a firearm owner, but I don’t flaunt it either, it is what it is...

my immediate neighbors don’t know I’m a firearm owner and they don’t need to know, as it wouldn’t change anything, heck, there are times I’ve given them rides to go grocery shopping (neither one has a car, one is elderly, one has medical issues that prevent her from driving) and I’ve been CCW’ing my Shield 2.0 9mm, they never even noticed.

ive been trying to get my elderly mother to take home defense more seriously, as she lives alone in a rural area with a large amount of land, she just told me that she’s seen a large Coydog in the field that she often walks her long haired chihuahua in (Snack-Sized!) and with the potential panic from the SARS-CV-19 threat and the potential for looters/home invaders, I’ve been trying to get her to at least go get my old H&R 20 gauge or 28 gauge to have available in case she needs it, as the sporting goods stores are basically picked clean and she has to work with what she has on hand

her response is to jokingly reply “I’ve got a BB gun and a crowbar, I’ll be okay...”

I cannot teach that who refuses to learn, and it frustrates me, she strongly believes in the inherent good of people, and for the most part, she’s correct, but panic situations can make people do very stupid things....

I’ll eventually bring her around to my view, but it’s frustrating dealing with someone who always wears rose tinted glasses...

 

[jmohme]

My next door neighbor is as much a gun nut as I am, so nothing to hide from him.
The guy down two houses down and across the road is a 199% gun hating liberal and I just don't talk to him about anything political or gun related.

So, its not that I keep it secret, I just don't volunteer any info pertaining to any of my hobbies.
If I want to talk guns, I come here or other gun forums.

 

[bdickens]

Sneaking around, being secretive, hiding and lying about things just reinforces the idea that what you are doing is somehow illegitimate.