Sav .250
Member
People have a way of doing that. Don`t feel bad and stick to your guns(no pun intended) I think we`ve all been in put in that position by others at one time or another.
Too protective of my guns?
- Thread starter browningpotato
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iamkris
Member
I might be biased, but anyone who is supposedly "in to guns" and calls one of my rifles a "sniper rifle" would immediately get thrown into the classification bucket as a wannabee and I would trust them LESS with one of my guns. It is a tool that can be used with deadly consequences...intentional or not.
Labeling a precision rifle as a "sniper rifle" says to me that they may not know as much as they claim and as such, I wouldn't feel right about letting them take my rifle without me there.
Same if they wanted to borrow an AR, AUG, FAL whatever and said "hey, can I borrow your ASSAULT RIFLE"? They sound like a Counterstrike Kiddie. If they can't take the time to learn what actually is, I'm not sure they've taken the time to be safe with it.
Harsh maybe, but that's just me...
Labeling a precision rifle as a "sniper rifle" says to me that they may not know as much as they claim and as such, I wouldn't feel right about letting them take my rifle without me there.
Same if they wanted to borrow an AR, AUG, FAL whatever and said "hey, can I borrow your ASSAULT RIFLE"? They sound like a Counterstrike Kiddie. If they can't take the time to learn what actually is, I'm not sure they've taken the time to be safe with it.
Harsh maybe, but that's just me...
Arkansas Paul
Member
I'll start by saying, I don't have a gun that even approaches $5k, but I don't have many "good" friends either. I have a lot of acquantiences (I probably butchered that one). The acquantiences would be out of luck. The good friends can take whatever they want. But hey, different strokes for different folks. Maybe you should suggest that you go shooting together and he can shoot all he wants. I may feel different if I had a rifle that cost $5k though, so no stones to throw.
GMFWoodchuck
member
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- 137
Depends on the person. My feeling is this: If you have to ask us our opinion, then ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!! If it were someone you honestly trusted you wouldn't be asking us the question.
I let my Dad use my guns. I certainly wouldn't let most of my friends use my guns.
I let my Dad use my guns. I certainly wouldn't let most of my friends use my guns.
Nicky Santoro
Member
Too protective of my guns?
OP,
No, you are not too protective. I loaned my BIL my O/U to go bird hunting. I got it back with one barrel blown out about 3" back from the muzzle. Never again.
OP,
No, you are not too protective. I loaned my BIL my O/U to go bird hunting. I got it back with one barrel blown out about 3" back from the muzzle. Never again.
woad_yurt
Member
Some guns I wouldn't lend and some I would. If the weapon in question wasn't a worn or blemished item, one with what some may call "character," I wouldn't lend it.
Every time I've lent someone something nice (guns or whatever,) and it's been blemished, it's been a sticky issue. Seems that folks like to paint the owner of the item they damaged as the bad guy. All of a sudden, I'm a PITA because I want my stuff back as it was when I lent it out. Thus, I don't lend out the precious stuff any more. I've found that many tout their integrity until it costs them money, then they'll come up with a million reasons why they shouldn't compensate one. If you do lend it and something does go wrong, you'll find out quickly who's a genuine friend.
PS to OP: Why does he want to shoot it when you're out of town? He can't wait a week? What's with that?
Every time I've lent someone something nice (guns or whatever,) and it's been blemished, it's been a sticky issue. Seems that folks like to paint the owner of the item they damaged as the bad guy. All of a sudden, I'm a PITA because I want my stuff back as it was when I lent it out. Thus, I don't lend out the precious stuff any more. I've found that many tout their integrity until it costs them money, then they'll come up with a million reasons why they shouldn't compensate one. If you do lend it and something does go wrong, you'll find out quickly who's a genuine friend.
PS to OP: Why does he want to shoot it when you're out of town? He can't wait a week? What's with that?
FAS1
Member
Personally, I don't like to lend things out to friends or family. My friends know that I will always help with anything I can not just lend them the tool. Just because they are your friend doesn't mean they take the same care as you do of the things you value. The only experience I have loaning out a gun was when I was in middle school. My friend borrowed my Crossman pellet pistol and his pinball machine in his room shorted out that week and caused a fire. Guess where my gun was. I think he finally paid me for it after my parents found out.
waterhouse
Member
I'd have done the same in your situation.
If it was a good friend, and a good reason, I'd let my friend borrow pretty much anything I own.
Wanting to shoot it this weekend isn't a good reason.
Although not $5,000, I've loaned out an $1,800 shotgun for a quail hunt when a friend's gun broke. Not having a gun would have ruined the whole trip for him. If he asked to borrow the same gun to go play at the range some random weekend I'd probably say no.
If it was a good friend, and a good reason, I'd let my friend borrow pretty much anything I own.
Wanting to shoot it this weekend isn't a good reason.
Although not $5,000, I've loaned out an $1,800 shotgun for a quail hunt when a friend's gun broke. Not having a gun would have ruined the whole trip for him. If he asked to borrow the same gun to go play at the range some random weekend I'd probably say no.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
I have a few friends in the shooting community whose care for and proficiency with firearms I rate as equal to or exceeding my own. I would not hesitate to lend those few individuals one of my weapons.
However, as close as we are, I cannot imagine any of them making such a request. Accepting an offer of a loan if I brought up the idea and insisted? Yes, probably.
Directly requesting that they be allowed to borrow a specific, expensive gun just for a range play day, and only because they're too impatient to wait on my schedule so I could be there too? Never.
It's a childish request, really. A mature friend would not put you in that position.
-Sam
However, as close as we are, I cannot imagine any of them making such a request. Accepting an offer of a loan if I brought up the idea and insisted? Yes, probably.
Directly requesting that they be allowed to borrow a specific, expensive gun just for a range play day, and only because they're too impatient to wait on my schedule so I could be there too? Never.
It's a childish request, really. A mature friend would not put you in that position.
-Sam
waterhouse
Member
I should have posted 30 seconds later, since Sam said it better than I did.
Every gun (car, tool, etc.) I've loaned to a trusted friend has come back as good or better (cleaner, full of gas, etc.) than when I loaned it.
I can't remember any of them ever asking . . . I usually just offer when I hear they are in need, but if they do ask, I know they actually need the item, not that they just want to play with it.
Every gun (car, tool, etc.) I've loaned to a trusted friend has come back as good or better (cleaner, full of gas, etc.) than when I loaned it.
I can't remember any of them ever asking . . . I usually just offer when I hear they are in need, but if they do ask, I know they actually need the item, not that they just want to play with it.
Depends on the 'type' of friend I'm talking to:
There are about 5 of us that have been together 30+ years. Through multiple marriages, kids etc. Since I'd trust them with my life, any inanimate object would be no problem. Indeed a couple of them have the combo to my safe.
Then there's some others that I've know for a while, but wouldn't be comfortable with they'd get the following response, "Sure, when WE go the range you can shoot it all you want."
Then there are some (and I have some relatives that fall into this category) that would get, "No. H#!! no. NO F^#*(#& WAY!!!"
So it's your call, but I'd definitely agree with the folks who are saying for you to trust your instincts on this one.
There are about 5 of us that have been together 30+ years. Through multiple marriages, kids etc. Since I'd trust them with my life, any inanimate object would be no problem. Indeed a couple of them have the combo to my safe.
Then there's some others that I've know for a while, but wouldn't be comfortable with they'd get the following response, "Sure, when WE go the range you can shoot it all you want."
Then there are some (and I have some relatives that fall into this category) that would get, "No. H#!! no. NO F^#*(#& WAY!!!"
So it's your call, but I'd definitely agree with the folks who are saying for you to trust your instincts on this one.
MisterMike
Member
GMFWoodchuck said:
Best answer so far.
I don't have any particularly expensive guns, but with any of my possessions, the answer depends on the item and borrower. There are a couple of people I would trust my guns to, but they're people of unquestioned character and honesty . . . the sort of guys who would return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas, a fresh wash, and maybe even a pine tree air freshener. They're also experienced hunters with tens of thousands wrapped up in their personal guns, and they take exceptional care of them.
browningpotato
Member
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2010
- Messages
- 37
"16 posts and he wants to know whether he should loan-out his "sniper rifle."
Riiiiigggggghhhhhht. "
Alright, I misspoke. It is a precision rifle NOT a "sniper rifle" can we get over that already!
Riiiiigggggghhhhhht. "
Alright, I misspoke. It is a precision rifle NOT a "sniper rifle" can we get over that already!
nitetrane98
Member
As in one of the best lines from "Tombstone"
Turkey Creek Jack Johnson "Hell, I got lots of friends."
Doc Holiday, "I don't."
I completely understand most of the comments but it seems sad to me that a lot of folks don't seem to have a friend that they would trust with their life, much less a rifle.
My dearly departed mother-in-law often said, "You only get about three or four really good friends in your life."
If it comes back with a scratch on it will it end your friendship?
CoRoMo
Member
I've been burned when I've loaned things to "friends". Now I only call a select few "friend", and my wife is one of them. If he can't wait to shoot it the next time he goes with you, he can't shoot it period. I think the three rules of borrowing that SSN Vet posted are good.
I have 3 loaner guns for a number of reasons; a pistol, a shotgun, and a rifle. But I don't loan them to people "just because" they want to shoot my guns.
I have 3 loaner guns for a number of reasons; a pistol, a shotgun, and a rifle. But I don't loan them to people "just because" they want to shoot my guns.
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drgrenthum
Member
i have never been burned loaning out anything but i would not loan out the best i have nor one that i have barely shot.
A old remington 721 sure why not, a 5k tack driver to someone without a safe. You are likely to notice every new nick and scratch on that thing and never forgive the man.
A old remington 721 sure why not, a 5k tack driver to someone without a safe. You are likely to notice every new nick and scratch on that thing and never forgive the man.
As it has been said if you asked us then the answer is no.
I only have a few freinds that can borrow my guns when I am not present. One of them bought one of them for me because he knew I would love it and no other reason(that was a nice surprise), one of them left his with me for safe storage when he moved to Austrailia and the other is my wife all three of them have complete access to everything I own. They know the rules of borrowing my stuff: let me know so I dont report it stolen and if I need it for some reason I get it back.
I dont keep aquaintences and my other true freind wouldnt ask because they are not comfortable enough to go shooting with out me because they still are not comfortable with their own skils.
I live my life with one basic rule. If I cant depend on you in a time of need OR you cant depend on me what is the point in being friends. I learned this lesson on my last deployment when my wife had to move by herself and only two of my friends showed up to help.
I only have a few freinds that can borrow my guns when I am not present. One of them bought one of them for me because he knew I would love it and no other reason(that was a nice surprise), one of them left his with me for safe storage when he moved to Austrailia and the other is my wife all three of them have complete access to everything I own. They know the rules of borrowing my stuff: let me know so I dont report it stolen and if I need it for some reason I get it back.
I dont keep aquaintences and my other true freind wouldnt ask because they are not comfortable enough to go shooting with out me because they still are not comfortable with their own skils.
I live my life with one basic rule. If I cant depend on you in a time of need OR you cant depend on me what is the point in being friends. I learned this lesson on my last deployment when my wife had to move by herself and only two of my friends showed up to help.
NMGonzo
Member
I gave my 1970's Colt Combat Commander to a customer of mine so he could qualify with both pistol and revolver.
He is an experienced shotgun shooter, so off I sent him with my Colt for a month.
Now he has 4 1911's.
I was not worried a bit about him, or my weapon.
He can buy me and sell me multiple times, and he is a decent person.
He is an experienced shotgun shooter, so off I sent him with my Colt for a month.
Now he has 4 1911's.
I was not worried a bit about him, or my weapon.
He can buy me and sell me multiple times, and he is a decent person.
The other question that comes to mind is who else might he let handle it?
Few things hurt a relationship with a buddy more than having a firearm come back with some small scratch on it's previously perfect finish. Sure you can refinish it (if it's a modern firearm instead of a collectible antique), but that sick sinking feeling in the gut just isn't worth it. Loan a user? Only to very good responsible friends.
Few things hurt a relationship with a buddy more than having a firearm come back with some small scratch on it's previously perfect finish. Sure you can refinish it (if it's a modern firearm instead of a collectible antique), but that sick sinking feeling in the gut just isn't worth it. Loan a user? Only to very good responsible friends.
jnyork
Member
I'm almost 70 now, and I have learned a few things the hard way.
If you need to think twice about doing something, dont do it!! Listen to your gut.
Friends dont ask friends to loan them a gun. Never. He may ask but he aint a friend.
There is a vast difference between friends and friendly acquiantances. If you get to be 70 and have to use more than one hand to count your true friends over your lifetime, you are either delusioned or very very lucky.
Just because a rifle will shoot long range accurately doesnt make it a sniper rifle!!:banghead:
( doesnt make you a sniper either )
Get some distance between yourself and this guy, whole situation does not pass the smell test.
If you need to think twice about doing something, dont do it!! Listen to your gut.
Friends dont ask friends to loan them a gun. Never. He may ask but he aint a friend.
There is a vast difference between friends and friendly acquiantances. If you get to be 70 and have to use more than one hand to count your true friends over your lifetime, you are either delusioned or very very lucky.
Just because a rifle will shoot long range accurately doesnt make it a sniper rifle!!:banghead:
( doesnt make you a sniper either )Get some distance between yourself and this guy, whole situation does not pass the smell test.
oasis618
Member
I have a very strong feeling that he wants to borrow it so he can sell it and by meth.
KarenTOC
Member
Shakespeare said it best:
The following explanation of the quote is from http://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/neither-borrower-nor-lender
This advice is equally good for possessions.
The following explanation of the quote is from http://www.enotes.com/shakespeare-quotes/neither-borrower-nor-lender
This advice is equally good for possessions.
I should know better than to follow a posting quoting Shakespeare but...I certainly agree that money and friends/family don't mix very well. I think I would add guns to that also.
I think the following statement by the OP is interesting.
For him to have asked many times and been refused on the 1911 I find it quite odd that he could then feel comfortable asking about a high dollar precision rifle.
I think I would have a hard time developing a friendship with someone who had such a hard time "reading between the lines".
I think the following statement by the OP is interesting.
For him to have asked many times and been refused on the 1911 I find it quite odd that he could then feel comfortable asking about a high dollar precision rifle.
I think I would have a hard time developing a friendship with someone who had such a hard time "reading between the lines".
Just One Shot
Member
Let me ask you a question.
Is he a good enough friend that if he damaged your rifle you would let it slide and not expect him to make it right?
If he is indeed a real friend then he should understand your position and not be upset.
Is he a good enough friend that if he damaged your rifle you would let it slide and not expect him to make it right?
If he is indeed a real friend then he should understand your position and not be upset.
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