[Snowy]

My husband and I are seriously considering getting shooting lessons for the family. We have two boys, 9 and 11. We would of course eventually get a gun, however, no matter how much I would lock it up, I still have the fear that my kids or their friends would get ahold of it. If something terrible would happen, I would not be able to forgive myself.

[lsee]

You know, I've often wondered how many pioneer children shot themselves or their friends while playing with their daddy's rifle or pistol.

[Brad C.]

There are many methods of securing firearms, but the most critical is teaching firearm safety. If your kids are taught properly you should not have any problems.

That said, I believe kids have a higher risk of being killed in an automobile accident than with a gun in their own homes. Would this stop you from teaching your kids how to drive?

[nevergore]

Snowy,

Although your fears are well grounded, accidental shootings involving children are easily preventable.

My three children have been raised shooting a wide variety of weapons and as a result, the mysticisim regarding weapons is no longer there. A very useful lesson is to take a pumpkin/watermellon to the range and let them shoot it with a large caliber handgun. Once they watch it blow apart, sit down and discuss that the effects would be similar on a "human" target. This should be coupled with a strict "scared straight" lesson in gun safety. Consistent safety follow-ups should follow on a regular basis. Involve you children in the cleaning process of te weapons so the children get a clear understanding of how the weapon works. This goes a long way in the "but the magazine wasn't in the gun" and "I didn't think it was loaded" accidents.

Additionally, invest in a gun safe. Reasonably priced gun safes that prevent little curious handscan be purchased for around $100.00......More serious burgular proof ones are much more expensive and thats your option.

Best of luck!

NeverGore

[CAfraudPI]

I know your apprehension. I started collecting guns before I was even married. Our second child is due this week and I bought a 750 pound Liberty safe in which to keep my arms. Incredible peace of mind.

[agrandis]

I still have the fear that my kids or their friends would get ahold of it.

That's an understandable fear, and precautions should be taken, but to me it's just like having a table saw, mineral spirits, or a nail gun around the house. Those things aren't to be messed with, and the kids need to know that, or they'll kill themselves.

[Terriergal]

My husband and I are seriously considering getting shooting lessons for the family. We have two boys, 9 and 11. We would of course eventually get a gun, however, no matter how much I would lock it up, I still have the fear that my kids or their friends would get ahold of it. If something terrible would happen, I would not be able to forgive myself.

Yes, you would. We don't feel that way if you give the kids the car keys and they do something stupid and kill themselves, do we?

I think it's because part of your brain has bought into the gun control propaganda. That being said, that is not a slam, just a little speculation on my part.

PLEASE DO go out and take firearms safety classes with the entire family. I think it would be great for you all. You don't HAVE to get a gun until you are mentally and emotionally prepared.

We have had several guns for years with children who now range from 9 to 3, and none of them has ever tried to pick up the weapons when we weren't paying attention. They take it very seriously. I can and (have on occasion) leave them lying around (unloaded of course) and they don't give them a second glance. I don't trust their friends as much, however. And no, I don't leave them lying around.

However now we have a 685 lb fire resistant safe. I do feel much better about that. Only the pellet guns are left out for easy access right now, I would like to get a GunVault locker for handguns or something similar so they are instantly available to me if I know the combo, but safe from kids or visitors. You can find solutions to make them relatively safe. A gun for personal safety and home defense is useless if it is locked away somewhere that takes time to open.

If you involve your kids in every aspect of shooting, cleaning, etc, it will take away the enticing mystery of firearms and become rather matter of fact to them. A similar phenomenon occurs with sex when kids are spoken to about it frankly and honestly within the context of a loving family (obviously not forcing info on them that they aren't ready for). It is much less of a temptation in that way.