[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

[md2576]

This is not a guns rights debate!

[Snowy]

Thank you for the advice, nevergore. I told my husband that we won't get a gun until I know the weapon inside and out and can take it apart and put it back together blindfolded! (Mr. Snowy says he can do that with most military weapons, and if you can do this, it would be a good thing). Then, my kids will learn the same. There is a local firing range that has family memberships I am looking in to. I guess I would then want a license to carry...