Firearms Access Question

[CT-Mike]

My 19 y/o son has the combination to the gun safe for a SHTF scenario. I can not carry at work (nuclear power plant) so my EDC is obviously in the safe. The loaded 870 HD shotty is in the same safe also.

If a home-invasion were to go down, and my son had time to open the safe and pull a weapon, could I be in trouble for allowing someone under 21 to have access to a handgun? Or am I ok since it is inside my own home?

Thanks,

Mike

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[retsupt99]

There have been many incidents of younger kids defending the home with a weapon...NEVER a problem (because of age)...other factors are also judged (real SD situation, etc.)

IMHP...ILAL...I say give him/her access (if a responsible young adult) to the weapons to protect the homefront...

Be sure to give proper instruction about 2CM/1H...

Stay armed...stay safe!

[AZ Husker]

I'd worry about that AFTER the kid saved his own life. Can't anyone over 18 possess a shotgun? I'd be more worried about him trying to open the safe in a terrifying situation. I'd be more prone to leaving the 870 out, hidden, but accessible. Cock it on an empty chamber, engage the safety, load the tube with buckshot, and practice with him. Simple matter of racking a round with the release, disengaging the safety, and he's ready to go. Of course, if he's got friends coming over, it'd go in the safe.

[HotGuns]

Its the handgun law that makes possession of anyone under 21 a problem.

Long arms are perfectly legal.
Also, possesion of a firearm in the home only becomes a problem if there is an issue of some sort that goes with it. Around here,lots of kids have their .22's and shotguns hanging up in their bedrooms. Of course that is here. It may be different up yonder.

So, what do you do at Millstone ?

[Ram Rod]

I'd worry about that AFTER the kid saved his own life

Exactly

Its the handgun law that makes possession of anyone under 21 a problem.

Long arms are perfectly legal.
Also, possesion of a firearm in the home only becomes a problem if there is an issue of some sort that goes with it. Around here,lots of kids have their .22's and shotguns hanging up in their bedrooms. Of course that is here. It may be different up yonder.

God-how I do love Arkansas!

[nn]

Tell him to use the shotgun.

[CT-Mike]

So, what do you do at Millstone ?

Operations. In license class now for my SRO license, NRC exam is 9/09.

[CT-Mike]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I know that he can legally possess a long gun, and that is what he will use if the SHTF. I was just wondering if during the investigation I could be in the fire for him having the combo to a safe with handguns in it.

[American Pit Bull]

... could I be in trouble for allowing someone under 21 to have access to a handgun?

State laws like this are discouraging.

There are many states that do not bar possession of handguns by persons over the age of 18.

[P7fanatic]

You might also consider making availabe for him a 'fast access safe' to store a pistol grip short barelled shotgun to be used solely for home self defense.

[Janq]

Its the handgun law that makes possession of anyone under 21 a problem.

Long arms are perfectly legal.
Also, possesion of a firearm in the home only becomes a problem if there is an issue of some sort that goes with it. Around here,lots of kids have their .22's and shotguns hanging up in their bedrooms. Of course that is here. It may be different up yonder...

Tell him to use the shotgun.

Bingo! ^^

Advise him to go for a long gun, not a pistol.
Also be damn sure to have a discussion with him that absolutely no shenanigans are to be done with your arms, or ammunition.

If he uses either to defend himself then there will be no problems for you.
But if he or some knucklehead 'friend' get hold of either your guns or your ammunition and they go one to injure themselves or another then guess who is gonna be dinged. Yep, you...and rightfully so.

The law in most states toward possession on your own property is that a child may do so under parental supervision. The laws do not state 'direct supervision', just "supervision" which is broad in meaning.
Play it safe and as others advised have him use a long gun, a shotgun.
Besides his chances of success with just one shot are much higher that way than with a pistol anyway.

Be safe!

- Janq

[SIXTO]

I got to tell you guys... you're wrong. You can indeed posses a handgun under 21 in most states. You cannot carry it unless you are an agent of the government, and you cannot purchase ammo or the pistol its self, but you can posses at age 18. Look it up!

If its used for SD, in your home in particular, it isnt going to matter at all his age. He didnt purchase, carry in public or even posses. You, an adult did all that. I wouldnt worry about it.

[American Pit Bull]

I got to tell you guys... you're wrong. You can indeed posses a handgun under 21 in most states. You cannot carry it unless you are an agent of the government, and you cannot purchase ammo or the pistol its self, but you can posses at age 18. Look it up!

But this discussion is about a 19 year old in CT, where it is illegal for someone under the age of 21 to possess a handgun.

[MattInFla]

Sixto is right on the money.

You cannot buy a handgun from an FFL unless you are 21 or older.

In Florida, as an example, an 18 year old can buy a handgun from a private party completely lawfully.

Matt

[MattInFla]

But this discussion is about a 19 year old in CT, where it is illegal for someone under the age of 21 to possess a handgun.

Given that, a simple solution would be a tigger lock on the handgun, so that when the 19 year old opens the safe to get the long guns, the handgun is still securely stored in a manner that prevents it's use.

Matt