Gun with kids at home ?? - Page 2

JDE101 · October 28th, 2009, 03:37 PM

While I agree with the other posters who have said get a safe/keep it locked up when not on your person, and above all teach kids gun safety, it is a shame that our society has come to this. I grew up in an age when most households had guns, fathers taught their children gun safety at a very early age, and not only were they taught not to touch a gun lying around, they were taught not to touch other peoples property--period! People did not have gun safes at home! And gun "accidents" were extremely rare! I think that our society really began to decline with the teachings of that great child expert Dr. Spock (heavy sarcasm).

His permissive ideas led to undiciplined generations of brats who were never taught how to act properly.

Spare the rod and spoil the child. His "philosophy" of child rearing has had a profound impact on how we must live our lives today.

Billy Ng · October 28th, 2009, 03:39 PM

Safe or no safe, a curious 16 year old will find a way to get in and take care of that curiosity that's building up inside him.

I have two boys at home, one of which is old enough to be curious, but he isn't, and here's why:

All of my guns are immediately accessible to him anytime I'm home, all he has to do is ask. Because of the importance of this topic, I do not hesitate on this matter. He is usually able to handle an unloaded weapon within 30 seconds of asking for it.

Now for the better part ... he is well versed in the concept of firearms safety. He's still too small and doesn't have enough strength to pull back a slide and do a visual chamber inspection (especially on my Fusion with its 24lb recoil spring), but he knows NEVER to point a gun at anyone, only the floor - and he knows never to touch the trigger. Next year he'll getting he'll be getting his first rifle.

I'm not in denial either. I know that at some point he'll be in high-school, his buddies will know he's got guns in the house, they'll want to see his and my cool toys, and my son will have some covert way of getting into my safe. But more importantly, I know that this gun handling skills at that point will be top-notch. I know that every weapon will be stripped of it's magazine, slides will be locked back, chambers inspected, and the gun presented muzzle down before any of the other kids gets their hands on them.

tns0038 · October 28th, 2009, 03:40 PM

When I lived at home with young kids, I locked up all but the one I was carrying. When I got home, I locked the one I carry in my briefcase.

When people visit us now with kids, I lock up all the guns except for the one on me. When I go to bed at night I lay it on the nightstand next to me, and I lock the bedroom door.

Each child comes to the age of responsibility differently. And only you as a parent are capable of judging how old that is.

bzdog · October 28th, 2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ape

But I would also suggest on teaching your kids all about guns and taking the curiosity away.

Agreed. Take the mystique away and teach safety early in addition to keeping firearms secured.

-john

bzdog · October 28th, 2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueNinjaGo

I'd look into getting a gun safe, and if you're worried about having to access it in an emergency, look at fingerprint locks or ones that require buttons. Keys are good for back up, but fumbling with keys is a recipe for disaster in case of an emergency.

Just remember that you can keep your firearm on your person until it is time to sleep, which reduces the time you have to worry about securing it, as well as speeds the accessibility in case of an emergency.

-john

BlueNinjaGo · October 28th, 2009, 03:55 PM

Also, don't forget local laws. http://www.lcav.org/content/child_access_prevention.pdf

Quote:

Child Access Prevention

Under Texas Penal Code Annotated § 46.13, if a child under 17 years of age gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm (i.e., loaded with ammunition, whether or not a round is in the chamber), a person is criminally liable if he or she, “with criminal negligence:”

*

Failed to secure the firearm (i.e., to take steps a reasonable person would take to prevent the access to a readily dischargeable firearm by a child, including but not limited to placing a firearm in a locked container or temporarily rendering the firearm inoperable by a trigger lock or other means); or
*

Left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child would gain access.

Section 46.13(c) provides an affirmative defense to prosecution for a violation of section 46.13 if the child's access to the firearm:

Was supervised by a person older than age 18 and was for hunting, sporting, or other lawful purposes;

Consisted of lawful defense by the child of people or property;

Was gained by entering property in violation of this code; or

Occurred during a time when the actor was engaged in an agricultural enterprise.

An offense under section 46.13 is a Class C misdemeanor (up to a $500 fine), unless the child discharges the firearm and causes death or serious bodily injury to himself or another person, in which case the offense rises to a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a $4,000 fine). Section 46.13(d), (e).

If the negligent person is a member of the family of the child who discharged the firearm, and the child was killed or seriously injured, an arrest cannot be made until seven days after the offense was committed. Section 46.13(f).

Finally, under section 46.13(g), a firearms dealer must post in a “conspicuous position” on the premises where he or she conducts business a sign that contains the following warning in block letters not less than one inch in height:

IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE, TRANSPORT, OR ABANDON AN UNSECURED FIREARM IN A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN ARE LIKELY TO BE AND CAN OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE FIREARM.

State administrative regulations govern the storage of firearms in:

Texas youth camps (25 Tex. Admin. Code § 265.17(d));

Child-placing agencies (40 Tex. Admin. Code § 749.2961);

Child-care centers (40 Tex. Admin. Code § 746.3707(c), (d)); and

Child-care homes (40 Tex. Admin. Code § 747.3505).

punk rocka · October 28th, 2009, 04:04 PM

I have three boys; 11, 4 and 2 and I don't leave anything to chance when it comes to their curiosity or capacity. All my guns stay unloaded and are kept in a gun safe, with the exception of my CC pistol, which is a Springfield XD SC. When I started carrying again, I purchased one of these to keep my carry pistol in when it is not on my person.

Amazon.com: HOMAK HS10036684 10-by-5-1/2-by-7-1/2-Inch Electronic Access Pistol Boby: Home Improvement

My XD doesn't have any manual (active) safety mechanisms and a round is always in the chamber, but since it is either tucked inside my waistband or locked in the box, I don't worry about any of the kids getting to it and getting hurt.

goldshellback · October 28th, 2009, 04:04 PM

If the firearm is not on your person, then lock it up. There are MANY, inexpensive 'lock-boxes' on the market to 'house' your sidearm when not being worn and still allowing quick access.

Education is still the best 'weapon' WRT kids.....regardless of a gun's safety.

I've got three of 'em, 16, 15, and 6. The older two know my guns and know not to touch if I'm not the supervisor. The 6 YO will be eased inot and taught at his AND daddy's speed. I'll know when he's ready......You'll know when your's is ready as well. One step at a time.

elkhunter · October 28th, 2009, 04:18 PM

My kids are older now, but I started training them in gun safety at about 5 years of age each.
I would take em out back (where safe) and demonstrate the destructive power by shooting something like a milk jug full of water with a .22. (Makes a big impression.)
Then I'd explain how that is a relatively low power gun and load up something with a big kick and let 'em shoot it, ONCE.
With big eyes and rubbing shoulder, they never forget.
Once that is settled, the Edie Eagle video is loaded and watched till the tape breaks.

Now days, as they get to be about 16, I show them where the gun safe keys are, in case while I am out, they need to avail themselves of tools to use in self defense, if an intruder should make the fatal mistake of breaking in.

Otherwise, my gun, is on my hip (or at my side while I sleep) when in the house.

For those of you with little ones, keep it under your control, train 'em up in the best way you see fit till they are old enough to handle themselves.

mfcmb · October 28th, 2009, 04:20 PM

I agree with most of the answers so I won't repeat them. But one thing I haven't seen mentioned is a warning that kids change over time: you can think you have them trained (e.g. not to touch guns) at an early age but, particularly during adolescence, sometimes they will spontaneously start acting against their early learning.

October 28th, 2009, 03:37 PM	#11
JDE101 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 450	While I agree with the other posters who have said get a safe/keep it locked up when not on your person, and above all teach kids gun safety, it is a shame that our society has come to this. I grew up in an age when most households had guns, fathers taught their children gun safety at a very early age, and not only were they taught not to touch a gun lying around, they were taught not to touch other peoples property--period! People did not have gun safes at home! And gun "accidents" were extremely rare! I think that our society really began to decline with the teachings of that great child expert Dr. Spock (heavy sarcasm). His permissive ideas led to undiciplined generations of brats who were never taught how to act properly. Spare the rod and spoil the child. His "philosophy" of child rearing has had a profound impact on how we must live our lives today. __________________ Live to ride, ride to live. Harley Road King And keep a .45 handy Kimber Custom TLE II

October 28th, 2009, 03:39 PM	#12
Billy Ng Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Hartsdale, NY Posts: 72	Safe or no safe, a curious 16 year old will find a way to get in and take care of that curiosity that's building up inside him. I have two boys at home, one of which is old enough to be curious, but he isn't, and here's why: All of my guns are immediately accessible to him anytime I'm home, all he has to do is ask. Because of the importance of this topic, I do not hesitate on this matter. He is usually able to handle an unloaded weapon within 30 seconds of asking for it. Now for the better part ... he is well versed in the concept of firearms safety. He's still too small and doesn't have enough strength to pull back a slide and do a visual chamber inspection (especially on my Fusion with its 24lb recoil spring), but he knows NEVER to point a gun at anyone, only the floor - and he knows never to touch the trigger. Next year he'll getting he'll be getting his first rifle. I'm not in denial either. I know that at some point he'll be in high-school, his buddies will know he's got guns in the house, they'll want to see his and my cool toys, and my son will have some covert way of getting into my safe. But more importantly, I know that this gun handling skills at that point will be top-notch. I know that every weapon will be stripped of it's magazine, slides will be locked back, chambers inspected, and the gun presented muzzle down before any of the other kids gets their hands on them. __________________ Billy Ng Fusion Tact-5 in a Pure Kustom Black-Ops Pro Glock 23 in a Barber Leatherworks IWB

October 28th, 2009, 04:04 PM	#18
goldshellback VIP Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: St. Mayberry, GA Posts: 2,494	If the firearm is not on your person, then lock it up. There are MANY, inexpensive 'lock-boxes' on the market to 'house' your sidearm when not being worn and still allowing quick access. Education is still the best 'weapon' WRT kids.....regardless of a gun's safety. I've got three of 'em, 16, 15, and 6. The older two know my guns and know not to touch if I'm not the supervisor. The 6 YO will be eased inot and taught at his AND daddy's speed. I'll know when he's ready......You'll know when your's is ready as well. One step at a time. __________________ "Just getting a concealed carry permit means you haven't commited a crime yet........CCP holders commit crimes." Daniel Vice, senior attorney for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, as quoted on Fox & Friends, July 7th, 2008

October 28th, 2009, 04:18 PM	#19
elkhunter Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 522	My kids are older now, but I started training them in gun safety at about 5 years of age each. I would take em out back (where safe) and demonstrate the destructive power by shooting something like a milk jug full of water with a .22. (Makes a big impression.) Then I'd explain how that is a relatively low power gun and load up something with a big kick and let 'em shoot it, ONCE. With big eyes and rubbing shoulder, they never forget. Once that is settled, the Edie Eagle video is loaded and watched till the tape breaks. Now days, as they get to be about 16, I show them where the gun safe keys are, in case while I am out, they need to avail themselves of tools to use in self defense, if an intruder should make the fatal mistake of breaking in. Otherwise, my gun, is on my hip (or at my side while I sleep) when in the house. For those of you with little ones, keep it under your control, train 'em up in the best way you see fit till they are old enough to handle themselves. __________________ It’s so much easier now days, to "Love and honor" my wife, when she is armed, and shoots a better group than I do. (Till death do us part, eh?) "The original point & click device was a Smith & Wesson" -Unknown

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October 28th, 2009, 03:40 PM	#13
tns0038 Distinguished Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,931	When I lived at home with young kids, I locked up all but the one I was carrying. When I got home, I locked the one I carry in my briefcase. When people visit us now with kids, I lock up all the guns except for the one on me. When I go to bed at night I lay it on the nightstand next to me, and I lock the bedroom door. Each child comes to the age of responsibility differently. And only you as a parent are capable of judging how old that is.

October 28th, 2009, 04:04 PM	#17
punk rocka Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kansas City Posts: 126	I have three boys; 11, 4 and 2 and I don't leave anything to chance when it comes to their curiosity or capacity. All my guns stay unloaded and are kept in a gun safe, with the exception of my CC pistol, which is a Springfield XD SC. When I started carrying again, I purchased one of these to keep my carry pistol in when it is not on my person. Amazon.com: HOMAK HS10036684 10-by-5-1/2-by-7-1/2-Inch Electronic Access Pistol Boby: Home Improvement My XD doesn't have any manual (active) safety mechanisms and a round is always in the chamber, but since it is either tucked inside my waistband or locked in the box, I don't worry about any of the kids getting to it and getting hurt.

October 28th, 2009, 04:20 PM	#20
mfcmb Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Posts: 120	I agree with most of the answers so I won't repeat them. But one thing I haven't seen mentioned is a warning that kids change over time: you can think you have them trained (e.g. not to touch guns) at an early age but, particularly during adolescence, sometimes they will spontaneously start acting against their early learning.