[RogerThat]

Ok, so heres the story...
My whole immediate family knows I have and carry a firearm, except my sister and brother in law who live in wyoming.
They came down yesterday and we went out to eat, my step dad whom I've took to the firing range before asked me if I had gone shooting lately. My brother in law hears him and automatically assumes hes talking about pool, but soon finds out we weren't. My brother in law asks me about it and I'm caught in a pickle so I tell him. He likes guns and my sister does as well, they say everyone in Wyoming goes hunting and blah blah, well today they come check out my new place and while we're eatting lunch he starts the topic back up again and I ask them since they show'd more than a little interest if they'd like to see them. I show them I disarm all my guns and I show them to them. They begin to become nervous around them, I asked them if they'd like to hold them they do, but they are very drawn back by all of it. My brother in law said the day before he'd love to go to the firing range to shoot with me, and after showing them to him he says in shock of the guns, "I don't know if I want to go shooting anymore" and laughs about it, but I could tell he was serious and later he takes it back and says he'd go anyways. I had to tell them about how I'm a good guy, guns aren't bad, people are bad... you know the whole speel. I'm a little confused because I wouldn't have showed them to them if I knew they would react that way, but I don't even think they knew they would. His excuse was that he was used to seeing guns that were made for hunting not personal protection, and he has never held a real hand gun before. I'm not sure what the deal is, but I don't like telling people about how I carry as well as showing them my guns unless I sense common interest. I just want to get this off my chest, because I don't think I did something wrong, but I still feel guilty and or shunned because I did. Just sharing my thoughts maybe someone has gone through this as well. :icon_neutral:

 

[dsee11789]

I know people like that too. Taking them to the range is a great First Step. I find almost everyone who is fearful of guns has never shot one. Once they figure out how it works and realize that there are safety devices in place to prevent the gun from "just going off" they begin to get more comfortable.

 

[Ram Rod]

Firearms. My family either accepts them, or they don't accept me. Because that's who and what I am. I don't expect any of my family to actively participate in anything related to firearms as they should expect nothing from me. Just mutual acceptance for who we are, and what we do, and that we all still exist to be family. If I had an anti-gun family, it would be my burden to sort it out and come to an agreement of sorts. I would do my best. I would still love my family no matter the differences. But if they don't accept me like I'll accept them, for who they are, what they do, or what they believe in, then they can expect to be contacted less frequently. That's all there is to it. They have yet to force ideals upon me, and I've been silent myself, so as to let them decide on their own ideals. Once any of them are ready to turn a new page and need advice, I'll be there ready, willing, and able to help. They are family no matter what.

 

[jhh3rd]

I have successfully avoided family for years. The main reason is that no good deed goes unpunished. Looks like you got punished. Never bring the topic up again and let these family members learn from others if they show interest.

 

[hk45c]

I have always been interested in firearms, they are not legal back home so the only firearm I'd ever shot was a .22 in Army Cadets, we used M16's in FATS and drilled with the mini ruger 14 (that's the rifle of the regiment yah yah I know) so when I took the NRA first steps class at a local range I was a bit scared to tell the truth. The gun did make me a little nervous, then when we went to live fire (the first handgun I ever fired glock 21) the reports of the other handguns made me jump a little and until I pulled the trigger the first time I was afraid it was just "going to go off". After I pulled the trigger I realized that it would not just jump up and start going off. So cut em a lil slack, take them to the range (outdoor if possible, indoor ranges are loud and may scare them even more. My first trip to an outdoor range was a dream compaired to the noise of the indoor) let them shoot a bit and they should come around. I did :comeandgetsome::bigsmile:

 

[TX-JB]

My family is into guns and hunting, but in different ways. My brother and his sons deer hunt together every year. They each own several hunting rifles, shotguns and even bought AR's before the election, but none of them is into handguns. Each has something useable for HD, but never think about the need for personal protection at any other time...
My dad, stepmom, my oldest son and me all have our CHL's. My dad and stepmom are in their 80's and don't leave home much. My dad still deer hunts and has a large gun collection.

My son and me are into handguns. We both carry everywhere we can. Other than my son, I don't talk about carrying around the rest of the family, unless they bring it up. I don't think they object to it, they just don't seem to have an interest.

 

[TWO GUNS]

Not many people in my family are into guns.But all my children are and all my family knows I carry all the time.

 

[dukalmighty]

So I guess when he sees a cop with a gun he pees himself,take them to a range and start with a 22 pistol and rifle,use bullseye targets and let them have fun.You might try telling them that most LEO carry their guns more than they shoot with most only requiring semi-annual qualifications.Responsible CHL holders practice enough to be proficient since we are responsible for where every bullet ends up

 

[mprp]

I certainly don't see any reason to feel weird about showing them. Seems like a pretty normal reaction from someone who doesn't know guns at all and really hasn't been around you in the presence of them. There's two unknowns there for them to take in at once. All they know is that they can be dangerous. Kind of like having a zookeeper taking you into a pen of tigers or bears. He knows what he's doing but you may not. (may sound weird but I believe the psychology is the same) I know I would be on edge. :blink: I agree with the other posts about maybe taking them to the range with a mild, fun gun. At least showing a little interest on their part at first is a good sign. A lot of people have an interest in something but fear the unknown and don't persue any farther. Don't just take him /them to the range though. Make sure you sit them down and explain the entire process in how it works and why. Take the "unknown" out of the equation therefor reducing the fear. You may be their only hope in showing them a good time with firearms! :hand10:

Let them know that we insist that they go out and have a great time. :bier:

 

[RETSUPT99]

Family can be 'funny' about guns. Most of my family are anti-gun, and that's fine with me. I'm sure that many of them think I'm a gun nut, I think that they (many of them) are naive about 'life'...most of them live in Detroit.:gah::gah::gah:
They know to leave the issue alone with me, and I don't waste my time trying to convince them for the need of SD/HD.

You did nothing wrong, I have tried to talk with various relatives and 'outlaws'...without success...I let the issues rest.:22a::wave:

 

[Rugergirl]

I can understand the feelings, Roger That. If it were me I'd let things ride and see if the topic comes up again. The family obviously showed some interest, and that interest may still be there, after the shock wears off. Some folks just get overwhelmed, especially after seeing a gun, especially handguns. Wait and see if they bring it up again, a trip to the range might not be out of the question. And if it does, make sure that the trip is heavy on the safety side of firearms handling. Some people have to ease into these things gently, a gradual acceptance might not be far off.

 

[RogerThat]

Well an update. I'm taking my 2 sisters and brother in law to the range tomorrow (sunday). I will do like break it down for them and show them the first few times how and what to do, than watch them. I'm looking forward to seeing their reaction when they shoot my .45's

 

[mprp]

Well an update. I'm taking my 2 sisters and brother in law to the range tomorrow (sunday). I will do like break it down for them and show them the first few times how and what to do, than watch them. I'm looking forward to seeing their reaction when they shoot my .45's

Ohhhhhh they're gonna do it. How cool is that! :hand10: Hope they all have a great time. The first time I let my (13 year old at the time) daughter shoot my .40, I loaded only one in the chamber and watched after she shot it to make sure she could handle it before I loaded up a mag. That way if she lost her grip or whatever, she would not have another one automatically chambered.

 

[RA229]

Well an update. I'm taking my 2 sisters and brother in law to the range tomorrow (sunday). I will do like break it down for them and show them the first few times how and what to do, than watch them. I'm looking forward to seeing their reaction when they shoot my .45's

Keep us posted with a range report, curious how this goes. Well I hope. :gah:

 

[Rugergirl]

Well an update. I'm taking my 2 sisters and brother in law to the range tomorrow (sunday). I will do like break it down for them and show them the first few times how and what to do, than watch them. I'm looking forward to seeing their reaction when they shoot my .45's

That's great, and I won't say I told you so, as long as we get a range report:yup: