General Chat

In answer to your question, Eldrick, I don't know why anyone would want to own a bow and arrow either.

The other items you mention have uses other than for killing. They don't need to be locked away from children, either, except the knives.

Kitty, I agree the adult should have locked the gun away but he didn't and his daughter died. It wouldn't have happened had he not owned a gun.

Like I said, times have moved on.

Gwynne

Not air rifles, kitty.

S1 firearms do, as do shotguns.

Guns have to be registered and licensed and be locked away when not in use.

We had a gun cabinet that was locked and the cartridges kept away from the guns.

We were taught never to touch any of the shotguns, even if they were unloaded and being cleaned...........we had a very healthy respect for them and the damage they can do if not used properly.

Gwynne your post is desperately sad, but if the adult had locked the gun away, this tragedy would not have happened.

I speak as the daughter of a gamekeeper who earned his living around people who's hobby is shooting.

Kim, I haven't read this all through.. I'm in a rush!!

I would allow my 16 year olds to join a properly monitored rifle club, where they were taught responsible use and care for the lethal weapon.... and where they would not be allowed to remove the weapon from the club.

They would not be allowed to use it in the *the big wide world*.

I am a rather good shot myself.... markswoman, actually. *blushes modestly*

My boys weren't interested at all.

Love

Daff xxx

Peter, it is not illegal for someone under 18 to possess and air rifle. It is illegal for anyone under 17 to acquire one, or to sell or give one to anyone under 17.

An under 17 may use one supervised by an adult over 21.

As Mick points out, a person is the one that does the damage, not the item. An air rifle is pretty innocuous in the the scale of things - maximum 12 ft lbs energy for a rifle, 6ft lbs for a pistol. Less than a decent catapult.

Air rifle shooting is an olympic sport - why do people automatically think that anyone who possesses a gun is a homicidal maniac, lol

As for those who cannot think of a good reason for possessing one - what about a bow and arrow? Far more deadly than an air rifle, anyone can buy one and why would anyone want to have one? (I have 4 - 2 compound and 2 recurve).

Why would anyone want golf clubs? A cricket bat? A knife with a blade more than 3" long? A nail gun?

I don't think it is necessarily a phobia not to want weapons at home, more like tempting fate.

It is actually illegal for persons under 18 to possess or acquire an air gun.

Try Googling something like

possessing air gun

and lots of useful information will come up.

No way would I have allowed our son to have any kind of gun. I don't understand why anyone would want to own one, frankly.

I was brought up in the country, so I'm not a townie by any means, but I fail to understand why people get pleasure from killing animals for sport. This isn't the 19th century, no one is starving and thus forced to kill animals or birds, civilisation has moved on.

Some years ago a child near us got hold of his father's shotgun and killed his sister in a game, not realising his father had left it loaded.

Not worth the risk, I'd say.

Gwynne

Hi Kim,
I too was brought up in the country and have used a gun on numerous occasions when I lived on a farm. I think as you do, responsability will do your son no harm, using a gun correctly and understanding the dangers can't be a bad thing for a 16 year old to learn.
My youngest lad has always been interested in guns, we do have air rifles in the house here as well as a harpoon, but my lads always knew that the guns were only ever used under supervision.

I personally see no harm in a youngster learning and understanding about guns and the responsability that goes hand in hand with owning one.
Your son obviously knew what your husbands response would be when buying an air rifle behind your backs, but thats kids for you, they all do things that not all parents agree to, but we usually find out in the end.
I think you have done the right thing completely by accepting his choice in what he wants but also he accepts your choice that he has to use a gun responsably by going to a range and learning the correct way to be an owner and of its use.

Gillie XX

i agree with the others if your taught how to use them and respect them and be responsible with them.

my dad always had an airrifle and taught me and my brother how to use it.

i would suggest you let him join a local club, my dad did archery as well and they can be quite dangerous but if your taught to respect these items and lock them away etc when not in use i cant see the problem

If any young person is around guns they need to be taught gun safety...Knowing you live in the country I would say yes teach him how to use it and be watchful. He will play with his mates air rifles anyway, so may as well install some good sense and knowledge of firearms...

My father bought me an air rifle when I was 16.
He taught me how to use it responsibly
(he was an Ex army marksman who competed in army competitions)
I went on to own .22 rifles and shotguns,
and used every type of gun imaginable whilst in the Army myself.
Still use guns on the farm.
Nothing evil about guns - just how you use them!

xxxx mick

guns by themselves do not harm people, or animals,its the idiots with their hands on the trigger.......
if the shooter is trained responsibly there is absolutely NO harm in having an air weapon( or otherwise) at home.
the Bisley national championships are next month......I will be there.......hope fully coming home with a trophy or two.......

my grandaughter aged 21 shoots a PCP air rifle.......the club she shoots at are peed off with her, because she shoots well but does'nt train methodically

she has aspirations of of becoming a game warden in South
Africa....(coupled with a Bsc Hons , in animal management),
Bob

Sorry Kim. I would not. I lives beside a girl who lost her eye.

Newby - my entire being says NO NO NO NO

My son bought such a thing, without the approval or knowledge of us, his parents.

As soon as we knew, the said "thing" was jettisoned into the River Trent pdq and there is now lies, rusting for eternity.

It aint your kid that's the problem love, it's the rest of them.

You OK - long time no speak.??
jac

why no guns in the home Peter?

I have numerous....and had them whilst my kids were growing up...?

What is the problem with that?

I have never been ablle to understand hoplophobia.

I am appalled by what I am reading on here.

Ok to own a gun if your are a good boy and don't shoot at the neighbours windows?

NO NO NO.

If you are serious, then join a proper recognized gun club, but no guns in the home.

Kim,
I would say as long as you have a responsible attitude towards his shooting and he learrns properly it should be OK. you know your son best. atleast he didn't buy it an not tell you.

A few years ago our cat we had then we shot by an air rifle by kids in the garden over the back of our house. We reported it to the police, they came to see us and asked what we wanted them to do about it. I told them to give them a warning and tell them to use it in the proper place. We never had any more trouble.

when we were kids in the 50s all the boys had air pistols and we often had little blue bruises on our legs where they shot at us!!! Didn't half sting. at that age (15/16) you don't see the danger.

I am sure he will be fine. If you stop him he may go behind your back next time.

ann
Glos

Hi ya Kitty , Broggy , Caz an Marion... Just had a phone call from the local air gun league in our area . The person I spoke to was brilliant !! they have a meet tonight to train learners , they supply the guns and shoot at bell targets with proper air guns .. and meet fortnightly at a British Leagon Club, the competition season starts later in the year ..
Son is going ...:))))))))
PS their best marks person is a young lady aged 18.
Not on here much just lately (stuff happening) , but just a huge Thank you ..
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kim

no way hosay

lots of people think 'evil' and 'trouble' as soon as a gun of any description is mentioned.

The fact is that just because someone owns one doesn't mean that they are going to misuse it....after all, there are numerous analogies.

Ive owned firearms all my life, competed at a high level, travelled all over the world to use them....and never encountered the slightest urge to go postal!