Guns in the home

pattipants · August 2013

Curious to hear opinions about guns in the home -- mostly I'm interested to hear if any of you have changed your mind (either way) since getting pregnant and preparing to bring a baby into the house.

For example:
Do you differentiate between handguns (for "protection") vs. hunting rifles etc (for sport)? And do you keep them stored differently in the home?

Did getting pregnant make you think "I want a gun for protection!" or, "I want to get rid of guns to ensure that our children don't accidentally shoot themselves or someone else!"?

Did you grow up with guns in your house? Do you have a different opinion than your parents (or whoever raised you) on what is best?

Are you conceal and carriers?

pattipants · August 2013

I'll start

DH and I have some differing opinions on this, which we haven't revisited since we started talking about it months before TTC.

We both come from fairly gun-happy families, meaning that both hunt and own several guns. (However, I'm not really a gun "fan" per se.) My dad always kept his rifles locked in a massive safe in the basement, and I wouldn't have the first clue how to get them out. However, I know he also kept a handgun in the top drawer of their dresser. (Obviously I snooped as a kid.) Though I never did anything with it, I could have very easily been "showing off" if I brought a friend over when we were younger, and something bad could have happened. But come to think of it, I can't remember if there were bullets in the drawer as well…

I don't have a problem with hunting rifles kept in a massive safe. But DH and I disagree on a handgun for "protection." I'm not wild about having one, let alone having it in our bedroom… especially because it's not locked up. Our big safe is in the basement, and our bedroom is on the top floor, so it's not like DH would keep the handgun locked away down there.

I haven't really changed my opinion since getting pregnant. I still don't want a handgun in the house.

As for conceal and carry… No. Just no. My sister's husband keeps a gun in his car (in Iowa), and it freaks me out a little.

ETA: I realized that I didn't clarify that DH hunts, which is why he has a big gun safe in the basement. I have no problems with hunting cause mmmmmmm meat.

katykatykaty · August 2013

I'm anti-gun and live in Texas, so I'm in the minority. Luckily my DH is the same way. We will never have guns in the house. Also, because I'm paranoid (and because I live in Texas), I will be very careful about which houses my kids go to to play. A few years ago, a neighborhood 3 year old found his parents' gun and shot and killed himself, so it rings close to home for us.

pattipants · August 2013

Sorry, I forgot about our Bumpers in Canada!

But all your posts always make me think, "Damn, it sounds awesome to live in Canada!"

Candileigh03 · August 2013

We have guns of all sorts. Hand guns, long guns, you name he's got it. However my husband is very responsible with them. All guns are locked and the bullets are kept in a seperate location. A gun is never left loaded in our house.
As for the hand gun for protection. Yes, we keep one in the bed room. However, it's hid out of reach and not loaded. The clip of bullets is in a seperate location.
Growing up my dad had a hunting rifle here and there but mom hates guns and didn't like them in the house. He always kept bullets and guns in different locations and I wouldn't have had the slightest idea of where to have found them. We didn't have a gun for protection. We were lucky if we locked our doors

ah memories of small town USA

kare_bear_12 · August 2013

I was not raised around guns myself. I was introduced to them when my husband and I started dating. His father used to be a competitive western shooter, and that is their bond. They also go dove hunting for sport. I joined and and was taught how to handle, use and shoot. My husband own several guns, and he has always been very stern about gun safety. Unfortunately we do not have a safe right now, but every gun is unloaded and put away except for the one next to the bed in the top drawer.

It is always loaded and I know how to use it. I have been scared at night and my DH was not home. Sure thing I got that gun out and walked around the house.

I have a 12 year old step daughter. He has raised her and educated her to not ever touch a gun unless in his presence and only with him handling the gun. It is always unloaded when she stays with us. She does not handle a gun ever though and we do not take her shooting.

Education is key for us. Knowing how to properly and safely handle a weapon for protection in your home as an adult. I still want a safe, and we are saving up for one, because a young child, toddler curiosity is not 100% when it comes to educating on gun safety.

katykatykaty · August 2013

ktlovess said:

No guns for us in good ol' Canada!
I have never fired a real gun, nor do I ever want to. I don't believe in hunting, or having a gun for protection (I don't even think it's legal in Canada). And, I think guns are stupid :P
Maybe that's an UO but I'm sticking to it.

I heart Canada.

kare_bear_12 · August 2013

Also I am not comfortable carrying a gun myself, so i have a taser in my purse at all times. I have been stalked and sexually assaulted in a public place before. You cannot control other people, but you can protect yourself.

angelsnight · August 2013

Interesting question!

MH had been bugging me to let him get a gun for years and I've always leaned toward no, but I have several reasons.

I grew up with guns in the house. My dad had deer rifles for hunting, and a pistol or two for target practice. I don't think he kept any of them for protection. They were always locked up in a gun cabinet he made so we had no way to get into them unsupervised. He also had a BB gun he would let us play with, but we knew we were not to touch it unless he specifically got it out for us, supervised us using it and we could only shoot at specifc target (ie no running around the yard shooting at trees and stuff).

MH does not hunt so we have no need for rifles. He wants a hand gun for protection. I am not anti-gun whatsoever and while I don't see the point of a gun for protection, I am all for people having one if it makes them feel safer, but if they ever have kids in their house (grandkids, neighbor kids) or if they never have kids in the house but do one time for whatever reason, they better make for damn sure it's secured where they cannot get it.

I don't see the point for us because A. if it's not loaded and it's locked up securely, it's not accesible for protection (don't tell me you're going to calmy get it from whereever it is, load it and use it on a burgler), and B if it's accesible for protection, then it is not safe from kids.

MH has made the suggestion that we get a gun and a fingerprint safe. I have not done any research on them yet, but if they really are fool proof and can only be opened with his and/or my fingerprint, then I think that's a pretty good compromise. I still don't see the point, I personally think a bat or mace or something makes for a better self defense weapon because I am not sure I could shoot anybody, but if it is secure and it makes him feel better to have it, I'd be ok with it.

Nadeau Photography · August 2013

This is a great topic for discussion. Both my husband and I are pretty anti- gun. Not it an opinionated/political way...just a non-hunting family/don't feel the need to have one for protection way.

I recently found out my parents have a gun (shotgun??) under their bed (my 5 year old told me he saw it)...not loaded, they don't even have bullets for it, it was just an inheritance after my grandpa passed away, and was tucked there, been there ever since. I am SUPER uncomfortable with it....to the point where I threatened not to allow my boys over there unless it was removed from that location. I have 2 little boys who love to play with play guns (I have no idea why - was never anything we encouraged) and them getting their hands on a real one terrifies me. I have tried to instill "gun safety" rules with them, even when it's only play guns, just because you never know. (In the future - friends houses).

I do have to say, him discovering it WAS a total blessing in disguise though. It opened up a conversation between my husband and I and our kids, about the differences between real guns and pretend guns that otherwise may not have dawned on us to have.

ceh789 · August 2013

H is an avid hunter and shooting enthusiast. We have a ton of guns, they're locked in a safe. Once our child is old enough I expect he will teach them gun safety and probably bring them hunting as well. We have slightly different opinions on what "old enough" means, but we have time to sort that out.

One change I want to see is right now I think he is too cavalier about safety while cleaning his guns - he does it in the house and will leave the disassembled gun out to get the door or eat dinner or whatever. Once we have a kid that needs to stop - he thinks I'm unreasonable about it but agreed to do it.

He also thinks I'm unreasonable in that I don't think "toy" guns are appropriate at all. I think if we want to teach our kid to use guns responsibly that message does not start with them thinking it's a toy. I think the message needs to be that guns have to be taken seriously at all times, in all situations.

[Deleted User] · August 2013

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aracelyluna · August 2013

We don't own any guns. My parents never owned guns and neither did my in laws.
I know other people in my family do but, it is just not something I am too interested in.

DH and I have talked about owning a hand gun and I have been on the fence for a while. I have never even seen a real life gun let alone held one. I know why he wants one for protection. He travels and wants me to have something here.

We have a son and for the most part boys are interested in weapons. I don't want that temptation in the home at all. We may teach our kids gun safety but I can't control what may happen with other kids in our home. I am just not convinced it's worth it to have one in our home. We will see, DH is trying pretty hard to convince me.

pattipants · August 2013

ceh789 said:
He also thinks I'm unreasonable in that I don't think "toy" guns are appropriate at all. I think if we want to teach our kid to use guns responsibly that message does not start with them thinking it's a toy. I think the message needs to be that guns have to be taken seriously at all times, in all situations.

Yes, this too! Agreed.

Nickiechan · August 2013

We have two(handgun and a 22 rifle)... and both DH and I both go to the range to fire them off... especially after a LONG hard week at work, so we both know how to use one if there is a need. However, we are extremely responsible and I even took a class when I was younger when I got my hunting license (I come from a huge hunting family background). We also live in the rural area my neighbor is pretty far from us... We have a lock box for our handgun in our bedroom and the ammo is in another location. Our 22 is in a safe downstairs that the ammo is also in another location in the house. I feel the same way as some PP has stated... gun safety education...

EDIT: Forgot to add that we also have a crossbow (Not sure if bow are also included in the post). The arrows are in the same location in the safe in the basement, however to pull that crossbow in firing position is extremely difficult and you need to be pretty strong... My DH doesn't hunt, but I use to... and the crossbow was a gift from my father.

If The Walking Dead hasn't taught me anything... is that I can protect myself from zombies with a it! :P

legallyginger · August 2013

This is an interesting question. I'm not anti-gun, but I don't think we'll ever have one in the house. Neither of us grew up in a hunting family, dh doesn't hunt, and we don't feel the need for one for protection. I feel like you hear about accidental gun tragedy way more often than you hear about someone fending someone off with a gun.

The only way we would ever have one is if DH eventually becomes a cop like he talks about doing sometimes. If that happens, it will be unloaded and locked up at all times in the house.

katykatykaty · August 2013

To those who have/want them for protection, do you also have security systems? I would think a security system would be a much safer answer to the protection argument. We have five dogs, so they're our security system.

skeppler1 · August 2013

CHalePhoto said:

My DH has his c&c license and owns several guns of all sorts. He keeps them in our bedroom, but we will definitely be getting a locking gun safe before baby arrives. I've never touched a gun and have no desire to.

I am in the same boat as you are. Never seen or touched a gun until I met my DH and still really haven't. I definitely will feel more at ease when we have a safe for them.

Any ideas on where to find a good safe for all sizes or guns?

Nadeau Photography · August 2013

pattipants said:

ceh789 said:
He also thinks I'm unreasonable in that I don't think "toy" guns are appropriate at all. I think if we want to teach our kid to use guns responsibly that message does not start with them thinking it's a toy. I think the message needs to be that guns have to be taken seriously at all times, in all situations.

Yes, this too! Agreed.

I also strongly felt this way when my DS's were babies, and still feel this way..then as my kids got bigger, they started "building" guns with their Legos! Or using bendable straws! The fascination they have with it is crazy to me!

They ended up getting a nerf gun for a birthday last year, so that's when we started making them abide by gun safety rules playing with those.

aracelyluna · August 2013

Nadeau Photography said:

ceh789 said:
He also thinks I'm unreasonable in that I don't think "toy" guns are appropriate at all. I think if we want to teach our kid to use guns responsibly that message does not start with them thinking it's a toy. I think the message needs to be that guns have to be taken seriously at all times, in all situations.

Yes, this too! Agreed.
I also strongly felt this way when my DS's were babies, and still feel this way..then as my kids got bigger, they started "building" guns with their Legos! Or using bendable straws! The fascination they have with it is crazy to me! They ended up getting a nerf gun for a birthday last year, so that's when we started making them abide by gun safety rules playing with those.

I agree with this too. Especially with having a boy. We were three girls growing up and never cared to play with guns. When we visited family everything has a gun. Jorge now sword fights with everything and he is only 18 months. I have no idea how he figures out to use sticks, straws, etc for this.

Nickiechan · August 2013

skeppler1 said:

CHalePhoto said:

My DH has his c&c license and owns several guns of all sorts. He keeps them in our bedroom, but we will definitely be getting a locking gun safe before baby arrives. I've never touched a gun and have no desire to.

I am in the same boat as you are. Never seen or touched a gun until I met my DH and still really haven't. I definitely will feel more at ease when we have a safe for them.

Any ideas on where to find a good safe for all sizes or guns?

We have a fire proof safe in our bedroom with important documents that hold our handgun... the ammo is in DH's closet on the highest shelf... Our gun safe is a bit bigger that my Dad got me as a wedding gift(UGH I know...) and it hold rifles and other things and I think he got it a Cabela's.

wearebirds · August 2013

I grew up around guns and was on the youth trap shooting league until I was a teenager and got bored.

We currently only have a rifle that was my grandfathers, DH just purchased a hand gun, and I'm sure it won't be our last since I also want a handgun of my own and a shotgun for sport.

Growing up we were taught gun safety and that we don't touch guns that aren't ours...and learned how to spot a safety on or off on any gun. My parents kept a handgun in their bedroom. When I was older I was shown where it was just in case I ever had to use it (we lived in a rough area).

My views haven't really changed since getting KU. I believe that if guns aren't made taboo, and they are handled properly, with proper teaching kids get it. We obviously won't be telling a very small child where it is...but once they're older (old enough for the leagues) we have no problem teaching them how to handle them and safety.

Sorry that was so long winded!!

PerkyErky · August 2013

We don't have guns in our house and never will. Neither of us grew up in hunting families or families with guns for protection. But I have no problem with people having guns in their homes as long as they are responsible about it. My BFF grew up in a family with guns. She said that as a child she was taken out to the woods and her dad shot a rabbit to demonstrate that a gun is not a toy and can be dangerous.

Being an educated and responsible gun owner is way more important to me than if you are or are not a gun owner.

LiFeIsAmIrAcLe · August 2013

My hubby and I both grew up around guns. My dad was military, and he's also a big hunter....he has a cabinet with lots of different types of guns (that had a lock on it). He also has a handgun kept somewhere in his room (which is for protection) but none of us kids ever grew up knowing where he kept it. Now my brother is a cop, DH's brother is a cop, and DH has his concealed license. I have no issue with the guns. My parents had 8 children and from a young age they've been very careful to teach that guns are not toys and they are dangerous if used for the wrong reasons. We never had any issues. That being said.....with this little one on the way, hubby's definitely going to have to find a new hiding spot for his handgun. I don't mind guns at all but I definitely think they need to be kept VERY SAFELY.

kali55 · August 2013

ktlovess said:

No guns for us in good ol' Canada!
I have never fired a real gun, nor do I ever want to. I don't believe in hunting, or having a gun for protection (I don't even think it's legal in Canada). And, I think guns are stupid :P
Maybe that's an UO but I'm sticking to it.

There is still gun violence in Canada....but the rate of toddlers and kids killing themselves with their parents guns is WAY, WAY lower. I never understood gun fascination, and even if I lived in the States, I would not allow guns in my house.

This! I'm Canadian too. Guns make me very uncomfortable.

katieg314 · August 2013

We have several different kinds of guns in the house, my husband hunts and occasionally shoots competitively. It doesn't bother me, but we will definitely be getting a safe or two for them. DH is totally on board with this. He bought his parents a safe last year for Christmas because he was worried about his 3yo nephew who lives there. He wil probably teach our kids when they are older how to use a gun, but they will always stay locked up.

MarcyElizabeth · August 2013

I'm from England, so we don't do guns. I mean even the police dont carry them ;D x

lazyreader · August 2013

We have lots of guns. and by we I mean my husband. Neither of us grew up around guns at all but after he joined the Marines he has enjoyed shooting at the range (plus it is a required part of his job to be able to handle a variety of rifles and guns).

The rifles and such are empty in a closet (the ammo is elsewhere). We have a couple pistols that are loaded but not condition one. One is in a safe with a quick finger combo lock. One is being worn by hubs all day and if he's not wearing it, it sits on the bedside table.

We both have our CPL. I have been taught gun safety and how to shoot the pistol in the safe but I'm no pro so it stays there and I have a healthy respect for its privacy.

As for kids, we plan on having a fireproof safe for the guns in the near future and his everyday gun will go in the quicksafe. loaded. Gun safety will be taught from the get go.

JennBTX2013 · August 2013

We have handguns and rifles. I keep one in my car at all times. The rifles are in a safe. We are in Texas and our home is protected by Smith and Wesson

lol.

ClaireBear90 · August 2013

Hubby has four. He uses them maybe once or twice a year to shoot targets out at his best friend's farm. He'll very occasionally carry if he's going into a questionable part of the city.

I didn't grow up with any guns in the home. Would I choose to have one personally? No. But they're his guns and I'm not about to ask him to give them up. I trust him to be responsible and careful with them and to teach our kids to be careful as well.

kaylynne · August 2013

DH did some hunting growing up, and his family has some antique rifles that may or may not be capable of shooting anymore, but since the kids are all grown and moved away, there's no one in that house to use them, so they don't keep any ammo. My family never had guns.

We've only discussed having guns once or twice, but I told DH in no uncertain terms that having a gun in the house is a deal-breaker for me. I am super accident-prone and don't like the idea of having anything in the house that exists for the sole purpose of causing injury.

We have locks on the doors, we have a security system, we have a large dog, we have a strong gate, and neighbors that practically live on top of us. I'm good for safety. I don't believe in hunting. There's no other reason to have one.

AlphaMom82 · August 2013

Do you differentiate between handguns (for "protection") vs. hunting rifles etc (for sport)? And do you keep them stored differently in the home? We do not hunt but we do shoot at the range for sport and practice. Stored in a gun safe, guns not loaded, bullets in another location.

Did getting pregnant make you think "I want a gun for protection!" or, "I want to get rid of guns to ensure that our children don't accidentally shoot themselves or someone else!"? Nope, when my daughter is old enough she will learn to shoot and protect herself, just like her mama.

Did you grow up with guns in your house? Do you have a different opinion than your parents (or whoever raised you) on what is best? No guns growing up for DH or myself. My mom is considering getting a handgun.

Are you conceal and carriers? Yes, I conceal/carry most days to work, almost NEVER with my child.

This year I got a Glock .17 for Mother's Day, kind of unorthodox but it's what I wanted.

EML2011 · August 2013

DH and I have over 20 guns. Most of the guns are kept in a large safe in our basement, but 1 handgun is kept in the bedroom in a biometric safe beside the bed. We both have our concealed carry permits, but I very rarely carry and DH has a safe in his car to store his gun when he's not carrying.when our children are old enough, they will learn gun safety. Until then the guns will be kept away from them (in safes). Being pregnant has not changed our minds about guns, we use them for protection, hunting, and for sport at the range,

xinabride · August 2013

My family has hunted for years and no one has had hand guns. I'm okay with Rifles but kept in storage in the basement or garage. I don't allow guns in my house. I fired guns, my grandfather and uncles had my practice and learn but I see no use for guns as protection or hunting myself. DH has some family guns he inherited that are kept in the garage.

I always tell DH that the no gun rule is for him. He disagrees with me and thinks guns for protection are fine. Since its more likely I would shoot him as an accident or being crazy than us every using it on an intruder I told him its in his best interest to not have a gun and he conceded.

KTdid81 · August 2013

We have guns in our house. 1 handgun, which is loaded, and in the drawer next to the bed. It has the safety on and there isn't a bullet in the chamber. It is hard to cock this gun the first time. We also have a shot gun, which is loaded in my closet (in the bathroom). When our child gets to the crawling stage we will unload the shot gun and store it upstairs. The handgun will remain loaded and in the bedside stand. We do have a lockbox we will put it in though.

We feel it is important to be able to protect ourselves and our children. And plan on teaching our children about gun safety when the time is right.

KariB509 · August 2013

Do you differentiate between handguns (for "protection") vs. hunting rifles etc (for sport)? And do you keep them stored differently in the home?
I've never really thought about it but I guess I believe guns are guns. No difference between them. I think either should be stored locked away, with ammunition and gun separately.
Did getting pregnant make you think "I want a gun for protection!" or, "I want to get rid of guns to ensure that our children don't accidentally shoot themselves or someone else!"?

Neither. DH has a rifle in the house (it was my grandpa's) and it's safely hidden with no bullets around.

Did you grow up with guns in your house? Do you have a different opinion than your parents (or whoever raised you) on what is best?

Yes and I never knew about them until I was older. My dad is a former police officer and has a very strong opinion about gun safety and I feel the same.

Are you conceal and carriers?

Nope but I wouldn't necessarily be against it. Never really had an internet, need, or thought much about it.

VineyardMel · August 2013

DH has a handgun and until a few months ago it was kept loaded in the nightstand. Now that we have DD it's in a place she (or any child) could never get to. I feel like it's safely out of the way of the wrong hands, but we would like to get a fingerprint safe for it.

erind0213 · August 2013

My husband is a police officer and likes to build and restore guns as a hobby.

So we have them in our house, and have had them in our house and that won't change.

I will say the first purchase we made the Monday after our wedding was a proper gun safe, which is where they are all stored. His duty weapon gets lucked separately in a smaller safe near the bed, and if its on in there, he is carrying it.

My daughter has gone to visit our friends at a local shooting range. While she doesn't go in the room to shoot, she has seen and been in the presence of fire arms fairly regularly from a young age.

There are responsible ways to have them in the home, and irresponsible ways. If you put the proper precautions in place and educate your child when the time comes then you should be ok. I would never expect my husband to give up his hobby and I don't feel we are putting our child in harms way.

As for protection, we do live in a major city, that has its fair share of crime, I also have 2 large dogs and think they are the first deterrent. When DH isn't home I am not concerned with having a gun for protection, and no we don't have any security systems, although we have considered it.

matthew24 · August 2013

Growing up inthe northeast no one had/ has guns at least that I know of. I would never have a gun in my home nor would allow anyone in my home with one. I hate guns which completely goes against the grain of my job where I have a license to carrying and do on occasion but would only do so in the course of my work. After studying extensively this exact topic in grad school there is no reason to have a gun for protection statistically but if you want to have one the 4th Amendment allows you to do so just don't come in my house. Also, I think it is interesting with the regional component to guns and the attitudes towards guns; I always thought that was pretty compelling.

ceh789 · August 2013

ad.marse7 said:

https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/crime-law/vandalia-child-dies-after-accidentally-shooting-hi/nM2yy/

https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/pdf/10LCID_Unintentional_Deaths_2010-a.pdf You don't have a CAR, do you? Or a bathtub? Or any of the multiple other causes of unintentional injury that kill far more children than guns?

EML2011 · August 2013

matthew24 said:

Growing up inthe northeast no one had/ has guns at least that I know of. I would never have a gun in my home nor would allow anyone in my home with one. I hate guns which completely goes against the grain of my job where I have a license to carrying and do on occasion but would only do so in the course of my work. After studying extensively this exact topic in grad school there is no reason to have a gun for protection statistically but if you want to have one the 4th Amendment allows you to do so just don't come in my house. Also, I think it is interesting with the regional component to guns and the attitudes towards guns; I always thought that was pretty compelling.

I believe it's the 2nd amendment...

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