Father wants to become firearm owner, anti gun family prevents him

Silly_Ghille

Silly_Ghille

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Hi everyone!
I don't really know where to put this, so since I am a newbie to CGN, I may as well post here.

Here is my issue, my father and I both have pretty rational views on firearms, but the rest of my family (mother and two brothers) absolutely disagree with the idea of firearms in the house and have pretty disgusting views on gun control as well. I have made a presentation on a firearm I wanted my father to get someday which was about the glorious SKS. In said presentation, I told them about the rifles history, how to use the rifle, disassemble it etc. so they can get a background on that firearm. However, I was soon ridiculed by my entire family for thinking about getting a firearm to the point they did not talk to me for two weeks straight.

I'd just like to point out what each of my family members have done regarding firearms experience.

My mother: Went to Florida last summer, she shot maybe 10rds out of a .22 pistol and left the range to go sit outside. (Probably in anger)
My father: Went to Florida last summer, shot all the guns I shot, had an absolute blast with me (probably one of my best father son moments in my life :D)
My two brothers: Other than videogames and the media, they have absolutely no experience with firearms at all other than maybe one time in Poland where they shot a few shotgun blanks into the sky. (As addtl. info it may help if I mention their age, one is 27y/o and one is 29y/o)

I'm here to ask you guys as to what I can do. Because whatever I am trying is not working, they won't listen to me when I mention the subject and are hinting to me that they think I am stupid etc. They're ridiculing me for researching stuff they are too ignorant to glance at, they are forcefed info from the media with all these recent shootings and stuff.

Anyways, I would greatly appreciate your help. And I know you guys who browse here often, aren't therapists, but I would again, appreciate any help I can get.

Thank you
-Silly_Ghillie
 
for starters how did you make a post, and still have a zero post count????????

second welcome to CGN.

my mom was a massive anti befor i got any guns. after she saw i wasnt buying them for bad reasons she stopped worrying and now wants to get her PAL (unfortunately probably never will but better then nothing) .
parents and family are just cautious when the gun interest begins. after that, they dont care.

just my situation...
 
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There's no telling what you can do from the information you provided. 60% of the family unit does not want firearms in the house, and questions of "who's the boss" are irrelevant. Question of having peace in the household are rather more important.

But there's no question in my mind about what you SHOULD do, though: it's time to move out to where you can be your own man. Gods, you have 27 and 29 y/o brothers still living at home? Just move out first and the shame will be your best revenge on those momma's boys. Good luck.

And how you can post and have a zero post count is interesting question indeed. :)
 
What is your goal for the firearm? Is there any specific reason you want a SKS or is there some specific goal in mind (target shooting, hunting, etc.). I would more base it off of, I have this want, and this item here (firearm x) best suits it. Or as others have said, you could just move out and buy one anyways. I really don't know how to help you as for me, I remember being a kid and wanting a airsoft gun (like all kids do), and my dad saying no, if you want a gun you get a real one (and that killed my interest in airsoft pretty quickly).

With family like that, it really makes you question who your enemies are. Even if I don't agree with a family members position on something, I don't just not talk to them for weeks because they have said something I don't like.
 
if they all still live together, they have more issues than their irrational fear of guns. but as said by geologist, your dad needs to 'man up'.

Here's an example of fear I get from my wife every gun I buy.

I bought an SKS, she was scared, I talked to her about it and how it's limited to 5 rounds and to come shoot with me. She came out shooting, and loved the SKS.
Bought some shotguns and a bolt gun, explained my want to hunt.
I bought a VZ 58, she freaked because it had a magazine and was black, I explained it took the same # of rounds and same round as the SKS, it was media sweing her perception of 'black' guns, she shot it and now it's her fav gun.
I bought an AR, she got pissed because now we have a 'restricted' in the house, I showed it to her, explained the similarities to the VZ and the asinine extra locking procedures required, now shes fine with it.
I am purchasing a pistol (money down right now), she doesn't like it, I explained that same thing needs to be locked up double and such. As long as she gets to shoot it, she'll be happy.

In conclusion, it's your hobby, they can STFU if they don't like it.

my wife's Bday present this year is the PAL course.
 
Take your RPAL with your dad. Follow all the rules, and enjoy the Shooting Sports.

Family members who don't agree with your choice of a hobby, will get over it... And if they don't, who cares!

Cheers
Jay
 
Some families live so tightly entwined that they can't exist without each other. From the sounds of the original poster, he has one of those families. Firearms aside, I'd be more worried about their go-to tactic of ridicule and dismissal when they are losing the argument. Insecurity is a difficult emotion to overcome.

As far as firearms are concerned, families have influence on the paperwork and licences. One negative emotional complaint can scuttle an application. My suggestion would be to go ahead and start the paperwork, take the course and make ready. The original poster has to reason and convince his family that his interests are genuine, and that they have nothing to fear.
 
maple_leaf_eh said:
Some families live so tightly entwined that they can't exist without each other. From the sounds of the original poster, he has one of those families. Firearms aside, I'd be more worried about their go-to tactic of ridicule and dismissal when they are losing the argument. Insecurity is a difficult emotion to overcome.

As far as firearms are concerned, families have influence on the paperwork and licences. One negative emotional complaint can scuttle an application. My suggestion would be to go ahead and start the paperwork, take the course and make ready. The original poster has to reason and convince his family that his interests are genuine, and that they have nothing to fear.
Click to expand...


none of the people mentioned would be on the application. He'll be fine.
 
Do what you want and screw the rest. I had family members disagree with my choice of career ( Infantry and me serving in Afghanistan ) but when it benefited them, They were that is my ..... Well I said screw them. Theyre broke, been in trouble, **** in the head, I did wrong serving my country but 2 cousin both had children when they were 15 by long gone fathers that were twice their age but I done wrong.

Best thing you can do is don't care what they think. If it splits up family it splits up family. If they act like that then there is no changing and but but they are family. Only you can choose your family. I chose my family the min I stepped off the bus and only saw a couple family members.
 
You've probably started off on the wrong foot. A rental range in Florida and a family presentation on the SKS don't sound like the best ways to change opinions.

Here's what I suggest: First stop talking about guns and related matters for a few months. Secondly, find a clay target club close to your home and plan to join in the late spring or early summer. Clay target shooting is the activity that is the easiest to sway people not comfortable with firearms. Not only is it an Olympic sport it is the shooting sport least associated with killing people.

The next step is a gun that doesn't hint of military or criminal use. A long-barrelled over/under with a wood stock is the best choice, second best would be a target semi-auto. The key is the least threatening firearm in appearance or function.

Your mother should be the focus of attention. Once she's convinced the others will fall into line. Your father will need to show her the gun will be safely stored, broken down into component parts and either in a locked case or small gun safe. He/you should not bring the gun out when other people are around and transport it to and from the club in a locked case. Out of sight, out of mind.

Once the family is comfortable with a sporting shotgun in the house then move into the other types and styles of firearms.
 
fair enough. if the ma is adamant then it's time for pa to stand up and say no to a few things too. either that or man up and move out. don't cry because your landlord says no to guns. if it's that important to you then make the move.
 
Eaglelord17 said:
What is your goal for the firearm? Is there any specific reason you want a SKS or is there some specific goal in mind (target shooting, hunting, etc.). I would more base it off of, I have this want, and this item here (firearm x) best suits it. Or as others have said, you could just move out and buy one anyways. I really don't know how to help you as for me, I remember being a kid and wanting a airsoft gun (like all kids do), and my dad saying no, if you want a gun you get a real one (and that killed my interest in airsoft pretty quickly).

With family like that, it really makes you question who your enemies are. Even if I don't agree with a family members position on something, I don't just not talk to them for weeks because they have said something I don't like.
Click to expand...

I actually own an airsoft gun, my parents were first skeptical but once I played a round with a rental, they were fine. And it wasn't me who chose not to speak to them, it was them.
 
Silly_Ghille said:
I actually own an airsoft gun, my parents were first skeptical but once I played a round with a rental, they were fine. And it wasn't me who chose not to speak to them, it was them.
Click to expand...

Guns are scary to people who have been convinced that guns are the CAUSE of gun related mayhem. Work to change their view by becoming a responsible
PAL holder and gun owner. You don't have to confront them with your plans and get their approval, just let them know your intentions and progress.

The SKS is a great first rifle, I love them but they are very polarizing, try looking for something that your family is used to seeing in the community, first.
 
Your ghillie suit is working really well! You have at least 3 posts now and your count is still 0!

My advice:
Go get your PAL/RPAL. Your dad can join you or not, that's his choice and decision. He is the one that has to deal with your mother daily.
Do not use your family as your reference so they won't have any influence on your application. I assume you are not married so the spouse section can be left blank.
As previously mentioned, slowly and frequently bring up gun issues with the antis in your household. Be rational and do not stir up arguments. Easier to attract bears with honey than with vinegar. This will take time. Show them your gun(s) when you get them. Over time, they still may not approve but that is not your problem. If they love you, they will accept your chosen hobby. Family ties are strong with the Poles. They will forgive your "indiscretion"!!
 
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