New neigbor Is anti gun

[coldmold]

This spring the house across the street from me was sold to a young couple as a fixer upper. They seem like a nice couple and I have been helping them some with their upgrading on the house.
They have two children about the same age as my grandaughter. The little girl was over here a couple of days ago and Katy(my grandaughter was showing her around. The little girl about 13 yrs old asked Katy what my gun safe was. Katy replied thats wher grampa keeps his guns. Tonight the father came across the street ands told me his girl would not be allowed to play over here because of the guns.
We had a rather long discusion about it and I ended it by offering to take him to my range and show him guns used right are no more dangerous that his golf clubs. He accepted. I might have us a convert.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Cold; That's the way to handle this situation. Good idea.

 

[crsides]

we could use one more.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Thread title rename:

New Neighbor Is anti gun

to

New Neighbor Is NO LONGER anti gun!!!

 

[Stu1205]

If he doesn't come around, put a sign on your lawn that reads,

"This house is protected by Smith & Wesson,
however the house across the street is a no gun zone."

 

[Thuer]

This is hopefull. Bud you did your part already to help him with his house. So he knows already that people with guns arn't scary.

Please let us know how it worked out.

 

[bitstream]

I think the best first start was that the guns were correctly stored in a proper gun safe.

I bet he's smiling after the first few rounds he puts down range.


Big Question: What gun are you going to let him try first?

 

[H Richard]

Please let us know the results of your outing!

 

[The Last Standing Knight]

While I have seen the opposite reaction, it would be nifty if after that first range outing he got bit by the bug like the rest of us did long ago and start asking you about what kind of firearm to get.

 

[snowman]

This sounds very promising. Your assistance with the house was a big, big deal -had there been no positive contact like that prior to the incident with the girls, it's doubtful he would have accepted your invitation.

This is what we all need to do -be neighborly, helpful, etc. with those in our circle of influence. It breaks down barriers and, regardless of the response, is the right thing to do.

Andy

 

[gizamo]

 

[Stu1205]

That's what I'm talking about.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

If there are other shooters at the range, another aspect of his visit will be the social factor. He'll get a chance to see people no different from himself (other than shooting) using guns responsibly and having a good time. Introduce him to your friends, explaining he's there to learn more about shooting. At most ranges he'll be made to feel welcome. And please let us know how it works out. Good post.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

Well handled from the start! Your neighbor already knows you're a good guy for helping him with the house; now you're willing to introduce him to firearms and shooting. What are you going to do when he wants to see your arsenal, er, I mean your collection?

 

[oldman45]

My request is that you please let us know how the trip to the range works out.

You handled it quite well.

 

[Onomea]

Nice goin'!

Say, maybe tell him to bring the missus if he wants. That way she can see, too, that it is fun and safe, properly done.

 

[pawncop]

Go for it dude, and good luck.

 

[jkc]

Good on ya! After-Action Report, please...

 

[amazingflapjack]

It may be the wife that is actually responsible for the "no play" edict. Some folks, women in particular, tend to be lead by their emotions, and not reason. She may be the key person to get to the range. I see you are in the Mid West, where are your new neighbors from-maybe Chi Town? My Wifes parents are New Yorkers, however, she was raised in Florida, but because her folks knee jerk reaction to anything gun was "EVIL," she had never seen or handled a fire arm-not even at the carnival shooting galorie I don't think. Well, we went to Georgia on our honey moon, and while we were up on some mountain property I had, I just hauled off and handed her a 12 guage pump, and with a short course of instruction, turned her loose. I had her aim at an old rotten stump about 20 feet away and when that double ought hit, she just started to laugh. I knew we were good. Flapjack.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Concerned parent and a man who comes over to talk face to face about it. Sounds like a good guy and that you're already off to a good start as neighbors. Hope the range outing goes well.