[stratplexi]

More nanny state, overreaching, power hungry politicians who generally hate the 2A community will continue to infringe and trample the constitution under foot as long as we fail to do our part. Unfortunately, when dealing in mass numbers, errors, individual negligence and other factors enter the equation and give them fodder. REGARDLESS, trampling the constitution is not the solution. We should not give in and must continue to fight the encroachment or eventually we won’t have any rights. We cannot allow the rhetoric of accidents or negligence to influence us. There must be other solutions without taking my rights.

 

[Laxman09]

Prior to children, my firearms were scattered around the house. Since kids, especially when the could walk, I keep them locked in various safes/boxes. At 3 or 4 I started showing my daughter what a "dad tool" was and about how if she sees one out to never touch it and immediately get a parent. However, if she ever wanted to see one and hold it, all she had to do was ask and I would allow her to handle a safe firearm. She has asked to see them when Im working on something and I let her. She knows they could hurt her and others. Ill ask her often what she would do, and she knows "get a parent and never touch."

Everyone has to accept their own level of risk. For me, certain firearms remained loaded and a round in the chamber. Some are loaded and require a round to be chambered. Some are not loaded. All of them are locked away or on my person.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

My kids (all in their 20's now) are all trained on firearms and know how to treat them safely.

It was their friends or friends-of-friends that gave me the most pause when they were younger. Also, nieces and nephews or the kid that feeds our dog when we're gone?

My firearms are all locked up. My primary defense shotgun is in a locked rack that can be opened in less than 2 seconds and is ready to fire as soon as it comes out of the rack (key combination or RFID tag on wrist will open it).

If a ninja can get past my alarm system and my dog and get to me in under 15 seconds, he wins. If it takes him 20...his Ninja days are probably over.

When we were kids, we visited my grandmother's house (several states away from our home) one time. I was like 5 and my 8 year old brother found my grandmother's .32 revolver, which she had hidden in a dresser) within 15 minutes of us getting to her house, and put a round through the floor within a minute after that. Kids will do some stupid ****. I plan for that and try to protect them.

 

[Fred Ward]

We all have different needs, and use different levels of security. A retired couple with grandchildren living out of state are in a different situation than a couple with 5 small children. We each should have the right to choose our own method of storage, and the responsibility to choose wisely. This should be obvious.

 

[beancrusher]

I subscribe to the thought that the firearm is either locked up, or on my person. It goes on in the morning, comes off when I go to bed.

 

[IngramTx]

As a young patrolman there was always more month than money. We were living in an apartment with two small children. My kids were trained well.

One night we had the neighbors over to play cards. My daughters friend was soon tugging at her mom's arm and whispering that there was a gun upstairs. She looked at me and smiled and told her daughter that there was a gun up there because I was a policeman.

I had taken to handcuffing my service revolver to the P-trap under the bathroom vanity. That's where the neighbor girl found it. Eye opening? Boy howdy!

Kids snoop.

As a young chap I had a paper route that required me to do collections once a month. One of my clients lived in the "big house" along the river. Every month they made a big deal out of inviting me in while they went to the safe for my buck and a half. Well, to a poor kid like me, just seeing a safe in someone's house led me and my pals to all kinds of speculation. So much money that you need a safe....just imagine!

Kids being kids we had a whole summer vacation to ride around on our bikes doing nothing and taking all day to do it.
So, we come up with this plan that we were going to rob the big house on the hill. The first night we "cased the joint" from the river bank we discovered that they never pulled the bedroom curtains on that side of the house....and their daughter was home from college....whew. The plan to rob the house soon took a back seat to the show.

I recount this story, decades later, because I vividly recall the impression that just the sight of that safe made on me. There was no way in the world that me or my pals would have stole lunch money, much less burglarize a house. But we were aware of some kids who probably would have.

 

[LEEEAGLE]

Is your safe stuffed full of cash? More importantly, is your daughter home?

 

[Harper]

No kids around, no grandkids around, old guy and wife on 20 acres, middle of nowhere, guns of various types and calibers here and there all around the house. Condition 0 or 1.

 

[Beret]

Sure, you should teach your children about gun safety, but that's no excuse for negligence. You can't predict what will happen and who will be involved. Safe, secure storage of firearms is just common sense which I would hope firearm owners would have plenty of.

There are more horrible stories of deaths of innocent people due to negligence than there are of firearm-involving self-defense situations. Don't get your information from television or social media, store them securely. There are so many reasonable options to allow both secure storage and accessibility that there's no excuse. If you can afford the firearm, you can afford to store it responsibly.

~B

 

[WAndersonMD]

I see that there is a growing movement to make sure that your means of self-defense is inaccessible when you need it most. If you have kids, teach them gun safety.
They teach sex ed in school, talk about drug abuse, suicide, and bullying. But why not gun safety, basic first aid, balancing a checkbook and what to do when you are pulled over by police while in a car.
I don't like being told that I have to lock up a gun that is there to protect myself and family. We knew where the guns were at home, but we didn't touch them unless my father was there. My dad had it easier. He had guns in his room as he was raised on a farm until the middle of high-school.
I used to shoot my dad's .22 in grade school. A few of us would go to the range and we were taught shooting in the boy scouts. I actually didn't get into hunting until college. Went deer hunting with a buddy and first time out I got a deer with my dads Winchester Lever action 30-30. I had not even sighted it in! Open sights, no less! My third year in college I bought a .22 revolver, then a .44mag S&W and then a .45 Model 70 Colt. I was working quite a bit in college in VT. Had the guns in my room on Campus. I hid them in the ceiling and lived in a single room.
Out of college I bought a Remington bolt action to hunt deer with. And, I was always successful. One day I went hunting with the .44 revolver and I never used my bolt action rifle again.
So, what happened to the generations after me? Most kids aren't exposed to the hunting sports or just hiking and camping. You hear about everything being genetically modified and filled with antibiotics. Hunting sems like it would be such a great idea. It brings down the deer population and provides money for habitat. Just my thoughts.

I agree that sex ed and gun safety should be taught early in schools. But, regarding your later comments, nostalgia is no basis for policy.

That said, you are certainly correct that we, as gun owners and enthusiasts (and bigly, NRA), have failed to keep the interest in firearms broad and inclusive. Yes, the only real natural predator of deer is the human hunter. Hunting and sport ownership need to be highlighted. We need a bit of a culture shift. If you're talking about taking arms against the government, I don't see a 2A protection for that threat of violence (maybe 1A but I doubt it). Neither does most of America.

The NM safe storage bill passed and signed on 14 March, https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/23 Regular/final/HB0009.pdf, has exceptions absolving gun owners:
"A person does not violate Subsection A or B of
this section if a minor obtains a firearm:
(1) that was either kept in a locked
container and was securely stored or kept in a location that
a reasonable person would believe to be secure when obtained
by a minor;
(2) that was carried on the person or within
the person's immediate control;
(3) that was locked with a firearm safety
device that rendered the firearm inoperable;
(4) in the course of self-defense or defense
of another person;
(5) by illegal entry to the person's
property; or
(6) with the authorization of the minor's
parent or guardian for lawful hunting, lawful recreational
use or any other lawful purpose. "

 

[Dadeaux]

I'm not a LEO, security, or military and yet I have had guns pointed at me 7 times and 2 of the 7, the bullet was fired. 2, I talked my way out of. Whether I am home alone or not I have the right to keep and bear arms. My parents also taught me about gun safety and at 11 or 12 I had an hunting license after taking a state mandated safety class. Now I don't have any children but when nieces and my cousin's kids would come over my guns would be in my locked bedroom or my safe. Now that they are all grown up they aren't just lying around for people to take but I don't lock my bedroom door. The doors of the house are always locked unless my journey outside is for a very short period of time. I do this because once I and my living in sin GF were waiting for a body shop to open. It was still dark out and two guys came up to the car and tried to open the doors. I had locked the car doors when we parked. This was before the auto locking doors that some vehicles have. We both showed them our guns and they quickly left. I should be able to decide where and how I store my weapons based on my experience. I have seen things happen very quickly. There is NO one way to store your firearms because there are so many scenarios that can change. I feel the government should not be allowed to mandate how I store them. IMHO.

Interesting that these same people that tell you how to store guns have security details with so called illegal guns always available...

 

[jeryt]

I see that there is a growing movement to make sure that your means of self-defense is inaccessible when you need it most. If you have kids, teach them gun safety.
They teach sex ed in school, talk about drug abuse, suicide, and bullying. But why not gun safety, basic first aid, balancing a checkbook and what to do when you are pulled over by police while in a car.
I don't like being told that I have to lock up a gun that is there to protect myself and family. We knew where the guns were at home, but we didn't touch them unless my father was there. My dad had it easier. He had guns in his room as he was raised on a farm until the middle of high-school.
I used to shoot my dad's .22 in grade school. A few of us would go to the range and we were taught shooting in the boy scouts. I actually didn't get into hunting until college. Went deer hunting with a buddy and first time out I got a deer with my dads Winchester Lever action 30-30. I had not even sighted it in! Open sights, no less! My third year in college I bought a .22 revolver, then a .44mag S&W and then a .45 Model 70 Colt. I was working quite a bit in college in VT. Had the guns in my room on Campus. I hid them in the ceiling and lived in a single room.
Out of college I bought a Remington bolt action to hunt deer with. And, I was always successful. One day I went hunting with the .44 revolver and I never used my bolt action rifle again.
So, what happened to the generations after me? Most kids aren't exposed to the hunting sports or just hiking and camping. You hear about everything being genetically modified and filled with antibiotics. Hunting sems like it would be such a great idea. It brings down the deer population and provides money for habitat. Just my thoughts.

 

[Deputydave]

When my son was old enough to understand what a firearm was I sat down with him and explained about my pistols and safety. I told him that if he ever wanted to see them all he had to do was ask. I only remember maybe 2-3 times over the years where he came to me and asked to see them. We'd sit together, make sure they were safe together and then he'd handle the pistol for about 30 seconds, hand it back and say 'thanks'. I took the curiosity away from the pistols for him. They weren't taboo. Now he's all grown up, has his own CCW and three different pistols and a PCC and carries daily.

Basically raising a responsible gun owner.

 

[Vetteguy904]

No kids; gun safe is open and accessible when home. When we leave that’s the last thing checked to make sure safe is closed and locked before leaving. First thing opened when we return.

Ditto. Right now, the Girsan is on the desk next to me. the Sig C3 on the table behind me. The Sig M-11 is upstairs on the nightstand. IF I decide to leae the house for more than a couple minutes, I'll lock up what I'm not carrying, but by the times for bed the M-11 will be on the nightstand, the Girsan here on the desk, and the C3 may or may not still be in the safe.

 

[jeryt]

I am all for gun safety, I don't have kids living at home so I keep guns where ever I want.
But, remember when the government steps in and wants you to follow their rules, they have a habit of screwing things up really bad. Common sense is required NOT government interference.

 

[Dumbdumb]

Two key points here. One, governments give or grant nothing. They can only take freedoms away. Two, those in charge hate us all and love to see us fight amonst ourselves. It helps them cover what they are really doing.

 

[sagerat]

Yes, the only real natural predator of deer is the human hunter.

No cougars, wolves, or coyotes where you live?

 

[Fred Ward]

Sure, you should teach your children about gun safety, but that's no excuse for negligence. You can't predict what will happen and who will be involved. Safe, secure storage of firearms is just common sense which I would hope firearm owners would have plenty of.

There are more horrible stories of deaths of innocent people due to negligence than there are of firearm-involving self-defense situations. Don't get your information from television or social media, store them securely. There are so many reasonable options to allow both secure storage and accessibility that there's no excuse. If you can afford the firearm, you can afford to store it responsibly.

~B

I disagree. Statistics reveal about 32 children per year die in accidental shootings, out of a population of 330 millions. This is children under 12. It's hard to measure the others, because so many teens have gang involvement. But you may be right about the horror stories-they publish more than self-defense stories. Read the Armd Citizen volume in the NRA magazines.

 

[mrerick]

Schools, and especially government supported schools, have degenerated into indoctrination centers fueled by politically motivated activists and equipped through university indoctrinated "educators" and "administrators".

Just try addressing a school board meeting to deal with something you disagree with concerning your child's education today.

Most school systems are infected with extreme hoplophobia (fear of guns) and express this through complete suppression of any depiction of images or discussion of firearms. This includes anything that would depict a firearm on clothing, in literature, on computer screens or in the content of course material. For that reason, schools and school systems regularly oppose anything having to do with firearm safety education, and work to channel any funding intended for firearm safety education into indoctrination programs against firearms and firearm ownership. I witness this directly in my own work with state firearms rights groups.

Schools today do not teach American History concerning Second Amendment rights or your right to bear arms or your right to defend yourself. They practice extreme prejudice against any young person that attempts to defend themselves from physical attack or bullying, especially if they are not of a preferred equity group.

A gun owner is responsible for the safe storage of firearms and ammunition. That is a responsibility that the gun owner must understand and accept upon acquisition of any and all firearms and ammunition. It is not a casual responsibility, and is often enforced through state law. In my state, you become responsible for crimes committed by a minor that gains access to your firearms.

Gun control zealots conflate "children" with those criminals being groomed and entering violent street gangs, often technically children between the ages of 13 and 17. They are used by gangs for violent attacks with firearms precisely because they are subject to the juvenile justice system and remain available as adults useful to the gangs when they turn 18 years old. It is disingenuous to argue using statistics about these "children" and "gun violence" that these groomed street thugs commit.

Formal programs for gun safety education are available from a number of private sources including local gun clubs. My own offers marksmanship and safety training to families as well as NRA education programs. I am a certified instructor for those programs.

I oppose any laws which force specific storage solutions upon gun owners. These violate your right to bear arms and ultimately your freedom.

At no time is a gun owner relieved of the responsibility to properly secure and store firearm so that minors and unqualified adults cannot access them, or to educate minors in their care on firearm safety. There are adequate solutions for keeping firearms secured while in active use. These include quick access lock boxes using pushbutton or fingerprint access systems. Firearm safety education is available.

Anyone with access to a firearm needs to have safety training and demonstrate competence in handling a firearm. Again, this is a gun owner's responsibility - but I would oppose any law that imposes legal requirements and jeopardy in this area.

 

[TerminalSigness]

Schools, and especially government supported schools, have degenerated into indoctrination centers fueled by politically motivated activists and equipped through university indoctrinated "educators" and "administrators".

Just try addressing a school board meeting to deal with something you disagree with concerning your child's education today.

Most school systems are infected with extreme hoplophobia (fear of guns) and express this through complete suppression of any depiction of images or discussion of firearms. This includes anything that would depict a firearm on clothing, in literature, on computer screens or in the content of course material. For that reason, schools and school systems regularly oppose anything having to do with firearm safety education, and work to channel any funding intended for firearm safety education into indoctrination programs against firearms and firearm ownership. I witness this directly in my own work with state firearms rights groups.

Schools today do not teach American History concerning Second Amendment rights or your right to bear arms or your right to defend yourself. They practice extreme prejudice against any young person that attempts to defend themselves from physical attack or bullying, especially if they are not of a preferred equity group.

A gun owner is responsible for the safe storage of firearms and ammunition. That is a responsibility that the gun owner must understand and accept upon acquisition of any and all firearms and ammunition. It is not a casual responsibility, and is often enforced through state law. In my state, you become responsible for crimes committed by a minor that gains access to your firearms.

Gun control zealots conflate "children" with those criminals being groomed and entering violent street gangs, often technically children between the ages of 13 and 17. They are used by gangs for violent attacks with firearms precisely because they are subject to the juvenile justice system and remain available as adults useful to the gangs when they turn 18 years old. It is disingenuous to argue using statistics about these "children" and "gun violence" that these groomed street thugs commit.

Formal programs for gun safety education are available from a number of private sources including local gun clubs. My own offers marksmanship and safety training to families as well as NRA education programs. I am a certified instructor for those programs.

I oppose any laws which force specific storage solutions upon gun owners. These violate your right to bear arms and ultimately your freedom.

At no time is a gun owner relieved of the responsibility to properly secure and store firearm so that minors and unqualified adults cannot access them, or to educate minors in their care on firearm safety. There are adequate solutions for keeping firearms secured while in active use. These include quick access lock boxes using pushbutton or fingerprint access systems. Firearm safety education is available.

Anyone with access to a firearm needs to have safety training and demonstrate competence in handling a firearm. Again, this is a gun owner's responsibility - but I would oppose any law that imposes legal requirements and jeopardy in this area.

I can only give you half credit, for an otherwise well written post. The fact, that mentioned the responsibilities of gun owners, without including, hazardous household chemicals, power tools, flammable liquids, staircases, swimming pools, running with scissors, containers with water, and ladders. Well, the running with scissors might not fit.

You can be charged for allowing a child to be hurt, with any of those not mentioned dangers, and each one can kill, a child. Last I heard, nearly 40 children drown in containers, that have water left in them.