most prefered method; Sneak them in...
she doesnt know a bolt action from a break open, so its easy to keep it under wraps when she sees in the safe. I have to wonder though, she must realise there are way more than there were a few years ago..
Show her pics and prices of a gun I "really want" that would have some random use i invent. this gun is not my end goal, but a distraction. this one will usually cost 2 to 3 times what the one I am really after. I try to find the most expensive offering I can to show her. then after I get the "where in the hell are you getting all this money from?" is when I say, "you know, your right hun. its kind of out of my budget isnt it? let me see if I can find something else that might work.."
then I show her an expensive price on the gun I am really after. she warms up to it since this is "obviously a better deal, much more reasonable" then I say you know let me see if I can find a sale...then hit her with the good price, the one I intended to buy all along and explain what a smoking deal I found, "i would be crazy not to pounce on this one" she always agrees.
another; pester her about it until she gives in so she doesnt have to hear about it any more.
a good one; She has her money she makes and her financial responsibilites, I have mine. I dont give her crap about where her money goes and usually she returns the favor. it is a good thingnto keep her in the loop, though I dont always..
I am benevolent sometimes and fill her gas tank up for her...score some points and they add up. when gun buying time comes around this is a good time to bring that up.
little thoughtful gifts and jewelry to make her feel special go a long way as well. timing is everything.
I also drive a beat up old truck and haven't had a vehicle payment for many years. she drives around an expensive new SUV. thats my ace in the hole.if all else fails.
you gotta rotate through these methods regularly or she gets wise to it.