Do you let others handle, or shoot your firearms?

[Hunterdad]

I let a select few shoot my guns. I'm a recoil junkie, so most people don't want to shoot my stuff anyways.

 

[KAC1911]

A very select few people but then again I'm carefull who I go shooting with. Remember VP Channey. LOL

 

[GD]

I've notice a number of posters refering to firearms as "just another piece of hardware". No they aren't. Just as a table saw is not "just another piece of hardware", I am going to make sure the user of any of my firearms can safely use it before they shoot it. I often loan a rifle during hunting season and also assist others skeet shooting with my firearms.
Another thing that irritates me is refering to a firearm as a "toy".
I understand the thought behind that, but it also conjures up the "just another piece of hardware" statement.

 

[Alimony Bob]

I don't have any problem letting others use my firearms on a range where I can supervise the use but under Florida law the owner of a dangerous instrumentality, such as a loaded firearm, can vicariously be legally liabile for the negligent use of the dangerous instrumentality by another. I don't want to take a chance with that so the answerwhen someone wants to "borrow" a gun is quite simply "no" because guns fall in to the category of dangerous instrumentalites (cars, boats, golf carts, etc).

 

[cavman]

All the time and every time.

I especially like to give over one of my 1911s to a "plastic" shooter, and watch their faces light up when their patterns and groups shrinks in half!

I got to where I am (where ever that is) from striking up conversations on the line with other folks and getting to try their equipment and finding what I like from sampling. I now try and return the favor whenever I can.

 

[Ky Larry]

When I take my 6'' blued Python to the range, it's like taking the prettiest girl in high school to a dance. Everyone want to dance with her but I get to take her home.

 

[Shooter57]

I allow others to shoot my guns when I'm there and I don't loan my guns out to others. I was at the club last week and a guy bought a 2" snub for his daughter for carry,she has a permit and at 21 feet he barely hit the target and my target had a big hole in the middle so he ask if I would try his snubbie so I put 4 rounds in the 10 ring and 2 in the nine ring and he said I guess it's me and not the gun, I said yep bring your daughter in and I'll help her shoot it.

 

[ninemm]

Good to know that a vast majority of people on here would be willing to let someone handle their gun so long as they are safe with it. I hope as I get into firearms more that I run into people like you all!

 

[xcgates]

Lets see, my roommate is having a rough time with money for school, and has some personal problems that came to a head last semester. He has shot my .22 before, and now I'm dragging his rear end to the range on Sunday morning for trap, my shotgun, my ammo, all he has to do is shoot. I think it will be some good therapy for an overstressed student. Get him doing something other than school.

And yes, I trust him, especially as the guys at the range are quick to both give you advice, and remind you if you loaded a shell earlier than you were supposed to.

 

[Officers'Wife]

I've notice a number of posters refering to firearms as "just another piece of hardware". No they aren't. Just as a table saw is not "just another piece of hardware"

I'm not sure I understand your point in this post. Hopefully you are just as selective of who you allow to use your table saw, automobile, screwdriver firearm or other hardware. All are capable of creating major damage if misused or used carelessly.

When I arrived at the farm, from day one I was told the biggest lie was a workman was defined by their tools. They are defined by how well they use their tools.

 

[22-rimfire]

I let others shoot my firearms if I know them and have some trust built up. As far as handling, I play that by ear and if they act comfortable with the firearm, I'll let them handle it a bit, otherwise, no. Basically I keep my eye on folks pretty closely.

 

[scythefwd]

GD - it is just another tool, exactly like a tablesaw. I wouldn't loan any tool out without making sure the other person knew how to use it. A chainsaw will end it for you in less than a second, a sawsall will do it pretty quick as well. A gun, just like all tools, is a piece of hardware that is created with a very specific purpose in mind. As with all specialized tools, it is irresponsible to loan one out to an inexperienced or unknowledgeable novice. My guns get loaned out to a specific group of people and they are instructed on the use before they leave. If they say they know how to use it... except for my father, they get quizzed and usually end up insulted but comforted that I cared enough to make sure they really did know how to use it.

Officers wife, I would almost completely agree. There are times when a workman is defined by the limits of his tools... usually when he didn't bring the right one or the right one just broke (like drilling holes in concrete when your hammer drill lets out the magic smoke )

 

[HGUNHNTR]

I absolutely encourage it. Handle, shoot, whatever, just take an interest.

 

[196scoutmaster]

I let others shoot my guns. I take good care of them, they're in good working order. If the person is unfamiliar I DO take it slow with them. I use going the the range with my "bigger" toys (larger than .22 cal.) as an incentive for my older Boy Scouts - the leadership group - 5 to 6 boys. If I get the kind of boy-lead leadership I need from them at summer camp we go off to a local range for an afternoon of some butt-kicking calibers. AND...prior to this I get written parental permission (Minnesota law) and no Scout uniforms. Boy Scouts are limited to single shot .22 cal. unless its at a High Adventure camp like Philmont. After camp the boys are gaga about the experience and the kids who didn't go wish they did. These boys will have a good, safe experience with firearms - and hopefully will hunt and become NRA members. At a minimum they won't be uninformed and anti-gun.

 

[thorazine]

Friends and family --- YES.

Range strangers -- NO.



Range strangers...

Please don't even talk to me for it's not social hour.

I am there to shoot -- not chit chat.

 

[Magic_Man]

Yes, I let my friends fire my weapons after I have given them a safety lesson & shown them how to use whatever it is they are going to be firing. They have all loved it.

I have never let some random person at the range use my weapons, though. However, I've never been asked.

 

[renegade1alpha]

Only if I am there. The only exception to that rule are my fellow deputies and/or a couple of really close friends who are also firearms enthusiasts and know what they are doing. I have let them borrow a gun to take out shooting so they could decide whether they wanted to buy it or one just like it. Any one else, including my wife, no way!

 

[Odd1]

I let others shoot my guns. Some new shooters who are friends, some old shooters who are friends (they return the favor), and even a few I meet at the range.

I shoot at a private club. I watch them with guns, to see if they seem knowledgable and safe . If they have an interest in one of mine I let them try it.

I have had other folks I did not know offer a few shots with thier guns that I was admiring.

I guess folks in Texas just do it that way.

I think overall shooters are decent folk who do not mind spreading the hobby.

 

[doc2rn]

I only own shooters so the short answer is Yes
Any chance to teach someone new is well worth the effort