how to tell new neighbors I shoot??

[TonyB]

OK,it took a while to get the neighbors used to my shooting in the back yard(I live in the country).The guy on one side is a judge and shooter and was OK w/ it.Now he's selling his house!!!
My question is after it sells how do I say something to the new people about my shooting?When I approched the judge and my neighbor on the otherside it was easy because my wife already knew them both.
I can legally shoot in my yard,I am far enough from the neighbors and have a hill that I shoot into,so it's safe.the cops came once and said they were just checking it out and that I was OK.I want to be a good neighbor,but what if the new poeple are liberals
What would you do??Keep in mind I'll probably continue to shoot no matter what,but how should I broach the subject w/ the new people??

 

[cool45auto]

Watch them when they're unloading the truck to see if they set off a gun cabinet! If you go over to welcome them look around for hunting trophies or a gun rack in their truck if they have one. I can see where you wouldn't want to make unecessary enemies of the new folks but don't let it keep you from shooting. You said you were far enough away and the cops said you were fine so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Landfeldmesser]

I'd head them off at the pass. When you see the realtor bring them around, blast away! That way you'll get a new shooting buddy and run the yuppies off.

 

[ajacobs]

Well obviously you would not tell prospective purchasers. That may jeopardise your current neighbors ability to sell. I say when they move them you tell them in a freindly way. As in I don't want you to be suprised when I shoot kind of thing. Kind of feel it out and find out if they have kids etc.

 

[XLMiguel]

After you introduce yourself, invite them over for a BBQ and shooting session. That way you can get acquainted, maybe make a new shooting buddy, or at least let them see you run a safe range. Good luck.

 

[TallPine]

Shoot, just do whatever you would do anyway.

It's your land and it's perfectly legal.

You don't have to consult your neighbors if you're going to wash your car or light up the BBQ.

They can get used to it.

Just my $0.02

 

[cslinger]

First I would scope them out to make sure they don't look like sleezbags who would jump at the chance to try and steal your arsenal while you are at work. Profiling, maybe but in my book it doesn't hurt to get a feeling before spilling the beans on your expensive toys.

Second I would make sure I greeted them, offered to help them move in or brought them a some kind of house warming gift like a bottle of wine. Always good to foster some good will.

Then I would simply invited them to come shoot whenever you see them next. Don't make more out of it then it is. Just make it sound conversational and natural because that's what it is. If they are true antis they will have issues no matter what.

If they are middle of the road non shooters your casual attitude will most likely sound to them like it is no big deal and nothing more out of the ordinary than coming over to catch a movie.

If they are gunnies then look out you may have to buy more ammo and guns to keep up with the Jones.

I think we have been conditioned to make to big of a deal out of our hobby. I refuse to do so. I don't go up to strangers on the street and tell them I shoot but anybody who knows me or is firends with me knows I like to shoot. I have firearm backgrounds on my work machine and I don't pack my guns up to go to the range under the cover of darkness. I even clean my guns in my garage with the door opened. I want people to ask me questions or even debate with me. It is the only way you will be able to teach people the truth.

Now if you have a 105 Howitzer in the back 40 you just might want to ease them into that little situation but other than that they can take it or leave it. Just be considerate of the noise at times when you yourself might not want to hear the crack of gunfire, like at 6:00 AM on a Saturday or something.

Chris

Of course if they are really ANTI make sure you play with your meanest, nasty, evil, black toys preferably with bayonet installed. Especially if they are out on the deck having a little liberal get together. Make sure to wave and smile as you head out to the back yard for your daily Militia training.

 

[Griff]

Over a small pony-keg and a rack of ribs, I'd guess. If they don't want to share your food, it'd probably be best not to share your information.

 

[Felonious Monk]

TonyB-- IIRC, you're in NY.

Cool9mm, there's a little disconnect to what you advised:

look around for hunting trophies or a gun rack in their truck

Although I am now in the Free State of TN, I grew up near D.C. and all the transient suburban blissninnies...
The only people likely to be driving a pickup with a gun rack in NY is the local Animal Control officer...wait--never mind. THEY won't even have a gun rack.

Tony, show yourself to be a nice neighbor first; within a few contacts, you'll have a feel for the general direction this is going to go. Then, have the BBQ in the backyard and mention those "targets" out there against the berm and casually ask if they'd like to shoot sometime.

I am inclined to BE like what TallPine suggested, but as I have learned, you come across as reclusive and eccentric if you take that approach. My wife says lately, I'm doing better playing well with others.

 

[Ebbtide]

Go out on their first Sunday morning, scream "WATCH OUT FOR BRASS" and let em' rip.

You might be concerned over nothing. Perhaps the new buyers have the same concerns. Wait until they move in, get a feel for who they are and go from there.

ehenz

 

[simon]

The Judge may broach that subject with a prospective buyer too....

 

[pizzaaguy]

Your land...your business.

 

[Don Gwinn]

Yes, it's your land and your business. . .but that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with being a good neighbor. In fact, being a good neighbor is a very good idea.

First thing I'd do is invite them over and mention that you do some shooting out back and they're welcome to join you. (Unless, of course, you DON'T want them to join you. )

If they recoiled, I'd give them some time and then broach the subject again, this time mentioning that you like to shoot at hours when it won't bother most people (I assume you do this) and asking if there's any special time they'd prefer you didn't shoot. Again, this only works if you're willing at least to discuss not shooting during the time they give you.

If you take it that far and they're still adamant that you not shoot, there's not much left to do except remind them where the property line is and go about your business. But depending on location, they may be able to make life rough for you by alleging sound pollution or a danger to themselves or livestock. It would be better to have your neighbors on your side (heck, it's always better to have your neighbors on your side, right?)

 

[dude]

As they are moving in go over with a 6-pac of decent beer and introduce yourself. The usual chat-up stuff. As one of the last things you say before you leave mention for them not to worry if they hear gunfire at such-and-such a time and on ocassion.......... as you do a bit of target shooting on your property. Don't invite them right away, just keep it short and simple. It's the polite thing to do and could save you the hassle of another harmless visit from the cops.

If they are gun folks they will be good gun-buddies soon enough but they might be less than honorable and you don't want to have them in scanning your collection until you get to know them a bit.

I have done this a few times sucessfully when I was renting a house where I could shoot and new folks would move in nextdoor.

 

[Blackhawk]

Just be neighborly. They'll find out soon enough.

 

[Edward429451]

I'd head them off at the pass. When you see the realtor bring them around, blast away! That way you'll get a new shooting buddy and run the yuppies off.

Concur. You don't want to wait until they're unloading the truck, cause it'll be too late by then. Good idea to ask the judge to give prospective buyers a heads up on the situation. It'll still sell.

 

[Johnpl]

Several years ago, new owners moved into the house next to the main access point and parking area for a large tract of public land open for hunting. Could they stop us from hunting? No. Could they make life difficult for us hunters? Yes! Before hunting season, I went to the house, introduced myself, and told them about the hunting activity in the area. I also told them that I was a responsible, safety-minded hunter, and demanded the same from anyone who hunted around me. I did this so that they would not think that their house, kids, dogs, etc., were at risk whenever it was hunting season. As time went on, I also picked up trash in the parking area, offered them some pheasant I had taken, and offered to take the guy out hunting. He declined, but I think we established a working relationship based on mutual respect. End result: no negative effects from the change in ownership.

 

[MolonLabe416]

BBQ and shooting session sounds like a good idea. You might consider berming about 10 or 12 feet high on three sides. This contains and directs the sound upward, which should reduce it at your neighbor's house. Be courteous and don't shoot at 0530 or 2300.

 

[Navy joe]

9:00pm, launched clay pigeons engaged with centerfire rifle tracer. After that, they'll be glad you are just shooting normal stuff.

Ask em over, be neighborly, be respectful of time of day and any special events they keep at their house.

 

[Chipperman]

You could also mention how much safer your neighborhood is because all the local thugs know you have guns.

 

[Soap]

Invite them over and let them drink your beer and enjoy your BBQ. Let them know casually. It is nothing to be ashamed of and they'll be far more receptive to the idea if they're currently drinking your beer and enjoying your BBQ. People are more cordial when they're stuffing their mouths with your food. Thanks to GlockGlockler for that tip.

 

[goon]

I would think that the sound of semi-automatic rifle fire coupled with tracers streaming to the approaching darkness of twilight would illustrate the point.

...Or, invite them over, and tell them to bring their own .22LR ammo. A BYOA type affair.

 

[RustyHammer]

The Judge may broach that subject with a prospective buyer too....

If anyone should disclose it to them, it should be the seller (Judge). Your land, your business. (As long as it's legal.)

Lock and load!

Rusty

 

[COHIBA]

down here we always greet new people w/ food. carry over a nice dish for them to eat the night they move in. i'm sure they wont feel like cooking anyway. when they bring the dish back mention that anytime they hear you shooting not to get freaked out unless they hear screaming, too. then invite them over to shoot.

 

[2nd Amendment]

They'll figure it out by the fifth round or so. The fact is that announcing it isn't going to make much difference one way or the other. If they're against it you'll simply invite the cold shoulder where you have to deal with up close and personal, if they don't then there'll be no problem anyway.