Against owning a gun...

[RachelMarie]

(I didn't know where to put this, so if it's needed...feel free to move this)

Yesterday was the first time in YEARS handling and shooting a gun(THANK YOU....you know who you are). As some of you know, I'm new to the *gun* scene. I've been researching now for a few months.

To get to the point, my family isn't exactly happy (by family I mean Mother and Sister). I'm hearing a lot of negativity about the possibilty of me purchasing a gun for self defense. What I hear most is, "you are more likely to be shot by your own gun". I'm really getting fed up.
I'm not sure how to handle this. I feel very strongly about purchasing (and carrying) and I dont want to hear the crap lines they are feeeding me.

I'm not sure the reasoning behind their comments. Maybe it's because I am the baby of the family, and at 25 they refuse to think I am grown up. Or if it is because I went through a rough adolecent time. I wasn't the best behaved teenager and was in and out of trouble until I met my husband. I've had my life on track for almost 9 years now, so if that's the issue...it's old news.

What am I supposed to do here? I want my family to be okay with it. But at the same time, if they are not.....I'm still going to do this. Not for any reason other than protecting my child. I just dont get it. I want them to be as happy as I am...even my husband (who is a bit more excited for me). I seriously counldn't stop smiling yesterday after leaving the range. I finally felt that *I CAN DO THIS*....(I had a good teacher who was patient and willing to let me learn from him.)

Does anyone have advice for helping me through this situation? I just want them to believe in me. I want my daughter to be protected...hell I want to protect my husband....But I also think it is just one hell of a hobby.

I'm looking for facts/statistics. I want to print out some info to give to both my mother and sister. Info that will help them understnad why exactly I want a gun. My family tends to think that guns are for men. My mother has said to me "Why in the world would you want a gun...you're a woman"...which just makes me want one MORE, to prove to my family that it isn't a mans sport anymore




TIA to all that offer up some help. I'm irritated....

[melensdad]

Gun Facts - Your guide for debunking gun control myth

[RachelMarie]

AH HA...That's what I'm talking about!

[JosephR]

Women are only shot by their own firearms on the Lifetime Channel. I hate this mentality...

[melensdad]

Yup, that website has TONS of great information.

FWIW, don't bury your family with pro-gun information. But better yet, just counter each of their points with the facts for that point. And keep doing it. Every little quip they make can/should be answered. And each time you refute their statements ask for them provide supporting evidence NEXT TIME they make an anti-gun comment to you. Eventually they will shut up. Sometimes, if you are lucky, after you refute their statements enough times, they may start to see the light.

[RelicHound]

Originally Posted by melensdad

Yup, that website has TONS of great information.

FWIW, don't bury your family with pro-gun information. But better yet, just counter each of their points with the facts for that point. And keep doing it. Every little quip they make can/should be answered. And each time you refute their statements ask for them provide supporting evidence NEXT TIME they make an anti-gun comment to you. Eventually they will shut up. Sometimes, if you are lucky, after you refute their statements enough times, they may start to see the light.

[jennybird]

Or, show your mom and sister this...


Your mom sounds like mine. She wants me to be all pretty and feminine... I simply say. "Fine mom. I'll buy a PINK gun!"

Hon, there comes a point in your life where you realize that what other people think doesn't matter. They do not define who you are. But for what it's worth, I think you're AWESOME!!!

[Dogman]

Just because your a woman doesn't mean you shouldn't try and protect yourself and your family. Even cops have had their guns taken away and killed with them, but at least they died fighting. I would rather my wife carry a gun and be able to at least try and protect herself and me than be a willing victim.
I think one reason she decided to carry is that she knows I had a guy sit outside my house once waiting to ambush me when I went to work.
Remember your family loves you so be patience and take it one step at a time with them. And perhaps it'll be one of those things that you just can't talk about with anyone except your husband......oh and us.

[redneckmedic]

Sounds like a case of....."I love you, mind your own business, and shut the hell up!" Of course it always sounds better in your head, when it comes out like, but..but.. OK Mom, fine!

[Dogman]

Originally Posted by jennybird

Or, show your mom and sister this...


Your mom sounds like mine. She wants me to be all pretty and feminine... I simply say. "Fine mom. I'll buy a PINK gun!"

Hon, there comes a point in your life where you realize that what other people think doesn't matter. They do not define who you are. But for what it's worth, I think you're AWESOME!!!

I love that theory!