What to say to non-shooter neighbors...

MidKnight

MidKnight

Joined
Jun 2, 2005
Messages
344
Likes
2
Feedback: 0 / 0 / 0
I live in an apartment building Quincy MA. Most people around here probably don't see guns frequently if at all. I know that if I didn't go to the range I wouldn't, besides on LEOs. Also, the climate in this state, as we all know, is decidedly anti-gun. As a corrollary (sp?) most people are anti-gun and many fear guns.

When I leave my apartment (egg crate style, big 7 story building) with my range bag (army surplus), long gun case, and hand gun case I inevitably pass by a few people or sit in the elevator with them. I get mixed reactions. Most of the time when I walk into an elevator all conversation stops and people glance at my firearm cases and don't say anything. Normally I say good afternoon as I usually do. Other people stare at them... I actually had one guy almost walk into a wall because he stared at the case as he left the elevator as he walked around a corner. Once or twice I've heard snickers after I have rounded the corner. However, for the most part reactions range from uncomfortable silence to abject fear.

Here's my question, do I act any differently? Anything more than the standard greeting? If they are clearly checking out the guns, do I strike up a converstaion about them? How do you all handle it? (BTW, I'm a 24 year old white boy and about as non-threatening as they come)

Thanks in advance for any/all input.
__________________
 
MyNeighbor.jpg


JT
 
In an apartment, I wouldn't say a word unless someone makes conversation that they are INTERESTED in shooting!

All it will take is a phone call to the rental office and you could find yourself facing eviction. Most apartment complexes use a "Boston Rental Agreement" as their contract with you and that gives them immense power to declare anything as "objectionable".

Double ditto with condos!

Keep mum until you move into your own home, where you make the rules.
 
I can't say what the right thing to do there is, but most of my neighbors have firearms, but not even close to what I have.

They're thankful I have what I have, and feel safer for it (no one in their right mind would bother my little village).

My opinion is to feel them out for fear and anxiety or genuine curiosity. If you can, invite a couple of the more curious non-fearful ones to go shooting with you.

You may convert them into gun owners. I do it EVERY year. At least they'll know that the guns aren't EVIL.

Converted 2 or 3 this year, last weekend. Definitely had one non-shooter that is now into Battle Rifles (Ross, that would be Joan), especially considering her new husband has an SKS and she LIKES it.
 
I'm with Derek on that one. A couple of our neighbors would probably come unglued if they knew what we had. The townies on the other hand.... well just try and start something around here.
 
I think you are doing it just right. If anyone asks what's in the cases, simply reply "Sporting goods". Unless you know for sure that everyone is friendly, don't push the point. Too easy to find yourself in a fight you don't want or need.
 
The other reason is the more people that know you have guns the more likely someone will try to steal them when you are at work.
 
I'd like to be able to not tell anyone and just walk out unnoticed. However, that's not in the cards. I'm on the 6th floor of a large apartment building w/ one main entrance that goes by the leasing office.

Well, let me revise... I'd like to be able to walk out with them at any time and have people be cool with it and maybe talk to me about shooting (as it would be where I grew up in PA). However, again, it's not in the cards.

Lens, as always, good advice. Thanks.

However, let's be specific. Let's say I walk into an elevator and the two people in it immediately shut up and nervously glance at the gun case(s). As of right now I just tell them hello and keep under the radar. Are there any other suggestions?? Or is that pretty much the most prudent approach to the situation?

Thanks again for the responses!
 
derek said:
I never say I have firearms until I know someone pretty well.
Click to expand...

Kind of hard for me to hide it. My father's originally from my town, and people would only be shocked if I DIDN'T own any firearms. But then, the climate is different up here.

Of course, I was operating on the assumption that the curious non-fearful ones already KNOW you have firearms.
 
MidKnight said:
However, let's be specific. Let's say I walk into an elevator and the two people in it immediately shut up and nervously glance at the gun case(s). As of right now I just tell them hello and keep under the radar. Are there any other suggestions?? Or is that pretty much the most prudent approach to the situation?
Click to expand...

Now those kind of folks, you should only be polite and friendly to. You're already doing that. Those are the kind that will cause you trouble in the end.
 
MidKnight said:
However, let's be specific. Let's say I walk into an elevator and the two people in it immediately shut up and nervously glance at the gun case(s). As of right now I just tell them hello and keep under the radar. Are there any other suggestions?? Or is that pretty much the most prudent approach to the situation?

Thanks again for the responses!
Click to expand...

I'd just give them a cheery "Hello!". I mean, what else can you do? If they ask what you have in the evil-looking gun cases, then I suppose I'd just say that I'm going to the range, and play it by ear from there.

You do have a good gun safe, right?
 
Oh, and don't put on those stickers that say "Kill them All and let God sort them out" or "Guns don't kill people, I kill people" or dumb stuff like that.

You could always take an NRA instructor course and get your Mass certificate and then if anyone asks, you are a "Mass State Police Firearm Instructor".

(^_^)
 
I'm with D on this. I don't tell anyone that I have firearms. Even around my friends, I don't make a big deal about it...and the only time that my safe opens is if they ask to see them.

I think that just doing what you're going is the right thing. Just be polite and say hi. Keep it at that.
 
Just smile and nod to them or say hello....just like you've been doing hun. And, if anyone asks, which I doubt they will, then I'd just smile and reply, "Oh, just some sporting equipment." very nonchalantly and grin. If they continue to push, tell them it's archery equipment. I've seen some bow cases - they're close to a rifle case - it'll work. :D
 
I also live in an apartment in Quincy. But since I usually go to the range around 12-1:00 so I rarely see people around when I have my case and backpack. When I do, I say hello, just as I always do.

No matter you go, especially in MA, there are going to be people scared of guns, and therefore scared of you. Thats their problem not yours.
If you are polite, lawful and be quiet, you should have no problems
 
Back
Top Bottom