Legal issue with letting son keep firearms in his room?

[MED]

Starting in 8th grade, my son kept his long guns in his room (including his pre13 mags). However, I got him a locking steel gun cabinet for them so they were put away. He did have the key, but I trusted him to never pull them out unless he got my permission first. He's 18 now, and I never had an issue. Having them locked up was to address the issue brought up by other posters; I trusted him but not his friends. I personally wouldn't give a minor permission to use firearms on my property without me present because of the liability involved. However, a lot of the air rifles now perform like a 22lr, which would be a lot less risky.

[newracer]

It's not so much your kids. But your kids friends, if one were to come over when you're not home.

This has always been my concern and that's why all of our firearms are locked up even though I know my kids are responsible and trust them 100%.

[tmckay2]

I wish we lived in a world where of course a kid would have a firearm and you wouldn't have to worry about it but honestly the risks way outweigh the benefits. Even good, responsible kids make stupid mistakes and decisions, ideally I wouldn't put them in a position that increases the chances that mistake could cost a life. As stated you have to start worrying about friends, etc too not just the kid. Mistakes happen. I just wouldn't risk it.

[Skip]

This has turned into a good thread!

I agree it is sad and pathetic that what was common just a generation ago is now necessitating such a question....

I wish we lived in a world where of course a kid would have a firearm and you wouldn't have to worry about it but honestly the risks way outweigh the benefits.

LIKE

I didn't grow up with guns (shocking) but I remember when I went to stay with my cousins and they had a hunting rifle (bolt, don't remember the model, .30-06 I think) hanging over the fireplace in the den, in the open, unlocked. I was probably 11ish. My uncle showed me the mag was loaded, how to shoot it, and told me never to touch it unless an emergency.

At first that was intimidating. But then it was comforting. I knew if anyone came into that house to hurt my extended family, they would be safe, and I now knew I wouldn't be helpless too. Of course they had other guns in the house too but those were locked up!

That uncle later taught me the four rules and was the first to take me pistol shooting.

Different times.

[ChickNorris]

This has turned into a good thread!
LIKE

I didn't grow up with guns (shocking) but I remember when I went to stay with my cousins and they had a hunting rifle (bolt, don't remember the model, .30-06 I think) hanging over the fireplace in the den, in the open, unlocked. I was probably 11ish. My uncle showed me the mag was loaded, how to shoot it, and told me never to touch it unless an emergency.

At first that was intimidating. But then it was comforting. I knew if anyone came into that house to hurt my extended family, they would be safe, and I now knew I wouldn't be helpless too. Of course they had other guns in the house too but those were locked up!

That uncle later taught me the four rules and was the first to take me pistol shooting.

Different times.

Damn skippy right there!

[Squeeze]

I grew up in rural Iowa. It was common for me to have a shotgun and .22 cal rifles in my room when I was about 13. My dad felt very confident after he got a call from my hunter safety instructor saying I was top of the class. A lot of that had to do with my dad teaching me safe firearm handling from day 1. Many times I'd get home from school, I'd load up the .22 rifle and go plinking, or during hunting season I'd take a crack at some pheasants or rabbits. Some Saturdays I'd be gone for hours out hunting with my best friend. We were always safe and responsible. Definitely different times. Miss those days so much.

[UrbanWolf]

Welcome to 21st Century, a time where we cannot trust our kids and friends kids anymore, a time where your neighbors have no common sense.

[beast556]

Welcome to 21st Century, a time where we cannot trust our kids and friends kids anymore, a time where your neighbors have no common sense.

This is very true, sad times we are in.

[BushMasterBoy]

I damn sure don't trust the legal system. Or the school system. On the other hand, if the house has a burglar alarm and a firearms safe, you might be good to go!. At least you can argue you took reasonable measures of firearm safety. Probably put a surveillance system in for good measure. ER visits and law suits are even more expensive. Just my opinion.

[MarkCO]

I'm not Mark but...

CRS 18-12-108.5 makes it illegal for a minor to be in possession of a handgun unless " on real property under the control of such person's parent, legal guardian, or grandparent and who has the permission of such person's parent or legal guardian to possess a handgun

I would default to the above.

Correct. Long guns and handguns have different laws regarding possession. Handguns no, long guns yes. There are forms for minor "use" of a handgun under the supervision of another adult during competition, but there is no exemption for actual possession.