DH has bought DS (15) an air rifle

[Fiendishlie]

They went to a 'gun club' for some sort of taster session. Of course they have come home with a £140 air rifle. I am furious on so many levels; guns, money, lack of consultation (pretty sure I've said no in the past).
What should I do? I've stormed off in disgust and taken to my bed. DH will no doubt do his usual trick of turning it round so that he's angry with me for daring to be upset.

He's done a Dad and his lad thing. It happens. Live with it.

I too would be pissed off. But then I know DH has similar attitudes to me about guns.
Dnephew was recently given one at aged 11.

You've got every right to be upset, it's not for your DH to tell you how you should feel.

Don't let him turn it round.

Getting any kind of gun for your child should be something you decide together, did they only go behind your back because they knew you'd be against it? Then DH thought he could talk you round once the deed was done?

If it were me I'd be pretty stubborn about them taking it back (if I knew I wasn't going to change my mind on how I felt), this isn't a pair of football boots we're talking about, guns have far more going on with them over issues of control and power for getting one to be a spur of the moment decision.

It's something that should have been discussed first. And if you have previously said no then he is very definitely BU

Does she fuck have to live with it grovel.

How lovely, dad and lad having quality bonding time with a gun

Hardly going out flying model aircraft is it??

Guess DH feels DS is more mature than you. Take to your bed? Get a grip.

I would be furious.

Do you have somewhere safe to store it?

Op - don't take to your bed. Get back downstairs, talk to your DH in an objective but firm way that you're not happy to compromise on this, for safety reasons.

How you respond to this will be crucial.

Well, you should have discussd all sorts of things, first.

Storage and security.

When and where your son is permitted to use it.

Rules of use.

Your son's understanding of the law.

It IS a big deal. A really big deal.

In this instance, if I were you I would be most concerned about the safety issues.The bullets fly fast, and can sting humans.Not great for animals either.I think I am right in thinking, if he plays with it with someone else with a gun, a face mask is pretty important.They can damage faces.
That is assuming he is allowed to keep it.

thanks everyone (except nothingoldcanstay, who can fuck off)
I've no idea where they plan on storing it alphabite.

People between 14 and 17 may borrow (but not own or purchase) low-powered air rifles and air pistols, and the ammunition for them, and may use them without supervision, on private premises where they have specific permission to shoot. People in this age group may NOT buy or hire an air rifle, air pistol or ammunition, or receive them as a gift

I think your husband has just broken the law.

www.marplerifleandpistolclub.org.uk/general/gunlaw.htm#Air_Gun_Information

Can you compromise? Say that it is a really nice thing for them to do together, but that they should only shoot (and store guns) at the club?

AFAIK gun clubs are pretty into responsible shooting etc, it is outside of clubs the issues tend to occur.

What LineRunner said. I don't see a problem in them sharing this interest, but it needs very strict rules.

If they are going to have a gun you really need to talk about where to store it. What would happen if your son got drunk and started playing with it? What if a burglar broke in and found it? What if a friend of yours with a young child came over?

Wot AllGoing said.

When kids get together they can lose perspective and be silly, and do things they wouldn't dream of doing 'solo'.. Gun is best kept at the club, especially if you have younger dc.

I assume that the gun legally belongs to DH, not DS, so I don't imagine there's been any law breaking.
I don't know what type it is. I doubt that it's the type that needs a licence. Thanks for the links and info, very useful.

Bloody hell. I can't believe anyone would defend the DH in this situation. It's a gun. A gun that's been bought for a child. If that doesn't make people instantly realise who is in the wrong, I don't know what to say!

I would dig my heels in and not give into any manipulation. That gun would not be in my house.

We had an air rifle when we were children. Spent hours shooting apples and tin cans and do you know what? We never shot each other nor did we turn into gun toting maniacs.

Storming off to your bed is rather childish don't you think? They both want and enjoy shooting with the air rifle - why do you get to veto it?

Instead of behaving like a petulant child, you need to be sitting down discussing it and working out rules.

You don't need a license for an air rifle.

I personally can't see the problem (my ds does shooting at school) with it but it's very much down to you and your dh.

I wouldn't have a "proper" gun (i.e. which you need a license for) in the house though.

My apologies - your thread title indicated he'd bought it for your son.

I take it he's checked the specifications and that he doesn't need a firearms certificate?

My ds had an air pistol when he was 12 and dd had hers at 8-they were in Pony Club Tetrathlon teams and shooting was one of the disciplines[along with riding swimmimg and running].The important thing is supervision so your ds is never ever allowed to use the rifle without an adult and it is never talen out of the house a]loaded and b]without its case.make sure it is only used to shoot at inanimate targets or at the range.He will come to no harm if you follow the guidance.If I were you I'd go down and ask if you can go along to watch when they next go shooting.

People who try to discredit someones elses feelings by saying they're immature, I've always found to be immature themselves