How to Tell my Parents I'm Interested in Getting Into Competitive Shooting Sports?

[Joshua the Writer]

Okay, so, how am I supposed to tell my parents I'm interested in competitive shooting sports? And I don't mean airsoft matches. I mean things that require live firearms, such as clay shooting, trigunning, etc. But how do I tell my parents I want to compete? If I want to do trigun, I'd have to have a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun. The best of those that meet requirements for shooting sports are expensive. How do I tell my parents I want to compete?
Edit: My parents aren't anti-gun, and they have let me fire a gun in a casual range setting.

 

[OrdinaryCitizen]

Are they anti-gun people or whats seems to be the problem just telling them what you want and explain why you want this in particular.

There's probably no parent in the world let 15 yo with autism own a firearm, but you can always try.

 

[Joshua the Writer]

Are they anti-gun people or whats seems to be the problem just telling them what you want and explain why you want this in particular.

There's probably no parent in the world let 15 yo with autism own a firearm, but you can always try.

No, they're not anti-gun. I'm just not sure how to ask them. They also know I can handle a firearm with safety and respect, as well as being somewhat proficient and having and skillful while using them.

 

[tree]

@Joshua Aaron
What experience do you have with shooting so far?

Do you do anything to earn money?

 

[Judge]

Just be aware of your state's law which sets the age of handgun possession and ownership at the age of eighteen. At fifteen years of age you cannot lawfully own or possess a handgun.

Though it may be possible for you to handle one on a temporary basis under the immediate supervision of an adult instructor. However I'd think that would put an unreasonable crimp on much of anyone seeking to seriously compete in any three-gun competition.

Potentially worse if they should arbitrarily factor in being on the spectrum of autism. On the other hand, the purchase and acquisition of rifles and ammunition privately purchased are not regulated with such requirements in South Carolina. Though being caught in possession with either without your parents' knowledge could be quite awkward.

Minimum Age to Purchase & Possess in South Carolina | Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence

 

[Joshua the Writer]

@Joshua Aaron
What experience do you have with shooting so far?

Do you do anything to earn money?

Just be aware of your state's law which sets the age of handgun possession and ownership at the age of eighteen. At 15 years of age you cannot lawfully own or possess a handgun.

Though it may be possible for you to handle one on a temporary basis under the immediate supervision of an adult instructor. However I'd think that would put an unreasonable crimp on much of anyone seeking to seriously compete in any three-gun competition.

Potentially worse if they should arbitrarily factor in being on the spectrum of autism. On the other hand, the purchase and acquisition of rifles are not regulated with such requirements in South Carolina.

Minimum Age to Purchase & Possess in South Carolina | Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence

I have fire these calibers, along with the weapons that were chambered in them: .22LR [smallest, no kick with rifles](a tube mag-fed bolt-action, single-shot bolt action, 2 semi-autos, 1 9-shot revolver), 9MM [has kick] (G17L), 12-gauge (1 single-shot shotgun), and .308 Winchester (Ruger M77, a bolt-action hunting rifle).

I currently do not have a job, just allowance.

Also, autistic people can own a gun, as long as they have not committed any serious crimes, or have the intent to, are perfectly mentally healthy, and know how to safely and effectively store, transport, and carry weapons and ammo.

I'm pretty sure I read that there is only an age limit on purchasing a rifle (18+), but you technically own a rifle if you've received it as a sort of gift such as an heirloom, Christmas, bday, random gift, etc.

 

[Judge]

I'm pretty sure I read that there is only an age limit on purchasing a rifle (18+), but you technically own a rifle if you've received it as a sort of gift such as an heirloom, Christmas, bday, random gift, etc.

If there is, I'd think it would differentiate between a long gun and other types of rifles. If you have a legal source to quote, feel free to post it. I'm just going by what I see here, though it may not cover entirely all considerations in making a purchase or acquisition, and by whom. Expect legal dealers to follow such laws to the letter.

Either way though, I'm guessing this would be an uphill battle for most minors on the spectrum when it comes to parental concerns. Understand that you are still a minor in the care, custody and control of your parents, so an objective understanding of the laws alone may not be enough.

Minimum Age to Purchase & Possess | Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence

 

[Joshua the Writer]

If there is, I'd think it would differentiate between a long gun and other types of rifles. If you have a legal source to quote, feel free to post it. I'm just going by what I see here, though it may not cover entirely all considerations in making a purchase or acquisition, and by whom. Expect legal dealers to follow such laws to the letter.

Either way though, I'm guessing this would be an uphill battle for most minors on the spectrum when it comes to parental concerns. Understand that you are still a minor in the care, custody and control of your parents, so an objective understanding of the laws alone may not be enough.

Minimum Age to Purchase & Possess | Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence

I believe this only applies to long guns.

 

[Judge]

I believe this only applies to long guns.

Here's the wording of your state's gun laws pertinent to the purchase of rifles and shotguns.

"A resident of any state may purchase rifles and shotguns in this State if the resident conforms to applicable provisions of statutes and regulations of this State, the United States, and of the state in which the person resides."

Code of Laws - Title 23 - Chapter 31 - Firearms

While it appears to provide no specific provisions regarding age requirements, it does defer to federal law. Which does have an age requirement of 18 years, but only relevant to licensed dealers. With no age requirement regarding a private party transaction.

"For long guns, which includes rifles like AR-15s and shotguns, the minimum age of purchase from a licensed dealer is 18 under the federal law. But there’s no minimum age to purchase a long gun from a unlicensed seller."

What are the legal ages for buying guns?

Basically it appears that South Carolina is simply passing the buck to Uncle Sam when it comes to purchases from licensed dealers pertaining to rifles and shotguns.

 

[Mattymatt]

Okay, so, how am I supposed to tell my parents I'm interested in competitive shooting sports? And I don't mean airsoft matches. I mean things that require live firearms, such as clay shooting, trigunning, etc. But how do I tell my parents I want to compete? If I want to do trigun, I'd have to have a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun. The best of those that meet requirements for shooting sports are expensive. How do I tell my parents I want to compete?
Edit: My parents aren't anti-gun, and they have let me fire a gun in a casual range setting.

If you can avoid broaching the subject altogether, then do it. My family is anti-gun and I love shooting sports. Responsible gun ownership is a real skill and, at the danger of being redundant, responsibility. If you aren't old enough and living on your own to get one, just rent at a range. It's a little more expensive but a way you can train on your own. I love clay pigeon shooting! It's fun as all get out.

 

[Joshua the Writer]

If you can avoid broaching the subject altogether, then do it. My family is anti-gun and I love shooting sports. Responsible gun ownership is a real skill and, at the danger of being redundant, responsibility. If you aren't old enough and living on your own to get one, just rent at a range. It's a little more expensive but a way you can train on your own. I love clay pigeon shooting! It's fun as all get out.

Shooting ranges have limits for renting firearms to shoot at-range, especially if the range's owners have a class 3 dealership and manufacturing license, which means that they are able to buy full-auto weapons and allow their visitors to rent them. I'd most likely have my parents go with me and they can rent the firearms suitable to my needs so I can practice seriously. I can probably ask them to rent an automatic if I just want to have fun after practicing.

 

[tducey]

I'd mention an interest to them. I can't do it but I realize Autism is different for all of us across the board.

 

[Shiznown]

The only way you'd be able to own a handgun is if it's grandfathered to you and even then I think you need to be 18, though granted I've never looked up grandfathered laws and they will vary by each state. The only way I can see this happening is having your parents go with you to a range and maybe even a range with instructors and letting you rent the firearms while their with your parents, though I doubt many would let you in being as you're under age.

 

[Joshua the Writer]

The only way you'd be able to own a handgun is if it's grandfathered to you and even then I think you need to be 18, though granted I've never looked up grandfathered laws and they will vary by each state. The only way I can see this happening is having your parents go with you to a range and maybe even a range with instructors and letting you rent the firearms while their with your parents, though I doubt many would let you in being as you're under age.

As long as you're with an adult, you can, in fact, go. I have gone to a public range before with my parents.