Not sure exactly what you tell him though, but he might ought to talk to someone outside gun culture.

In some states the age is 16, and some it's 18. Not sure where it's 21.

then you can conceal carry with no license needed.

It sucks. And no, this isn't OK or Utah. It's Vermont.

"Sure, I want my daughter to marry a man who can kick the ass of some thug who is lurking in a dark alleyway, but more importantly, I want my daughter to marry a man who won't take her down that alleyway in the first place."

Tell the kid to be the man who doesn't go down that alleyway in the first place, and he'll be fine.

I just had to do it.

I know! Tell him "yes"! They always do the opposite!

this seems like it falls under their "jursidiction"

"No!"

Much healthier and will build self esteem.

A lot of people buy guns in order to get a feeling of empowerment. People are much more likely to get into physical confrontations than gunfights. Knowing how to defend yourself usually reduces anxiety. Lazy, weak-minded people turn to guns to solve their problems.

Curiosity without knowledge is lethal. Basic safety could keep him or one of his friends alive.

Then if there is still some interest, try a marksmanship class. The drudgery of it often dissuades youngsters.

Between the two, the knowledge will diminish the mystique and risk of accident. If after that he is still interested, at least he is prepared.

And it is possible to tell a 16 year old or a 13 year old no and have it stick. Of course, if you've never said no to that kid before they might not believe you.

all about them, what they are, what purpose they serve, the rules for handling them and the consequences of neglecting those rules. 8 Times out of ten, she will decide that it's not worth it.

say no.

One of the largest problems regarding gun owners is their lack of respect for the weapon they use. Isolation will only increase curiosity and will, in likelihood, end in experimentation (which, with a gun, is a dangerous thing indeed.) Instead, I would suggest exposure in a controlled environment, but with gentle coaching that although a gun is a tool of empowerment, it is indeed also a tool of death. It's a teachable "With great power comes great responsibility" moment, if properly approached.

Maybe even take him to a range so he can learn how tedious gun ownership can be. Lots and lots of scrubbing.

Then send them to a karate class.

The gun will turn him into what he fears.

what kind of firearm do you own!

protect you. If they don't feel safe, they need to make a move to a situation where they do feel safe. However, if they really think about it rationally they will find a lot of things they can do to be safer that don't involve owning a gun. Most of this big need for protection is just paranoia. I think a protective type dog would be better than a gun and better company too.

Then explain why you feel this way. You don't need graphs and charts - but have those charts and stats bookmarked and let the kid check them out when they are ready. Just speak from your heart and say the truth. Kids know bs when they hear it. But if you are truthful they will respect your opinion.

where a 16 year old can legally purchase a gun on his/her own as well as legally carry it without a license.

<snip>

Vermont is one of only three states in America that allows anyone to carry concealed weapons without a permit. The other two states are Alaska and Arizona.

Additionally, Vermont is one of few states in the nation that allow citizens younger than the age of 21 to carry. In Vermont, anyone age 16 or older can carry handguns openly or concealed. For youths under the age of 16, parental consent is needed before a handgun can be carried.

<snip>

http://civilliberty.about.com/od/guncontrol/a/Vermont-Gun-Laws.htm

and statistics about accidents, suicides, and deranged killers.

Sounds like a warning sign.

Bullying?

Problems w/parents?

Dad is armed to the teeth with every kind of gun imaginable.



Yet I'm the one in the family "that shows what's wrong with this world."