coronavirus gun sales
Stephanie Miller, of Atlanta, places shotgun in her shopping cart as she checks out Adventure Outdoors Monday, March 16, 2020, in Smyrna, Ga. Miller said she had been on the fence about guns but with recent events she decided to buy guns. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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Now that our world has become a significantly more tension-filled place with the spread of the Chinese coronavirus affecting almost every aspect of daily life, a lot of non-gun owners have reconsidered their opinion on firearm ownership. Feeling less safe and secure during a national emergency makes people reconsider how they’d protect themselves and their families.

The natural result: lines out the door at most gun stores, as a lot of people have decided now is the time to buy their first firearm.

Virus Outbreak gun sales coronavirus
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

But that’s not always easy. Some states impose waiting periods of anywhere from three to as many as ten days to pick up a newly purchased firearm. Here in Illinois, you also have to have a Firearm Owner ID card, a process that can take months to clear.

Then there are the state and federal background check processing delays that have resulted from the sales surge. Those are taking anywhere from a few minutes to a few days right now, depending on where you live.

All of this means that not everyone who wants a gun right now can get one right now (never mind the ammunition needed for it).

Luis Valdes for TTAG

What, then, do you do when those non-gun owners — especially those who may have expressed anti-gun opinions in the past — come to you asking to borrow a gun?

How do you handle the people who recognize you as the “gun owner” in their lives… the people who now want you to loan them some iron so they can keep their families safe?  What do you say if you’re asked?

Well, in many states, current laws preclude firearm transfers without background checks and even licensing (*cough* Illinois *cough*).

“But c’mon, it’s me, your buddy,” he says as his two adorable little girls stand behind him. “I’ve gotta protect my girls!”

We all know that if your “buddy” had felt this urge to protect his little angels sooner, this conversation wouldn’t be happening.

Instead of him bad-mouthing guns (and gun owners) in the past, your “buddy” could have bought a gun (or three) and learned how to use it effectively. Or at least which end should be pointed downrange.

But he didn’t, and now he’s approached you for help.

“Do you have a gun I could borrow?”

What do you do in a case like that? Do you loan others a gun? If so, what kind? Do you disregard any local laws that prohibit it in an emergency situation?

Personally, I wouldn’t loan a non-gun owner anything. Not even a single-shot shotgun.

I would decline, less because of Illinois’ ludicrous laws, but more because I’d be worried that someone in that family would accidentally hurt themselves or another family member with it. And guess where they would then point their finger afterward if that happened.

Yeah, not me.

At the same time, I would offer to get them started in the laborious licensing process here. I’d even offer to help them visit a range to test-fire some different guns and help them select a gun that works for them. After the emergency has ended and it’s safer to venture out in public again, of course.

I would see it as an opportunity to welcome them into gun ownership.

Clearly, your mileage may vary on this issue. Leave your thoughts in the comments about whether or not you would loan a gun to a friend, family member or co-worker in a perceived emergency. Especially someone who had spoken ill of gun ownership in the past.

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254 COMMENTS

  1. Non-gun people, maybe. I have friends who don’t own guns for one reason or another but have the right attitude and skill.

    Anti-gun people who wear their loathing and ignorance of guns as a badge of honor, nah. They’re usually a hazard to themselves or others. I wouldn’t loan them a chainsaw either.

      • Agreed. I have a couple friends that have shot with me in the past and would love to get into the hobby but funds haven’t allowed them to put priority on it. Or the buddy that has a handgun at home but is now looking for a shotgun because of an possible home defense scenario. But my father always told me never to loan something that you wouldn’t be willing to sell. So I probably would not loan but I would sell them a gun on payments, trade, or full price with the understanding that I would buy it right back if everything cleared up in the next few months. Anti-gunners can take a hike. “Remember when you told me only murders needed “assault weapons”? Sorry I don’t want to turn you into a mass murderer. Your welcome.”

    • I’d personally advise against it to most people here, unless you *really* know and trust this person.

      15 years ago was the first and last time I lent a gun to someone, a shot gun and a few rounds because he was afraid someone was after him.

      The guy tried to murder his wife with it. Luckily he failed. She survived physically unharmed and he went to prison where he still resides. Never saw the gun again.

    • Actor charlton heston had the same advice. During the Rodney King LA Riots several of his Liberal movie friends asked to borrow his guns. He told them no. It is rumored that one of his asking friends was steven spielberg. Who was very anti-gun back then. He would later make Saving Private Ryan. And is rumored to have a Transferable Tommy Gun in his home now. Along with other firearms.

      “:Hollywood anti-gunners and Charlton Heston”

      https://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/second-amendment-gun-legislation-discussion/186430-hollywood-anti-gunners-charlton-heston.html

  2. “I would decline, less because of Illinois’ ludicrous laws, but more because I’d be worried that someone in that family would accidentally hurt themselves or another family member with it. And guess where they would then point their finger afterward if that happened.”
    Yep, exactly this.

    • In my part of the world, loaning guns is at best a grey area as the recipient must be licensed for a firearm of that class. BUT loaning a gun to an unlicensed person would cost me my license and my guns, so strictly no-go.

    • You people are panicking. Nobody needs to own a gun! Its been my experience that the threat of nuclear annihilation is very effective in stopping violence. Otherwise I just use my armed security…. gun owners! Bah! Amiright?

    • Anyone who matters to me (family) already have their own “self defense tools” everyone else can pound sand, didn’t get yours when the gettin’ was good too bad so sad sorry about your luck.

    • Better yet, don’t have friends that don’t own guns. I am thinking through all my friends (which is not a terribly long list), and they all own guns. My wife says that I practiced “social distancing” before COVId. Lol.

  3. I have this ‘gun’ made out of PVC pipe that shoots marshmallows. They can borrow that one. If they can find the marshmallows to shoot. I hear that those are also not available at the grocery stores at this time.🤣e

  4. You’ve never owned a gun before then you don’t need one now. I wouldn’t loan any guns or ammo out from my stockpile. What I have is for a purpose, all those that said they never needed a gun or were against them…….Well try your smart phone and call for help!

  5. No. Loaning guns frightens me more than the situation prompting the request. But, as pointed out in the article, helpful trips to local shops and ranges would be pleasant duty. I don’t mind helping even my most “gun-safe” neighbor or family member when they become “gun-woke.”

      • Good prespective of todays world. Too bad the “nongun initiated/anti gun turned scared now” didn’t see it coming a long time ago………they were the cause of it.

    • I love “gun-woke”. I have secretly enjoyed the 2 calls I’ve received from friends that suddenly feel the reason to have a gun overrides their need to oppose them. I just had to tell them they better hope the SDon’tHTF before the 11th day.

      I too would never loan a gun. If the crap is that bad they can move in and load my magazines as I rain lead down range.

  6. No. It’s against the law here.
    Secondly Anyone ever read Aesop’s fables? I used to be the grasshopper but that life leads eventually to big disappointment. Planning ahead for Winter like the Ant is simply the wise choice.
    We have had a number of good years and like the Ant I have planned ahead for the lean days, weeks or months. I might need every tool in the house.
    Sorry but it’s not happening is what I would tell them.

    • I couldn’t agree more. I spent many years of my early “adulthood” as the ‘grasshopper’-type as well. (I put adulthood in quotes because while 18-year-olds are technically adults, I, for one, was an adult in height, weight, and facial hair only. Otherwise, I was really just an extremely tall 6th grader.)

      While I can say that my lack of planning for lean times only affected myself (I didn’t marry my wife or have children until I was in my early 30’s), it still scares the hell out of me to think back on those years and wonder what would have happened were there to be a real, actual emergency survival situation. I had all the weaponry I needed, but very little else and next to no planning. I lived my day-to-day life by the mantra of ‘That’s future Robbie’s problem.’ Meaning that i was only concerned with the present and when/if something happened, then ‘future me’ would have to figure it out.

      Honestly, if I could go from the careless, reckless planner that I used to be to being the guy that everyone is turning to now in a time of crisis, then literally ANYONE can be prepared. There are only a couple people that I will help if things keep progressing, and there lack of preparation in some areas isn’t from apathy or indifference. It’s financial. It’s not easy to plan emergency non-perishable foodstuffs for future emergencies when it’s hard to keep food on the table at the moment.

      But all the others, that I’ve heard countless times say that I didn’t need a concealed carry weapon because ‘that’s what the cops are for’, or those that would call me one of those ‘crazy end of the world prepper-types’ for having a small corner of my garage stocked with rice, beans, etc.? Those grasshoppers are on their own. (Thank you for reminding me of the Aesop’s fable in your comment; I’d long forgotten about it, but it’s given me a lot to think about.)

  7. any thing that is gunpowder powered, absolutely NO. hairspray or starting fluid , i will help them make one of their favorite caliber.

  8. In my state the licensing process takes up to 6 months, costs hundreds of dollars including fees and mandatory training and is heavily dependent on your town even after all of that (all licenses at the discretion of the police chief, some of whom place additional requirements such as an essay justifying your request). I wouldn’t lend a firearm to anyone for any reason, and people who know me know to not even ask, it would make felons of us both.

    People are asking me, however, if and how they should get a permit. I tell them yes, but don’t plan to be able to buy a gun sooner than the autumn at the rate they are being issued. Some people who have asked me about the process live in towns that don’t issue permits except to politicians/beautiful people, police and security guards. Good luck guys.

    The state puts so many hoops that have to be jumped through that only true enthusiasts bother…Which is of course the goal.

    • Wow from your post I would guess that you are from…Massachusetts! Why? Because so am I. I’ve been licensed to carry here since 1976.
      I wouldn’t add a thing to your post. You described what being a gun owner here is to a T.

      • Yeah, me too. Funny thing, though. As you know, lot of people from MA (away from Boston and environs) are pro-gun. Fortunately, my town is pro-gun and Republican, too.

  9. And how do I know that non-gun owner won’t be back with MY gun pointed at ME asking/demanding the rest of my stuff?

    • That brought back memories.
      Neighbor was cleaning his pistol when his friend came over.
      After cleaning complete his friend asked to see pistol.
      Neighbor hands it to him.
      “Friend” grabs full magazine off table, loads, robs neighbor.
      Now, if you can’t trust a fellow druggy, who…

    • The same type of people who do not own any firearms are generally the type who wouldn’t have much extra food on hand. They laugh at anyone who prepares and call them paranoid. They have no imagination and can’t conceive of a time when they just can’t call the cops to take care of any rough business, or won’t be able to drive down to the local market and buy whatever they need. Take away their cell phone and they would go into withdrawal and maybe never recover. You give one of them a firearm, and there’s a real good chance that when they run out of food they will use it on you.

      • just tell them in some places they’re considering releasing prisoners and possibly emptying the jails…then just smile and say no….they made their bed….

        • ….on the other hand this might be a good time to sell a few…if you can do so legally…but for a hefty price!…..

  10. I would only loan a pitchfork or a baseball bat. Not in any way a standoff weapon, but too damn bad. After hearing the ranting and spewing lies about guns for years, that’s just too damn bad.

  11. I would tell them to go buy their own firearm, and try and advise them on what to buy, but leave the choice up to them.

  12. I don’t know anyone that doesn’t own a gun. But in theory, I’d lend out a few longish-barreled .38 revolvers after they listen to, and demonstrate they understand, a short safety and basic use lecture.

  13. People who do not own or want guns scare me. All of a sudden getting or wanting one. I have had guns all my life. But have had 70 plus years learning about them. Some one shows up with their first one makes me ask why? I do have a shooting range on my tree farm. We shoot into a dirt hill. No Rocks! Nobody lives close so not bothering anybody. I don’t have dozens of them but just a few I like. My father collected guns. He always had 50-60 of them around. But people just getting them bothers me. Answer I figured better get one while I can. I have daughter who is a Dr. in Potland. She used to ride bus at 5 AM. in mornings. But did not want to learn about guns. But that time on a bus for a woman is scary to me. 4 Years ago she was home and something bothered her. Finally she said Dad I bought a gun. I asked if she was going to take training for it. She said she had been through the classes and became pretty good shot. (Ashamed to tell me after years against them) She leaves it at front desk when entering hospital and checks it out when she leaves. She married a Doctor and he makes her drive car. Not riding on buses. That even makes me feel better.

  14. You can actually hand off a gun to someone if you (and they) are in imminent danger of death or grave bodily injury. In Illinois, IF they have an FOID and IF I can run it through the ISP for a background check, I could give or sell them something. I probably have a few to spare. Otherwise, the answer is: “NO!” I would also donate a small, spare, functional safe… I probably have a few of those lying around. You wanna protect your kids? IF IT’S NOT IN YOUR HAND ON ON YOUR BELT, LOCK THE F%$KING THING UP!

  15. if it is legal and safe, I would always do it , and with a trigger lock to go with it . the gloating about you should have thought about this sooner will just lose you a friend , and MAKE THEM ANTI-GUN . wheres the maturity in that ?

  16. Given that non gun owners do not know the laws regarding the use of force, never mind how to properly use a gun, NO.

  17. A friend was hesitating about buying a gun because “the grand kids visit a lot”. Later she said “I’ll just borrow yours”. Thankfully she did buy one. She and her husband are sharing it. It’s been 2 years and they still have just one, and never go to the range.
    Today I would just say “It’s illegal. I’m not going to jail for you.”

    • “I’ll just borrow yours”

      WOW, that’s remarkably presumptuous and, dare I say, even entitled? If anyone, even a close friend, made that statement to me, just assuming by default that I’d loan them a several hundred dollar deadly weapon, I’d correct that assumption REAL quick, and probably adjust my opinion of them. Now, a respectfully worded REQUEST from someone I trust, on the other hand….

  18. Just give them a whistle. Tell them to blow really hard and help will come.
    After all, that’s basically what 9-1-1 is.

    • But, if you can hear the whistle, it’s probably much quicker than 911 and, might come as something of a surprise to the B.G. Surprise is good.

  19. There’s a select few I would loan to. One is a friend who fell on hard times and had to sell quite a few. I’d never loan thought it would be a “sale” for 5$. If something goes sideways I want less of a connection for anything legal that might come after. That person would be someone I trust enough to sell it back to me later.

  20. Family member? Maybe, I would think about it for a minute or so before I most likely declined.
    Anyone else? HARD NO (unless I was taking fire and needed back up)

  21. Immediate family member, yes, but mine have guns. Anyone else? In California, handing someone a gun is illegal. One is they have to have a firearms safety certificate, two they have to pass a background check, and with all of that, they still have to buy their own because loaning is illegal. Why loaning guns at the range is illegal beats me, but its the LAW!

  22. In this situation, I would ask the requester what he or she has done about home safety in general? Deadbolts on the doors? Alarms? Anything to prevent or inhibit un-invited entry? Baseball bats or other weapons staged and ready for use? Those are much better tactics than grabbing a firearm when you have no training, no experience, do not know the laws, and are motivated by fear/panic instead of prudence. Simply knowing when to shoot and when not to takes a lot of thought, education, and practice.

    Even if it is legal, loaning a firearm in these circumstances could create as much risk as intended to alleviate.

    • Since I know you are also in PA this seems like a good place to mention that under PA law you can loan a firearm (handgun) to a person who has a PA LTCF. Anyone without a PA LTCF has to go through the transfer process at an FFL (or Sheriff, good luck with that) and someone has to pay the transfer fee. Then it is their firearm (handgun).

      There is no state law in PA regulating the transfer of long guns, as long as you have no reason to believe that the recipient is a prohibited person.

      Most anyone I would lend a gun to already has them, with one exception. I would lend that person a long gun. I trust him with my life, my money, and my wife.

  23. Tough question. My initial response would be a firm no – here in Ohio it’s pretty simple for a non-prohibited person to buy a gun (though I don’t know what’s on the shelves at our LGSs) so they can get their own. However there are people I know, that I can actually call “friends” – as opposed to casual acquaintances, neighbors, folks known through social media – that I’d consider trustworthy and responsible to the point that I’m comfortable loaning them a shotgun or revolver if they were in dire need.

    But there is an extended family member who’s so virulently anti-gun I would tell him to go pound sand before I’d lend him so much as a homemade slingshot much less a firearm!

  24. I’d loan a gun to a close relative or friend. My brother has a FOID. The other brother is a Floriduh anti-gun idiot. Son’s who live with me have no interest. One 42 year old son is a felon. 45year old is a fudd(or WORSE) exArmy. DoD analyst who hates Trump. A very few friends yeah. Neighbor’s he!! NO!

    • FWW,

      I just ran through the list of family members to whom I would loan a gun in times like these (possible civil unrest/dissolution). I would not hand a firearm to any of them, except for those who already have guns. I do not want to think about the risk of handing a firearm to 3 of my four sisters. The fourth, OK. She used to hunt; does not have any guns now, but she could handle one. My in-laws? I’d be putting them in more danger by arming them; not a chance.

      So, yes. In the end, you have to carefully consider the person asking…and you have to understand the law.

      • Running through my family. My parents are vehemently anti-gun. So none for them. So is my dad’s twin brother but him having a rural property may alter his opinion slightly. But unlicensed anyway, so none for him. My cousins on my dad’s side are either anti-gun or unlicensed, so none for them. My cousins on my mum’s side are probably the same as the others, but one or two could be less anti-gun than others. My ex-wife’s family are all in the same situation, and some can pound sand in general with the way they’ve treated me since my wife separated.

        The only one I would ever trust with a firearm is my own son but he has had training but so far no experience. I know if necessary he can keep his mouth shut.

  25. I would suggest since all the school districts are closed, to go up and pick one of those pails of river rocks they’re supposed to be able to throw… or they could always pick up a school desk to hide under…

  26. They don’t want to wait to jump through the hoops to legally buy a gun? Inform them that there is no waiting period or hoops for…..archery gear. Swords and really big knives. Pellet guns(think pcp), and muzzle loaders.

      • It doesn’t have to be a single shot. I would buy 2 percussion double guns. Keep one for hunting and cut the other way down for a tactical BP house gun. You can cut a muzzle loader down to pistol size legally.

        Back that up with 2 cap and ball .44 revolvers and you got a party. Not perfect but it beats harsh language.

      • Larry. several years back I checked into the 1898 weapons exemption. I could have them sent straight through the mail to my door with little paper work. I believe the cut of date was Jan 1899.

        The trouble was finding any. Every time i went online the guns that were listed sold out 2 minutes after they were listed. I finally moved on after a few months.

        I have no idea what the laws are about them now here in CA.

        • Still the same, as long as they cannot chamber modern or readily available cartridge ammunition. So Colt SAAs are out, but everything from 1849 through 1862 is good to go. The cartridge conversions are probably not ok. And it is still illegal for a felon to possess one–they are an exception to the “BP is not a firearm” rule.
          You just have been visiting the wrong web sites, as all are readily available.

        • Mark. The weapons I was talking about were Mosin Nagants in 7.62x54r. They started production in 1891. Spanish Mausers in 7×57 Mauser and Swedish Mausers in 6.5×55. All these and more were made before 1899 and legal to buy through the mail. They all used smokeless powder and the ammo was readily available.

        • Finding one of those rifles dated pre-1899 is an issue, my German made 8mm Gewher 98 (Mauser) is a 1916 model and my Mosin is an NOS 1932.. I’ve not seen an earlier Mauser and the earliest Mosin I’ve seen my Brother-in-Laws 1912…

    • That depends on where you are. In Illinois black powder guns are considered to be firearms. We need a FOID even to buy a .22 and larger caliber pellet air guns. This state sucks. At least bows and arrows are not regulated… yet. But with current Dem super majority in legislature and Dem Pritzker governor it may not last long.

    • the .22 pcp pellet rifle I have is about on par with a bolt-action .22 short in terms of effectiveness. It’s no AR but it’ll do a lot. Well, for 12 shots at least.

  27. I would not lend a gun to anyone under those circumstances. And I was asked over the weekend by a family member. There is the danger of harm to the borrower or their family, or even worse, imagine a case where that person committed suicide with my borrowed gun. The guilt from that would be far worse than the legal punishment.

    I would offer to take them to the range, teach them safety and basics, and try out some of the ones I have to see what they like. In my current state, there is no pre-purchase licensing or training required. Of course, they’ll likely have to wait till Fall to get ammo for whatever they buy anyway. And perhaps then they can begin the process of applying for a carry permit.

    I’m thinking that many non-gun owners are just now discovering how buying a gun is not as easy as they’ve been told. But I hope that this mini crisis will wake them up to needing to look forward to being able to have the basics on hand; food, medications, toilet paper, and yes, guns and ammo. Waiting will do them good.

    I was asked just yesterday if this was “The Crunch” I’ve always talked about. Not quite, but it’s a good wake up call. I don’t think there will be pandemonium in the streets, but the memory of what could have been will last a while.

  28. I wouldn’t loan to anybody who I didn’t know was already familiar and competent and had guns already. But then, they wouldn’t need to borrow from me then, would they. I don’t even let people borrow my vehicles.

  29. I don’t have any friends that don’t have guns or dislike guns, so this question don’t pertain to me.
    But if I had to make a decision, I’d say NO!!!

    • This. Some of my friends may be indifferent about guns, but if someone is against gun ownership, he likely has some other moral character flaws. Not a friend for me.

      I brought several of my friends to the dark side of gun ownership in recent years. Last week another one asked me how to apply for a FOID. I plan to take him with me to the range on first weekend with half decent weather.

  30. Irregardless of the law, my answer would be the same as as it is for wanting to borrow ANYTHING of mine with very VERY few exceptions, BUY YOUR OWN! As far as a gun, that’s like borrowing my tooth brush or pillow, the answer isn’t just no, it’s F—- NO! If they want a gun, they should have bought one. “Poor planning on your part does not necessitate an emergency on mine.” I have taken a great steps in my life to be prepared for practically anything. If sh– hit the fan, I’d survive, that’s who I am, I’m a survivor, I take care of myself. If others have slacked, glided or coasted their life, that’s their tough beans.
    I witnessed it when we had an ice storm here and many people were out of power. You’d drive down the street and see people in their cars trying to stay warm. They had no other source of heat. Not me. I have other methods to stay warm and lit up. “Chance favors the prepared mind”

  31. I never loan a gun unless we are shooting together and the gun never leaves my sight. Here in Virginia (at least right now), a Virginia resident can go into a gun store or pawn shop and take a gun home in 15 or 20 minutes.

  32. I’ve had non gun owners ask me how to buy one and I tell them drive to a store, pick one out, fill out the forms and pay for it. They act like there are classes and registration hoops as well as permission forms to fill out.

    Maybe in Jersey, New york, Illinois or other states.

    Haven’t been asked to borrow one of the many fire sticks i have by any of them because we both know they don’t know a damn thing about firearms and wouldn’t act with it if faced with a threat. At the same time I think many people are questioning their positions on disarmament right now. Wait until half the cops in a big city get sick and even serious calls go unanswered. We’ve seen this before, it’s called the aftermath of a Hurricane.

    • LOL, land of the free. Here’s the procedure in CA for a first-timer:
      1) Take the Firearms safety test ($25?), pass, get your safety card.
      2) Pick out your gun, pay for it.
      3) Fill out the form, pass the background check.
      4) Wait 10 days (even if you already own 100 guns, you still have to “cool off”).
      5) On the 10th day, show up, demonstrate ability to safely handle the gun (another pass/fail test)
      6) Pick our your ammo, pass another background check, pay for it.

      • Actually, if you buy ammo at the same time you pick up your new firearm, there is no additional fee. That’s what they told me when I picked up my last one, since the firearm BGC is more inclusive than the ammo one, and by the time you’ve bought the gun, you have a registered firearm in the system that qualifies you for the $1 BGC.

        • Yes. I bought my .357 in Feb. and was told the same thing. I picked up 3 boxes of shells and the gun.

      • Uh, no. Sorry, I do not lend weapons, money or wife. I would give away money in certain circumstances on a case by case basis for family only. The other two are not open for discussion.

        Also, those out hunting firearms and ammo now in this current panic……you all are waaaaaaaaaaay behind the power curve on this issue. I learned my lesson back in 2007-2008. I vowed never to be in that situation again and I will not. I’m all set on this as I’m sure most on here are too. Pays to be prepared. As they say, better to have it and not need it than to need and not have.

  33. I don’t know anyone that needs to borrow a firearm. Or, ammunition. Everyone I know owns what you guys call Fudd guns. Everyone I know also owns more than one HK. And magazines. And ammo. Again, you waited too late.

  34. Almost all of my friends are armed. I’ve offered to train and certify (I’m a MA instructor) those who aren’t, but they haven’t accepted my offer.

    If one of my friends who isn’t armed and turned down my offer asked me for a gun, I would not say “no.” I would say “FVCK NO!” They had their chance and blew it.

  35. I always been discrete about my gun-ownership. Although I’m vocal about gun-rights and the 2nd Amendment, I never actually talk about the guns I own. In fact, the relatively small number of people who know I have guns generally have more guns than I do.

  36. Since here you can buy a shotgun without jumping through the hoops. That’s my advice. Never a borrower nor a lender be.

  37. Everyone I know that knows I have firearms also have firearms so it’s very unlikely I’d ever be asked. IF I were, by anyone else, no is the answer then I send them to one of the many stores that sell firearms locally and advise them what to get. Where I live, if they have a clean record, they will get it within minutes. If not then oh well, ignorance and sticking their heads in the sand does not constitute an emergency on my part.

    • A good way to get rid of something with obscure, expensive, or obsolete ammunition. Anything with suffix “Weatherby” should be a candidate. Ironically it may be the only ammunition available at any price.

      • Note it is possible to fire 7mm Remington Magnum in a 7mm Weatherby Magnum rifle. I’ve seen it done, but not by me. The user said the bolt was tight to close, but the cases fireformed and would have only needed a slight trim. But this not something I would make a regular practice unless it is a real SHTF scenario.

  38. Many things wrong with this construct. Its remotely possible that someone who is proficient with firearms might find themselves in a circumstance that they unexpectedly don’t own one…felons excepted, its really doubtful. So why would I lend a deadly weapon to someone who doesn’t know how to handle it ( I dont mean fire it, little kids can and will do that). Besides, Dad taught me to never lend my tools. If I knew yhe said someone was legal and proficient and I thought they needed it, I would sell them one on the cheap. Nope, dont want it back because it was out of my purview and I dont know what kind of trouble that pesky gun might have gotten itself into.

  39. My response would be something in the “pound sand, kick rocks, or sod off swampy” family.
    I’d be glad that they’re finally seeing the light, but my stuff is for the protection of myself and my immediate family.

    Besides, given the propensity of lawsuits to sue the shit out of people that didn’t actually do anything, I can imagine a scenario of ending up in civil court for loaning a gun that was subsequently used. It doesn’t matter if the percentage chance of that is only .0001%
    The chance is zero if I don’t loan a gun.

  40. What, then, do you do when those non-gun owners — especially those who may have expressed anti-gun opinions in the past — come to you asking to borrow a gun?

    Is this a serious question? I wouldn’t give these people the time of day much less the means to kill ME. This must be TTAGs daily click bait.

    • Don’t like the question? Then you are in the same boat as the people that would dare to ask me to loan them a firearm…..GTFO!!!!

  41. TRUE story…last week (just before it got crazy) while at Academy looking at the Rascal 22 with my 10 year old twin girls, a young couple in their 20’s approached the counter inquiring about 22s. A stainless laminated stock rifle caught his eye and he asked to look at it. It was a 17hmr bolt gun. The sales associate told him that was not good for home defense and the guy said ” I dont want to kill anyone, i can just shoot them in the leg or something”….We all laughed and told him how flawed his reasoning was. His girlfriend would not look at anything else as she actually called them “scary”. They left without making a purchase..which was probably for the better.

  42. Where I am, no. Not unless it’s because hell has broken loose so bad that we’re basically manning a sentry checkpoint.

    If someone asks maybe I’ll loan them a pellet gun or a replica bb gun.

  43. Absolutely not. I don’t care who they are. I will never trust another human being, save for my wife, with any of my guns. It is a different story when I am with others. If I am physically standing with them, then sure they can shoot my stuff. I will never trust them to just take it. If they want a gun, then they can go buy one. Not my problem if they want to borrow one and don’t have one.

  44. How Do You Handle People Who Suddenly Want To Borrow a Gun?

    Show them the muzzle and ask them politely to go away?

  45. “To pass a gun on would mean you were sure they were good people, and then it would mean something like an old SKS for about 3 grand.” Heck, I might even add a bayonet.

  46. Funny thing I have had 2 of my friends call me today and ask just this question while I’m at work .One offered me 700 for a glock 26 gen 4 I’ve owned for couple years and would throw in a longboard of his I’ve been eyeing for years and the other wants to borrow a cheap AR ? O like the Daniel Defence or the BCM…yea sorry guys better get to shooters or academy tonight ..but u can always take shelter here and keep loading mags..I told em this day would come since 2010 they just laughed..

  47. The gun you loan a friend today could be the gun you are shot with tomorrow. No, I would not loan a gun to anyone.

  48. Sometimes there’s a reason people that bad mouth gun ownership don’t own guns other than just “guns are icky”. They might not own a gun because they are already a prohibited person. I might be willing to sell them one at a fair price, so I can then take that money to buy a new one I’ve been wanting that is, if I think they have the proper attitude and mental capacity to become a safe gun owner.. But either way, sale or loan, we’re going to do a legal transfer and find out. It’s the law here. If they’re not willing to do that then we already know the answer.

  49. I don’t have any anti-gun friends or family members, so I don’t even have to consider that scenario. If I did, I would decline the request. There are consequences to life choices and those must be accepted. As others have said, even a nice non-gun owner who isn’t generally anti-gun, I wouldn’t lend to either simply because of the risk to both them and me. Giving such a person advise in a gun purchase or training would be all I could offer. Maybe some lessons will be learned as a result.

  50. People who want to borrow a “tool” generally are the people who borrow jumper cabels, tire tools, wrenches, etc. The kind of stuff anyone over 25 should have already accumulated and that includes a firearm. The answer for slackers who want to borrow a gun is no and hell no.
    Loaning a firearm to a person who misuses it in any way can comeback on you big time. If the borrower is a felon and they are caught with your gun or they have an accident or commit a crime then you will wind up in the cross bar hotel with them.
    Too many people plop down a credit card for a firearm and assume they are a member of the club. It does not work that way. Buying a first firearm is the beginning of a shut up and listen up never ending education.

  51. After going over a mental list who of my friends and relatives I would “loan” a gun, I realized everyone on the list already HAS a firearm (or several) of some description. I cannot imagine loaning someone a firearm with whom I have not personally gone shooting, hunting or served with in the military with. I may loan them a pistol for HD if all they have available currently is high-power stuff (aka: something like .300 H/H is a tad wicked for the Home Defense role), than again, I can’t think of anyone of the top of my head who would qualify on THAT count either…..

    • .50 BMG is suitable for HD…… So I’m confused how anything smaller could be considered “too wicked”?……is :^/

  52. I’d loan a gun to my brother. He owns a pistol or two of his own, but if he needed an AR, I’d not hesitate to fix him up. My closest friends and neighbors are mostly armed, or at least not anti-gun. If we needed to set up a neighborhood security checkpoint to repel teeming masses from the big city, I actually have a couple of rifles I bought specifically to loan, if needed – a Mosin Nagant and an SKS. But times would have to get pretty rough before those loaners would come into play.

    Otherwise, the vast majority of my firearms are for my use only. I do have a couple spare pistols that I take to classes that I teach or take, in case someone needs to borrow a pistol to finish a class.

    • Not me, my brother can kiss my ass. I already hooked him up FAT and let him purchase an H&K 93, a damn nice one with new magazines for a damn good deal. (my attorney needed money bad) My brother cried that he’s always wanted one. OK OK, I’ll be the nice little brother and you can buy it. I should have told him to FO&D.

  53. I would not loan to someone who was not trustworthy.

    If someone was trustworthy, had the proper competence and mindset, and was at least neutral on our right to keep and bear arms, I would loan them a firearm — although I would require that they give me cash as collateral. And the amount of cash would have to be something like 20% greater than the actual value in case they default on the loan and it ends up taking me several hours to find and acquire an equivalent replacement.

    If someone was trustworthy, had the proper competence and mindset, and was against our right to keep and bear arms, I would politely decline and offer, instead, to help them begin navigating the minefield of firearm laws to acquire their own firearm. And I would not do this to be a jerk. Rather, an anti-gunner needs a pain-penalty to sear the lesson into them and come out of the other side of this in support of our right to keep and bear arms.

  54. Under the conditions of the question, probably not. However, I would sell a friend something I had no attachment to for $1 with the option to buy it back at $1. I would include a holster, sling, magazines, and ~200 rounds of ammo. My threshold for friendship vs. acquaintanceship is high and I expect most of the readership here is selective as well.

    There can be value in “herd immunity” and enlightened self interest could be a compelling reason to help neighbors out during a difficult time. Having just armed a squad of neighbors is going to seriously reduce the odds of looting and mayhem at your residence.

    Now is a fine time to talk to your immediate neighbors (excluding dirtballs) and offer to drop of food or whatever is they find themselves under quarantine. Nothing too serious just that we can help each other out if need be. If they steer the conversation elsewhere you can re-calibrate.

  55. If they are in or near Oakland, you can send them out just off the MLK, between about 82nd and 90th streets and rent a heater. No waiting, no backgrounds. Might be a little warm, might have a body already on it and there is a strong possibility of being robbed. Options.

  56. I would tell them to post a sign on their home declaring it a “gun free zone”, according to the politicians that will protect them.

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  58. Nope. I will not loan a gun to a friend. Not for self-defense, not for hunting. For the same basic reason (albeit on steroids) I wouldn’t buy booze for my under-aged friends back in college. I’m not opening myself up for the liability.

    There’s also the possibility your “friend” conveniently forgets to return your property down the road.

  59. Trying this one more time….
    First of all I would ask them if they have scuba gear and are qualified below 300 feet (deep lake) then I would remind them of the boating accident… Reality is, other than my immediate family I am not close enough to or trust any one else enough to put a gun in their hands out of my control.. The legal issues alone are the stuff of nightmares…

  60. Generally, neither a borrower nor a lender be. Circumstances dependent, very dependent. Perhaps a scenario such as “herd immunity” pointed out by BASHer above may qualify.

  61. You’re on your own. Careless people, who never had one are going to make mistakes. If anything happens, they, their family or an injured third party will sue the s$&t out of you.
    Then the local DA will finish you off.
    Good write up as there are many snowflakes in my area. I might have felt sorry for them but not now!

  62. Is it just me or has TTAG been COMPLETLY void of the trolls that like calling commenters “tin foil hat wearers”, “goober/jethro peppers”, “small penis compensators”…….
    I guess they’re all curled up in little balls on their basement floors, soiling themselves, wondering why their political “leaders” have not saved them from the possibility of an impending crisis.

    • Not to worry, they’re heeeerrrre….. They are just still hung up on the TAPS thing… have to give them a minute to catch up…

      • Can’t we just hope they’re dying in a pool of liquid feces and burning up with fever somewhere?

        Don’t be a spoil sport.

  63. EASY. N. O.

    OR

    What guns?

    Not even best friends or girl friends. Especially not relatives.

    I’ll help them go buy one. No problem.

    • maybe only to my own kids…but i’d still prefer they buy their own….they’re not hurting for cash…

      • “maybe only to my own kids…”
        This!
        But it shouldn’t be necessary. The younger one got a DB-308 AR-10 for Christmas ’18, older one got a Beretta M9-A1 for his 21st birthday, and a NATO spec Steyr AUG for Christmas ’19.

        • All done thru their FFL dealers with 4473s completed.
          Too many retarded “red flag” trolls on TTAG to not clarify that detail.

  64. For folks in the restricted states, how are pre 1898 weapons treated? I was thinking that might viable, decent level action and wheel gun might be better than nothing?

    • Pre-1898/99(?) or replicas of same that are black powder guns are not considered firearms in most states. You can buy in stores or online with no background check required. Even felons can use them.

      Under Texas law, a gun is not a considered a firearm if it is an antique or Curio firearm manufactured before 1899, or a replica of an antique or Curio firearm manufactured before 1899, but only if the replica does not use rim fire or center fire ammunition.

  65. It’s never come up. The people who know I have guns already have their own.

    If someone did ask me, I would advise them to buy one from a local gun shop. I would even go with them to offer advice. Part of that advice would be to get training from a competent instructor and rent guns from a range to find out what works for them. I’d be willing to teach a new shooter using my own guns but would still expect them to buy their own. I don’t want the blow back if they use a gun I loan them especially if they misuse it.

    • +1 Absolutely, I also would offer advice and training once they purchase their own firearm. I would never loan a gun to anyone. Same reason I don’t ever loan out a car trailer, because it never comes back the same condition that you loaned it out as. If it’s not theirs, they don’t take care of it as someone who owns it. And in this political climate, if they haven’t already purchased a gun, they are irresponsible.

  66. I’ve been asked exactly that and said NO.

    Don’t try to borrow my knife either, I’ve seen how people are with other peoples’ things.

  67. In any case, No.

    If it were someone I knew by something they said were anti-gun, I’d tell them good luck but I wouldn’t want to corrupt their morals by giving them a death machine. Plus I wouldn’t trust them with it.

    If it were someone who just didn’t happen to own a gun and were close enough that I could help if needed, I’d tell them to let me know if they needed help but giving an untrained person a firearm causes more trouble than it solves.

  68. Ha! No.

    That’s how it’s handled.

    Anyone I love and trust enough would be offered one of mine before they had to ask. That list has exactly 2 people on it, and all others are SOL.

  69. Against all the good advice and reasons posted above, but in a time of tribulations, I just might It’s a slim chance, but I could see lending a friend a gun. Of course it would have to be the cheapest piece of crap I own (likely not to even work). But he’d have to give me something I really need during these end times. She’d have to clean, vacuum and do laundry. And take my wife shopping.

  70. I practice OPSIL. Only a few selected souls around my cloud of family/friends know that I have a gun, maybe more than one. Nothing beyond that.

    Even if one my libtard neighbor were to ask if I have a gun they can “borrow,” my answer has been and still is a firm NO. That is usually followed by directions to the closest LGS.

  71. What? Why do you want to borrow a gun? Do you think this AR-14 is going to save you from the M1A1’s and the Apache’s that will be coming after you? GTFOOH.

    • Wtf is wrong with you mr. Schitto????
      There will be no m1a1/Apache helos coming after anyone…… morons abound today…

      • Did your humor gland get blown off in the war? You seriously couldn’t tell that was poking at Biden/Beto?

        ABTW – It’s Graf, not Mr. to you.

  72. I only have enough firearms for my use, sorry no spares. Ammo? Only enough for what I need. Why didn’t you prepare? I told you the two things to expect where a disease or a EMP from a solar flare. You laughed. I told you to prepare. I offered to help you start. Ypu said nothing will ever happen. Survive this scare, and lesson learned. If you die, maybe others will see the lesson and learn from it. Now please leave my property.

  73. I think a lot of folks are not yet realizing how much worse it’s probably going to be before it eventually gets better. Within a few weeks we should start seeing civil unrest and the economy going to hell again. You’ll have many folks losing their jobs, those who cannot get decent health care, those tired of wiping their behind with whatever they can find but toilet paper, those who start running out of food and other supplies such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant…and the usual parasites who jump on any abnormal situation to loot and riot. Also, some first responders will say see ya later as they will be sick or will decide their families are more important. I can already see the panic and paranoia on some people’s face, folks who I am sure are normal people but are now starting to seriously panic. Scared and desperate people can be very dangerous, doesn’t matter how big, trained, and geared up they are. I keep my head on a swivel, more than usual.

      • Well back then TP was not much of a thing as the Sears & Roebuck catalog was. So I imagine shovels and headstones were the panic buys then.

      • …it went away only when those who were susceptible died….and it killed at random, taking the young as well as the old…[excellent documentary on this on PBS]……

      • 1) We are not them.
        2) Different economies. More resistant to shock in many ways.
        3) The world and US was already on a war footing
        4) Most countries, particularly the US, had more competent leadership. Yes, even Wilson at least didn’t go around saying “this silly SPANISH flu is a hoax! That’s okay, it’ll be gone like a miracle in April!”

      • People were a lot tougher in 1918. Many (if not most) Americans at that time lived on small family farms. There was no government welfare, only private charities. People were self-sufficient.

        None of them were awarded participation trophies when they were growing up.

  74. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. If I have to wait 8 weeks for a FOID card and then 120 days for a CCL, plus pay for training and the license, then so should they. Frankly, the more gun owners I see who shoot somebody without canceled carry instruction, the more I see them get into deep dodo. When you own a gun, you have a huge moral responsibility not to shoot until every last option is taken. That means if it ain’t your business, dial 911 and wait for the police. It is not your job to get involved unless one party is clearly in danger.

    I say let them go through this once without a gun and maybe they will change their tune, get a FOID, a gun, training, and a CCL.

  75. I’ve had three people with zero firearms experience ask me about buying guns lately, and I told two of them to buy pepper spray until they were able to get a gun after the CA 10 day waiting period. The idea of someone who just got around to panic buying a gun is not someone that I want armed around me. I consider firearms ownership as a responsibility not to be taken lightly, so I get professional training and practice regularly. The third person was vocally anti-gun but is terrified about the virus, and I didn’t even reply to his request.

  76. Two categories:

    Anti 2nd amendment folks. Go pound sound. This your messy unprotected bed, go try and sleep in it.

    People that aren’t opposed to guns, but don’t own one because of spousal pressure or monetary reasons or other considerations. I’d offer to sell them a gun through an FFL (that’s the law in my state) for $1. I’d arrange the transfer and even pay the transfer fee for a good friend in need.

    We gotta rally around our communities in these times of struggle…if I gain a new range buddy once things get back to normal…I’d call that a silver lining to a shitty situation.

  77. Lend no, but I would be willing to sell my backup AR, $500 Anderson for $2k so I could buy another Anderson and get that TRP I’ve always wanted. Such sales are still legal in Wisconsin.

  78. Never loan a gun to anyone even if they are related, you just cannot guarintee what will happen with it or if it’ll be used in a legal manner. ( shit happens) Here we are not limited in selling our firearms in private sales. We dont have register them either. We don’t have to raise our hand and ask permission to sell our property or report it. No commy laws in Mo.
    I sell the ones purchased at an ffl dealer first with box and manuals if ive got them, and allways ask them if it’s legal for them to own a firearm, show them how to operate it, break it down and clean it. Get a reciept to show you sold it. Sell them a box of ammunition for practice and one for self defense. Cover the basics on saftey and lecture them on keeping it out of the hands of their children. Sell them the basic cleaning kit. Video the intire deal especially the saftey basics talk and make a profit if you feel the need. If you can, let them shoot it and clean it before you make the deal so they know exactly what they are buying and can’t say you wronged them or sold them bad gun/ammo then all the better. No need to do someone wrong becouse they come down to earth late and figure out that they should not expect the police to be right there in the moment they have to protect their lovedones and themselfs. Not everybody gets it in an instant.
    Country boy deals are made everyday around here for hunting rifles and shotguns and a few handguns when your hard up on bill money, need new tires or auto repairs or works been slow. It’s damn sure better than a pawn shop screwing. In alot of cases you’ll be able to buy it back.
    So treat them how you wanna be treated and not like a buttwipe gloating becouse you saw the light sooner than later.

    • You sir are a good man. If every gun owner had the attitude if most posters here, our cause wouldn’t last another generation.

    • only when we’re standing shoulder to shoulder defending the neighborhood…and, yes…I have been through that before…….

      • “and, yes…I have been through that before…….”

        I have to tell you bro – this is a weird forum to fess up to gay meth orgies.

        TMI.

  79. I do not have any close relationships with people who are outspokenly anti-gun. The closest I have are friends that didn’t previously feel comfortable having a gun in a home with small children. I wouldn’t hesitate to loan a gun to one of them as long as I felt confident that they were capable of handling it responsibly. Fortunately, I live in a state where that decision would be perfectly legal.

  80. No one has asked so I haven’t considered the idea.

    That said, with the stores here rapidly restocking to capacity a bunch of people waiting on the CBI are going to be a but late to the panic party.

  81. After careful consideration, this shouldn’t even be a question….. unless it’s a trick question…..
    You NEVER “loan” a firearm to ANYBODY….. PERIOD!

    MAYBE at the range I MIGHT allow someone to fire some rounds, but even then the anxiety would bother me…..I also realize some guys have close friends who own guns and they trade back and forth…… but for me, even that would be a no-no…

  82. Charlton Heston’s final book, “The Courage to Be Free”
    ———————-:

    During the Los Angeles riots in 1992, a good many of these folk suffered a change of heart. As smoke from burning buildings smudged the skyline and the TV news showed looters smashing windows, laughing as they carted off boom boxes and booze, I got a few phone calls from firmly anti-gun friends in clear conflict. ‘Umm, Chuck, you have quite a few . . . ah, guns, don’t you?’

    ‘Indeed.’

    ‘Could you lend me one for a day or so? I tried to buy one, but they have this waiting period . . .’

    ‘Yeah, I know. I remember you voted for that. Do you know how to use a shotgun?’

    ‘No, I thought maybe you could teach me. This is getting a little scary.’

    ‘I noticed. I could teach you, but not in an hour. You might shoot yourself instead of the bad guys. The Marines are coming up from Pendleton; that’ll end it. When it does, go buy yourself a good shotgun and take some

  83. Given that if you have one of my pistols and it’s not on your permit you are immediately a felon in NY, the answer is no.

    Also given that the permit offices are now closed indefinitely . . . . . . . I would suggest you check out a Polymer 80 Glock build.

  84. So long as the gun never leaves my sight and I’m confident that you won’t immediately turn it on me, I’m more than happy to loan it out. Other than that, not gonna happen.

      • There was a time when the person borrowing accepted the responsibility for damages caused by and damages to the item borrowed. Sadly those days are gone. Lending this day and time is a risk at best and since talk is cheap, that is a borrower can say anything, it is best to not loan some things such as guns, cars, chainsaws. Lender beware!

  85. I experienced this: A Teacher who is a close friend of my Wife and I, bailed out of an abusive relationship. Restraining Order was not effective as was LE limits to act without evidence. She had often debated for the gun control side. She asked for a gun and had zero experience.

    She stayed with us for several days during which time I broke out my old State Firearms Instruction Manual, scanned of a student guide, pulled out a torso target, revolver, pistol mags and Snapcaps/dummy rounds. Covered same info two seperate days, checked general retention anf final written test. Three hours range time A to Z. Then covered Fl firearms Laws, Use of Force, Castle Doctrine, loaded handgun in vehicle (allowed without CC). Took her shopping and days later back to the Range with her own 38 Spl. She went back to her place full time after that. Six days till Self reliance.

    She’s now pro self defense (to a point) but not comfortable enough to get her FWFL she says. She’s “STILL” Anti AR/big mag. I ask her: Do you need to be in a Riot or multiple BG home invasion first? She’s a work in progress.

  86. I am very fortunate that all of my friends and associates have guns. One of the benefits of living in the South, I guess.

    It is HILARIOUS to me to see Californians who, for some reason, have chosen NOT to own a gun. Do they not remember the 92 riots? The riots were contained to South Central that time. This time I don’t think they’re going to ONLY loot the weave shop and pawn shops. They’re going to head into the California suburbs and hipster enclave, where the chances of encountering a gun are sim to none.

    So now when they see the thin veneer of society has potential to crack, they want to arm themselves because they’re scared to see the end result of their voting record.

    California is not where you want to be if this is a prolonged lockdown and people aren’t getting paid.

  87. An anti-gunner…definitely not. A friend, neighbor or someone I know well that just has had no interest in owning a gun or couldn’t afford or justify the expense but is now vulnerable…yeah, I’m going to take care of them.

  88. I do not lend out a firearm, period. Friend, family, nobody. Get their own and learn how to use it, before they need it. (that’s the short answer). That business of handing a “gun” to somebody, “just in case they need it”, is TV/movie BS.

  89. All this talk got me thinking. I store a bunch of my guns at my brothers (in the event of raid or robbery at home they won’t get hold of them all) but I realized he really has nothing suitable for serious home defense in my collection and he only personally owns a Taurus G2C. I called and made plans to drop off my 870-DM with 3 mags and an ammo can of 1 each, slugs and #4 buck. I’ll sleep better knowing he’s covered. But in our case it is not like I’m loaning it to him. He is a trustee on my gun trust (my insurance against Red Flag confiscation) so he has equal rights to have and use any of them.

  90. I gave a .22 handgun to a previously gun-wary person for personal protection once, and it worked out fine. Of course, said person was my mother. Outside of immediate family, I wouldn’t do it.

  91. Why should I risk breaking the law for that anti-gun neighbor’s two little girls?

    I certainly don’t feel that neighbor should be reproducing.

  92. I found it interesting when you said that having a proper pawnshop loaning could help with a safe and proper process. My best friend told me a couple of days ago that he was looking for a pawnshop that could use a gun as collateral for a loan because of business emergency funding. He asked if I had any idea what would be the best option to consider. I appreciate your instructive loaning guide article for effective planning. I’ll tell him consulting a trusted pawnshop can provide more information about their rates and services.

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