frustrating
- Thread starter cavedweller
- Start date
Hang tight, it won't last forever. Maybe some time for shooting during school hours? Sounds like this is a very recent development, and often the initial shock is worse than the actual circumstances turn out. Best of luck.
Upvote 0
Get the kids involved. They are a lot smarter then you think. You have been dealt a lemon. Now go make lemonade and enjoy.
Upvote 0
I am not taking care of him, but we had our ten year old grandson for a full week last summer. He has developed a strong interest in guns and shooting, and the last few times he was here we went to the range to shoot .22LR rifles. I set up a pellet trap and made a range in the backyard and he had a ball with his BB gun and some of my CO2 rifles and pistols.
Those air guns are not as expensive as the PCP types, but even in a neighborhood with large lots, average about an acre each, they can still be a problem. I taught him what to do and how to handle them. He does shoot some of my much more powerful springers, but either my son or I have to be with him to cock them as he simply does not have the strength to do so.
Try to get them interested and let them shoot, while under supervision. You might create a lifelong interest in a nice sport/hobby for them.
Those air guns are not as expensive as the PCP types, but even in a neighborhood with large lots, average about an acre each, they can still be a problem. I taught him what to do and how to handle them. He does shoot some of my much more powerful springers, but either my son or I have to be with him to cock them as he simply does not have the strength to do so.
Try to get them interested and let them shoot, while under supervision. You might create a lifelong interest in a nice sport/hobby for them.
Upvote 0
Get a lower powered b.b. gun to teach them kids about your passion. Don't feel bad about guarding your treasure.
Stand up straight and keep your eyes on the Horizon. You are made of sterner stuff than you think. Listen to some Jocko Willink pod casts. That'll set your rudder straight.
Stand up straight and keep your eyes on the Horizon. You are made of sterner stuff than you think. Listen to some Jocko Willink pod casts. That'll set your rudder straight.
Upvote 0
Find a way to get the grand kids involved. They are a blessing to you. They do grow up very quick as you know. Create some shooting memories with them.
Upvote 0
@cavedweller No sir I have not been through this. First things first, get a secure gun safe and maybe some trigger locks if you don’t have them already. This is not only to protect the children, but yourself (from liability).Then make sure your compressor is somewhere out of the way, preferably locked away so it isn’t accidentally broken or disabled. Some kids just like to tinker and that’s not something you want them attempting to take apart. Once your stuff is properly stowed, hang on to it. It ain’t the end of the world. If the children will be with you you’ll have a good idea when or if they’re ready to learn about and are responsible enough to handle an airgun. Maybe start them on something cheap and simple like a pump action Crossman or air soft guns as others have suggested. See how they take to those and treat those types of airguns and go from there. Shooting with children creates awesome memories and is a great way to bond with some. If the children like spending time with you anything short of work can be enjoyable for many of them.
If you don’t shoot with them eventually they’ll have to understand when it’s “grandpa time” on the weekends and holidays. Maybe establish boundaries during this time where they know to let you be and don’t encroach upon your space so you can get a little trigger time in if your shoot on your property.l. It sounds like you have a good heart and I hope you have a wife and other family members to assist you. Seems like you’re more compassionate than some grandparents that tell their children “I’ve raised you all and I’m not raising any more children.” Good luck.
If you don’t shoot with them eventually they’ll have to understand when it’s “grandpa time” on the weekends and holidays. Maybe establish boundaries during this time where they know to let you be and don’t encroach upon your space so you can get a little trigger time in if your shoot on your property.l. It sounds like you have a good heart and I hope you have a wife and other family members to assist you. Seems like you’re more compassionate than some grandparents that tell their children “I’ve raised you all and I’m not raising any more children.” Good luck.
Upvote 0
your not the only one lol .. i was living rural fabulous, guns, women, and several hobbies in the mancave from paradise and my 17yo daughter shows up from down south and moves in for a couple of years .. now THAT through a wrench in a few hobbies for quite awhile .. but you gotta embrace it ya know ....
Upvote 0
100% agree with high powered PCPs, however get some very low powered 3-5 FPE target guns like. 1720 or 1701, bsa ultra se jr or S200 then you will have a ball with the kids safely.
My kids are under 13 and I already miss their littler versions, enjoy the precious time while you can because it’s a present and blessing.
My kids are under 13 and I already miss their littler versions, enjoy the precious time while you can because it’s a present and blessing.
Upvote 0
I can relate to your frustration
I take care of my 4year old grand daughter full time. My wife and I have been for 3 1/2 years. A choice that we made, we both had to put off retirement and some things we had planned but at the end of the day we felt that it was a no brainer, family takes care of family. That said it is a frustrating to have to put off plans, but I'm sure that you will will be able to enjoy your airgun once the dust settles with the kids, hang in there and DON'T give up on your activities.
TODD
I take care of my 4year old grand daughter full time. My wife and I have been for 3 1/2 years. A choice that we made, we both had to put off retirement and some things we had planned but at the end of the day we felt that it was a no brainer, family takes care of family. That said it is a frustrating to have to put off plans, but I'm sure that you will will be able to enjoy your airgun once the dust settles with the kids, hang in there and DON'T give up on your activities.
TODD
Upvote 0
Enjoy the time you have with your grandchildren now. You won't get that time back . You will have time for hobbies when they get older and want to be with friends and grandpa is not cool any more .lol . My son inlaw took a job in California and I haven't seen my grandkids in a year . We bought the two oldest (7 and 5 ) red rider bb guns to teach them about guns. I really miss those fun times. Just chill and enjoy them.
Upvote 0
I agree with the others buy two cheap guns for the kids and start teaching them the fundamentals of gun safety. If they take a shine to it when they are ready move them into the pcp world . Time with kids and grandchildren is the one thing you cannot buy. You have a great opportunity to create some wonderful memories that will last even when they are grown and gone. God directs our lives in directions we don't always understand, but it's not a bad thing to enjoy the detour sense your going down that road anyway.
Upvote 0
Thanks everyone for the encouragement..... I think I'll start with home made slingshots, then move on to red rider bb guns.
I suppose a pump sheridan, like i had growing up, will be the first pellet gun, that way they'll build some arm muscles while plinking.
As i understand it from the social worker.... this grand"parenting" is happening all across America for lots of different reasons. Mental health problems are rising rapidly.
I suppose a pump sheridan, like i had growing up, will be the first pellet gun, that way they'll build some arm muscles while plinking.
As i understand it from the social worker.... this grand"parenting" is happening all across America for lots of different reasons. Mental health problems are rising rapidly.
Upvote 0
@cavedweller You seem like a good man. I’m not sure what’s going on across the country, but what you say makes sense. I’m friends with a great-grandparent who has done the same. Families need people like you all.
Upvote 0
Cavedweller, you salty dog, if we would’ve suggested selling everything, would you have? Of course not, as I wouldn’t. Especially if it took you a long time to acquire. You’ll just have to sit down with the Mrs and bust out the calendar and find some man time for yourself. As this happens, try and find ways to introduce your grandkids to your hobby, cause if you don’t, they will always be curious, and when you’re not around one day, and friends are over, well, you see where I’m going with that. The word “guns”, combined with kids, and laced with “grand pops ain’t home” is not a good recipe.
but if “they’ve been there done that” and have attended a gun safety course, they will not have the urge to get into your safe and will look more forward to learning more from the salty dog each time you hit the range
but if “they’ve been there done that” and have attended a gun safety course, they will not have the urge to get into your safe and will look more forward to learning more from the salty dog each time you hit the range
Upvote 0
$20 says one day you’ll post up a topic saying you miss your shooting partners when they’ve grown up and moved away
Upvote 0
Put the single load tray in that PCP and slowly and methodically teach them safety and how to shoot. I know kids today grow up a lot different, however I shot my first deer at age NINE!! I walked the woods squirrel hunting and chased Quail with an old single shot 12 gauge that was bigger than I was.
If you take the time to actually teach them, and stress danger and safety, perhaps they are smarter than you think. If one of them drops your fancy PCP in the dirt, just clean it and worry not. Yes kids today are a lot different, mainly because guns, shooting and related activities are not present in most daily lives . Whatever you do anything is better than sitting inside the house.
Last year my two year old grandson tossed or dropped an expensive fishing pole off the boat.....well that is just and excuse to get a new one.....Grin~~
Cheers
Kit
Upvote 0
I agree with the others. Don't sell any guns and enjoy the time with your grandchildren, they will be off before you know it.
Upvote 0
