[SteveBonning]

I think there would be a big difference between lending handguns vs. rifles/shotguns.

Personally, I don't think I would ever lend a handgun to anyone, friend or family, unless there are dire circumstances.

A close friend wants to borrow my shotgun or rifle for hunting? That's probably fine. Many of us did it as highschoolers when we first started hunting, thought nothing of it. As long as I know them well, probably would. Either way, in today's society there's always a risk; one just has to be ready to accept it.