Just for Fun - How long would it take for a new house guest to peg you as a gun guy?

Jeffm004 · October 2, 2015, 09:44 PM

My guns are all put away. My art is outdoors but not labeled DU. In my house, the tell would be the throne reading, otherwise it looks about like any other house. If he saw the office bookshelf, that would be another pretty big clue.

How "gunny" (pun intended) is your house?

Mike38 · October 2, 2015, 10:16 PM

Interesting. I just looked around the first floor of my house. There is a nice 9 point white tail mount, that would say I'm a hunter, but wouldn't necessarily mean with a firearm. Then there's a sign on my front window that says "Prayer is the best way to meet the Lord. But trespassing on this property is faster." Other than that, nope.

rickyrick · October 2, 2015, 11:36 PM

I shave with straight razors and smoke large tobacco pipes.

dakota.potts · October 3, 2015, 12:14 AM

They'll know I'm a knife owner right away as I decorate with them. Astute owners may recognize a couple rifle bayonets among them. If the NRA tin decal in my front room and picture if me holding my AR15 next to the first hog I shot don't do it, maybe the gunsmithing books on my bookshelf will

O4L · October 3, 2015, 12:48 AM

Right away. I always answer the door with a gun in my hand.

FrankenMauser · October 3, 2015, 05:05 AM

As long as the hunting pictures are not hanging on the walls on the main floor, no one would be the wiser unless I let them into the "dungeon". An entire floor of the house is "mine" and a good portion is dedicated to my hobbies - firearms and hunting being the dominant categories. (This floor of the house being "mine" means that I also do 95% of the laundry, but it's a compromise I'm willing to make...)

If the hunting pictures were up.... 30 seconds?

lamarw · October 3, 2015, 06:14 AM

Shortly after realizing I was an antique clock nut.

Tony Z · October 3, 2015, 07:20 AM

I do not volunteer the information (we have more than the normal number of visitors).

At our home, to the right of the main entry is the library room, leading to the dining room, kitchen and back stairs. Most friends/relatives come through that area, and the only way they can tell I'm a gun person, is by noting the number of gun books on the shelves. If from the main entry, they go through to the right, to the formal living room and to the sitting room, there is nothing to give away gun ownership.

At my plant, in my office it is the same thing. Across from the couch and easy chair, is a book case. If a person notes the books, they might assume I'm a gun person.

In our part of Pennsyltucky, we have a horrid drug problem. This is pretty much a rural area, but with a bad meth & heroin problem. You do not give away what you might have at your home. We live in a more well-to-do area, and we have had our home burglarized about 7 years ago, while my wife, 3 daughters, beagle & I were asleep upstairs. Since then, we have added numerous security measures, but as advised by both LEO and insurance carrier, the best measure is to be low-key. Several years ago, we were asked to have our home be part of the local showcase of homes for a holiday walk (5 homes). We graciously obliged, and it went well, except for several phone calls advising us not to do it: either theft occurring during the visits or people casing the homes for a later "visit".

So, in short, I would not volunteer gun ownership, nor display guns. If you feel compelled to do so, keep it in one room, not on the usual visitor track.

A pause for the COZ · October 3, 2015, 07:21 AM

Right away. I will have one on my hip when they drive in.

Jeffm004 · October 3, 2015, 08:09 AM

Office would have been another good question. No tells in mine but people there know.

jonnyc · October 3, 2015, 08:17 AM

I'm a history teacher and well-known to friends as a pretty advanced cartridge collector. Lots of war, terrorism, ammo, and gun books on the shelves, but nothing really definitive.
However, once the subject comes up it's pretty obvious.

Tony Z · October 3, 2015, 09:56 AM

As Jonny's recent post, I am also a collector and have been for decades. I ran out of space decades ago also. At least half of my various items have been on loan to the local historical society. Haven't figured what will happen to them (yet) when I meet my maker!

rickyrick · October 3, 2015, 11:23 AM

Oh "gun" guy

I swear it said "guy guy" as in manly man.

I have no evidence of my gun ownership visible.

kilimanjaro · October 3, 2015, 01:54 PM

As soon as they walk into the library and see the spears and rifles on the wall. Otherwise, not so obvious.

tomrkba · October 3, 2015, 02:07 PM

They would have to see the gun books. That is all that is visible.

Pond, James Pond · October 3, 2015, 02:49 PM

Probably never, unless I chose to tell them... or they turn out to be rich and into gun-related philanthropy.

osbornk · October 3, 2015, 05:15 PM

They might notice the post full of holes here I put my targets across from my garage when they pull in my driveway.

They might notice my locked wormy chestnut gun cabinet in the den with long guns in it.

They might notice the safe in my office surrounded by ammo boxes, ear muffs, etc. that "might" have handguns in it.

They might notice the little gun safe on the hearth beside my bed.

Other than that, they would have no idea.

Ozzieman · October 3, 2015, 07:25 PM

Good question.
If you came into the front door and stayed in the front part of the house you would think I was a candle and old wicker lamp collector and a professional doll house builder.
That's my wife's house,,,,, my room has two safes and several other things that would lead you to believe I am a gun collector.
If it sounds like my wife is in control of the house, you are correct and I am happy with it that way. There are reasons women rule the world and let us think we do.

vito · October 3, 2015, 08:02 PM

They would have no idea unless the subject of guns, the Second Amendment, or concealed carry came up. If they went into my furnace room/work room/ reloading room then they might get an idea.

Rancid · October 3, 2015, 08:12 PM

I have a 200 yard rifle range with a bench in the front yard. The driveway crosses it. I fly a red flag to warn the delivery guys and visitors that the range is hot.
In over 20 years, I'm one of the few homes in the local area that hasn't been broken into. Rumor has it that a crazy man lives there.

TMD · October 3, 2015, 08:19 PM

All depends on weather or not you have NRA and Browning decals on the back window of your pickup. If so about 3 seconds if he's slow to talk a hint

mavracer · October 3, 2015, 08:37 PM

very little outward around the house surprisingly about the only thing would be the coexist sticker in the back window of my truck n Bronco

rickyrick · October 3, 2015, 09:01 PM

I keep some lower cost and midrange electric guitars and amplifiers visible... Thieves would take those distractions and probably not find the well disguised gun safe

SC4006 · October 3, 2015, 11:25 PM

It would take them quite a while to figure it out in my house. All the guns in my house are out of sight and locked up. The biggest sign would be the range I have in my back yard, but even that is not visible from the house as it is hidden by trees.

Stevie-Ray · October 3, 2015, 11:45 PM

If one is given the nickel tour, the safe in the master suite is a dead giveaway. Walking past the library, if one notices what books are contained within, that would likely give it away. Magazine rack in the john would be another, as would be the latest issue of First Freedom, generally on a side table. Barring that, conversation will likely rat me out within an hour, or so.

October 2, 2015, 09:44 PM	#1
Jeffm004 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2013 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 255	Just for Fun - How long would it take for a new house guest to peg you as a gun guy? My guns are all put away. My art is outdoors but not labeled DU. In my house, the tell would be the throne reading, otherwise it looks about like any other house. If he saw the office bookshelf, that would be another pretty big clue. How "gunny" (pun intended) is your house?

October 2, 2015, 11:36 PM	#3
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,238	I shave with straight razors and smoke large tobacco pipes. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

October 3, 2015, 12:14 AM	#4
dakota.potts Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Location: Keystone Heights, Florida Posts: 3,084	They'll know I'm a knife owner right away as I decorate with them. Astute owners may recognize a couple rifle bayonets among them. If the NRA tin decal in my front room and picture if me holding my AR15 next to the first hog I shot don't do it, maybe the gunsmithing books on my bookshelf will __________________ Certified Gunsmith (On Hiatus) Certified Armorer - H&K and Glock Among Others You can find my writings at my website, pottsprecision.com.

October 3, 2015, 05:05 AM	#6
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,426	As long as the hunting pictures are not hanging on the walls on the main floor, no one would be the wiser unless I let them into the "dungeon". An entire floor of the house is "mine" and a good portion is dedicated to my hobbies - firearms and hunting being the dominant categories. (This floor of the house being "mine" means that I also do 95% of the laundry, but it's a compromise I'm willing to make...) If the hunting pictures were up.... 30 seconds? __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

October 3, 2015, 07:21 AM	#9
A pause for the COZ Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Braham, Minnesota Posts: 1,314	Right away. I will have one on my hip when they drive in. __________________ NRA life member. US Army veteran, 11 Bravo.

October 2, 2015, 10:16 PM	#2
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,710	Interesting. I just looked around the first floor of my house. There is a nice 9 point white tail mount, that would say I'm a hunter, but wouldn't necessarily mean with a firearm. Then there's a sign on my front window that says "Prayer is the best way to meet the Lord. But trespassing on this property is faster." Other than that, nope.

October 3, 2015, 12:48 AM	#5
O4L Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2015 Posts: 646	Right away. I always answer the door with a gun in my hand.

October 3, 2015, 06:14 AM	#7
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Shortly after realizing I was an antique clock nut.

October 3, 2015, 07:20 AM	#8
Tony Z Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2013 Location: North Central Pennsyltucky Posts: 749	I do not volunteer the information (we have more than the normal number of visitors). At our home, to the right of the main entry is the library room, leading to the dining room, kitchen and back stairs. Most friends/relatives come through that area, and the only way they can tell I'm a gun person, is by noting the number of gun books on the shelves. If from the main entry, they go through to the right, to the formal living room and to the sitting room, there is nothing to give away gun ownership. At my plant, in my office it is the same thing. Across from the couch and easy chair, is a book case. If a person notes the books, they might assume I'm a gun person. In our part of Pennsyltucky, we have a horrid drug problem. This is pretty much a rural area, but with a bad meth & heroin problem. You do not give away what you might have at your home. We live in a more well-to-do area, and we have had our home burglarized about 7 years ago, while my wife, 3 daughters, beagle & I were asleep upstairs. Since then, we have added numerous security measures, but as advised by both LEO and insurance carrier, the best measure is to be low-key. Several years ago, we were asked to have our home be part of the local showcase of homes for a holiday walk (5 homes). We graciously obliged, and it went well, except for several phone calls advising us not to do it: either theft occurring during the visits or people casing the homes for a later "visit". So, in short, I would not volunteer gun ownership, nor display guns. If you feel compelled to do so, keep it in one room, not on the usual visitor track.

October 3, 2015, 08:09 AM	#10
Jeffm004 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2013 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 255	Office would have been another good question. No tells in mine but people there know.

October 3, 2015, 08:17 AM	#11
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	I'm a history teacher and well-known to friends as a pretty advanced cartridge collector. Lots of war, terrorism, ammo, and gun books on the shelves, but nothing really definitive. However, once the subject comes up it's pretty obvious. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

October 3, 2015, 09:56 AM	#12
Tony Z Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2013 Location: North Central Pennsyltucky Posts: 749	As Jonny's recent post, I am also a collector and have been for decades. I ran out of space decades ago also. At least half of my various items have been on loan to the local historical society. Haven't figured what will happen to them (yet) when I meet my maker!

October 3, 2015, 11:23 AM	#13
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,238	Oh "gun" guy I swear it said "guy guy" as in manly man. I have no evidence of my gun ownership visible. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

October 3, 2015, 01:54 PM	#14
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	As soon as they walk into the library and see the spears and rifles on the wall. Otherwise, not so obvious.

October 3, 2015, 02:07 PM	#15
tomrkba Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2011 Posts: 751	They would have to see the gun books. That is all that is visible.

October 3, 2015, 02:49 PM	#16
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Probably never, unless I chose to tell them... or they turn out to be rich and into gun-related philanthropy. __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

October 3, 2015, 05:15 PM	#17
osbornk Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2012 Location: Mountains of Appalachia Posts: 1,598	They might notice the post full of holes here I put my targets across from my garage when they pull in my driveway. They might notice my locked wormy chestnut gun cabinet in the den with long guns in it. They might notice the safe in my office surrounded by ammo boxes, ear muffs, etc. that "might" have handguns in it. They might notice the little gun safe on the hearth beside my bed. Other than that, they would have no idea.

October 3, 2015, 07:25 PM	#18
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	Good question. If you came into the front door and stayed in the front part of the house you would think I was a candle and old wicker lamp collector and a professional doll house builder. That's my wife's house,,,,, my room has two safes and several other things that would lead you to believe I am a gun collector. If it sounds like my wife is in control of the house, you are correct and I am happy with it that way. There are reasons women rule the world and let us think we do. __________________ It was a sad day when I discovered my universal remote control did not in fact control the universe. Did you hear about the latest study.....5 out of 6 liberals say that Russian Roulette is safe.

October 3, 2015, 08:02 PM	#19
vito Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2004 Location: IL Posts: 853	They would have no idea unless the subject of guns, the Second Amendment, or concealed carry came up. If they went into my furnace room/work room/ reloading room then they might get an idea. __________________ People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” ― George Orwell

October 3, 2015, 08:12 PM	#20
Rancid Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2015 Posts: 185	I have a 200 yard rifle range with a bench in the front yard. The driveway crosses it. I fly a red flag to warn the delivery guys and visitors that the range is hot. In over 20 years, I'm one of the few homes in the local area that hasn't been broken into. Rumor has it that a crazy man lives there.

October 3, 2015, 08:19 PM	#21
TMD Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,293	All depends on weather or not you have NRA and Browning decals on the back window of your pickup. If so about 3 seconds if he's slow to talk a hint

October 3, 2015, 09:01 PM	#23
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,238	I keep some lower cost and midrange electric guitars and amplifiers visible... Thieves would take those distractions and probably not find the well disguised gun safe __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

October 3, 2015, 11:25 PM	#24
SC4006 Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2012 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 525	It would take them quite a while to figure it out in my house. All the guns in my house are out of sight and locked up. The biggest sign would be the range I have in my back yard, but even that is not visible from the house as it is hidden by trees. __________________ I don't always go to the range, but when I do, I prefer dosAKs. They say 5 out of 4 people are bad at math.

October 3, 2015, 11:45 PM	#25
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	If one is given the nickel tour, the safe in the master suite is a dead giveaway. Walking past the library, if one notices what books are contained within, that would likely give it away. Magazine rack in the john would be another, as would be the latest issue of First Freedom, generally on a side table. Barring that, conversation will likely rat me out within an hour, or so. __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.