illegal to make gun available to minors, yet...

[jmorris]

If your 'child' is responsible enough to be able to use the firearm to defend themselves with it, then they can have the combination. Also, read that the law says 'Readily Dischargable' firearm, meaning 'loaded', whether one is in the chamber or not. If a 12 year old has their own shotgun, and their own shells and it stays unloaded, then it is not a crime. If they load it to shoot a burglar, it is not a crime. If they gain access via a combination or other locked means to a readily dischargable firearm to protect themselves, it is not a crime.

I was waiting on someone to mention the two important words "readily dischargeable". That is your out. I have a shotgun under the bed but it is not racked, more for safety reasons than the silly "the sound is scary" line of thought. My daughter knows how to rack it if needed. Safety meaning, the cat plays under there and Murphys Law says he could likely push the safety off then get his paws caught in the trigger guard...

That's what he'll tell the police when they find him squatting on your body but we know better, it's all part of their plan.

[rm9792]

I have seen him open doors, turn the tv on at 3 am, get a fish from the tank and turn light switch on so i am expecting to catch him practicing point shooting any day now.

[Katygunnut]

If he gun has rounds in it at all it is considerd 'readily dischargable'.

(2) "Readily dischargeable firearm" means a firearm
that is loaded with ammunition, whether or not a round is in the
chamber.

[/quote]

I'd be interested in the specifics on what is meant by "loaded". To me "loaded" means that a round is in the chamber, but this definition obviously applies more broadly. Would a gun be loaded if a full mag was sitting in the mag well but not locked into place, for example? What about a full mag that was lying right next to the gun?

[Keith B]

If the gun has rounds in it at all it is considerd 'readily dischargable'.

(2) "Readily dischargeable firearm" means a firearm
that is loaded with ammunition, whether or not a round is in the
chamber.

I'd be interested in the specifics on what is meant by "loaded". To me "loaded" means that a round is in the chamber, but this definition obviously applies more broadly. Would a gun be loaded if a full mag was sitting in the mag well but not locked into place, for example? What about a full mag that was lying right next to the gun?

If the gun does not physically contain the rounds, then it would not technically readily dischagable (i.e. mag loaded and laying beside gun, but no rounds in the gun.) If a mag was in the gun with rounds in them, rounds loaded in a clip or tube fed weapon, but no round in the chamber, then is considered readily dischargable.

[redlin67]

"rounds loaded in a clip" A chip clip? That counts?

[Keith B]

"rounds loaded in a clip" A chip clip? That counts?

Maybe it's a potato gun?

[bizarrenormality]

I think a Garand would make a lasting impression on a burglar.