I have removed 2 guns from my 17 yr that I had given him as a gift. do I legally have to return them?

Answer 1

"I have removed 2 guns from my 17 yr that I had given him as a gift. do I legally have to return them?"

The quick answer to your question is "Not yet. But someday."

You should consider ignoring several of the answers here. Nobody can give you definitive answers without knowing: 1) What state jurisdiction applies, and 2) whether or not the 17 year old is an emancipated minor (I assume he's not, but I'd give different answers if so).

Some states within the U.S. allow legal firearm possession by persons under the age of 18-- some with certain conditions and under some circumstances and some with few limitations. Federal law generally attempts to limit (unconstitutionally so, I believe) the legal possession of handguns to those 21 and older-- so I assume you're talking about long guns that your 17 year old may legally possess in the state in which he resides.

The only sure-fire reason you are entitled to take firearms away from your 17 year old son is that he's a minor-- and technically you have a fair degree of control over his assets, including personal property. Since you may be held responsible for his actions, you have a right to limit his access to firearms-- as well as to a lot of other things.

That said, if you gave him the firearms as a gift, then he has title to them-- he owns them-- they are his. And when he turns 18 (and is of legal age to possess those firearms within that jurisdiction) and he obtains any necessary license(s) required by the jurisdiction, then you will be legally obligated to turn his property over to him-- provided your transfer of possession follows all legal requirements for the transfer.

For example, if he is required to possess a Firearm's Identification Card, but he does not have one, then legally you cannot transfer the firearms to him-- even if he has title to the property. However, your son could attempt to force you to turn the firearms over to law enforcement officers who would hold them until your son could obtain proper credentials to take possession.

Play it safe-- and keep them for as long as you think you should. I once thought I'd be teaching my nephews to shoot when they were in their mid-to-late teens, but then Padukah, Kentucky and Columbine and a bunch of other names on a map happened. I'm not entirely sure they're ready-- so I'll wait a few years. And if they really want to learn they'll let me know and they'll pass muster before I ever let them put a firearm in their hands.

[This is not legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney-at-law for legal advice or representation before making decisions that may affect your legal rights.]

Answer 2

Ok, a 17 year old cannot PURCHASE a gun. You can't legally buy a gun for another person. So in short, by law they are not his - they are yours.

Now, you can take him out and let him shoot them. You can provide direction on when and where he can shoot them and let him have access to them. However, considering today's insanity with lawsuits I would suggest that his shooting be conducted under direct adult supervision and that you keep the key to the guns and the ammunition. There's nothing wrong with him coming to you for access.

Finally, as an experienced firearms instructor, I highly recommend that you seek professional instruction for your son to ensure he's properly educated in both safety but also in marksmanship. Family members don't tend to listen to other family members as well as they should so it's always a sound decision to hire someone to do the teaching.

Answer 3

No you don't have to return them,as was already mentioned he can not legally own a long gun(rifle,shotgun) until he is 18,hand guns 21.

As for why you would give them to him in the first place,if he was trained in there proper use and was mature enough to handle them properly,why not. It is only when the children are not raised to have respect for the power and lethality of the gun that it is dangerous to allow access to a gun.

Answer 4

According to the Constitution we all have the right to keep and bear arms. I am a believer of this right. However, I'm hoping that you have given your 17 year old rifles for hunting and not handguns for "whatever". If you have taken them away, I assume it was for a good reason. Yes, you legally own these firearms as you purchased them as an adult. Your 17 year old is not of legal age to purchase these firearms.

Answer 5

Your 17 year old can not legally own firearms until he is 18. The guns have to be registered to the owner. I assume they are registered in your name -and hence you own them.

No 17 year old should be owning firearms or handling them without proper training in how to...,
#1. Respect the fire arm
#2. Lean proper safe conduct of gun use
#3. Demonstrated he or she can be responsible with a firearm

Answer 6

Do not get rid of the guns. Keep them in a safe place and locked if you have concerns about them being misused by your son or others. Someday he will mature and become a responsible adult. At that time you can present them back to him and the fact that those were the first guns he was given by his dad will take on a special meaning to him. He will forever be in gratitude to you for doing this. Someday they may be needed for yours and his security therefore keep them. It will be harder and harder to purchase guns in the future if we allow the tyrant to disolve our 2nd amendment. I have 7 children and they were all given guns and taught to respect them and safley use them for their intended purpose. Good luck

Answer 7

No, since he is still technically a minor..it is your right as a parent to take them away. Especially if you feel his personal behavior is lacking...or maybe he is using drugs or some other self destructive behaviors.
You may consider giving them back later on in his life, you know when you feel that he will handle them properly.
I personally would offer them to him later on when he is more mature.

Answer 8

no longer something will take place to you, because of the fact the mother and dad knew approximately this and did no longer something, they took accountability for the minor having the weapon. when you consider that he's a minor, he would be located interior the custody of his discern. Im specific there is extra to the story thean basically taking pictures interior the woods, so it relies upon on what is going on.

Answer 9

Return them or whatever you do, take them away from your 17 yr old kid. I think you are out of your mind-- giving the kid a gun...

Answer 10

No.
A 17 year old cannot legally possess a gun. You do not have to return them.