yea, and right before deer season when we meet up for family gatherings theyre like "so when are we going hunting?!" idk how theyre gonna hunt if they dont have a rifle..im sure if i could afford a hunting rifle when i was 16 they can set some money aside for a deer rifle

It comes down to priorities. I have a similar problem in my family. I loaned a family member a Leupold scope about 5 years ago until he could afford what he wanted (Zeiss Conquest), and he hunted my scope on his gun yet another season. He seems to always have the time and money to go to the "boats" but can't seem to scrape up enough money for his own scope.

my brother is a real tightass, 2 years ago when we were at bass pro shop I said "why dont u take a look at the rifles so u can stop using mine" his response was "what for, i kill big deer with yours"...

and this year when he was "talking" about getting a new rifle he said "if i buy one im going to get a .270 because i know u have alot of ammo for it"..really?!

With that attitude, I would "cut the cord" no question.

Buy a Mosin, make it your loaner rifle, problem solved.

Quick question to everyone out there. Do you let friends or family borrow your go to gun/rifle?

Quick question to everyone out there. Do you let friends or family borrow your go to gun/rifle?

thats tough, man. I understand the whole friends and family angle, but lets face reality. Hunting is an expensive pursuit; the equipment, the clothing, the lease and fees, feeders and corn, etc., can add up quick. If someone can't afford even the basic equipment, say, a rifle of your own, maybe they should try a different hobby. It sucks that he puts you on the spot like that. I've worked hard to get the rifles I've purchased and work equally hard to preserve the ones my late father left to me. I wouldn't lend them out.

Hmm, depends.

I've got a brother who isn't into hunting, but if he asked me to borrow a rifle because he got invited to go on a hunt, I'd lend him my 30-30. I'd want him to have an enjoyable time and get into hunting.

Now if it took and he enjoyed hunting, I'd let him know he needs to get his own rifle. If he didn't have the money, and by that I mean, he's saving to get car repaired or pay for wife's RN classes, I'd get him one. But I would not continue to lend him my rifle indefinatly.

In general, no.

I had a "buddy" in the past state that he was going to go hunting (never had before) and flat out said: Hey blah blah blah.... and I can use your gun.

Me: Um sorry, but no. I do not loan my guns out.
He was insulted, but oh well. Like I said, just a "buddy".

Now.... I have a very dear friend that wanted to get into hunting. I taught him how to scout for deer, figure out where they were moving etc etc etc

I taught him how to conceal himself with brush and a decent back drop etc

Season came, and we had a really good idea where he needed to be.
He met me at the property the eve of our hunt with a 30-06 he had borrowed from his b.i.l..
Note: He never asked to borrow my rifle. He also had been shooting and practicing very seriously. I got him "trained" with my beloved Ruger 270 that I got for my 16th birthday in 1980. This rifle is a killer and means the world to me.

Fast forward....

So he shows up fully prepared.... While we're sitting there talking about his upcoming morning, I reach into the truck and grab my 270.
He says: Oh, you going out also?
Me: Nope, this is for you. Good Luck!!!
He was stunned and kinda dumbfounded.
It was really a cool moment.

He made me very proud. He let a better buck walk because he didn't have the shot that he really wanted and needed. He ended up with a decent buck after that.


I have a couple of friends I'd give anything I have to.

But in general, no, I do not loan my hard earned hardware out.

Like so many of y'alls replies, I think it's better to just say no. It makes for a lot less issues. They may get their panties in a wad, but you won't have to worry about your stuff! :-)

Sorry for the sappy story, but the topic brought back a great time and memory for me.