The Psychology of Loaning Firearms

Have you ever had a friend ask to borrow your firearm? Or maybe even a family member? Now, do you remember how the situation made you feel, and what factors went into your decision? Because firearms are potentially deadly weapons, it is very important to trust the person you are loaning to, and ensure they will act responsible with it. But, even with that trust, it is a very big decision to make. The decision to loan a firearm can be a difficult one, and it's important to understand the psychological factors that may be at play helping you make that decision. Loaning a firearm can create a sense of responsibility and trust, but it can also create feelings of anxiety and concern. In this blog, we'll explore the psychology of loaning firearms, or in other words, the reasons why you feel the way you feel when loaning firearms. 

Sense of Responsibility

When loaning a firearm, there is often a sense of responsibility that comes with it. You may feel that you are responsible for the safety and well-being of the person you are loaning the firearm to. This sense of responsibility can create a sense of trust between the two parties, but it can also create mental distress. Because firearms are considered weapons, teh come with a great deal of responsibility. However, if you are loaning to a person you have confidence in, this sense of responsibility will only strengthen your relationship.

Trust

The most important psychological factor in loaning a firearm is trust. Loaners should only loan a firearm because they trust the person they are loaning it to. This trust can be based on past experiences, such as previous successful loaning arrangements, or on the person’s personality and sense of responsibility. Trust can create a bond between the two parties and can lead to a successful loaning arrangement. However, without this trust, there can be a great deal of distress tha comes with loaning a firearm. That is why it is vital to for the relationship between the loaner and borrower needs to be a trustworthy one. 

Anxiety

Loaning a firearm can also create feelings of anxiety. The loaner may be worried about the potential risks associated with loaning a firearm, such as accidental discharge or misuse. A certain small amount of anxiety surrounding loaning a firearm is perfectly healthy, as firearms are weapons that can cause harm. However, if you are anxious because you are worried about what the borrower’s intentions are, then you should absolutely not loan your firearm to them. Only loan your firearm to someone if the situation does not give you anxiety, and you feel that you can trust the individual. In these situations, it is always better to be safe than sorry!

Concern for Safety

Loaners may also be concerned about the safety of the person they are loaning the firearm to. They may worry about the person's ability to handle the firearm safely or their mental state. This concern for safety can lead to hesitation or even a refusal to loan the firearm. This is also a perfectly normal and healthy response to loaning out a firearm. However, just like we saw with Anxiety, if your concern for safety outweighs the confidence you have in that individual, do not loan your firearm to them.

Legal Liability

Finally, loaning a firearm can create legal liability for the loaner. If the person they loan the firearm to uses it improperly or irresponsibly, the loaner may be held legally responsible. In most states, it is a felony to own or be in possession of a firearm involved with a crime, so ensure that your borrower will be using your forearm responsibly. This legal liability can create a sense of concern and hesitation when loaning firearms.

In conclusion, loaning firearms can be a complex decision that is influenced by a variety of psychological factors. The sense of responsibility, trust, anxiety, concern for safety, and legal liability all play a role in the decision to loan a firearm. It's important to weigh these factors carefully before loaning a firearm and to ensure that any loaning arrangements are done safely and legally.