Im probably one of the youngest members here, but I must share my experience. I live in Kalifornia, and as we all know, I have SB 23 to deal with. My family (mom, dad, brother) is not into guns and RKBA any where near as much as me. In fact, they flat out dont like them. And I still live at home. Thats the background.
Heres the story.
Around March of this year, I started to really get into guns and RKBA. I was always into both, but not as much as now. Anyway, I came across AR15.com and read the whole site and the discussion forums for a couple months. Then, when I fully learned about SB-23, I said thats it, Im getting an AR-15. I told my brother about it right then. I told my mom and dad a little later. Needless to say, they were pissed. "Why do you need a gun?" "are you crazy?" "put your mind on other things" blah blah blah... So I explained to them why I WANT it, and that I would buy it. Since I still live at home, I couldnt just buy and keep it here if my parents didnt let (its THEIR house). So I finally got their permission and got the gun. Yup, it was the proudest day of my life when I finally put the recievers together.
With all that said, I must say that they still dont like guns, and especially me owning an AR-15. But, they tolerate it now. I took my dad to the range last week, and he had a good time (though he wont admit to it).
My advice is this:
If youre still living at home, then you need their permission to keep it there. NOT TO BUY IT. I say get the damn gun. Its your life. And if your family is threatening you the way they are, then they have the problems, not you (no offense). Be a man and take a stand. I did, and you dont know how happy I am. Good luck, I wish you well.
I forgot to add this:
You mentioned that they threatened to call your boss, tell friends, call the cops... SO WHAT?? You cant be fired for buying a gun, if you are, take the bastard to court. Your friends knowing?? EVEN BETTER!! I told my friends, they said I was crazy, took them shooting, and they loved it. Call the cops? WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY GONNA DO?? You did everything legally, what do you have to worry about? These threats just show their ignorance about guns and the laws that control them. AGAIN, I MEAN NO OFFENSE WITH THAT, JUST POINTING OUT A FACT.
Sorry for the edit, but I had to add that last paragraph.
[This message has been edited by BigPig (edited November 17, 1999).]