Problem Neighbor -- Seeking Advice

[Mebits]

OK here's the deal. I have a neighbor who is related to another good, nice long-term neighbor. Both are renters.

The problem is that the gentleman has a red rider (or similar), a lot of bb's, and zero sense. I've heard him shooting in his back yard and some of the kids too. It's cute, if not very safe. Then I heard them having "bb-gun fights". Actually shooting at each other. I chalked that up to redneck (risking insult to rednecks everywhere) hi-jinks and beer, said a prayer for everyone's eyes, and let it go.

Then, last night, I see the kid of the good neighbor out there with the "redneck" shooting the daisy. All over the place. At birds in my yard. At houses to yards over. Then the "redneck" takes the gun from him and starts shooting at a squirrel and another bird. He hit the squirrel who appears to be no much worse for wear. Then he gives the gun to the kid again. The kid (a good sort actually) goes back at it, then he takes a shot at one of the other tenants (probably a relative). Hits her in the head. She's honked. I'm horrified.

The "redneck" takes the gun back. Then a few minutes later I'm hearing them -the kid and the "adult" shooting again AT EACH OTHER!

I have got to do something before someone gets hurt. I also want to teach this kid some safety so he doesn't grow up to be a danger to himself and others.

I don't want to poison the relationship with the good neighbor. I don't want to make an enemy of the dude. I don't want to draw negative attention to MY shooting. I don't want any (more) broken windows. I don't want to involve authorities.

I am pretty settled about what I'm going to do, but I thought I'd see if you guys think of anything I've missed.

BTW, in case anyone is questioning my responsibility, I was busy working when I saw this stuff last night and since there were multiple adults around I decided to wait and cogitate on my response rather than get into a "face-saving" situation with the guy.

I'm going to take action this afternoon however.

[woogie_man]

Just keep a cool head, and just let them know that you don't like having things shot in your yard.  And the fact that you have had your property damaged, and would rather not have to deal with that any more.

If he would like you would be willing to show the kids how to use the bb gun, as you rather enjoy air rifles and have been shooting them for years.  And would like to pass on what you enjoy to a younger generation, in a safe and respectful environment.

[compressedair]

Face to face is always tricky with irresponsible adults and, more often then not, ineffective.
A visit by the police however usually does the trick.
Unless you file a formal complaint,,,you'll be anonymous.
I understand the concern for your shooting, still, I think it's the best solution.

[jonnnyboy]

I would NOT confront the "redneck" neighbor if at all possible.  Its almost assured to be taken wrong.  What I would do is to try to get the kid to come over for some informal shooting in your backyard and in the process teach him how responsible adults treat all guns including 'bb' guns.  Confrontation almost always leads to more confrontation. 

Also, though they are not supposed to identify the complainers, guess who the cop is going to say called in the complaint.  He doesn't even have to say your name, just roll his eyes in the direction of your house.  AND again, you are the bad guy.

It sounds to me like you have an un-educated neighbor and an immature youngster on your hands.  In fact, both those issues can be addressed at the same time and in the same way.  Invite both over for a little shooting.  When they transgress a safe-gun handling rule in your personal shooting gallery, you have the opportunity to teach them both at the same time. 

Man, I do hope this works out well for you.  There is great potential in this situation, either for good or for not so good.  I hope it ends up good.  Let us know.

joe

[Dead nuts dog]

Woa, that's frickin crazy, it's only a matter of time till some thing BAD happens. Prayer aren't going to fix this. Can't fix stupid!!
What's up with the cool neighbor? Is he a reasonable man? If so perhaps talking with him could help
Rednecks don't like to be confronted about their stupidity, might quickly come to fist &cuffs.
Not to mention the clear fact of child abuse? Wow what a iusse you have there. I think the most logical choice would be to call the police, other wise you might end up with charges against you! That's no good.
Sorry your in the mix

[newguyontheblock (Nathan)]

Just instill in them that the Number one rule of ANY gun, even a bb GUN is that you only point it at something you intend to kill

that will benefit them if they remember and move up to pellets, or to powderburners

[Onebaddj]

Id have a pleasant conversation and casualy bring it up and just let him know that we really should teach our kids a little better and Let him know your window was broken then let it go. I would also talk to the kid about it as you see him in the neighbor hood. Just the careless shooting part. Maybe talk to the kids parents and see what their responce is.

My nephew shot my daughter in the but with his pellet rifle one time and I snatched him and my brother in law up because the bro in law though it was funny. Told them Id snap the rifle in half if it happened again. But that was family.

Kids will be kids adn I cant tell you how many bb gun wars I have lived through, but we need to at least teach the kids the rules. 

[oldpink]

All I can think of is today BB guns, tomorrow rimfire.
This needs to be brought to a halt quickly, either through some form of diplomacy, as suggested by some others on this thread, or by you making a personal visit to the local authorities to explain your situation exactly as you have done here, particularly your concerns about maintaining a reasonably neighborly relationship after whatever resolution is arrived at.
If you're in a fairly populated area, it's likely they have dealt with similar situations in the past.
Good luck.

[shadow]

Involving the police might be your best best but do it in the shadow's so to speak since the neighbor may go native on you for reporting his and his families crazy actions over there. Confronting someone of that nature may end up in a standoff. Ed

[ray1377]

Hate to sound negative, but if they "the adults" are that irresponsible, confronting them head on will surely tick them off. And trying to tell them how to raise their kids will almost always get a fight started.
I agree that inviting them over for some target practice "at appropriate" targets
and the proper use of safety glasses just might work. And also you might tell them a war story from one of the members that you've heard about that caused someone a trip to the ER and was painful..etc...
That might scare them into cleaning up their act.
Or at the least cause the grown-ups to stop shooting at each other!!!!
I do hope this ends well for you, cause it could be bad if not handled correctly.
Thanks
Ray

[amb5500c]

I like Jonnyboy's idea. And never underestimate the power of prayer.
Richard

[Muppit]

i have a red rider and as kids we did the same thing until one of us shot the other and had to get a bb removed from his chest. lesson learned but the doc also told our friend that if that bb had been just a hair lower it could have continued on its path and ended up in a vein and he would have died something to tell your neighbors. we have not had another bb gun fight in 25 yearsand to this day my friend is all about gun control and hunter safety pass it on even a red rider is dangerous not just to your eyes but can be life threatening

[only1harry]

Wow, sorry to hear you are in this situation. 

I honestly think that you will not get anywhere talking to these irresponsible adult neighbors.  They have had many years to perfect their stupidity, or become mature which they have obviously failed in accomplishing. 
I am sorry but it makes me mad when I read this sort of thing.  I feel sorry for the children, not the adults.  I can think of at least a couple of criminal offenses they can be charged with but I won't get into that. 

Everyone has given good advice, and as much as I want to say call the Police, I understand your position since you are using airguns in your backyard as well, and don't want to give the (bad) neighbors an excuse to ruin that for you by retaliating in a similar fashion.

Best course of action I can see outside of the authorities, is to invite them over for a shooting session and then lay down your rules before you start shooting which will basically be gun safety.  2nd choice would be to talk to the neighbor's relative you do get along with.

Good luck and keep us updated! 

[Muppit]

iagree with only1harry maybee your responsible shooting and safety first attitude will rub off good luck please approach situation with caution as a gun is involved even if its an airgun

[bwana]

You've had some good suggestions so far. I think I would go out and buy 6 pairs of safety glasses and give them to the neighbor that you get along with and ask him to pass them along to his relatives who are causing the problem. Tell him that you are concerned that someone is going to get hurt and the glasses coming from him will help convey the message about safety. Family can always be honest with family and you won't be the bad guy, just a good neighbor. Good luck, it sounds like you're going to need it with that bunch! 

[Bentong]

As with any situation, it's always convoluted assumptions we come up until we actually act up on what's on hand. Our imagination is always exaggerated. Talk to your nice long term friend neighbor  on what you observed and the mishap that can happen if it continues on. Accident is a poor excuse for carelessness.

[Mebits]

I'll let you know what I do. BTW, this "redneck" is young. He's a daddy, but I'm thinkin' babydaddy of like 19. I don't sense attitude. Just stupidity. He may even be responsive to adult male avuncular (like that word?) authority.

I would ordinarily let this go since folks like this just don't last, but I'm seriously worried that he or the kid or his baby are going to get hurt. The nearness of cars and houses and other neighbors is also not good. I'd be mightily pi$$ed if my car window was broken by his shooting and it's only a matter of time before a ricochet or shot takes something or someone out. I'd hate to lose a window...Especially in the spring when we get 1-2" of rain at a swat. If he was to hit a kid walking by there could be charges filed. You don't want to shoot a kid.

It was raining and I didn't see anyone home this afternoon, but I'm either going to catch him and give him a heads up tomorrow, or if I see his relation, I'll have a talk with her, especially since it's her son. I'll also offer to help set up a proper back stop and show that I'm good peeps just trying to keep the po-po working elsewhere.

I may have to get that kid over to my range and teach him some proper safety and what proper targets are.

I will advise of my actual course and how it works out.

M

[acornscout]

Man sorry that your in that spot. Ether watch and see if someone gets hurt bad or step in. Your going to be the bad guy ether way. Video is all i can say. Then show the police have an unmarked come by and show him the tape. That way if something does happen it's not like you just let it happen. This is the kind of guys that gives the rest of us a bad image. 

[aack73]

sounds like a good plan. setting up a proper back stop and trying to "protect" them from the po po. nice. keep on their side as though you are looking out for them. good luck and hope all goes well.

edit:  might show them some of the recent horrific stories of kids dying from air guns. If that don't get through to them nothing will.

[Progun]

Mebits your altruism is noble since personal safety and those who may be innocent are of a concern. However, if you could get a very good video camera and film these neighbors while they are just being themselves it could be worth a lot of money to you. I hear they are paying good money for video clips for "America's funniest home videos" and "stupid people tricks". Just sayin'