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I (24F) found multiple handguns in my SO's apartment (M29). We live in Scotland, where guns are very illegal. Should I/How do I confront him?Relationships (self.relationships)

gauzepadsrock が 投稿

Throwaway because legality etc etc.

tl;dr: SO has multiple loaded handguns in his apartment (Scotland). This is almost certainly very very illegal but also completely uncharacteristic of him. I have no clue what to do next.

I spent the night at his place before he had to rush out to work this morning. He couldn't drive me back to my apartment because of time restrictions, and it's rare that I'm in his apartment alone. I guess I'm a bad girlfriend, since I went snooping a little.

We live in Scotland, where as far as I know guns are illegal for pretty much everyone (except for some law enforcement, hunters, and small-caliber target shooters IIRC)

I'm from America so I understand a bit about guns and such, but he's Scottish born and raised. We've rarely talked about guns because (until today) it just wasn't really something we needed or wanted to discuss, but whenever he did he seemed to end the topic quickly. I just chalked it up to being an uninteresting topic.

He's also the antithesis of a thug, criminal, or anything like that. He has a squeaky clean record, is amazingly polite and humble with everyone, and has never, ever been violent with me or anyone I know. Even his political views are the epitome of mainstream.There are some things I might try to talk with him about for him just to clam up and start giving one word answers, when he's normally very open.

I'm still waiting for him to get home. He works odd, unpredictable hours as a customer service rep for a big UK company, but now I'm starting to question even that since he never talks about work and sometimes comes back acting... weird? He speaks Mandarin Chinese and Korean near-fluently, but always brushes off the idea of using those skills as a means to getting a better job, just saying he doesn't want to do that.

So I put them back exactly how I found them, but what should I even say? What CAN I say? What if he has a legitimate reason for having these? Are there even any situations in which this is legal?

If it makes any difference, one is a standardish glock and the other is some sort of little tiny gun you could hide in your sleeve. Both are loaded and slightly worn.

I'm starting to get paranoid that he has hidden cameras in his house or a sensor on his hidden hatch so he knows what I've seen. Should I leave the apartment and talk about it with him over the phone?

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[–]Causative 81ポイント82ポイント  (1子コメント)

He could be a secret agent but could also be a small time arms dealer or work as an enforcer for the mob. Any of these will not make for a stable relationship so you may want to pass on this guy.

[–]SherudoGaro 20ポイント21ポイント  (0子コメント)

Upvoted for the nonchalant conclusion

[–]pissed007 114ポイント115ポイント  (5子コメント)

This is highly illegal and you need to get away

If he were a legitimate user of guns (from hobbyist, or hunter, up to and including master-spy) he would keep them in a proper gun-safe (locked, metal, separate compartment for ammo, fixed to the wall or floor). Any gun licence absolutely requires that as a minimum. And they'd never, ever be stored loaded.

If you were able to come across them lying around, that is 100% clear unarguable PROOF that he is doing some shady shit.

What you do is amicably find some excuse to break up with him and never see him again. A year from now maybe mention it to the police anonymously - but not immediately because he'll guess it was you.

[–]dessertfordinner 1ポイント2ポイント  (1子コメント)

She did mention something about a hatch?

[–]pissed007 6ポイント7ポイント  (0子コメント)

yes, but a hatch is not a legit safe. it sounds very very unofficial indeed.

[–]Boris_VS_Trump -4ポイント-3ポイント  (2子コメント)

A year from now maybe mention it to the police anonymously

It's too late for that. Someone whether a police officer or just a do-gooder reddit reader will have passed this post on to someone. A lot of people read these reddit posts and someone will have repotred it by now. Unless the OP has made this post through several proxies or a VPN the IP address this post was made from will be tracked down to a person/device/location and the local police will be aware within a day or two and be knocking on the door a day or two after that.

OP now has to go to the police or risk being involved in intentionally hiding these weapons (If they're real). Asking on reddit is pretty much the same as walking into your local pub and loudly exclaiming "I found some handguns in my bf house. What do I do?". Even if she decided to just leave and not say anything news is spreading.

[–]pissed007 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

Really? Is that possible? I guess so assuming reddit detects and stores the IP addresses of posts. That's actually quite reassuring.

I guess the takeaway is tell the cops after all, and now, and hope to fuck they can be competent enough to deal with it in such a way that OP does not get hurt

Can you PM your message to OP? They need to know.

Lets hope its replicas

[–]dartmanx 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

Yes, because noone ever made up a story on this sub...

I think the burden of proof needs to be a bit higher than a random online post.

[–]TobascoFiasco 28ポイント29ポイント  (3子コメント)

Just want to throw my two cents in here. I am a collector of deactivated firearms. I am based in the UK and these firearms can be antiques through to world war rifles through to modern handguns. They are all rendered incapable of firing EVER again and are legal to own as long as you are over 18. Often, collectors of deactivated weapons will also collect inert ammunition as well. This is ammunition rendered useless for display purposes and is often kept in the magazine or near the firearm for display purposes (like a museum)

Long story short, I would heavily bank on him owning some deactivated firearms. Though he really should have briefed you on that at some stage as they can be frightening to those who (naturally) assume they are live

I sincerely hope this is the case and that they are not live. If they are then the Police MUST be involved.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions please PM me :)

[–]pissed007 15ポイント16ポイント  (2子コメント)

But then why hide them in a hatch, not in a nice illuminated glass fronted display case?

[–]TobascoFiasco 5ポイント6ポイント  (1子コメント)

Some people are more cautious with them. I personally have mine on a shelf on display, but if you have a new partner or have guests round regularly that may not appreciate (or be intimidated) by the weapons, then hiding them would make sense in the short term.

I would stress however, that it is really important to let your partner know, because they ARE likely to stumble across this sort of thing and it would be better to explain about them before the nasty surprise of "Does my partner have illegal guns?!?!"

[–]pissed007 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

Yes, I see. That makes sense.

[–]bunnybroiler 161ポイント162ポイント  (28子コメント)

For anybody commenting from the US, it is EXTREMELY difficult to get hold of handguns in the UK. Shotgun licenses can be obtained for example for farming but the paperwork involved is ridiculous. It is absolutely not like the US where any idiot can own a shed load of military grade weapons. If OPs boyfriend is in possession of a huge stash of handguns he is involved in something very illegal. I'd call the police immediately.

[–]zoe_porphyrogenita 38ポイント39ポイント  (5子コメント)

And even if he has a license, licenses say you have to keep guns and ammunition apart.

[–]pissed007 24ポイント25ポイント  (0子コメント)

That was proof enough for me - no 2-compartment fixed safe? Not legal.

[–]Saggylicious 10ポイント11ポイント  (0子コメント)

If he has an FAC then the police will know about it and will regularly come to inspect and make sure the holder is compliant with laws such as keeping them in a locked wall safe. This man clearly owns them illegally.

[–]Computermaster 4ポイント5ポイント  (0子コメント)

Common sense says that you never store loaded weapons.

[–]H-215 2ポイント3ポイント  (1子コメント)

What if they're deactivated? You can easily buy deactivated handguns online without a license legally. Sometimes you do get realistic looking prop bullets.

[–]pissed007 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

lets hope so. Seems odd to hide them though

[–]GraphicDesignMonkey 19ポイント20ポイント  (0子コメント)

Handguns are illegal here, only used by police, army, etc. Even if they were legal, by UK law all guns have to be store in a locked metal gun cabinet or safe, bolted to the wall or floor, and hidden out of sight.

[–]GraphicDesignMonkey 57ポイント58ポイント  (22子コメント)

This could be UDA/UVF etc. (northern Irish terrorist groups) related. A lot of their guns are 'stored' at contacts' safe houses in Scotland. You need to inform the police of this ASAP and get the hell out of dodge.

[–]pissed007 7ポイント8ポイント  (12子コメント)

This is the most plausible explanation yet. Still, even for an active terrorist, it seems fucking stupid to store them loaded.

[–]AtomicSamuraiCyborg[🍰] 5ポイント6ポイント  (1子コメント)

Terrorists are not trained in proper gun safety, most of the time. Plus they might want to use it fast if the cops come knocking.

[–]pissed007 3ポイント4ポイント  (0子コメント)

Yeah, I thought of that since posting. Certainly your point supports the "shady as fuck" interpretation.

[–]GraphicDesignMonkey 3ポイント4ポイント  (2子コメント)

The UDA & UVF used to send 'ISIS-style' declaration videos to the local news in the 80s and 90s, we used to laugh our asses off at the twats in their balaclavas holding the guns improperly, holding them with the muzzle pointed towards the guy next to them, resting their fingers on the triggers instead of the guards etc. They aren't the brightest bunch.

[–]pissed007 1ポイント2ポイント  (1子コメント)

Is it wrong that that made me laugh?!

[–]ttlens 4ポイント5ポイント  (0子コメント)

He speaks Chinese and Korean. It seems more likely to be Asian related than UDA etc. Maybe drugs? Lots of synthetic drugs come from Asia, sometimes heroin too.

[–]AtomicSamuraiCyborg[🍰] 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

It could be related, but OP says his politics are very mainstream. If he were diehard trusted to hold firearms, would he conceal his politics from her as well?

From a logistical standpoint, it makes perfect sense. If the cops are going to search someone's place for guns, it would be an outspoken radical. But if you're going to work for the cause, you need to keep quiet and blend in so you don't arouse suspicion.

[–]HellsBrief 39ポイント40ポイント  (2子コメント)

Can you hear any music in the background? Adele? Shirley Bassey? John Barry?

[–]BaltikaBoys 32ポイント33ポイント  (5子コメント)

He works odd, unpredictable hours as a customer service rep for a big UK company

he never talks about work and sometimes comes back acting... weird?

He speaks Mandarin Chinese and Korean near-fluently

he is dating a foreign girl

Your boyfriend is MI5.

Kidding, or am I?

Ask him when you think the time is right about the firearms.

[–]pissed007 11ポイント12ポイント  (0子コメント)

yeah, but then he's have them better stored.

[–]CheckedOutDidntLeave 6ポイント7ポイント  (2子コメント)

Surely MI6. Why would he need Mandarin for MI5 ?

[–]pissed007 9ポイント10ポイント  (0子コメント)

To infiltrate inscrutible goings on in Limehouse opium dens, evidently

[–]mightybonk 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

Or he's a terrorist sleeper cell.

[–]El_Peckbo 29ポイント30ポイント  (5子コメント)

You know as dumb as it sounds it is possible he might have a job that is a little more interesting than that of a customer service rep for a big UK company.

How long have you two been together and how serious are you?

If you have only been together for a short time and haven't committed to anything yet I would just say leave it all be, watch for patterns in behavior that make you feel weird and don't commit until you really know him.

If you have been together for awhile and you are committed then the only thing I can say is just be honest. Admit that you snooped without his permission (this could be grounds for a breakup btw) and let him know what you found. Apologize for doing something you shouldn't and then see what he say's from there.

He may tell you everything, he may tell you nothing or he may kick you to the curb. However whatever you want to do from there is up to you.

[–]StickyElephant 26ポイント27ポイント  (0子コメント)

You know as dumb as it sounds it is possible he might have a job that is a little more interesting than that of a customer service rep for a big UK company.

If he's got multiple loaded handguns at home, in the UK, whatever he's doing is illegal.

[–]dcolt 20ポイント21ポイント  (0子コメント)

A friend's relative has a job in the UK similar to what you're implying, and there's nowhere near that level of subterfuge about it. The family line is simply that one isn't supposed to talk about it.

At the very least, I wouldn't accept an unsupported assertion here.

And while the snooping sucks, I have a hard time finding it disproportionate. If the weapons are illegal and the premises are raided while she's there, she's probably going to spend some days in custody before this gets figured out.

OP definitely needs to proceed with caution here until the provenance of the weapons has been confirmed.

[–]idlewildgirl 10ポイント11ポイント  (0子コメント)

I work in customer service for a big UK company. We work normal, predictable hours, the opposite to this guy.

[–]pistachiosignal 18ポイント19ポイント  (1子コメント)

If you talk to him about it make sure it is in a public place where there are people around.

[–]pissed007 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

jesus yes, if at all, I mean, he knows where you live

[–]Breadcrumbsandbows 5ポイント6ポイント  (2子コメント)

Are you absolutely sure they're not for airsoft games and are real guns? It might be because I'm clueless about that sort of thing but I had an ex-boyfriend who played airsoft and the guns for that could have fooled me, although I guess they fire pellets so that's probably a clue. Just a thought, although I'm assuming 99% of people are better at identifying guns than I am

[–]rapier999 1ポイント2ポイント  (1子コメント)

She checked and saw that they were loaded, which most probably means she checked the chamber / magazine and saw bullets.

[–]pissed007 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

that said, I'm not an expert and wouldnt know the difference. Nobody much in the UK has much experience.

[–]beartato249 21ポイント22ポイント  (0子コメント)

Please get somewhere safe and contact the authorities immediately. DO NOT confront him about it. Understand that this is not normal in the UK.

[–]Rndnfahb463 10ポイント11ポイント  (0子コメント)

Seriously do not confront him and leave NOW. I've lived most my life in the UK and they are simply not casually available. If he was an enthusiast he would have a license and go to the range to use them for fun whenever he wanted. NOBODY innocent in the UK has illegal guns. His are very illegal. There's no chance of this being a misunderstanding.

Seriously get out of there and call the police. He doesn't have guns for nothing. This could be part of something huge you don't want anything to do with. You're in danger.

[–]aneasymistake 17ポイント18ポイント  (17子コメント)

Get out of there. Go somewhere safe. Call the police and tell them everything.

Hand guns are illegal for the publc in the UK. If he has a legitimate reason to own them then he can explain it to the police.

Top tip: He doesn't have a legitimate reason to own them.

[–]pissed007 6ポイント7ポイント  (0子コメント)

Call the police and tell them everything.

Normally I'd agree, but perhaps he'll put 2 and 2 together and come after her?

[–]FaeQueenRae 7ポイント8ポイント  (0子コメント)

Definitely illegal. Antique guns are allowable by law, but the firing pins must have bteen removed and no ammunition is allowed anywhere near them. Get the hell out of there and maybe tell the police.

Unless, you know, he's a spy.

[–]abitnotgood 4ポイント5ポイント  (13子コメント)

Call your mum. Say, "Mum, I think something strange is going on. I'll call you again in 4 hours... if I don't, you will need to call the police."

Then put your valuables, including pets, cash and credit cards, ID including passport, birth certificate and other legal documents, all your devices including phone and tablet and computer (TURNED OFF) in your car. Drive the car to your parent's or friend's house. Call your mum in 4 hours to let her know you're safe if you don't see her before then.

Don't tell your SO you are leaving and most importantly do not tell him WHERE you are going.

When you are somewhere safe, THEN alert the police.

[–]lizzi6692 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

Do not confront him in the apartment. I might not do it over the phone either on the slim chance he has a reasonable explanation. Plus if you can see him it's easier to tell if he's lying to you. I'd invite him somewhere public where there are people around that can see you but are able to get out of earshot of them. Obviously he's not going to confess to something illegal if a bunch of people can hear him. Maybe a park or something like that?

[–]Pola_Xray 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

I think the better question is, how did he get them and what is his REAL job. Is there any chance they are left over from the first gun amnesty the UK implemented?

[–]TheViewFromTheBridge 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

Don't forget

There are some things I might try to talk with him about for him just to clam up and start giving one word answers, when he's normally very open.

o_O !!

Although this:

He speaks Mandarin Chinese and Korean near-fluently, but always brushes off the idea of using those skills as a means to getting a better job

Kinda overplayed your hand there, OP.

[–]UnlikelyExplanations 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

I think you should get the hell out of there and never go back. There is no way that he has loaded guns hidden in a secret place for a good reason.

The only question to ask is whether you should go to the police or not. I think you should because he is almost certainly up to no good, but that will unleash a shitstorm, so for the sake of your sanity, you may just want to ghost.