[Hokkmike]

I seem to always have an obsession about researching, buying, shooting, or cleaning this gun or that. I love printing small groups or hitting obscure targets at extreme (for me) ranges. I like the mechanical action of a semi auto pistol and how they come "alive" when you shoot them. I like the looks of the lever action and the functionality of the bolt. Shotguns are so versatile. The hunting and self defense aspects are great but even without them I really enjoy the shooting sports.

What is it that draws YOU to shooting?

[kentucky_Dave]

The fact that shooting accurately forces me to relax first.
Control breathing, focus on now, etc.

It is a form of misdirection from life's daily BS, work etc.

[Cyclimus]

I call it man-yoga

[brighamr]

It depends what type of shooting:
recreation - shooting cans, bowling pics, pc monitors with family. I've been doing this for 20 years so part of it is tradition. the other part is it's just plain fun!
competition - shooting for a score. I mainly due this to train and to better myself as a shooter.
hunting - tradition, good food, keeping the spirit of my great-great-great-grandfathers.

Generally, I love to shoot because of the "once in a lifetime" shots. Literally, it may take me 2 hours aiming at a golf tee at 100 yards, but when I hit it I feel like something special for about 5 minutes :D

Another thing is family competition. My brothers (all 7 of them) are pretty good shooters. It's fun to get together once a year and see who can do what with how many bullets.

Forgot one: stress relief. I don't care what people say, shooting 50 clays on my lunch break helps me to enjoy the rest of the work day.

[bigfoot311]

the best part of shooting for me is taking a day to go to the range to hangout with the guys. competeing to see who has the best shot. trying new weapons youve never shot

[Hokkmike]

I call it man-yoga


That's a good one to remember!

[springmom]

Man-yoga. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

It is a skill. It is something I can get lost in. It is something I'm good at. It's fun.

Springmom

[brentn]

I like shooting because its a complex disciplin to master. Trigger pull, relaxation, and aiming are very hard to master and can take years.

I also like guns because they are complex yet simple designs which are all built around different uses/needs of its future environment. Really fascinating to try and understand it all, 2 years in and I'm still loving it.

[ColinthePilot]

I call it man-yoga

Yeah, I do it because its relaxing. Shooting is a huge stress reliever for me. I also like the historical aspect of old milsurps, new technology of polymer pistols, the functionality still presented in a 60 year old rifle with a brand new handgun on my hip. I like the sense of independence I get when I put my pistol on the night stand and that safe feeling I have when I have to fill up on the highway at midnight.

[Vern Humphrey]

A famous figure (I forget who) said, "I hunt so as not to have played golf."

[eric.cartman]

Whispers :evil:

[orb]

It's sensual. I like the sight of the guns, the feel of the guns, the smell and the sound (through muffs)...and for the hunters the tasty li'l trophies.

[rjohnson4405]

hokkmike:
I seem to always have an obsession about researching, buying, shooting, or cleaning this gun or that. I love printing small groups or hitting obscure targets at extreme (for me) ranges. I like the mechanical action of a semi auto pistol and how they come "alive" when you shoot them. I like the looks of the lever action and the functionality of the bolt. Shotguns are so versatile. The hunting and self defense aspects are great but even without them I really enjoy the shooting sports.

bigfoot311:
the best part of shooting for me is taking a day to go to the range to hangout with the guys. competeing to see who has the best shot. trying new weapons youve never shot

Combine those two and you've got mine. Add in reloading and the mechanical workings of the press plus the physics/chemistry of the bullets and I'm hooked. I'm kind of a nerd anyway so all these things appeal to me, but I'm also into sports and extreme things (rock climbing, motorcycle racing, off-roading, etc.) and I consider the moving/shooting IDPA and stuff like that to be an adrenaline pumping good time.

When I get older I'll probably bench rest shoot more and what not, but for now it's mostly moving and dumping lead adequately accurate (combat accuracy) as quickly and effectively as possible as opposed to same hole accuracy at 600 yards, but I can appreciate those who can do it!

[SkiShoot]

I just shoot for recreation at a range. I like it because it is a challenge of hand/eye coordination, and to practice a skill and succeed makes me feel good. It also is an interactive sport that takes my mind off things and reduces stress. I also got into shooting b/c I'd like to compete in a biathlon some day, hence my username.

[JesseL]

I like loud noises, fire, and explosions.

I also like controlling myself to work in perfect harmony with a machine.

And then there is the appreciation of any kind of quality engineering and craftsmanship.

[knockonit]

The noise the smell, (not the shooter next to you, the gunpowder) ha,
and the BS that goes with a group competing, ain't nothing like it.

[CountGlockula]

The freedom of living in America, the freedom of protecting my family and the freedom of being a good-proficient-accurate shooter.

[Rokyudai]

I find the mechanics and design of firearms fascinating. I also enjoy honing my skills (or lack of) and the discipline... it's a life long practice and I don't cut corners at any point.

[Owens]

I've thought about that one a bit. Problem is, I was never able to articulate it satisfactorily. That is until I found this somewhere. It sums it up rather well.

"I like history. Guns are historic. But more than that, I can think of no other hobby that opens such a wide variety of scientific, historical and social topics. Guns, reloading and shooting have introduced me to metallurgy, history, physics, chemistry, research, mathematics, social studies, law, politics, military history, wildlife biology, mechanics and a host of other sciences."

I would give credit to whomever it was, but alas, I can't seem to remember where it was, or who it was.

[tinygnat219]

To the Original Poster:

Simply the ability to protect me and mine, provide a healthy food, and bond with friends and family while doing something fun.

[3KillerBs]

I could use a lot of words, but plain and simple, ...

Shooting is fun.

:)

[pyle]

Not to be sounding too strange here but shooting, guns, ammo, cleaning guns, buying guns, etc. is sort of like a "sexual desire" for me. What I'm saying is there is a REALLY "deep desire" that I can't explain towards my firearms. For example, if I get my eye on a new gun I want - I won't be satisfied until its in my safe. I like to get my guns out - line them up - look at them, hold them, clean them, etc. All of my guns are "treasures" and I rarely sell a gun. In fact, I've only sold two in my life (I'm 39). The first gun I sold was a little .22 semi-auto Marlin. I've regreted that sale for years. The other gun I sold was defective so it had to go. It was a single action rifle - 30-30 caliber and it kept breaking so I got rid of it. Best I can recall it was a Winchester.

I guess what I'm saying is that my love of firearms and shooting runs much too deep for me to understand (sort of like a "sexual desire").

Once I wanted a new pistol so bad (wife wouldn't let me buy it as she said that baby formula was more important :rolleyes:) - I looked through all of my junk (that stuff that has value but I never use) and sold it off so I could buy the pistol.

[sm]

It is not about me, it is about others.
So what has always drawn me to shooting are the people, the memories, and passing forward as passed to me.

Oh, and the dawgs and the good eats that are a part of shooting too. *smile*

[Treo]

Ultimately I shoot because it’s fun. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when I drop a pop up target at 300 yards; I like watching the balloons pop. And it's a chance to spend alone time W/ the wife

[SoCalShooter]

The bang every time I pull the trigger. :)

[Old Fud]

Self-mastery!

[RP88]

I've always had a taste for machines and tools that are designed for and/used for fighting, killing, and destroying things, as per part of my 'manstinct' that I have. Even though I never intend on using them against people or property unless deemed necessary, I still find it fun to learn how to use. It's kind of like why alot of people learn boxing, martial arts, etc. etc. to me. It makes you a stronger person physically and intellectually, among other things.

Also, it beats sitting inside doing nothing. Since I also dont have a shooting buddy or know of anyone who likes shooting near me, going to the range is also 100% me-time. I love me-time.

I remember before I got into shooting, a boss of mine at an old job I had at a golf/driving range and putt-putt told me this when I asked him why he went shooting: "it's alot like golf, except instead of hitting balls out to flags, you buy bullets and shoot s--t." That is also a good way to look at it, since so many people like golf nowadays.

[GrizzlyGraves]

Report, recoil, hot brass and smoke. No drug can come close.

[AndyC]

When they see my grouping, women want me and strong men want to be me - who says size doesn't count? ;)

(I wish!) :D

[theotherwaldo]

That's a complex question. I have a complex set of answers.
First, there was a time in my life when having and competently using a gun meant that my family wouldn't go hungry. That time may come again.
So I try to develop the needed competency.

Second, there have been a number of times when that same possession and competency combination meant increased security for my family and myself. During the Watts riots, for example.

Finally, I started out with a fear of guns. I have always forced myself to overcome whatever I may fear. I still fear that I may not be good enough for whatever situation I may find find myself, but I feel comfortable enough in my ability to enjoy the practice.

Yes, I would say that it is becoming a form of 'man-zen'.

[El Tejon]

Shooting angers Leftists.

Angering Leftists makes me happy. Heck, making liberals mad makes me so happy that I may even go so far as to get married (to a member of the opposite sex) and start going to church. The trifecta of annoying liberals: After church I went shooting with my wife.:D

[jnyork]

On VJ day, I was 5 years old. My dad, upon hearing the news on the radio, walked outside on the back porch and, taking careful aim at the sky, ripped through a full mag of .38 ACP out of our old 1903 Colt Automatic. I thought that was absolutely the coolest thing I had ever seen and have been a total gun nut ever since. I still have the Colt.

[Dravur]

IM THE MAD BOMBER WHAT BOMBS AT MIDNIGHT

and they won't let me play with explosives anymore.

also, same reason I learned to use Nunchucks when I was in high school... Cuz Girls like guys with skills.

[Sato Ord]

Cuz....

Dravur, I was going to post something smart and witty, but I think you summed it up nicely.:D

[bowl443]

Because I can

I like to hear things go boom

Its fun

Love the smell

Like watching my targets fall at cosiderable distances

Meditation

Things go boom

Like to get ready for zombies

It gets me out of the house

An excuse to spend money

I like to hold dangerous things safely

[shdwfx]

The trifecta of annoying liberals: After church I went shooting with my wife.

Funniest thing I've heard all week (yea, it's Tuesday)

[doc2rn]

It adds to my collection of skills.

That and the Zen like frame of mind is almost unparalelled.

[shdwfx]

I love a well-designed piece of machinery. That, and I find shooting and cleaning my firearms very relaxing. Most of all, it is a citizens right and duty to be proficient in the implements of war.

...then there's the whole skills thing.

Napoleon Dynamite: You know, like nunchuku skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills... Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills.

[Catherine]

Quote:

What is it that draws YOU to shooting?

~~~~~

A. FREEDOM

B. SELF DEFENSE
The God given right to self defense backed up by the Second here in the US of A.

C. Self defense = self reliance in many subject matters. Self defense and defending my country against foreign and domestic enemies if need be and called upon to help. Defending someone in need or in a special situation. Self defense because your husband-if married, Daddy and the police will NOT always be there for YOU and response time in some parts of the country can be 45 minutes or more (Been there - done that!) and in some cases you might not have your German Shepherd or a good GS mix dog with YOU.

D. Because I can use my FREE WILL to own/buy/shoot what I want here in the USA along with NOT buying some firearms that do not interest me.

E. SKILLS
Using those skills in self defense, plinking, competition, hunting down the road, etc. (My husband hunts and I go with him. I tend to be more of a fishing person for now but we do eat his hunted meat often!)

F. Because I want to shoot! Grin. I love to shoot firearms and I love to see good shooters SHOOT too. I like to SEE and HEAR my skills in the shooting sports improve and how far I have come even though I am no LONG range shooter.

G. I love the friendship of close FREEDOM loving gun people! It reminds me of my friendships in sailing and in power boating. (Good and bad in ALL people and in any sport!)

H. I think that many firearms are absolutely BEAUTIFUL just like a fine boat or vehicle. I like to see and learn new things especially when it comes to firearms that I have never seen, never shot or only 'read about'.

I. I like shooting OUTDOORS in pretty country and at my beautiful range.

J. Firearms and the fact that I know what I own and shoot gives me a sense of confidence in ALL kinds of situations. City, rural, traveling, wilderness, camping, hiking, etc.

K. HISTORY
“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it” George Santayana

More history... how we won our freedom from the British (American Revolution.) and it was not by using spitballs! My quote from years ago. The firearms that are of historical importance here in THIS country and overseas interests me as does History in general.

Sincerely,

Catherine

[Hokkmike]

When they see my grouping, women want me and strong men want to be me - who says size doesn't count?

In this case smaller is better.

[Eric F]

Science

There is more to shooting for me than just shooting there is relaoding. Ad to that the black powder cartridge and the variables are almost endless. it is a science to make a consistant shooting round.

[Jeff F]

I get a Bang out of it.

[tbtrout]

The smell of burnt powder. The memories it brings back, Parris Island at sunrise on the 200 yd line with the first volley of fire. intoxicating smell.:uhoh:Is that weird?

[Guitargod1985]

I do it for the bang. For rifles, the recoil as well.

[Rachen]

The Second Amendment, and the pride associated with preserving our country's Bill Of Rights. And with these, come all the defense and other necessities of life that many of our liberal friends are so easy to ignore. There is nothing like July Fourth at Knob Creek:D

[Monkeybear]

I like shooting because its something to be good at. Not saying that I am good at it but I enjoy the effort I expend in my attempt to improve.

I like guns because they are well designed mechanical devices that perform a very specific function and are serviceable in a world of disposable, cheap, do-all garbage electronic devices.

I like gun ownership because while the world would be a better place without violence, violence does exist. My personal safety and my freedom are my responsibilities. I enjoy having a sense of personal responsibility. I also believe that with proper training a firearm provide a leveler playing when responding to violence than just about any other similarly sized object.

I also like loud noises and fireworks are illegal inside the city limits. :p

[chriske]

It's probably a freudian thing,.
I've had a yearning urge for guns ever since I was about 7 years old. It never went away.
(Latent period ? What latent period ?)
& it's FUN.