[TheBluesMan]

I've noticed lately that we have quite a few members who are in their teens. These members are the future of the RKBA movement and as such are of the highest importance. I would invite other "older" members to pass along some sage advice to these up and coming patriots. Tell 'em what you wish you had known at their age...

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt

To the young men and women of The High Road: (Those 13 - 19)

The first and most important thing I would like to share with you is an admonition to always be safe. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Guns can be a lot of fun. They look cool, they make a great noise and they can make watermelons explode. I've had more fun with guns in my life than I have with cars. But, like cars, guns can be dangerous if misused.

Many years ago, when I had first joined The Firing Line, I suggested to Rich that he create a forum dedicated to firearm safety. Though he didn't agree that a forum was necessary, he did add a page outlining the basics of safety. You can find it here: http://www.thefiringline.com/Misc/safetyrules.html

The basics of firearms safety are The Four Rules.
1. All guns are always loaded
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
4. Be sure of your target.

Be sure to visit the link above and read the entire page! It may be the most important thing that you learn in your life! Take the closing paragraph to heart. Make these rules a part of your character. Never compromise them. Improper gun handling results from ignorance and improper role modeling, such as handling your gun like your favorite actor does. Education can cure this. You can make a difference by following these gun handling rules and insisting that those around you do the same. Set the example. Who knows what tragedies you, or someone you influence, may prevent?

The second, and only slightly less important thing, is how much I admire you. I wish that I had a place like The High Road to visit when I was your age. More importantly, I wish that I had the courage to ask questions and post opinions as many of you do. This is no small accomplishment. You each bring a unique perspective to THR, and it wouldn't be the same place without our younger members' contributions

The very fact of your presence is reassurance to me that our country is headed in the right direction. I hope that each of you will continue to ask the questions that need to be asked, and not settle for a pat answer. You seem to have a good feeling for the difference between truth and half-truth, and between fantasy and reality. Many of the people you will meet in your life will not have this skill. With people of character and thought like you at the helm in our future anything is possible.


Thirdly, stay true to yourself. Stay true to your beliefs; even if they change. I don't think the same way now as I did when I was 17, and I'll probably think differently when I'm 62 than I do now. All that matters is that you have faith that what you are doing is the best you are capable of at the time. You are going to make mistakes, that is certain, but whether or not you learn from those mistakes is what really counts. Don't waste time second-guessing yourself or your decisions. Make decisions based on logic more than feeling. Trust your feelings, but know that they are not a replacement for logical thought. Remember that it isn't the final destination that matters, but the journey.


Last of all, keep the faith. This means you don't give up when things don't go your way. If you believe strongly in something, keep fighting for it. Work hard to make your dream become reality. Even if you don't ever see your goal completed, take heart in the fact that you did your best to get closer to the goal.

The fight to retain and regain our rights is an uphill battle on a slippery slope. You must remember throughout this struggle that you are not alone. The best comfort that forums like The High Road give is the knowledge that there are other like-minded people just like you all throughout this land.

The accomplishments you will achieve in your life are beyond the imagination of most people here. Use The High Road and other Internet resources to link up with others who share your dreams and carry on the traditions that our country was founded upon. You will take your place in the long line of patriots that have held dear the precious gift of liberty.

May God speed you on your way to the future. It is indeed bright.

In Liberty,

-Dave Miller

[S_O_Laban]

Nice post Dave, I too wish I would have had a place like THR to start out with at an early age.

[sensop]

Well said, TBM.

"... stay true to yourself ... to your beliefs ..."

This little jewel is one that I'd recite to myself every morning on waking.

[WAGCEVP]

NEVER give up!

[ysr_racer]

Here's my advice to all teens and people under 25 in general:

Now I'm not saying this will happen, but I will say it "might" just happen. I'm going to throw out an idea that's so far out there, it might just be true.

Is it at all possible that you don't know everything about everything and someone with a little more experience might just know more than you?

See, I said it was out there.

brad

[Andrew Rothman]

Protect your ears like they were the only pair you'll ever get.

[Carlos Cabeza]

Good stuff Dave, That advice reminds me of a talk my father and I had many moons ago. You know, it still rings true to this day. Thank you for your words of wisdom. :cool:

[Oleg Volk]

Advice which young and old can take to heart. I certainly will.

[Lightsped]

Good job.

I am may be one of the younger ones here (I am out of my teens, and legal to buy handguns) but I still see sooooo much negativity towards the gun hobby. It is almost as if you say the word "gun" in public people automatically look down upon you.

And various media such as MTV who conistantly put down firearms and their owners are not helping either.

[DadOfThree]

My advice is to remember how you were taught and what you were taught. Figure out what worked and what didn't. Remember what caught your interest and made you want to learn more. Then PASS IT ON to the next generation as you get older. If we don't pass the knowledge and traditions along, we will have nobody to blame but ourselves when they don't jump in to defend our rights.

[Black92LX]

I am doing what i can. Being 20 i am in college and there are alot of anti's all around me. I make my position well know. and let everyone know that i am always willing to take people shooting so they can experience it for themselves. i have found this to be a very helpful tactic.

i was talking with a good friend of mine who unfortunatly had to transfer to another school, but we are still in contact with each other.
well anyway we were talking about our time in school together, and he says that he wanted to thank me for being such a good friend. though the university was not the right place for him he was thankful he had attended there so that our friendship could have happened. He then told me that just by being around me, it really made him reconsider his positions on certain things. he then went on to state that prior to meeting me he never would have imagined shooting an animal or let alone even touching a gun. But now we are in the process of planning a little rabbit and Squerill hunting trip. so it can be done.

my advice to the other young folks.
Be these people friends, treat them with respect even though their opinion differs from yours. you can have a huge impact on their life.

[OF]

Good post, good thread!

My advice? Be humble, keep your mind wide open and sharp and live the golden rule.

Be passionate, but not strident.

- Gabe

[Ian]

Is it at all possible that you don't know everything about everything and someone with a little more experience might just know more than you? What? :scrutiny: No, no, I don't think that's possible.



:D

Ian (out of his teens, but not legal to buy handguns)

[Leatherneck]

You can't recall a bullet.

TC
TFL Survivor

[P95Carry]

TBM ....... Excellent .... cannot keep this high-profile enough.:)

[Skunkabilly]

I agree with Black92 all the way. Just by being a good example can go a long way.

[chaim]

Gun related advice? Most has been said. Safety, and spread what you know. Also, buy your own ASAP. A .22lr rifle can be had for under $100 so there really is no excuse for not buying one. If you are 21 or over a decent .22lr pistol can be had for barely more than $200.

Non-gun related advice:
-Don't worry if you don't know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life.

-Do something to "give back". Join the Army. Join the Reserves or National Guard. Join your local volunteer fire department (this can usually be done as young as 16). Spend a couple years as a police officer or police cadet. Substitute teach. Get involved in politics as a volunteer. Spend an elections day as an elections judge.

-You don't need to go to college at 18 and finish in 4 years. If you don't want to go to college right away, don't. Do something that will make you more interesting. Join the Army. Get job training. Drive a truck. Hitchhike across the country. You can always go back later. Or better, get a job but go to school part-time in the interim. You can get some life experience, work experience, and still get some college credit so you aren't starting from scratch when you get there.

-Get an education. You don't have to go to college. However, there aren't that many good jobs out there that a standard high school education will prepare you for. You will at least need job training. Of course, this can be as short as a year or less (depending upon what you are training for), and even if you don't have much money you can always take student loans for an accredited program (student loans are not just for college).

-When you get a job, even if it is "only" McDonalds, take it very seriously. Show up on time. Show up every day. Work harder than expected. Don't wait to be told to do something. You will develop work habits and a reputation that might follow you the rest of your life- make them good habits and a good reputation and you will be successful in whatever you decide to do.

-When/if you go to college you can major in whatever you want but minor in something "useful" (computer programming, computer networking, business management/administration, accounting). There are jobs that a liberal arts degree can help you get, but you will be better off with coursework, and documentation (a certificate, a major or a minor) in something related to the job. Even better, major in something "useful" (education, computers, business, accounting, etc) and minor in what you want to learn just to learn.

-Enjoy life. Get out and do things. Go skydiving. Learn scuba. Go shooting once a week. Develop other hobbies. Don't be boring and you won't be bored.

[chaim]

Oh I almost forgot some of the best advice I ever heard.

Start a new major hobby every year while maintaining your old hobbies. It will keep you busy and by keeping you busy it will keep you out of trouble and teach you discipline. It will keep you interesting, and it will keep you from becoming bored.

Another I left out...

Stay in shape. Work out every single day no matter how busy you are or how little time you have. It is much easier to stay in shape than to get back into shape. If you are already out of shape it is surprising how much easier it is to get back into shape the younger you are. Trust me, you will appreciate this later. If you ever get like me, about 50-60 pounds overweight (it doesn't take much neglect to get here), you will be extremely sorry you didn't take this more seriously earlier.

[sturmruger]

I am only 25 so I must admit that I do not have much wisdom to impart. There is one thing I might add for all the people that are younger.

One thing I learned is there is always someone out there that is going to say that to get a nice gun you have to buy a HK, or other expensive option. I have always been kind of a bargain shopper when it comes to my gun purchases. I bought a Ruger P89 for $329, a Ruger Security Six for $220, a Mossberg 500 $200, adn have bought three 10/22s. The bottom line is you just don't need to spend $700 to buy a good gun. Shop around, buy something that is comfortable with your budget, not something that some guy at the range is insisting the only gun to buy.

[Lennyjoe]

Honor your mother and father. I hated my father for many years because of the way he was when I was young but now I regret all the time I lost while hating him. I have forgiven and now only wish I had the time back that I lost without him in my life.

Cherish your family. Being away from my family is the hardest part about serving in the military. I miss my brothers and sisters.

When you purchase your first handgun, never get rid of it. Its your first choice and should be a keepsake. Pass it on to your children.

Shoot straight, be safe and believe in your creator.

[Horsesense]

If you get a good gun, keep it! Don’t trade it, don’t sell it just keep it.

Seek God. Guard your thoughts, they become your actions. Guard your actions, they become your character.

Save some money out of every paycheck. You will be paying everyone else for as long as you live, start the habit of paying yourself first. Enjoy the age you are, relax while you can, you will be old soon enough.

[NIGHTWATCH]

Excellent. :)

[ScottsGT]

Buy as many as you can before you get married and have kids! :D And buy a big safe to keep them in.
As far as a serious note, follow all the laws reguarding guns, or you will have to live the rest of your life without them. If your 2nd amendment rights are important to you, think about a felony DUI. I have a coworker that got a Felony DUI when he was a young man. To this day, not only does he remember killing a good friend, but he is reminded of it everytime he sees someone hunting or a gun magazine on my desk.
And guns are not to be flashed to your friends while out with one for protection. (CWP)
You have already proven to be level headed, by just asking us old farts for our experiences and advise. ;)

[MessedUpMike]

This is more for the teens than the older "kids" but it still applies if you let it. What you have now isn't what you'll always have. You're at the beginning of the line not the end of it. Even if things look like they suck now they'll get better, If they don't look like they can get any better work harder, work different. If they're good keep it up. College is a worthwhile pursuit, but not the be all end all for success. I dropped out of college after floundering for five years and went into construction. I now own my own home improvement comapny and make more money than some of my friends with degrees. On the other hand I work 2 jobs to make that money, and not to many of my friend with degrees spend 8 hours outside in a rainstorm in the middle of December.
Take in everything you can. One of the smartest guys I ever met was a farmer turned backhoe operator who watched a lot of the history channel and payed attention to what was going on around him.
Tough is important, but polite is more important. Not only will good manners make you more pleasant to be around, but sometimes it's exactly what people don't expect.
There's a saying in the Fire Dept. that goes "The only thing that changes are the names". It's not an absolute rule but works more than it doesn't. Anything you're going through somebody else has been through. My dad and I never saw eye to eye on a lot of things due to a 35 years age difference, but damn if when my pregnant wife was driving me nuts with my first child if he didn't know exactly what I was talking about!

[Standing Wolf]

You'll do just fine, young folks, and don't ever let anybody tell you otherwise.

[Waitone]

Your parents are stupid but they will improve with time. Don't give up on them.

I can remember how profoundly stupid my father was. He stayed that way right up until my second semester in college. The guy turned out to be a flaming genius.

Stay with them. Honor them what who they are.

[azthistletoe]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I still chuckle that I'm considered an "adult" now - it's the last thing I feel like.

[HankL]

This being my 54th birthday, I feel like I'm in the middle here, yall know how old some of those old guys from Texas are :D I'm a kid at heart. I am a strong believer of TRTKABA but firearms are also a near lifelong hobby. If you bear arms or fiddle with them your knowledge of the proper and safe handling of each one you pick up is paramount.

Blues started a good thread here! Be safe, study the subject seriously and carry on! Never be afraid to listen but keep your BS meter tuned up as well.

[Stickjockey]

Read voraciously on a wide variety of topics. Fiction, nonfiction, history, politics, everything. You'll find yourself learning more than you ever imagined about things you didn't even know interested you.

[Madmardig0n]

I'm a younger member(17) :)
It's great that this board exists to spread accurate information about RKBA. While I have had the privledge and oppurtunity to be a shooter for as long as I can remember, some people I know haven't....It's nice to be able to take them shooting, and then point them in this direction so they can get more info, etc.

Good thread, BTW, and a lot of good advice that both young and old can take to heart.

[AZLibertarian]

Lemme throw a couple of nuggets out here, in no particular order.....

Vote. It doesn't matter what the election, get yourself to the polling place and vote. If you don't know what party best fits your thoughts, then sit down and think about what you believe in. Then listen to each party's political platform. Then take a step back and look at if that party is actually doing what they say they believe. Youngsters often believe that no one will listen to their opinions, but politics does matter, and the key is involvement.

After you develop an understanding of who you are politically, regularly write your representatives, and go to city council and school board meetings. Express yourself. Its your congress-critter's job to listen to his constituents. Don't be part of the silent majority.

I'll second the recommendation to read. TV, movies, and yes, this internet thingi are all great, but rarely compare to a good book.

For some, its real easy to do a lot of talking about things they may or may not know something about. The very wise person does more listening than talking.

Understand that you're not bulletproof. Of course, on THR this means that you need to know and obey the "4 Rules". But it also means that you need to take care of yourself. Eat right, get some exercise beyond 12 oz curls, develop a regular sleep pattern. Find your spirituality.

As profound as the problems are that I see facing today's teenagers, I envy them. Your generation is facing problems that dwarf the ones mine faced. It is evident (to me, at least) that there is a formidable group of evil people out there who are hell bent to do away with Americans (and the West) and what we believe in. It will take every bit of your creativity, bravery, and sacrifice to defeat them. Yet winning this War (as I know you will) will make you our newest "Greatest Generation". The rewards of our freedom will be worth the sacrifice you make. I wish I was young enough to be there with you today.

[zahc]

I am doing what i can. Being 20 i am in college...

Get lost, you're already ancient..:p

Ahem. It sucks not being able to buy 25 acp.

[TheBluesMan]

Many thanks to all who replied and added their words of wisdom. You have made this thread more than I expected it could be. Keep up the good work! :)

[CZ-100]

Read voraciously on a wide variety of topics. Fiction, nonfiction, history, politics, everything. You'll find yourself learning more than you ever imagined about things you didn't even know interested you.

This is excellent advice!

If you are young learn it NOW, the earlier you start the smarter you will be.

Also master the art of conveying your thoughts in writing. Which by the way I have not. but I stress this to my kids every day. (11 and 8)

[striker3]

There should actually be 5 Firearm Safety Rules:

5. Know what is behind your target.

The Three Rules of a Gun Fight:

1.Bring a gun.
2.Bring ammo.
3.Always prepare for the next engagement.

[TheBluesMan]

Striker - If you had read the link to the firearm safety rules at TFL, you would have known that knowing what is behind and around your target is a part of Rule #4. :)
RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified. Be aware of your surroundings, whether on the range or in a fight. Do not assume anything. Know what you are doing.

[Kim]

As a woman of 45. Did I really say that! Then I must be honest. My father gave me my first firearm at age 18 a 38 caliber snub nose Smith and Wesson. Right there I think someone needs to file a law suit. Any lawyers out there that can tell me why someone at the age of 18 can't own a handgun. I'v e got a 19 year old niece that is pissed that she can't. Any way to get back to the wisdom thing. When my Dad gave me my handgun and showed me how to use it he said-----never pull it on another human being unless you have already made the decision that you need to shoot to kill. Was he woried about the legality of it ---no. He said when you pull it you better shoot or someone may pull it out of your hand and use it aganist you. Was that all hype ---maybe but it does make a good point. Ane I agree with the above writer---honor your father and mother once they are gone it is too late to tell them all the good things they taught you and how much you loved them. I was there when my father died as a statement of fact I was his Physician and the whole family was there and we got to say good-bye and kiss him for the last time. Precious. And the greatest thing is we know we will see him again in the by and by.

[HankL]

Kim, All I can say right now is bless your parents. Education comes in many ways, first and foremost from your parents and older siblings then the process grows.

[Kim]

Hank--- Thanks. I'm blessed that I had such a good father and am still blessed with a wonderful mother. The neat thing is she is 70 years old and we got our concealed weapons permit together. I bought her a semi-automatic hand gun for Christmas last year. I told her the old 22 revolver was fine but the 9mm was better. I was afraid the 45 that I carry would be too much for her. I'm not going to mention the other firearms she has at her disposal if needed in the home.:evil:

[P95Carry]

Kim ..... big welcome to THR ...... oh you are so right re honoring and enjoying your folks when they are alive ... my dad died 1997 ... and my Mom, I lost this year in March ..... GONE is a nasty word .. all the things you might still want to say .... not the same eh! Damn, I miss em.

Good to see you here.:)

[Blackhawk]

75% of the people you encounter will be jerks at any given time, and so will you be. Work on not being a jerk to inspire them likewise.

[powderific]

As an 18 year old who has been following this community for a while, (I was more involved at TFL), I would like to thank you all for your advice. Many times younger people are ignored by people in the firearm community, so myself and other young people I know always appreciate it when we are taken into account.


Regards

[Skunkabilly]

Hi Kim! Welcome....have you met Gus Dddysgrl? You sound kinda like her :D

[Dionysusigma]

Good advice, but...

It has a tone resembling a hero's dying speech in a good movie. :uhoh: :rolleyes:

I've found that 19 is an odd age... just when you think you've got everything settled out straight, something comes along or you learn something new and you realize that you actually know nothing. Not being able to buy a Beretta 92FS sucks as well. However, knowing that one is not alone in their struggle is a comforting thought indeed. Thanks :)

[Brian Williams]

My advice AKA "Papatudes"

If you are going to do something DIRTFT Do It Right The First Time

find a Job doing something that you love to do and you will never work a day in your life.

If you carry concealed it means: CONCEALED

If you are "into" something and you love it do not let it die.

Get good quality, it lasts.

Don't trust a "quality" name, check it out any way.

BE KIND

Leave it alone! (it seems like I say this alot around my house)

Most of all protect your rights.

[Glacius_the_Invincible]

Two things:

"Your true character is revealed by the clarity of your convictions, the choices you make, and the promises you keep...What you say and do defines who you are, and who you are...you are forever."


And something that someone said earlier about how young people should listen to older more experienced people got me thinking about this...

Everyone knows something that you don't. You can learn new things from anyone, regardless of age or experience.

[Andrew Rothman]

Start a new major hobby every year while maintaining your old hobbies. It will keep you busy and by keeping you busy it will keep you out of trouble and teach you discipline. Holy cow. Spoken like a single, childless man! :)

I have a wife and young children, a house and a job. I wish I had time for my old hobbies, let alone new ones!!

On the other had, this couldn't be more true:Buy as many as you can before you get married and have kids!

[chaim]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start a new major hobby every year while maintaining your old hobbies. It will keep you busy and by keeping you busy it will keep you out of trouble and teach you discipline.
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Holy cow. Spoken like a single, childless man!

I have a wife and young children, a house and a job. I wish I had time for my old hobbies, let alone new ones!!

Ahh, you are making the mistake of assuming that all hobbies must be expensive, or work, or that time consuming. You are also making the age old middle class assumption that you have less time than you really do.

-Not all hobbies are work. Just one possible example, collecting baseball cards and doing the background research on the players is no work at all if you love baseball.

-Not all take money you might need for other things. Excercise can be free, or at least cheap. Some types of collections aren't that expensive. Learning to be a good cook, well you have to eat and prepare your food anyway.

-Time. Cooking, you have to prep your food anyway, and who says you must make a gourmet meal every meal. Some hobbies only need an hour a week, or month, or sometimes less to maintain. Camping, just camp when you go on vacation. Golf, take an hour every couple weeks to go golfing or to the driving range. Collections (any), take an hour or two at a set time to look at, plan, research your collection.

-You probably have more time than you think. Most Americans are very inefficient with their use of time. How much time do you spend on the computer or watching TV? Most Americans could open up an hour, two, or even more by simply limiting themselves to an hour of TV a day. Keep a calender, plan your day better, limit TV, put a time limit on the internet. Any one or two of those and you might find an hour, two, or more per week, or even per day that you didn't know you had.