[XD40EZO]

So, any of you Shoot (Compete, train..etc..) for a living? Do we have any Shooting Celebrities in the house?

If yes, is it a long process to achieve what you have accomplished? Is it worth it? Educate us (at least to those who are contemplating on becoming a full time Shooter and as a primary source of income).

Thanks,

[Jeeper]

The only pro that I know of that comes here is Matt Burkett. He hasnt posted in a while but he would every now and then.

[Steve Smith]

I am partially sponsored by Hornady and Under Armor. I'd hardly call that a "source of living" though.

[hipwr223]

There are very few...I mean VERY FEW that make a living as a competitive shooter. The industry is just not financially strong enough pay guys to shoot. Yea there are Rob Leatham and Doug Koenig(sp), but they are the exception not the rule. Also many shooting sports are not money sports. Highpower rifle there is ZERO money. And I am glad. The huge crowds that come out to Perry every year are not looking for money. Instead we go out for the pure competition. It is what keeps that sport so honest and difficult.

Shoot for fun. Sometimes it is best to keep your vocation and advocation seperate. If they both become work, over time they both start to feel like work.

Do not get me wrong. It does not mean that competitive shooting has to be a hobbie. In fact I think that anyone that is real serious or winning in their chosen discipline general shoot as a lifestyle. I know my life revolves are highpower rifle, I just do not make my living doing it. Although I do own/run a full time gun shop so its not too far off.

John

[BlindRat]

John is being a little modest here. While he may not be a "Professional" in the sense of earning a living purely from his shooting, he is a top shooter worthy of note.

A couple of years back Hipwr223 was the High Civilian shooter in the NTI at Camp Perry winning the Nathaniel Hale Trophy (translation: He is one hard holding Service Rifle shooter.) Rumor has it he sleeps with the trophy under his pillow and kisses it before bed every night.

[Steve Smith]

On the lips.

[hipwr223]

Chris,

You are right. I do sleep with that trophy under my pillow. The wife does not care for it too much, but hey its Nathan Freakin Hale! :)

BTW all....I was one lucky SOB when I won that trophy. I shot above my average that day. Just so happend to coincide with Camp Perry and the NTI. Lucky me :0


john

[Sunray]

I would guess that it's not much different from any other "professional" sport. Years and years of practicing and winning matches. Both local and the big time matches. And paying for it yourself until you get noticed. Then getting lucky and being in the right place at the right time.

[LeonCarr]

This may not be competing, but it could be considered "shooting for a living".

I read something somewhere that a lot of people back in the late 70s quit their full-time jobs and hunted coyotes full-time, and made a pretty good living at it. In that same article the guy said that for about two years he supported a family of four from the proceeds collected from varmint hides and bountys. I doubt you could do that today, with the depressed fur market and groups like PETA.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[Archer]

As someone who "shoots for a living" (though what i shoot for my job is a lot quieter than what i shoot for fun- see my handle if you need a hint) I would caution anyone contemplating turning their shooting hobby into a career to think long and hard about it. It's very difficult to work in your hobby and continue to fully enjoy it on a long term basis.

In fact, I would say the reason i became a firearms enthusiast is that it gives me the same feeling i used to have for my other former hobby that became my current job.

Trust me, with what I know now, if someone offered me a job in the firearms business I would run away... :uhoh:

[Dave Markowitz]

John,

Welcome to THR. I bought a Marlin Camp .45 from you about a week and half ago. It shoots great.

[hipwr223]

Hi Dave,

I am glad to hear it. They are fun little plinkers! Have fun.

john