My Family has always been a gun family. My Dad and all Uncles,cousins were/are hunters and shooters. My wife and her parents have their CPW's also and shoot often, but are not hunters. I know today at Thanksgiving Dinner there will be much conversation on guns topics.
Do you come from a non-gun family?
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guntech59
Member
My Dad, a WWII Vet, had a rifle and a shotgun in the corner of his bedroom. We were NOT to touch them.
To him, a gun was a tool....nothing more.
Mom was a Boston girl and scared to death of guns.
I never mentioned my guns to her or brought them out while she was visiting.
A respect thing, I suppose.
To him, a gun was a tool....nothing more.
Mom was a Boston girl and scared to death of guns.
I never mentioned my guns to her or brought them out while she was visiting.
A respect thing, I suppose.
au01st
Member
Never had guns growing up, wasn't even allowed to play with BB guns because of the neighbor kids misusing theirs. Parents didn't have guns, but my uncle did; he was a Marine and after he passed my aunt collected 40+ guns from around the house (couch cushions, kitchen drawers, etc) and my dad got to pick a few to keep. However, those just sit in his closet. After 2008 elections my parents went and took a class and each bought a personal protection firearm, my mom a S&W 642 and my dad an XDM-9. Those are their only firearms, both are loaded and in their respective night stands (my little brother is the only other person in their home, he's 17 and has pellet/airsoft guns, and he always comes shooting with me when he visits) which took some convincing from me. They initially sat in cases in the closet with the ammo in a dresser drawer.
I shot rifles and shotguns in Boy Scouts, and apparently I was a natural, but never had them growing up. Got to college and saw how the real world is, and decided I wanted something for protection. I've acquired a few pistols, .22's, shotgun, AR, and a 30/06, and just today my parents bought me a Cannon safe for Xmas. They were never anti-gun, just never saw the need for one I guess. My parents probably would never have bought their own if it weren't for the remote threat that one day they wouldn't be able to, that was enough.
I shot rifles and shotguns in Boy Scouts, and apparently I was a natural, but never had them growing up. Got to college and saw how the real world is, and decided I wanted something for protection. I've acquired a few pistols, .22's, shotgun, AR, and a 30/06, and just today my parents bought me a Cannon safe for Xmas. They were never anti-gun, just never saw the need for one I guess. My parents probably would never have bought their own if it weren't for the remote threat that one day they wouldn't be able to, that was enough.
I grew up in a cowboy culture. I saw others that were not as lucky. I don't remember any anti's, but rather just non gun associated folks. Most boys got BB guns somewhere around 10 (I was 7). We had a farm, and would shoot small game. Deer were just becoming more prevalent, so when I turned 14, I applied for a permit and got my first. My brother was into the guns for fun more than I. I was a hunter, but more of a cowboy first. Livestock and the farm were my interest. The firearm was a tool. Only when off the farm did the aspect of recreational firearm culture come to play for me. My wife is from Western Kansas, so I enjoyed hunting in one of the best areas available for that. I've come to reload, cast and plink. Self defense and my CCL came later, and this only after years of owning firearms. Most of my hunting now is done with a bow. (that includes birds)
iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns
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going to try my best not to write a novel in response to this thread!
Not only was I born by a non-gun family, but I was born in an anti-gun state!
My Dad isn't really 'anti,' he is very similar to another poster's dad mentioned in a previous post. He served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart long before I was ever conceived. He was scouting a pick-up zone for his platoon, and was shot by a Vietcong sniper, the shot was clearly aimed for his heart, he heard the shooter's movement just before the shot, and raised his arms while trying to duck behind cover, so instead of piercing his heart, the round went through his left arm in two places
between that, and having to kill enemy soldiers while also seeing his comrades fall and die in battle, my father's attitude as he has made clear to me is along the lines of "I'm glad people like you (being me and others like y'all on this forum) have guns, and you should, but I did my time and don't even want to see a gun again if I can help it." So he isn't 'anti' at all, but 'did his time' and imo earned the right to rely on others now, as he has served and was wounded for our country. As I said that all happened long before I was born, and my mom is kind of fearful in general, so growing up, my interests in firearms were strongly discouraged. I had a talent for finding/trading/buying cap-guns or plastic look-a-like guns as a kid, and my mom would take them away and hide them quite often, not because i did anything bad with them, just to try to 'make them disappear' i guess. For every one she took away, I'd either find it pretty quickly, or acquire another
My dad didn't really mind me playing with toy guns as a kid, and would often watch Clint Eastwood westerns with me, (somehow he enjoyed action movies and especially westerns even though he's had his fill of real violence, haven't figured that out and certainly not complaining!). My mom was the type to find something to do in another room whenever we were watching a gunslinger movie.
I didn't have any uncles or relatives that were into shooting either (not sure if they were 'anti' or just indifferent) As another poster said in a previous post, I got into actual firearms shooting through the boy scouts. Went to summer camp at the age of 12, and my father was one of our troop's chaperones, and he actually went with me to the camp's range and fired a .22 rifle with me the first time I ever shot, which is a fond memory for me. It didn't take me long to realize I had a natural talent with riflery, and I spent the next several summers employed at that summer camp as a shooting sports instructor
As a teenager, I had zero support from my own family in the firearms department, but luckily I had a few friends whose dads were police officers and would talk about guns with me. Also the director of the summer camp I worked at was a former Army Ranger, and FFL holder, (even had a degree in psychology, this guy was amazing), and I spent a lot of time with him asking TONS of questions about firearms, he was very cool about that, answered all my questions very patiently and kindly. In my summers at that camp, I was able to become proficient with .22 rifles, .50 cal black powder rifles, and 20 gauge shotguns. That's about all I had opportunity to shoot until I enrolled in ROTC for two semesters in my one year of college. Long ROTC story short: my commander was VERY impressed with my shooting talents, and as that school was in Springfield, MA, I visited the S&W factory range at least once a month renting EVERYTHING i could get my hands on. Even then, most of my range trips were by my lonesome, which I didn't mind too much, as i was able to get really meditative with my range-time, and really focus on improving my abilities.
Ok this is getting long, going to fastforward and try to wrap this up.
After my time at college, I got an apartment, and decided it was time to own a gun. I knew long before I bought my first gun that it would be an 1851 navy replica, and that's what I got. I was hooked and before a year was through, I had 6 or 7 cap n ball revolvers. I became very proficient with those, and decided to go for my license to carry. Since then my collection has just grown and grown! Since I live in an 'anti' state, I'm the 'gun guy' to most of my friends and family, so when somone inherits a gun they don't want, I've been the lucky recipient on several occasions to provide a good home for it
My parents know I have my license, and don't mind when I talk about shooting and/or guns with my younger brother (who is very into guns thanks to me), but they really don't want to hear or talk about guns with me. When I visit them, I usually carry a beretta tomcat .32 (better than a slingshot, and actually very accurate) in a 'smart carry' holster, so they won't feel a gun when they hug me. Once upon a time my father accidentally discovered my 1911, and was surprisingly cool about it! But I have young nephews and a niece that are often in their home, and they do NOT want any firearms in that house, so as far as they know I respect their wishes, but I have that tomcat at the very least and they don't need to know that. Also whenever I visit my folks, my 1911 and a few mags are in the trunk, and when I leave their house, my first stop is always a nearby bird sanctuary park, which is basically trails in the woods to walk around. The parking lot is almost always empty, and unless you're in the parking lot you can't see it, so is a great place for me to go to the trunk and get my 1911 to holster-up.
i am deeply grateful to the few firearms-friendly adult friends I had as a growing boy, they were role models for gun-safety to me growing up. Most of my shooting abilities are self-taught, and most of my 'adult' getting-into-shooting experiences were by my lonesome at a range (especially handguns), but now-a-days I've brought a very many first-timers to the range with me, and have even converted more than a few of my friends into enthusiastic and talented shooters at this point I'm the only 'gun guy' in my family, but my brother is increasingly enjoying the world of shooting. When I can afford it I'm going to pay for his carry-license
Not only was I born by a non-gun family, but I was born in an anti-gun state!
My Dad isn't really 'anti,' he is very similar to another poster's dad mentioned in a previous post. He served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart long before I was ever conceived. He was scouting a pick-up zone for his platoon, and was shot by a Vietcong sniper, the shot was clearly aimed for his heart, he heard the shooter's movement just before the shot, and raised his arms while trying to duck behind cover, so instead of piercing his heart, the round went through his left arm in two places
between that, and having to kill enemy soldiers while also seeing his comrades fall and die in battle, my father's attitude as he has made clear to me is along the lines of "I'm glad people like you (being me and others like y'all on this forum) have guns, and you should, but I did my time and don't even want to see a gun again if I can help it." So he isn't 'anti' at all, but 'did his time' and imo earned the right to rely on others now, as he has served and was wounded for our country. As I said that all happened long before I was born, and my mom is kind of fearful in general, so growing up, my interests in firearms were strongly discouraged. I had a talent for finding/trading/buying cap-guns or plastic look-a-like guns as a kid, and my mom would take them away and hide them quite often, not because i did anything bad with them, just to try to 'make them disappear' i guess. For every one she took away, I'd either find it pretty quickly, or acquire another
My dad didn't really mind me playing with toy guns as a kid, and would often watch Clint Eastwood westerns with me, (somehow he enjoyed action movies and especially westerns even though he's had his fill of real violence, haven't figured that out and certainly not complaining!). My mom was the type to find something to do in another room whenever we were watching a gunslinger movie.
I didn't have any uncles or relatives that were into shooting either (not sure if they were 'anti' or just indifferent) As another poster said in a previous post, I got into actual firearms shooting through the boy scouts. Went to summer camp at the age of 12, and my father was one of our troop's chaperones, and he actually went with me to the camp's range and fired a .22 rifle with me the first time I ever shot, which is a fond memory for me. It didn't take me long to realize I had a natural talent with riflery, and I spent the next several summers employed at that summer camp as a shooting sports instructor
As a teenager, I had zero support from my own family in the firearms department, but luckily I had a few friends whose dads were police officers and would talk about guns with me. Also the director of the summer camp I worked at was a former Army Ranger, and FFL holder, (even had a degree in psychology, this guy was amazing), and I spent a lot of time with him asking TONS of questions about firearms, he was very cool about that, answered all my questions very patiently and kindly. In my summers at that camp, I was able to become proficient with .22 rifles, .50 cal black powder rifles, and 20 gauge shotguns. That's about all I had opportunity to shoot until I enrolled in ROTC for two semesters in my one year of college. Long ROTC story short: my commander was VERY impressed with my shooting talents, and as that school was in Springfield, MA, I visited the S&W factory range at least once a month renting EVERYTHING i could get my hands on. Even then, most of my range trips were by my lonesome, which I didn't mind too much, as i was able to get really meditative with my range-time, and really focus on improving my abilities.
Ok this is getting long, going to fastforward and try to wrap this up.
After my time at college, I got an apartment, and decided it was time to own a gun. I knew long before I bought my first gun that it would be an 1851 navy replica, and that's what I got. I was hooked and before a year was through, I had 6 or 7 cap n ball revolvers. I became very proficient with those, and decided to go for my license to carry. Since then my collection has just grown and grown! Since I live in an 'anti' state, I'm the 'gun guy' to most of my friends and family, so when somone inherits a gun they don't want, I've been the lucky recipient on several occasions to provide a good home for it
My parents know I have my license, and don't mind when I talk about shooting and/or guns with my younger brother (who is very into guns thanks to me), but they really don't want to hear or talk about guns with me. When I visit them, I usually carry a beretta tomcat .32 (better than a slingshot, and actually very accurate) in a 'smart carry' holster, so they won't feel a gun when they hug me. Once upon a time my father accidentally discovered my 1911, and was surprisingly cool about it! But I have young nephews and a niece that are often in their home, and they do NOT want any firearms in that house, so as far as they know I respect their wishes, but I have that tomcat at the very least and they don't need to know that. Also whenever I visit my folks, my 1911 and a few mags are in the trunk, and when I leave their house, my first stop is always a nearby bird sanctuary park, which is basically trails in the woods to walk around. The parking lot is almost always empty, and unless you're in the parking lot you can't see it, so is a great place for me to go to the trunk and get my 1911 to holster-up.
i am deeply grateful to the few firearms-friendly adult friends I had as a growing boy, they were role models for gun-safety to me growing up. Most of my shooting abilities are self-taught, and most of my 'adult' getting-into-shooting experiences were by my lonesome at a range (especially handguns), but now-a-days I've brought a very many first-timers to the range with me, and have even converted more than a few of my friends into enthusiastic and talented shooters
at this point I'm the only 'gun guy' in my family, but my brother is increasingly enjoying the world of shooting. When I can afford it I'm going to pay for his carry-license 
opsman
Member
I grew up in the city, typical city boy. I had cap guns as a boy but that was it, never had any guns in the house. Got my first exposure to the real deal was in Boy Scouts, fired a flint lock and I was hooked! Of course in the Marine Corps I had the opportunity to fire to keep my qualifications, all Marines go to the range whenever possible. Anyway after I got married and had my own place I made my first purchase and have been collecting whenever the funds/wife would allow. Recently purchased a Remington 1911 R1, when that gun came out I just had to have it. Anyway I love my firearms and the only thing I enjoy more than shooting them is teaching young men the proper practice of firearm safety and proper shooting techniques. I am one of the Shooting Sports Directors at our local Boy Scout Camp. Nothing like the thrill of seeing a young man who goes from not hitting the broad side of a barn to making consistant shots. The look on their face is priceless, and makes the hours of standing out in the North Carolina summer heat worth every minute.
My Dad supports gun rights on a large scale, yet he only owns one because I gave him one for Christmas 2 years back. He is now though looking to buy a pistol sometime in the next year or two (no hurry.) My mom is kind of afraid of them but also respects the right of people to own them. All in all she is more afraid of moose stompings and bear attacks and child abductors so sees why they are important.
Monsterbishi
Member
To answer the OP's main question, yes, my family was essentially non-gun, not anti, just 'non'
Until I was a teenager, The only exposure I had to firearms growing up was shootings cans with my older cousins BSA .177 air rifle, with the family looking on to provide encouragement (and help cocking it!)
Then high school came along, and small bore shooting with it, Wednesday afternoon & evening involved relaxing at the local indoor range, shooting a MKIII BSA International.
Was a solid ten years later before I got round to buying my first 'own' arms, namely a Benjamin Sheridan 397PA, and almost ten years again before venturing full on into the world of powder-burning mayhem.
Until I was a teenager, The only exposure I had to firearms growing up was shootings cans with my older cousins BSA .177 air rifle, with the family looking on to provide encouragement (and help cocking it!)
Then high school came along, and small bore shooting with it, Wednesday afternoon & evening involved relaxing at the local indoor range, shooting a MKIII BSA International.
Was a solid ten years later before I got round to buying my first 'own' arms, namely a Benjamin Sheridan 397PA, and almost ten years again before venturing full on into the world of powder-burning mayhem.
friscolatchi
Member
I'm a NYC boy. My father and all my uncles (at least 6of them) were WWII vets. No guns ever spoke about, except the 25 Colt, sans ammo, that was my Fathers fathers'. He came from Sicily in 1909, returned to fight with Italy in WWI, and then back to the US. He owned a pool hall in Brooklyn. I got to shoot it once when I brought it upstate. After my dad died I couldn't find it.
The first time I went upstate hunting with my dad in 1970, a year after my mother died, we were introduced to the "Bos'. Boswell had a house full of guns.
Long story short, dads dead, boswells dead, and I'm collecting. I have my son to thank for the renewed enthusiasm. He' 9 now.
The first time I went upstate hunting with my dad in 1970, a year after my mother died, we were introduced to the "Bos'. Boswell had a house full of guns.
Long story short, dads dead, boswells dead, and I'm collecting. I have my son to thank for the renewed enthusiasm. He' 9 now.
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carbuncle
Member
We had a couple of antique guns in the house while I was growing up but I learned to shoot at summer camp and the boy scouts, the shooting sports were not embraced in our house.
Hoppes Love Potion
Member
My parents weren't anti-gun but they were inner city kids who had no exposure except my Dad's time in the Army.
Then they had 4 rowdy boys and would not let us even have BB guns. This was wise because frankly, we were out of control and would have blinded each other or worse.
When I left home I didn't really think about it. I did buy a cheap pistol 30 years ago when I was told somebody was "gunning for me". I carried it for a while but never shot it. It sat untouched for decades.
I got interested in firearms again when considering how to better secure my home. I'm glad I came to know guns later in life, with a greater desire for knowledge and an emphasis on safety. It has been fun learning not just about hardware but training, mindset, political issues, etc. And I've developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of firearms and their place in a free society.
Then they had 4 rowdy boys and would not let us even have BB guns. This was wise because frankly, we were out of control and would have blinded each other or worse.
When I left home I didn't really think about it. I did buy a cheap pistol 30 years ago when I was told somebody was "gunning for me". I carried it for a while but never shot it. It sat untouched for decades.
I got interested in firearms again when considering how to better secure my home. I'm glad I came to know guns later in life, with a greater desire for knowledge and an emphasis on safety. It has been fun learning not just about hardware but training, mindset, political issues, etc. And I've developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of firearms and their place in a free society.
I was raised by my grandparents in AK and we didn't have guns. My grandfather didn't hunt; but don't worry we got plenty of moose meat from friends and family. We just didn't talk about guns; I wasn't aware if they were for or against. When I moved out, married, and had a kid I theoretically supported people's RKBA but wasn't interested in having a gun in the house. A couple of summers ago I took the Boy (now 16) to a NRA basic pistol class for a summer activity. He had been shooting a .22 rifle with a family friend who moved away, so I planned to take him to a hunter safety type class but when I called the LGS he mentioned the pistol class coming up and I thought "why not?" Why not indeed. Now we have a S&W 67 (his) and a Sig P226 (mine). We joined the NRA and the local outdoor range and get out there about once a month. Until I found this forum, though, I hadn't really thought in terms of self defense or activism. I like talking to people about guns and have been surprised to find out how many of my female friends shoot (I don't ask them if they carry).
The funniest part was when I called my Grandma and told her we had taken the class and bought the 38 and she was very enthusiastic. She gave a pretty nice RKBA speech right there on the phone.
Quoting Hoppe: "I'm glad I came to know guns later in life, with a greater desire for knowledge and an emphasis on safety. It has been fun learning not just about hardware but training, mindset, political issues, etc. And I've developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of firearms and their place in a free society."
This times 1000.
The funniest part was when I called my Grandma and told her we had taken the class and bought the 38 and she was very enthusiastic. She gave a pretty nice RKBA speech right there on the phone.
Quoting Hoppe: "I'm glad I came to know guns later in life, with a greater desire for knowledge and an emphasis on safety. It has been fun learning not just about hardware but training, mindset, political issues, etc. And I've developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of firearms and their place in a free society."
This times 1000.
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BellyUpFish
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First thing I ever shot was a rock off a fence post with a .410 shotgun my pops have me when I was 9 or 10.
doc2rn
Member
My mom was a fanatical anti, and nearly blew a gasket when I got a BB gun at age 8. Luckily it was from grandpa (her dad), and not my dad or it would have been one of those things I would not have been allowed to keep at home. When I didnt shoot up the neighborhood, she slowly changed her views of me shooting. When my older brother got his first rifle at 10 it was another blown gasket, and that was the iciest christmas we have ever had. When my dad went in halves with me for my first .22lr we kept it in his sock drawer so she wouldnt over react again.
My Mom was completely indifferent to guns.
My Dad used to hunt before us kids came along. His guns didn't see much use while I was growing up, but he started me out with a BB gun when I was about 7 or 8. Later, around 10, once I could demonstrate proper safety and proficiency, I graduated to being able to shoot Dad's .22, but didn't get to call it my own. At 13, Dad gave me his '97 Winchester 12ga and told me that as long as I could properly take care of it, it was mine. That '97 remains my very favorite gun to this day.
My Dad used to hunt before us kids came along. His guns didn't see much use while I was growing up, but he started me out with a BB gun when I was about 7 or 8. Later, around 10, once I could demonstrate proper safety and proficiency, I graduated to being able to shoot Dad's .22, but didn't get to call it my own. At 13, Dad gave me his '97 Winchester 12ga and told me that as long as I could properly take care of it, it was mine. That '97 remains my very favorite gun to this day.
My dad came from a gun family, and he was a Marine in Vietnam, so he had the background, but he picked up a felony drug conviction in the 70's (before I was born). Did some state time for it. So obviously, no guns in my house growing up.
I wanted a BB gun when I was a kid. Got one for my 10th birthday, shortly after my parents divorced. Pretty sure my dad got it for me just because he knew it'd piss my mom off.
Was interested in the real thing, of course, but I didn't have many opportunities to shoot. Would have liked to get more involved after my 18th birthday, but I couldn't really afford the hobby. Too busy trying to come up with rent money and put myself through college.
Joined the USAF at 21. Finally had some disposable income. Searched the internet for information (still looking, naturally). Bought my first real gun at 22 (a used Maverick 88, long since sold). And the rest is history.
My four year old daughter has a BB gun, a pink Crossman 760 Pumpmaster, which she shoots in the back yard under my close supervision. I'm going to raise her right (and she'll never meet her grandfather, but that's another story).
R
ETA: Fortunately for us both, my wife is the daughter of a retired police chief, and is very comfortable around firearms. So while I may not have come from a "gun family," I certainly have one now.
I wanted a BB gun when I was a kid. Got one for my 10th birthday, shortly after my parents divorced. Pretty sure my dad got it for me just because he knew it'd piss my mom off.
Was interested in the real thing, of course, but I didn't have many opportunities to shoot. Would have liked to get more involved after my 18th birthday, but I couldn't really afford the hobby. Too busy trying to come up with rent money and put myself through college.
Joined the USAF at 21. Finally had some disposable income. Searched the internet for information (still looking, naturally). Bought my first real gun at 22 (a used Maverick 88, long since sold). And the rest is history.
My four year old daughter has a BB gun, a pink Crossman 760 Pumpmaster, which she shoots in the back yard under my close supervision. I'm going to raise her right (and she'll never meet her grandfather, but that's another story).
R
ETA: Fortunately for us both, my wife is the daughter of a retired police chief, and is very comfortable around firearms. So while I may not have come from a "gun family," I certainly have one now.
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carlo1776
Member
My dad was a POW in Germany and hated guns but being a machinist he was fascinated about the mechanics of them. He hated when I joined the army as well. They've always turned my crank tho.
chez323
Member
Nope, come from a long family history of hunting/military service & gun ownership that I and my brothers proudly continue.
My mom's dad was a subsistence hunter so she was exposed to guns her entire childhood. My dad's dad was a moonshiner and subsistence hunter, so he also was exposed to guns his entire childhood.
Growing up, we had a pair of elk antlers above or fireplace with a 12g and a 20g shotgun resting on the tines. Pops had an old 30-30 Marlin that he took hunting a few times in the '70's, even bagged a small 4 pointer with it once. There was an old pump .22lr hanging from some horseshoe hooks in our family room. I found out recently that he's had an old .32 Raven in his bedroom my entire life that he got in a trade with my maternal grandfather for a Colt .38 Detective's Special some time before I was born.
None of those guns has been fired since before I was born, with exception of the 12g that he sold to a co-worker last year and subsequently bought back about a month later. Co-worker put 3 shells thru it, and the barrel split on him like it did on my dad's dad many years ago before it was sawed down to its current length.
When I was 13, at Boy Scout summer camp, pops signed the permission slip for me to get the Rifle Shooting merit badge. It was the first time I ever shot a gun. After the first day of hands-on, I was putting every round in the bulls eye at 50yd with a .22lr with aperture rear sight. It was another 3 years before I shot again, then it was my sister's boyfriend at the time, now my brother-in-law's new Glock in .40S&W. We went to a local in-door range and put 50 rounds thru it between him, my father and myself.
So, while we owned guns, and I was allowed to use them growing up, my family wasn't particularly a gun family in my opinion.
Growing up, we had a pair of elk antlers above or fireplace with a 12g and a 20g shotgun resting on the tines. Pops had an old 30-30 Marlin that he took hunting a few times in the '70's, even bagged a small 4 pointer with it once. There was an old pump .22lr hanging from some horseshoe hooks in our family room. I found out recently that he's had an old .32 Raven in his bedroom my entire life that he got in a trade with my maternal grandfather for a Colt .38 Detective's Special some time before I was born.
None of those guns has been fired since before I was born, with exception of the 12g that he sold to a co-worker last year and subsequently bought back about a month later. Co-worker put 3 shells thru it, and the barrel split on him like it did on my dad's dad many years ago before it was sawed down to its current length.
When I was 13, at Boy Scout summer camp, pops signed the permission slip for me to get the Rifle Shooting merit badge. It was the first time I ever shot a gun. After the first day of hands-on, I was putting every round in the bulls eye at 50yd with a .22lr with aperture rear sight. It was another 3 years before I shot again, then it was my sister's boyfriend at the time, now my brother-in-law's new Glock in .40S&W. We went to a local in-door range and put 50 rounds thru it between him, my father and myself.
So, while we owned guns, and I was allowed to use them growing up, my family wasn't particularly a gun family in my opinion.
My father had guns,his brother had guns, his father had guns, my grandfather on my moms side had guns, now I have all of their guns!!!! I still take my dad shooting,and recently bought an M1A. this was my favorite gun he had when I was little but he sold it to buy a fishing boat. but now he is getting his LTC and wants them back! He (my dad) got out of it when Mass revoked all the "lifetime" FID cards and shooting in the sand pits became a crime. Now I am a member at a couple clubs and he loves running my M1A.
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Interesting stories. I was born and raised in EASTERN KENTUCKY and now live in WEST VIRGINIA and I don't know anyone that doesn't own a few, hunt and I have had them, used them for over 60yrs. Anti-gun is a dirty word never used in this area.
I know gun ownership skipped at least two generations in my family before I had a chance to rectify the situation. My great grandfather owned a shotgun at very least, but my grandfather and father skipped on that, presumably due to urbanization. Interestingly enough, both my great grandfather and I served, so perhaps there's some correlation there as well.
It's just always irked me that I've missed out on some of these basic skills, so I've had to set about correcting them myself so that i can pass them on to my kids. My wife isn't fond of them, but gracious enough to allow me to lead... as long as my hobby doesn't get too out of hand
It's just always irked me that I've missed out on some of these basic skills, so I've had to set about correcting them myself so that i can pass them on to my kids. My wife isn't fond of them, but gracious enough to allow me to lead... as long as my hobby doesn't get too out of hand
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