Firearms Neophytes Panic Buying

[Kleanbore]

As a community we need to reach out to these folks and get them as safe as we can while celebrating our shared rights together.

Amen!

I am seriously considering offering a free basic handgun class for all the folks who purchased a firearm in the last week or two.

That is laudable, and above and beyond the call of duty.

Stay safe and stay healthy!

 

[HB]

What if folks were panicked into buying their first cars, their only training in driving being Mario Cart and G.T.A.?

Agreed, maybe if we required a test and license we would be safer ...

 

[.308 Norma]

From what I've been hearing via a LGS or two, it seems the rush on guns is largely due to first time owners panic buying. I find that concerning

I’m not sure, but I think this virus “panic” may have prompted a few people who were already considering buying a gun for self-protection into going ahead and “pulling the trigger” so to speak. As an example, the cleaning lady for our church has been asking my wife (the secretary/clerk) off and on for months now about concealed carry and concealed carry guns. And last Friday the lady came into my wife’s office and just came out and asked my wife if she could see what my wife carries (it’s a Smith Shield 380 EZ by the way). So my wife cleared her gun, explained a little about it, and let the lady handle it.

Well, guess who we saw at the gun counter in Cabela’s/Bass Pro Saturday morning. Yep, the cleaning lady. We didn’t go over and talk to her because we were anxious to get out of there and back on the road. But we’re hoping she bought a gun, and will do as my wife suggested - get some training, or at least come out to the house so we can take her down to the local public range and provide her with some.

 

[theotherwaldo]

Agreed, maybe if we required a test and license we would be safer ...

Actually, I'd had a number of experiences behind the wheel before I bought a car and drove it home.
I hope that we gun owners will be willing to give these neophytes some trigger time before they try flying solo... .

 

[Ignition Override]

Corpral_Agarn: free instruction is a superb idea. But----

How do you Contact new shooters to offer free handgun/rife safety, unless an obvious ad is posted where they buy guns?

 

[ATLDave]

But I was assured it was easier to get a gun than to get the internet!!!

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Corpral_Agarn: Superb idea. But----

How do you Contact new shooters to offer free handgun/rife safety, unless an obvious ad is posted where they buy dem guns?

the company I work for has a pretty strong facebook following. They also do emails.

I am sure that it won't attract or be able to reach all of those people, but it is worth a shot, IMO.

 

[Speedo66]

If you have the "next door" site going in your community, a post could be made offering your services.

 

[dickydalton]

I've seen no stats but when online ammo sellers are cleaned out and shutting down temporarily, it's huge. There's a lot going on and hopefully the Fed can keep it under control because interest rates are rising at the worst time. Nobody wants our bonds. If inflation takes off it's going get even uglier. The Fed is walking a tight rope. BTW premium on silver eagles is $12 over spot but the official silver price is at 11 year lows.(which is total BS)

Apmex is sold out of 5 gram gold bars.

 

[Kookla]

Might not be a bad idea to get together with some of the more popular gun sites and have a beginner's guide set up for them.

 

[BSA1]

Here's what I think ; here is why I said what I said ...

I am not terribly worried about the virus. I am not calloused towards those who become ill and are directly effected in that way ; but the fact is that viruses occur from time to time , they run their course , and we move on. It is an unfortunate but inevitable part of our existence. This statement comes from a 68 year old guy with heart issues serious enough that my cardiologist called me on Sunday night with cautionary advice. Despite that I know that if I am reasonably cautious the odds are heavily in my favor that I will be unaffected.

What I AM worried about is the sensationalized , fear driven reaction to this health crisis. Life savings and personal freedoms are suddenly like smoke in a gale. The radical closures and restrictions - that is where the real damage to our society will come from. Everywhere I turn I get smacked with WHAT IF???

Even here on The High Road.

Especially on THR.

 

[MoscowMike]

I think Corporal_Agarn has it right - if we reach out to new gun owners we have a chance of preventing some accidents and changing a few minds on the gun control question.
The question is how do we reach them. The stores have addresses for everyone who buys a gun but would they be willing to let an individual or local gun club put together a mailing. If they only have a physical address there is more cost involved, but in any case there would be a fair bit of labor, which the stores are probably not going to have time for at this point, which leaves it up to others.
Kookla's thought about suggesting good sites to go for information would work anywhere, but if you have local ranges or instructors they would have to be tailored to the area. Many ranges will be closed.
And of course if the neophyte does reach out for personal contact, the person they first talk to makes a difference.
Like a lot of things it depends on individual effort. More of us might have time while stuck at home, but how to do it is a challenge.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

Well I dropped an email to the guy who's in charge of training programs (he's a part owner of the company).

We'll see what he says.

We have a few part time instructors and I was hoping to get them involved volunteering their time as well.

ETA:
In world record response time, he's in. Now we are going to hammer out some details.

 

[sota]

Hopefully. But they'll all be guns I don't want, I doubt there's a run on single action revolvers or lever guns. Probably a bunch of hi-points and budget ARs.

How much lower can you go on a hi-point?

 

[triplebike]

Here in Pa , there are 2 hour lines at the gun shops for new gun purchases. A lot of these folks are not savvy about which brands to buy or not buy. I would recommend to these new buyers to stick with a reputable company like Ruger, Sig Sauer, S&W, etc. Stay away from companies like Taurus. Saving a few dollars could come back to bite you in the long run especially if you have a problem. An example would be if you have a problem with a Ruger your firearm would be returned repaired in a week or two at the most. A Taurus would take 8-11 weeks to get back. If your buying the gun to protect you and your family 8-11 weeks is an eternity to be without protection. At that point is it worth it to save 10 dollars, I think not. I believe that excellent customer service and a very fast turn around is worth it's weight in gold when you consider the alternative.

 

[Obturation]

How much lower can you go on a hi-point?

I guess we'll see!

 

[GunnyUSMC]

How much lower can you go on a hi-point?

A RG revolver.

 

[sequins]

So much defeatism and bad attitude here. I for one welcome ALL new shooters and firearms owners. A few might even turn out to be enthusiasts or help vote for freedom. Nothing to lose and everything to gain imo.

 

[Electricmo]

What if a lot of these first time buyers are liberals who have come to the realization that in times of trouble they may need that gun to rob those who have food and money that they themselves don't have? Just a hypothetical.

 

[HB]

What if a lot of these first time buyers are liberals who have come to the realization that in times of trouble they may need that gun to rob those who have food and money that they themselves don't have? Just a hypothetical.

This is laughable. Please cite your sources that criminally minded people have political affiliations.

 

[GEM]

I think I will call this as some folks have dropped waste in the thread. Cogent comments are exhausted.