Gun Culture: Older generation vs. younger generation

[RainDodger]

It happens both ways, as you see in many of the comments here.... like right in post #2 when older guys are stereotyped by younger shooters as well: "...the funny thing is, our generation has probably put in far more hours doing research and educating ourselves on the various firearms that we enjoy shooting than they ever will." This is patently untrue and a gross generality; no offense meant. It's just how people think.

When I'm at the range, I pretty much ignore everything except safety violations, and it doesn't matter what age the shooter is, if there's a safety problem! There has been a couple times that I've left because I don't care for what goes on around me, but it's never been an age-related thing. Sounds like you nicely asked the guys if they had a problem with you, and they didn't come clean. Ignore them and don't think we're all like that.

It's like a motorcyclist waving to another motorcyclist - who cares how old the other rider is or what kind of bike he's on? We're both on 2 wheels, so we've got something in common! It's a GOOD thing! I like seeing younger people at the range - it means our sport is still alive and well!

 

[JoeMal]

It's like a motorcyclist waving to another motorcyclist - who cares how old the other rider is or what kind of bike he's on? We're both on 2 wheels, so we've got something in common! It's a GOOD thing! I like seeing younger people at the range - it means our sport is still alive and well!

But not everyone thinks that way, unfortunately.

"...the funny thing is, our generation has probably put in far more hours doing research and educating ourselves on the various firearms that we enjoy shooting than they ever will."

I somewhat agree with this...I know way more about my guns and their capabilities than my father (or grandfather, for that matter) than they do, simply because I'm constantly researching and finding new things.


My dad knows what ammo it takes, where the safety is, and how to pull the trigger. I know this isn't every case, but serves as an example. What I know is true, reliable information that has been proven and verified. They know 'war stories' and 'good 'ole boy' stories but that's about it.


"When I was young, we used to...."

 

[Patriotme]

It is a standard safety practice for weapons to be unloaded and open on the firing line when not in use. If you're standing at the bench/stall and your weapon is at hand this is not an issue. If you leave the firing line you should make a safe weapon.
Old guys can be annoying as hell. I agree with that. I really hate the group that sits around gunstores judging everyone's purchase or tying up a salesman while trying to demonstrate their vast knowledge of firearms.

 

[RainDodger]

JoeMal - Yeah, but it's still a generality I think. My father and grandfather were both reloaders and they knew their way around firearms. My dad ran an Army ordnance company in WWII. Sure, newer shooters have more info at their fingertips (internet, etc.) and that certainly changes things, but... like me for example. 56 y.o. and I'd wager I know as much about my guns as a 20 y.o. knows about his/hers. At a range you're going to get a real cross-section though. Some folks who just pull triggers, and some that know a thing or two.

Just gotta close the ears and get on with life I guess.

 

[pockets]

"the funny thing is, our generation has probably put in far more hours doing research and educating ourselves on the various firearms that we enjoy shooting than they ever will."

Wow...talk about stereotyping!
I'm glad not all younger folk believe that older people spend so little time researching what they shoot, own, or want to buy.
Reminds me of the old John Sebastian / Spoonful song song;
"Why must every generation, Think their folks are square?
And no matter where their heads are, They know mom's ain't there,
Cause I swore when I was small, That I'd remember when,
I knew what's wrong with them, That I was smaller than."

Oh yeah.....I forgot to add......Get the hell off my lawn!

 

[JoeMal]

I agree completely RainDodger; some know more than others for sure. Personally, being younger, I feel the internet has exposed me to so much more knowledge and learning, hence my position on the topic. However, if my dad or grandpa had the internet when they were my age, I'm sure they would live the same life.

Nobody is really at blame or fault...it's simply the difference in times and generations. Finding out a way to balance the two seems to be the struggle...

 

[RainDodger]

Yeah, the older I get, the less patience I have and I realize it. I think it's because I've seen more idiotic things and said things about them in the past, that explaining it again isn't going to change anything. Hard to understand, I know. It will never change though. I take great pleasure in knowing that you younger guys are gonna get old too, and then you'll understand us - because you'll BE one of us!

 

[pockets]

Personally, being younger, I feel the internet has exposed me to so much more knowledge and learning, hence my position on the topic. However, if my dad or grandpa had the internet when they were my age, I'm sure they would live the same life.

Interesting notion.....is there another internet beside this one that we old dudes are not aware of?
We all have the same access to the internet. Is young Google-foo that much stronger than old Google-foo?

Say the average 25 year old has been actively "learning" on the internet since he/she was 10. Learning, not browsing myspace or YouTube.
The average 57 year old has most likely been poking around the net for those same 15 years....but had 42 years of life experience and knowledge to draw on when he started.

It's okay, when we were younger, we thought the same thing about 'those old folk'.
Perspective changes as one gets older and clears a few more years of life.

 

[JoeMal]

I take great pleasure in knowing that you younger guys are gonna get old too, and then you'll understand us - because you'll BE one of us!

Don't remind me


I will admit though, I have seen both sides of the coin. I've shot with guys who as soon as they hear I'm shooting a Glock, they won't give me the time of day. I've also shot with men who don't care what I shoot and have had some great conversations with those men about various things like reloading. So it really just depends on the person, there are so many types of people.

There are old men who don't know anything
There are old men who know a lot
There are young men who don't know anything
There are young men who know a lot
And everything in-between
Some people learn from research
Some from years of experience and use
Some do both
Some do neither

 

[DammitBoy]

 

[JoeMal]

Interesting notion.....is there another internet beside this one that we old dudes are not aware of?
We all have the same access to the internet. Is young Google-foo that much stronger than old Google-foo?

Say the average 25 year old has been actively "learning" on the internet since he/she was 10. Learning, not browsing myspace or YouTube.
The average 57 year old has most likely been poking around the net for those same 15 years....but had 42 years of life experience and knowledge to draw on when he started.

It's okay, when we were younger, we thought the same thing about 'those old folk'.
Perspective changes as one gets older and clears a few more years of life.

Not at all. Thanks for bringing this up I was going to talk about it. It seems more older folks don't use the internet as much as the younger kids do. Sure, there are older folks who are 'hip' to the internet and computers. However, being a PC tech/IT guy I know there are plenty of older people who don't go near computers simply because they are afraid of learning or exposing themselves to the world. There's nothing wrong with that, if that's how you feel, but it simply limits your knowledge and ability to learn.

So yes, there are older people who research and Google and Youtube. More and more each day, actually. But there are still handfuls who want nothing to do with a keyboard

 

[Is_That_A_Gram?]

Im 25 yrs old and grew up around guns and if i ever did anything that is considered remotely unsafe when shooting with my dad/grandpa/uncle etc., I was smacked in the face and told not to do it again. needless to say, i learned very quickly and now I pass the same strict teaching to my friends ( i dont smack them in the face but i make sure they know the safety rules) when i take them to shoot.

I'd also like to add that the most unsafe, irresponsible, and worst person that i have ever shot with was a 65 year old good ole boy lawyer who didn't know the first thing about gun safety and thought he knew everything. guy would walk with his 12 gauge, shell in the pipe, chamber closed and aiming sideways - right at the person walking beside him!!!

I told my grandpa "i dont care if he's your buddy, i am never coming shooting with you again if that guy is with us"

 

[jcwit]

Quote:
Mayhap the slow bench shooting is less painful for the older crowd. Ever have just about any movement hurt to the point you wish you could take more meds but you know you have to drive home? Many many other reasons but I think you see where I'm coming from.

If one needs to take pain meds in order to shoot, I think it might be time to stop shooting, or at least choose a less punishing weapon, like a .22 rifle.

There are many, many days I take pain meds just to get thru the day, surely you're not suggesting that I -- nah I hope not. Am I using a walker, not yet, but its coming I'm sure.

Yes I shoot a .22 rimfire alot. But I also handload for most everything I shoot and load
to a comfortable/accurate level. Not ready to quit shooting and enjoying life yet.

Really at the range I frequent most everybody gets along just fine with all kind of weapons used. We police ourselves and its seldom a problem arises even with safety issues.

 

[RainDodger]

Hey, a walker might make a heckuva rifle rest. Then you wouldn't have to carry that pesky bipod!

 

[cchris]

...the funny thing is, our generation has probably put in far more hours doing research and educating ourselves on the various firearms that we enjoy shooting than they ever will.

I somewhat agree with this...I know way more about my guns and their capabilities than my father (or grandfather, for that matter) than they do, simply because I'm constantly researching and finding new things.

There's a reason for that - before the internet, people (most likely) had to learn about firearms from a family member or friend that could educate them. And if no one you knew was interested in shooting, it was probably difficult to learn about it. But this generation has the advantage of reading numerous reviews and opinions of different firearms out there, to the extent that I feel pretty safe giving someone advice if they ask me about it.

 

[Nick5182]

Sorry that happened to you and your friends. I'm 23 and am always welcomed by older shooters at the range I visit. The Ol' Timers, as I call them are always nice and helpful with any questions I have. I'll let them use my guns if they ask, and I've only had one person not allow me try their gun in return, which I really didn't care (it was a Buckmark .22) But Everyone is very nice and respectful to me and my friends when we go shooting, and we show respect to them as well. Can't we all just get along....especially when guns are involved? lol.

 

[huntsman]

I'd also like to add that the most unsafe, irresponsible, and worst person that i have ever shot with was a 65 year old good ole boy lawyer who didn't know the first thing about gun safety and thought he knew everything. guy would walk with his 12 gauge, shell in the pipe, chamber closed and aiming sideways - right at the person walking beside him!!!

He pre-dates the four rules.

 

[jcwit]

Hey, a walker might make a heckuva rifle rest. Then you wouldn't have to carry that pesky bipod!

Don't use a bipod, I use a 20 lb adj. custom benchrest.

I realize you were jesting, at least I hope so, but its not really funny being a crippled Vet. At least I'm still able to help with the Color Guard at Military Funerals.

 

[GunsAmerica Fan]

I think you are assuming what was in their heads and that it had something to do with safety, pistols, or black guns. You might just be funny lookin lol. I've seen a lot of military and police trained guys in funny poses at the range, and I often stop shooting and look at them myself, wondering if they invented that or if it was something that was going to magically make me too a good offhand shooter. Ammo is so darned expensive now and reloading components so rare that any excuse to stop shooting and look at something interesting on the range is a good reason! Me thinks you got a bug up ur u know what fur nothin. I was at the NRA show last week and the place was full of old coodgers fondling ARs and telling stories about how they wanted another of this and a fourth one of that. As someone else here noted, gun guys never get older than 20 or so. I'm struggling to keep up with the maturity of my oldest sons (twins) who are 7.

 

[easyg]

There are many, many days I take pain meds just to get thru the day, surely you're not suggesting that I -- nah I hope not.

Just be careful who you mention that to.
The range I frequent has a policy "No one under the influence of alcohol or other drugs that might impair judgement".
Some guy might see you pop some pain pills and have you booted off the range.

 

[MikeBoyd]

Old and Young, passing the torch, so to speak.

I have a very good friend that used to teach snipers at the FBI Academy, also a former Army sniper. He has a 15 year old protege that just set a world record at 500 yards (.308). I think his score was 397 out of 400. Don't think anyone criticizes either around these part, eh?

 

[MikeBoyd]

Old and Young, passing the torch, so to speak.

I have a very good friend that used to teach snipers at the FBI Academy, also a former Army sniper. He has a 15 year old protege that just set a world record at 500 yards (.308). I think his score was 397 out of 400. Don't think anyone criticizes either around these part, eh?

 

[mustang_steve]

People that pull stuff like that are simply too immature to be around firearms.

Safety reminders are one thing, but calling people out for no good reason, and loudly at that is insulting at best, dangerous at worst due to the potential reactions that may occur.....especially the point that pistol downrange comment....I could see some jittery newbie dropping a firearm if a range situation came up.

I'm glad the range I go to will kick people out for shenanigans like that. their basic rules are :be safe, no steel core/jacketed rounds shot or non-standard ammo types (indoor range), be a gentleman/lady, have fun.

 

[jcwit]

Quote:
There are many, many days I take pain meds just to get thru the day, surely you're not suggesting that I -- nah I hope not.

Just be careful who you mention that to.
The range I frequent has a policy "No one under the influence of alcohol or other drugs that might impair judgement".
Some guy might see you pop some pain pills and have you booted off the range.

If you would take the time to read post # 77 I state I do not take meds while driving, think about it, that would also enclude while at the range otherwise how else would I get home. Yes I am responsible. Neither do I drink, at the range, or on or off the road.

If I took my meds maybe I wouldn't be the Grumpy Old Man. lol