How many of you have had waning feelings about firearms?

[Orion8472]

Just wondering how many of you have had a waning feeling towards firearms? The cost of things going up has caused me to put a stop to all firearms purchases. I've even considered selling some of my collection. The cost of "going to the range" has become higher than the potential joy. Anything 9mm and up has become too costly for any reasonably fun outing [shooting a lot], and only 22lr can fill this desire, if you can find it. At least the cost is lower per round. But for "100 rounds at a paper target"? The "fun" doesn't outweigh the cost of those spent rounds.

Reload? Not sure that would be the answer. Startup costs would be more money spent.

I have a few guns that I like, but feel like selling because I've begun to loose interest. There are a few that I won't sell, so it isn't like I would get rid of everything. But I have one specific pistol that shoots expensive rounds to where I don't want to take it out. . . . . so why have it?

Not saying that anything I have will actually be put up for sale, . . . just griping at where things are these days and the cost to play, . . . along with the cost of other things going up.

Maybe I would have more fun if I had land to where I could do the Brandon401401 thing. I don't, though.

 

[bainter1212]

High prices just stimulate my inner scrounger. Range trips for me now are 1/2 shooting and 1/2 wearing out my knees picking up other people's brass.

Also scrounge for lead and do more trading than buying.

The high prices have turned my few range trips into time I really savor and appreciate more and more.

 

[Al Thompson]

As with any hobby, interest waxes and wanes per individual wants, needs and desires. For decades I was a fishing fanatic, but about ten years ago, I slowed down, then stopped.

As for firearms specifically, about five years back I got totally off the hardware side and much more into the software aspects. As in, how do you actually shoot well and how do adults learn the techniques. etc., etc.

Things change.

 

[Sam1911]

Changing times often spur really valuable insights into what we're doing with our lives, habits, hobbies, etc. Don't look at it as a bad thing.

The cost of things going up has caused me to put a stop to all firearms purchases. I've even considered selling some of my collection.

You may find yourself asking why you were buying many guns? What was the value/purpose in acquiring these things? You've only got so many hands, and so many potential purposes to which to apply those guns. For what you save on not buying something else (or selling something to fund another) you could quite easily get into a good reloading setup and churn out all the ammo you could want.

Or get yourself some quality instruction to make the time you spend shooting much more useful.

Or get into competition to drive your current ability level to a much higher plane.

The cost of "going to the range" has become higher than the potential joy.

"100 rounds at a paper target?" I'm not sure I understand that statement, but if you're saying that's what you're used to doing with your range time, I can understand why you'd find yourself waning in enthusiasm. Noise and recoil can be entertaining, but at some point you move beyond being satisfied by that. (Sitting at the bench doing the same thing over and over.)

Maybe the increasing cost is promoting you to recognize something that you otherwise would have taken years more to see?

Move from acquisition to development. From things to skills. From plinking to training/competing. Etc.

Pulling triggers (or owning them! LOL!) isn't a destination, but part of a path that leads on and on. If high prices are encouraging you to realize that you've been standing in one spot instead of moving up the road, then be grateful that they've come!

Might be your inner wise man starting to say, "Ok, I've owned enough guns and burned enough ammo in frivolous play. Time to take it to the next level and make me into the shooter I could be!."

 

[CoRoMo]

+1... thing change... and change tends to change things.

Like bainter said, I've gotten to where I am ever sniffing for the right moment to spend money. Did you jump in on this deal: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=729135 ? I did, and I nitpicked for three straight weeks on what to use it on before I placed my order a few days ago.

I've got some Cabela's points building up to the right spot here in about a month and I'll use them to again stock the cabinet full of primers, bullets and powder so that I can continue a four-year streak to spend not a penny of my paycheck on any centerfire ammo. Most all of my reloading equipment came used at a steal from an estate sale.

The "gun money" I do spend (like the Brownell's deal) is money that specifically comes from a few odd job type tasks that I don't depend on to pay the bills. The money I make from that work is ONLY gun money. This way my entire salary is for the bills and the cost of my hobby doesn't impact my living.

I've almost come to a halt in actually buying firearms, mainly because I'm very well gunned up. Much of my 'gun money' these days is spent on accessories and tidbits of reloading equipment. However, a guy I know was hard up for money recently and was trying to liquidate a .357 L Frame for a mere $100. Didn't pass that up even though I was not particularly in the market for a big magnum like that.

Shop smart.

 

[tubeshooter]

I've had to ramp down all things related to firearms lately, but not due to waning interest. I've hit a rough patch employment-wise, and that will take a bite out of things real quick.

I still appreciate what I have and I'm trying not to sell anything. I am normally in the "no sell" camp, but actually let go of a rifle that I wasn't crazy about recently as I kind of needed the money more than the rifle. I plan to replace this rifle (different model, same caliber) once things improve.

I already had pretty much what I wanted, so I haven't had too much impact. Still, it hurts to not really be in a position to do any more than window shop and to have to let good deals walk on by for now.



Nothing like a situation like mine to make you re-evaluate how you feel about this hobby. Very humbling, to say the least. I'm still a fan, though!

 

[Orion8472]

Thanks for the comments so far, guys.

Currently, I consider myself to be a very good shooter. My Mark II Government Target Model allows me to get very tight groups. As does my custom SP-01. I love my newly acquired CZ P-09 [sold an FNS-9 to do so].

What I am considering selling is a USG Five Seven. With the ammo I have on hand, I could potentially get at least $3K. That could go other places [such as an eventual new car to change out my 1997 Hyundai]. That particular pistol is one of those I consider to be "too costly to shoot". The only thing that causes me pause on selling it is. . . . depending upon another "tragedy", or "new law", the price of the pistol and ammo could go way up, so it may be in my best interst to keep it. I also have a very nice FN Hi Power that could go [not sure on that one either].

I won't stop shooting all together. And as I said, if it weren't just paper at a local range, . . . but steel and other reactive targets, perhaps I would bet interested again. But I do not have access to such things/places.

 

[Sam1911]

I consider myself to be a very good shooter.

I would imagine most of us here consider ourselves that. After all, 90% of shooters know that they're way above average!

More seriously, every time I threaten to get real happy with my own skills I head out to one of the larger regional competitions and compete in a higher-level setting and show myself just how much room I have to improve! It gives me the chance to see how hard the guys who are "the best" (there, at least) are working to achieve their goals, and get a new appreciation for where to set my own goals.

Or, I shift to another form of competition and have the joy of really working just to be competent in that discipline. I may be king of my little hill in IDPA, but next week I can show up at a CMP service rifle match and be as a blank slate with all new skills to develop. Or trap, skeet, sporting clays, or whatever else! Always something new and interesting to learn!

but steel and other reactive targets, perhaps I would bet interested again. But I do not have access to such things/places.

Where are you located? I'll bet we can help you find the closest venues where the sorts of disciplines that would really challenge you are being shot.

 

[average_shooter]

Move from acquisition to development. From things to skills. From plinking to training/competing. Etc.

This happened to me this summer.

I found out my local club started doing weekly Action Pistol (mixed IDPA / USPSA style) fun shoots, whopping $2.00 target fee for members ($4.00 for general public). I jumped at the chance and had a great time all summer, even placing 4th in division and 9th overall (out of about 30) at the end of the summer's Jackpot Match. Much more satisfying than doing the static-range stuff.

I suggest trying to find out if your range or club is putting on any matches, and if not see if you can start some. The folks that got our Action Pistol off the ground started from scratch after getting the OK from the club's board. This lead to three brand new pistol bays with full berms. So now they have a dedicated pistol area for Action and Cowboy Action shoots.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

I won't stop shooting all together. And as I said, if it weren't just paper at a local range, . . . but steel and other reactive targets, perhaps I would bet interested again. But I do not have access to such things/places.

What are the restrictions at your local range? If you can only chase small groups on paper then many people will get bored after some time. Can you run any drills? Post multiple targets, maybe at multiple distances and practice target transitions? Draw from holster?

Try taking a jog "around the block" or do some jumping jacks to get your heart rate up and then practice hitting the target. (very good idea if you have a CPL)

Back the target out further and stretch your limits that way.

Do any local ranges do IDPA or IPSC competitions?

 

[Capybara]

OMG, Black Powder, Reloading, C&Rs, AKs and ARs, new handguns, IDPA, Three Gun, Trap, Skeet, SC and Five Stand. I am 50 and am concerned that in my remaining years, there are so many facets of the shooting sports that I may never experience. I built an AK this year, am building five custom "theme" ARs, am setting up my reloading bench, the list goes on and on. Guns and shooting are one of the best parts of life for me, far beyond a hobby.

Sounds you need to broaden your horizons and try new things.

 

[Sam1911]

If you can only chase small groups on paper then many people will get bored after some time.

Exactly. I see folks all the time at our local range who pull up to one of the bays, carry a gun case up to a firing bench, put up a target and proceed to shoot 50 rounds at it. Then pack up and drive away. I always wonder, "what in the world was the point of THAT?" At this point in life I'd have to be TERMINALLY bored before that would be very appealing.

I am 50 and am concerned that in my remaining years, there are so many facets of the shooting sports that I may never experience. ...
Sounds you need to broaden your horizons and try new things.

Spot on! SO many things to do and skill sets to work on! You could easily spend a lifetime and never reach mastery of even half of them!

 

[Orion8472]

There isn't anywhere around where I live that allows reactive targets. There were a few open ranges where you could bring stuff like that, but the ended that and limited it to. . . . paper.

As for "getting into competitions", . . . that would end up being too costly for my current rate of pay, unless it were all 22lr competitions. I could get into a cowboy style shoot with my very nice 1958 Ruger Single Six and 1957 Marlin 39a. Now that could be fun! But I am not aware of any such things in my area. . . . . SW Missouri.

 

[22-rimfire]

As far as the OP goes, interest comes and goes with hobbies. Al Thompson said he was a fishing fanatic 10 years ago; now not so much. My suggestion is that you don't sell a bunch of stuff just because of a lapse in interest now. Just hold tight and it will probably come around again. Nobody ever said that the shooting sports is a cheap hobby.

I haven't purchased a firearm this year. This is unusual for me. I have more than firearms than I need for just about every conceivable normal purpose. I have prioritized other things in my life above firearms. That doesn't mean that I am not extremely interested anymore.

I looked back at my own history and observed that I went about 10 year period during which I didn't buy a firearm or shoot except for some family plinking sessions with 22's. Didn't sell any either. So the current situation is just a bump in the road.

I have shifted to mostly shooting 22LR (when I shoot) and mostly rifles except to plink. Cost is important. But the ammunition shortage has discouraged me from using up my modest accumulation of ammunition.

 

[Sam1911]

Walnut Shade close to you?

Neosho?

Marshfield?

Cassville?

Tecumseh?

http://www.sassnet.com/clubs/Clubs_list.php?state=Missouri

Man there are a LOT of clubs close by you! And that's just SASS stuff!

I've found that most folks really don't know what opportunities are available around them. A lot of this stuff isn't advertised, unless you're already active in the sport.

...

As far as "too expensive" -- most IDPA (and similar) competitions at the club level are only $10-$20 a match. Maybe 100 - 150 rounds once a month. So even if you have to hold on for a couple of months to carve a bit of cash out of the budget, it isn't a huge amount and is definitely worth it!

 

[HoosierQ]

The biggest impact to my shooting hobby has been the gradual loss of farmland. I grew up on a farm and my parents lived there until 2004. My in-laws still live on a farm but they and my wife don't get along very well so I don't see them much. My daughter used to live in a rented farm house on a large property owned by relatives. My uncle and two of this three kids sort of lived on "compound" out it the country. They still do but the land adjacent was sold and developed. What was once a giant farm (like 2,000 acres) with woods, fields, creeks is now about 5 different housing developments, ranging from biege boxes to McMansions.

All that was 10 years ago. Farmland galore.

Today, all gone. Pay to go to an indoor range (and by golly we do have a very, very good one here now...A+) or travel an hour to my conservation club. No more just getting the itch, setting up a few soda cans, and firing off a few rounds. Every trip to shooting is a planned event that will cost money for range fees or be a half day away (by the time you drive up, get in some real shooting, and drive home).

 

[il.bill]

I was struck by the sincerity of the numerous replies to this topic in regards to the 'waning feeling towards firearms' . THR truly is a special place on the internet.

Several points come to my mind. Some folks subscribe to the 'never sell a gun' approach, but I have bought and sold numerous firearms in my life, occasionally paying too much or receiving too little, but nonetheless I consider that all to be a part of my hobby. There are a few firearms with which I would not part, and someday my heirs will deal with them one way or another, but I really do enjoy buying, selling, trading them as I 'enhance' my collection.

If you do sell the Five-seven you might consider using part of the proceeds to pay the start up costs of reloading. A simple single stage press and related equipment is not prohibitively expensive to get started reloading a couple of calibers. As the cost of all things shooting has increased significantly of late I have found quite a bit of satisfaction and enjoyment in taking up reloading. It has added a whole new dimension to my shooting hobby.

It sounds from your posts that your life's journey is progressing and I wish you all the best as you navigate this introspective point in your travels.


There is one line that has me concerned about your state of mind, however - please proceed carefully on this:

... I also have a very nice FN Hi Power that could go ...

 

[Jason_W]

My firearms focus has become one of filling niches for hunting. I think I have most of those niches filled. Reloading for me is not about high volume production, but about making custom loads matched to a hunting situation.

 

[Loosenock]

I have. But I still continue to buy a firearm when it is a good price and just fell into my lap. My real "give it up" is hunting. OH there is still plenty of game here in Colorado but the problem is getting ACCESS to it.

Access is hampered by:

Private landowners no longer granting ingress and egress without fees across their property to get to public lands. OR

USFS closing down all the 4WD roads thereby denying access to the game. OR.

On more than one occasion I've run across where outfitters have set up huge camps and built temporary corrals directly over forest roads. Keeping an area to themselves and their clients.

The access to public lands that you do have there is no game and it is no more than just taking your firearm for a walk in the woods.

So, yeah, my feelings are waning about firearms.

'drif

 

[locnload]

I am currently a "flood refugee" in Northern Colorado. Fortunately, at the onset of the flood my wife, the dog, and I were on a three day trip to a nice little mountain lake campground with our motor home. It was archery season, so I brought along my bow, some hunting gear, a couple of my most favored pistols, and one 22 rifle, just for fun. The rest of my varied selection of firearms, ammo, and holsters are secure and OK, but inaccessible. So under normal circumstances I would spend/waste a lot of my free time fondling, dry firing, and generally enjoying my stuff I do not have that option and will not for many months. I have not had withdrawal tremors yet and I am finding plenty to do but I am sure I will go back to my old ways when we can move back home.

 

[Orion8472]

il.bill, . . . the FN Hi Power isn't an old one. It was made in the early 2000's or so. I probably won't sell it.

 

[SilentStalker]

OP-if you start thinking like that then we have already lost the gun battle. You might as well go ahead and turn them over with all of your rights. I don't disagree that it is more expensive now to shoot. Too expensive if you ask me. However, I am not going to just stop what I like to do and quit because it is too expensive. IMO, that is one of their tactics to get everyone to succumb to their new laws. Anything worth doing is going to be expensive. Saving/putting money away to allow you do enjoy such things is part of the fun for most people. For what its worth I am in the same boat as you.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

If access/money is an issue, get a modestly priced airgun to monk around with until .22 comes back to reasonable prices. If you haven't shot a pellet gun in a while, you forget how fun and versitile they are. Just my thoughts~don't despair; interest waxes and wanes for everyone at times in their life.

 

[Sam1911]

Ahhh, those are good points and perhaps there are two issues at play:

1) It's expensive: There are AWESOME air guns available now which will nearly make you forget your .22s! And still cheaper, generally, to buy and about as cheap as you could hope for to shoot. Check out Pyramid Air and you'll be blown away by how great the selection really is.

2) I'm bored: I think we've covered that one.

 

[gym]

I have also gone back and forth with interest over the years. But I always maintained the overall interest now for 58 years or so, "I figure until 7, I really wasn't interested in too much". I go from obsessed to interested, but never not interested. I carry for 44 years now, so that I will always do, and as long as you "carry", you need a certain amount of interest to begin with.
I consider a gun an essential part of my daily life, and would not consider not carrying one. That is just never going to happen. So the level may change but the basic instinct and idealism of living in a Democratic Society, remain a constant, because without the ability to protect ones rights, what does one really have.