It has been discussed before about whether it's worth trying to convert antis or if it's better to target fence-sitters. I'm starting this poll to get info from those of you who've had at least a few conversations with anti's and how often you've influenced them
talking with and converting antis
- Thread starter Jrob24
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The one "fence sitter" I knew was turned around totally. Never shot a gun before in his life but two trips to the range fixed his views on firearm ownership from "Well, I guess it's OK" to "I gotta get some!" He's got some, well, one, and having a blast with it. Hopefully he's up for a 9mm slugfest tomorrow. I've got ammo to turn and time to kill 
The "anti" people that I know seem to have gone from "Oh my GOD what the HELL do you need THAT" for to: "Well, I don't mind if YOU own them -- but what about other people?" In time, they start turning more and more.
I've got to see if I can get my little cousin (female, 22) out with her roomate (female, 22) pretty soon here. The little cousin's father has hunted for years and years but firearms as self defense was never taught to her. Both of them are afraid to stay at home at night alone -- but don't ask me what an unarmed 22 year old female is going to do to help another unarmed 22 year old female. Safety in numbers I guess. Both have expressed an interest in trying this shooting thing out and want some range time to me. I've never wished I had a .22 pistol so bad in my life. Hopefully the recoil of a 9mm all metal pistol won't be that bad for them. Thankfully I've got an AR-15 in .223 for them to "play" with as a rifle and a .410 shotgun (Saiga) to get some experience with.
Any suggestions on a low-recoiling load for a 12 gauge shotgun? Suitable for HD? If they are remotely comfortable with it they can HAVE the thing that day right there for HD. I don't even take it to the range with me these days.
I'm stacked four or five deep right now for people that want to try this shooting thing out. I need to make signup sheets or something.
Just got done today with a guy that's pro-arms entirely but has never had anything "combat" ready in his hands. He's working on getting his first combat pistol now. Gotta work on his grip though -- keeps switching from a proper stance to something bizarre halfway through a magazine.
The "anti" people that I know seem to have gone from "Oh my GOD what the HELL do you need THAT" for to: "Well, I don't mind if YOU own them -- but what about other people?" In time, they start turning more and more.
I've got to see if I can get my little cousin (female, 22) out with her roomate (female, 22) pretty soon here. The little cousin's father has hunted for years and years but firearms as self defense was never taught to her. Both of them are afraid to stay at home at night alone -- but don't ask me what an unarmed 22 year old female is going to do to help another unarmed 22 year old female. Safety in numbers I guess. Both have expressed an interest in trying this shooting thing out and want some range time to me. I've never wished I had a .22 pistol so bad in my life. Hopefully the recoil of a 9mm all metal pistol won't be that bad for them. Thankfully I've got an AR-15 in .223 for them to "play" with as a rifle and a .410 shotgun (Saiga) to get some experience with.
Any suggestions on a low-recoiling load for a 12 gauge shotgun? Suitable for HD? If they are remotely comfortable with it they can HAVE the thing that day right there for HD. I don't even take it to the range with me these days.
I'm stacked four or five deep right now for people that want to try this shooting thing out. I need to make signup sheets or something.
Just got done today with a guy that's pro-arms entirely but has never had anything "combat" ready in his hands. He's working on getting his first combat pistol now. Gotta work on his grip though -- keeps switching from a proper stance to something bizarre halfway through a magazine.
True anti-Second Amendment bigots are immune to logic. Fortunately, there aren't a great many of them; unfortunately, they tend to be wealthy and well connected, with plenty of access to the leftist extremist so-called "news" media.
I've had a small measure of success opening the minds of people who've never given the matter a serious thought—but they weren't true ASABs.
I've had a small measure of success opening the minds of people who've never given the matter a serious thought—but they weren't true ASABs.
While I have converted a good deal of people, my most frequent conversations with antis are just ludicrous and only kept up because I can't let people spew out lies utterly unchallenged.
Couldn't find an appropriate category the way the poll was set up. The most common outcome of discussions with antis has been neutral... at least at first. There have been a few folks that I've helped "convert", but it has been over time. Whenever I talk with someone who is pro gun-control, I try to stick to the following:
1) Don't lose my temper. Even though some of their arguments may seem absurd, the last thing I want to do is leave the impression that gun owners are angry or unstable.
2) Only pick out a couple points and try to back them with fact. For example, really explain the AWB. Many folks are unaware of just what was banned, and the cosmetic nature of the "features" is silly enough that anyone can see it is flawed legislation.
3) Depending upon the person, you may want to stress the sporting nature of firearms usage or the self-defense aspect. In any event, make sure to play up SAFETY.
4) End any discussion with an open offer to take them to the range.
Some people may never "swap sides"... and others may take years of discussion. My mother-in-law has been a fairly hard-core anti for as long as I've known her (about 16 years). However, last Thanksgiving while suffering the post-meal bloat, we had a lengthy discussion (prompted by her) about what sort of weapon would be best for home defense. The next time she gets up here, we're going to the range and she's going to try some shotguns and pistols and see what works for her.
1) Don't lose my temper. Even though some of their arguments may seem absurd, the last thing I want to do is leave the impression that gun owners are angry or unstable.
2) Only pick out a couple points and try to back them with fact. For example, really explain the AWB. Many folks are unaware of just what was banned, and the cosmetic nature of the "features" is silly enough that anyone can see it is flawed legislation.
3) Depending upon the person, you may want to stress the sporting nature of firearms usage or the self-defense aspect. In any event, make sure to play up SAFETY.
4) End any discussion with an open offer to take them to the range.
Some people may never "swap sides"... and others may take years of discussion. My mother-in-law has been a fairly hard-core anti for as long as I've known her (about 16 years). However, last Thanksgiving while suffering the post-meal bloat, we had a lengthy discussion (prompted by her) about what sort of weapon would be best for home defense. The next time she gets up here, we're going to the range and she's going to try some shotguns and pistols and see what works for her.
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