...it was what the men of my family did, and still do.
Dad and all my uncles were trained in the military, 2 of my uncles were lifers in the Corps (1 stayed 20 yrs, the other 30) and served in SEA, 2 of my uncles served in WWII, 2 in Korea, another 2 were Police Officers...
Whenever they all got together either as a group or just as brothers (or BIL) they always had something (usually rifles) to haul out to one of my uncles farm or to the quarry.
My Uncle Jesse came home from the Pacific and gave his kid brother an Arisaka... its now mine. My Uncle Howard came home from Europe and gave his wifes kid brother a Luger, the first handgun I ever shot. Dad still has that one. I can wait for that one.
Dad was a machinist mate (the only Navy man) who tinkered with fixin all his brothers guns, he eventually became a pretty competant smith.
I can't imagine not shooting. Or introducing others to the sport. Other than my sisters, everyone I know who tried it, loved it.
I learned a lot of World/American history from firearms because of my Dad.
I blame him.
Thanks Dad.
I've got a cousin in the Missouri State Troopers. His shooting skill has saved his life. With me its just fun. And Responsibility. And History.
Adios