How long have you been a serious shooter?

EdInk · March 22, 2011, 10:33 PM

I have noticed ALOT of new members on here lately. (Welcome to the forum.) I was just curious to know people's level of experience and duration of time you have been a serious shooter or had a significant interest in firearms?

Stevie-Ray · March 22, 2011, 10:39 PM

I've had guns since 1968, but have been a serious shooter since about 1985.

oldkim · March 22, 2011, 10:45 PM

Meaning just going off years of firearm experience isn't truly a benchmark of how "experienced" one may have...

It's a mixture. We all come to firearms from different stages of our lives and develop through to become "serious" shooters...

I have 20 years as a concealed pistol license holder. Over 32 years of firearm experience as I started hunting when I was 9.

I have been a NRA Certified Instructor for over 7 years. In my "hayday" I was shooting over 30,000 rounds a year.

Started shooting IDPA back in 2003.

Now I put on shoots focused on shoot on the move near the Seattle, Washington area.

So back to your question... what is your benchmark to consider someone a "serious shooter?"

I have met guys that "have" firearm experience like me since they were kids but I wouldn't consider them "serious" but again I met guys that are like their first year and taking every class and buying several guns in a few months... and shooting every week.

Time isn't a good benchmark. It does give you a basic idea but really what have they done to get that experience and for what purpose.

Rembrandt · March 22, 2011, 10:47 PM

Began at Christmas.....1956.

lefteye · March 22, 2011, 11:09 PM

I was a veteran shooter when Rembrandt started.

Actually I started just a couple of years earlier and have never stopped, but Rembrandt probably has more experience.

sirsloop · March 22, 2011, 11:13 PM

Better define serious shooter? I've been shooting guns since I was in my teens, and I would define all shooting as serious.

Probably dropped my first chuck around 11-12yr with my grandfathers Marlin 39A.

Recreational, yes. Competitions, only the last year. Shooting to save my hide (armed forces/police/etc), no.

Lol... when I think "non-serious shooter" I have images of people shooting AK-47s in the air, and mac-10 spray n pray driveby's

Double J · March 23, 2011, 09:31 AM

I started hunting at age three with my Dad. It was "serious" in that if we didn't kill meat, we didn't eat. That was 49 years ago. A groundhog was a feast, and the biggest game we had.

EdInk · March 23, 2011, 10:04 AM

I would say your a serious shooter if you shoot regularly (at least once a month), have pretty extensive knowledge, a good bit of job related use, are an avid good hunter, teach classes, shoot competition etc.

It's very objective but I think most people have a pretty good idea of whether or not shooting is big part of their life.

I've been interested in firearms almost my whole life. (Particularly guns from WWII.) I shot various firearms every so often as a child. However, it wasn't until I was about 14 or 15 that I began getting really serious about them.

What about you guys (and gals)?

aarondhgraham · March 23, 2011, 10:09 AM

I was a very serious shooter,,,
As long as I could afford .22 short ammo.

Shooting died off from 1970 to 1978,,,
I was in the Air Force and opportunities were limited,,,
Except for when I was able to befriend a range-master on base.

1878 to 1996 I was married to a woman who owned horses,,,
Being horse-poor I couldn't afford any serious shooting,,,
A divorce and moving from California fixed that.

1996 to 2004 I was a poor-but-honest college boy,,,
All I could afford to shoot was my venerable Colt .22 Frontier Scout.

2005 to present I graduated and got a big-boy job,,,
I joined a gun range and started shooting 3-4 times a week,,,
I also started buying quality guns so the shooting is much more fun.

I'm a serious recreational shooter now,,,
I shoot for the sheer joy of hitting my intended target,,,
I just wish I still had the eyesight I enjoyed when I had no money.

Aarond

**Mike Irwin** · March 23, 2011, 10:17 AM

Since I was old enough to hold a gun on my own.

CPTMurdoc30 · March 23, 2011, 10:21 AM

I was serious since the day I picked up my first Red Ryder BB gun. That was 29 years ago.

larryf1952 · March 23, 2011, 01:33 PM

I've been "serious" about shooting and firearms in general since about the age of 8, when I lusted for a scoped Daisy BB gun as a Christmas present. That was 1960. In the years that followed, I hunted birds, rabbit and squirrel with my father, grandfather, uncles and cousins in central KS. I learned how to shoot and handle shotguns and rifles.

After my marriage, I got serious again about handgun collecting and shooting, shortly followed by another entry into reloading. There have been times when I've shot a lot and been very active in the sport, taught an NRA certified course, and times when I've lapsed and done very little, due to other commitments.

I consider guns and shooting to be a hobby and interest that has developed as a part of my personality, and as such, I'm serious about them. Through the years of experience and involvement, my knowledge has grown. Even within the shooting community, there are many different levels of involvement. I think that someone who just likes guns and shooting, as I do, can certainly be as "serious" about the sport as someone who might take part in weekly competition, or spend many more $$ on guns and gear. It's all a matter of perspective, mindset and means.

SauerGrapes · March 23, 2011, 02:37 PM

My father was a serious shoooter when I was very young and while in the Navy.
My grandfather was an avid hunter in his day.
Needless to say I sarted shooting very young. {7 yrs old}Didn't pick up a gun between 30 and 51 yrs of age. I've been trying to make up for lost time...lol. Now I shoot almost every weekend.
Strictly a recreational shooter but nontheless serious about my hobby. Been carrying for about 4yrs and doing a lot of reading.
This may be the yr I try some USPSA or IDPA type shooting. {if I can ever get off the clay target fields, lol}

4runnerman · March 23, 2011, 02:43 PM

I was serious since the day I picked up my first Red Ryder BB gun. That was 29 years ago

Yes the good old days. Remember them,God you could put 750 BB's at once in them. Good for the whole day. Unfortunatly-Mine was well over 29 years ago....

Now i get out once a week and just enjoy..

Jimmy10mm · March 23, 2011, 03:15 PM

I've been a shooter for 40 years and shot NRA Bullseye in the '70s. Reloaded and cast my own bullets some of the time. I've been a CCW license holder for 15 years and get range time in every week or two. So as far as 'serious' goes, I have been hot and cold over the 40 years. Right now I'm hot.

glockcompact · March 23, 2011, 03:35 PM

Yea, what's your idea of a serious shooter?
I didn't start shooting till my early 20's. That was late 80's. I just didn't have the exposure to it when I was younger or I certainly would have shot sooner. I fell in love with it right away. Started reloading too. Joined the USMC late in life and recieved a decent amount of training there. The only compitition shooting I did was in the Marines. I've been shooting recreational since then. I don't put near as much lead down range as some of you. And I surely don't put as much down range as I would like to. My wife and I shoot about twice a month in the summer and we try to get out as much as possible in the winter.
Brit.

markj · March 23, 2011, 03:38 PM

Always been a part of our life here, but not like some. It isnt the only thing I think about or do, actually dont think on it at all, it just is. Always was a competitive shooter in teh sense of hunting, and some practise. Dad did trap shoots, he had many a trophy, his Uncle shot for Ithaca, the kids have them guns were special made for him wit hhis name engraved etc. I was told they had a train in teh old days wouold travel around the counr=try and the shooters would demonstrate the guns. Then folks would line up and buy

Uncles and cousins in teh Marines taught me how to long range shoot. We just did it, wasnt any internet then so the only way to meet like minded folks was to go to the range and strike up a conversation. Was a much friendlier place to meet folks than here I can say that for sure.

Then again seems to be a lot of younger folk here and the generation gap thing is huge to me.

Folks at the range are much more pleasant to have a conversation with, no bashing, no slams or attacks on the character just cause of the ammo he uses or the gun he chose to shoot......

Oneida Steve · March 23, 2011, 03:46 PM

I've been a serious shooter since 1977 when I bought my first target pistol, a High Standard Supermatic Trophy. I still have it.

FrankenMauser · March 23, 2011, 04:44 PM

My first shooting trip was when I was 3 months old.

I started reloading when I was about 6 years old*.

It has been expensive, ever since.

*With supervision, of course.

G. Freeman · March 23, 2011, 05:06 PM

21 years now. Bought my first pistola in 1990, i've been serious ever since--buying, selling, reloading, shooting, etc.

I'm tiring of the constant buying and selling, so think it's time to slow down and just enjoy shooting. I haven't spent much money in terms of accessories in the last 3 months, so that's a good thing.

The only thing I would want (and I've told this to my wife already) is that when the CA DOJ list is dissolved, I would like to buy a Les Baer Longslide hardchromed. Of course, I would have to sell 2-3 guns to finance that one.

TheNatureBoy · March 23, 2011, 06:23 PM

Since Nov 10, 2008. The day I stated reloading.

EdInk · March 24, 2011, 08:55 AM

SauerGrapes,

I see you have been a member for a while but this is the first time I recall seeing you post on a thread. I just HAD to give you credit for having THE best "play on words" name! Brilliant.

madmo44mag · March 24, 2011, 09:13 AM

I been shooting and a serious shooter since 1974.
There was a 8 year laps when my kids were very young and I did not keep ammo in the house and all the guns locked down.
I still shot but only a few times a year.
For the last 5 years I have been a shooting coordinator in Dallas / Ft.Worth for a Texas based gun forum. I arrange and manage monthly shoots.

Vt.birdhunter · March 24, 2011, 09:24 AM

Dad had me shooting 20 gauges and .22s in the second grade, .270's and 12 gauges before adolescence. I got serious when I turned 18 and could starting buying firearms of my own (First was my "mountain rifle", REM 700 LSS 7mm mag).

zippy13 · March 24, 2011, 09:30 AM

What's serious?… when I started competing on a Jr. rifle team in the early 60s, when got my first target specific gun and reloader after returning from 'Nam in '68, or the first time I traveled over 1,000 miles to a nationally sanctioned event in the mid 80s?

March 22, 2011, 10:33 PM	#1
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,968	How long have you been a serious shooter? I have noticed ALOT of new members on here lately. (Welcome to the forum.) I was just curious to know people's level of experience and duration of time you have been a serious shooter or had a significant interest in firearms? __________________ Sic Semper Tyrannis

March 22, 2011, 10:39 PM	#2
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	I've had guns since 1968, but have been a serious shooter since about 1985. __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.

March 22, 2011, 10:45 PM	#3
oldkim Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2008 Location: Renton, WA Posts: 462	So what is your benchmark.... Meaning just going off years of firearm experience isn't truly a benchmark of how "experienced" one may have... It's a mixture. We all come to firearms from different stages of our lives and develop through to become "serious" shooters... I have 20 years as a concealed pistol license holder. Over 32 years of firearm experience as I started hunting when I was 9. I have been a NRA Certified Instructor for over 7 years. In my "hayday" I was shooting over 30,000 rounds a year. Started shooting IDPA back in 2003. Now I put on shoots focused on shoot on the move near the Seattle, Washington area. So back to your question... what is your benchmark to consider someone a "serious shooter?" I have met guys that "have" firearm experience like me since they were kids but I wouldn't consider them "serious" but again I met guys that are like their first year and taking every class and buying several guns in a few months... and shooting every week. Time isn't a good benchmark. It does give you a basic idea but really what have they done to get that experience and for what purpose. __________________ "Shoot Safetly, Shoot Often and Share Your Sport." Jim Scoutten, Shooting USA Check out my new website: www.shootonthemove.org

March 22, 2011, 11:09 PM	#5
lefteye Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2006 Posts: 1,433	I was a veteran shooter when Rembrandt started. Actually I started just a couple of years earlier and have never stopped, but Rembrandt probably has more experience. __________________ Vietnam Veteran ('69-'70) NRA Life Member RMEF Life Member

March 23, 2011, 10:04 AM	#8
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,968	I would say your a serious shooter if you shoot regularly (at least once a month), have pretty extensive knowledge, a good bit of job related use, are an avid good hunter, teach classes, shoot competition etc. It's very objective but I think most people have a pretty good idea of whether or not shooting is big part of their life. I've been interested in firearms almost my whole life. (Particularly guns from WWII.) I shot various firearms every so often as a child. However, it wasn't until I was about 14 or 15 that I began getting really serious about them. What about you guys (and gals)? __________________ Sic Semper Tyrannis

March 22, 2011, 10:47 PM	#4
Rembrandt Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2002 Posts: 2,108	Began at Christmas.....1956.

March 22, 2011, 11:13 PM	#6
sirsloop Junior member Join Date: January 13, 2011 Posts: 376	Better define serious shooter? I've been shooting guns since I was in my teens, and I would define all shooting as serious. Probably dropped my first chuck around 11-12yr with my grandfathers Marlin 39A. Recreational, yes. Competitions, only the last year. Shooting to save my hide (armed forces/police/etc), no. Lol... when I think "non-serious shooter" I have images of people shooting AK-47s in the air, and mac-10 spray n pray driveby's

March 23, 2011, 09:31 AM	#7
Double J Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2007 Location: So. Illinois Posts: 547	I started hunting at age three with my Dad. It was "serious" in that if we didn't kill meat, we didn't eat. That was 49 years ago. A groundhog was a feast, and the biggest game we had.

March 23, 2011, 10:09 AM	#9
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Started in the early 60's,,, I was a very serious shooter,,, As long as I could afford .22 short ammo. Shooting died off from 1970 to 1978,,, I was in the Air Force and opportunities were limited,,, Except for when I was able to befriend a range-master on base. 1878 to 1996 I was married to a woman who owned horses,,, Being horse-poor I couldn't afford any serious shooting,,, A divorce and moving from California fixed that. 1996 to 2004 I was a poor-but-honest college boy,,, All I could afford to shoot was my venerable Colt .22 Frontier Scout. 2005 to present I graduated and got a big-boy job,,, I joined a gun range and started shooting 3-4 times a week,,, I also started buying quality guns so the shooting is much more fun. I'm a serious recreational shooter now,,, I shoot for the sheer joy of hitting my intended target,,, I just wish I still had the eyesight I enjoyed when I had no money. Aarond __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

March 23, 2011, 10:17 AM	#10
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Since I was old enough to hold a gun on my own. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

March 23, 2011, 10:21 AM	#11
CPTMurdoc30 Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2008 Location: Stafford VA Posts: 969	I was serious since the day I picked up my first Red Ryder BB gun. That was 29 years ago. __________________ Solving Virginia's Ground Hog problems 50gr at a time.....

March 23, 2011, 01:33 PM	#12
larryf1952 Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2004 Location: KCMO Posts: 615	I've been "serious" about shooting and firearms in general since about the age of 8, when I lusted for a scoped Daisy BB gun as a Christmas present. That was 1960. In the years that followed, I hunted birds, rabbit and squirrel with my father, grandfather, uncles and cousins in central KS. I learned how to shoot and handle shotguns and rifles. After my marriage, I got serious again about handgun collecting and shooting, shortly followed by another entry into reloading. There have been times when I've shot a lot and been very active in the sport, taught an NRA certified course, and times when I've lapsed and done very little, due to other commitments. I consider guns and shooting to be a hobby and interest that has developed as a part of my personality, and as such, I'm serious about them. Through the years of experience and involvement, my knowledge has grown. Even within the shooting community, there are many different levels of involvement. I think that someone who just likes guns and shooting, as I do, can certainly be as "serious" about the sport as someone who might take part in weekly competition, or spend many more $$ on guns and gear. It's all a matter of perspective, mindset and means.

March 23, 2011, 02:37 PM	#13
SauerGrapes Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Location: S.E.PA. Posts: 920	My father was a serious shoooter when I was very young and while in the Navy. My grandfather was an avid hunter in his day. Needless to say I sarted shooting very young. {7 yrs old}Didn't pick up a gun between 30 and 51 yrs of age. I've been trying to make up for lost time...lol. Now I shoot almost every weekend. Strictly a recreational shooter but nontheless serious about my hobby. Been carrying for about 4yrs and doing a lot of reading. This may be the yr I try some USPSA or IDPA type shooting. {if I can ever get off the clay target fields, lol} __________________ NRA member, DCF&S member, PAFOA member, USPSA member, NSCA member R.I.P.____Murphy

March 23, 2011, 02:43 PM	#14
4runnerman Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,577	I was serious since the day I picked up my first Red Ryder BB gun. That was 29 years ago Yes the good old days. Remember them,God you could put 750 BB's at once in them. Good for the whole day. Unfortunatly-Mine was well over 29 years ago.... Now i get out once a week and just enjoy.. __________________ NRA Certified RSO NwCP- Performance Isn't Optional

March 23, 2011, 03:35 PM	#16
glockcompact Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2010 Location: Colorado, United States of America Posts: 396	Yea, what's your idea of a serious shooter? I didn't start shooting till my early 20's. That was late 80's. I just didn't have the exposure to it when I was younger or I certainly would have shot sooner. I fell in love with it right away. Started reloading too. Joined the USMC late in life and recieved a decent amount of training there. The only compitition shooting I did was in the Marines. I've been shooting recreational since then. I don't put near as much lead down range as some of you. And I surely don't put as much down range as I would like to. My wife and I shoot about twice a month in the summer and we try to get out as much as possible in the winter. Brit. __________________ Look I like glocks. I've owned Sig's, HK's, 1911's, S&W, and other fine pistols but Glocks have been a favorite for me. Handguns without safeties are not dangerous. Idiots are dangerous.

March 23, 2011, 03:38 PM	#17
markj Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2005 Location: Crescent Iowa Posts: 2,971	Always been a part of our life here, but not like some. It isnt the only thing I think about or do, actually dont think on it at all, it just is. Always was a competitive shooter in teh sense of hunting, and some practise. Dad did trap shoots, he had many a trophy, his Uncle shot for Ithaca, the kids have them guns were special made for him wit hhis name engraved etc. I was told they had a train in teh old days wouold travel around the counr=try and the shooters would demonstrate the guns. Then folks would line up and buy Uncles and cousins in teh Marines taught me how to long range shoot. We just did it, wasnt any internet then so the only way to meet like minded folks was to go to the range and strike up a conversation. Was a much friendlier place to meet folks than here I can say that for sure. Then again seems to be a lot of younger folk here and the generation gap thing is huge to me. Folks at the range are much more pleasant to have a conversation with, no bashing, no slams or attacks on the character just cause of the ammo he uses or the gun he chose to shoot......

March 23, 2011, 03:46 PM	#18
Oneida Steve Junior Member Join Date: February 23, 2011 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5	I've been a serious shooter since 1977 when I bought my first target pistol, a High Standard Supermatic Trophy. I still have it.

March 23, 2011, 04:44 PM	#19
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	My first shooting trip was when I was 3 months old. I started reloading when I was about 6 years old. It has been expensive, ever since. With supervision, of course. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

March 23, 2011, 05:06 PM	#20
G. Freeman Senior Member Join Date: September 1, 2001 Location: Walnut, California Posts: 155	21 years now. Bought my first pistola in 1990, i've been serious ever since--buying, selling, reloading, shooting, etc. I'm tiring of the constant buying and selling, so think it's time to slow down and just enjoy shooting. I haven't spent much money in terms of accessories in the last 3 months, so that's a good thing. The only thing I would want (and I've told this to my wife already) is that when the CA DOJ list is dissolved, I would like to buy a Les Baer Longslide hardchromed. Of course, I would have to sell 2-3 guns to finance that one.

March 23, 2011, 06:23 PM	#21
TheNatureBoy Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Posts: 1,204	Since Nov 10, 2008. The day I stated reloading.

March 24, 2011, 08:55 AM	#22
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,968	SauerGrapes, I see you have been a member for a while but this is the first time I recall seeing you post on a thread. I just HAD to give you credit for having THE best "play on words" name! Brilliant. __________________ Sic Semper Tyrannis

March 24, 2011, 09:13 AM	#23
madmo44mag Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Ft.Worth, Texas Posts: 1,522	I been shooting and a serious shooter since 1974. There was a 8 year laps when my kids were very young and I did not keep ammo in the house and all the guns locked down. I still shot but only a few times a year. For the last 5 years I have been a shooting coordinator in Dallas / Ft.Worth for a Texas based gun forum. I arrange and manage monthly shoots. __________________ Texas - Not just a state but an attitude! For monthly shooting events in DFW visit http://www.meetup.com/TexasGunOwner-DFW

March 24, 2011, 09:24 AM	#24
Vt.birdhunter Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 637	Dad had me shooting 20 gauges and .22s in the second grade, .270's and 12 gauges before adolescence. I got serious when I turned 18 and could starting buying firearms of my own (First was my "mountain rifle", REM 700 LSS 7mm mag).

March 24, 2011, 09:30 AM	#25
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	What's serious?… when I started competing on a Jr. rifle team in the early 60s, when got my first target specific gun and reloader after returning from 'Nam in '68, or the first time I traveled over 1,000 miles to a nationally sanctioned event in the mid 80s?