DT Guy
Member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2003
- Messages
- 1,840
There have been an unprecedented number of first-time gun buyers in the last several months; one large gunshop near me reports that about half of their sales are to first-time gun owners.
These sales were largely prompted by one thing-fear. The pandemic, the unrest across the nation and the potential for coming restrictions are making people who've never wanted a gun before realize it might be wiser to have one available.
Some of those people will never so much as load the gun; they'll keep it, talisman-like, to ward off evil from the bottom of a dresser drawer, or locked cabinet.
Others will get some minimal instruction, or qualify for a CCW. Among those, many won't carry, but some will.
An even smaller number will turn from 'gun-owners' to 'shooters', and that is our opportunity to have an impact on our gun-rights futures.
When I see an obviously new shooter on the range, I go out of my way to be helpful; non-judgmental, not pedantic, not condescending. I try hard to be a good face for the shooting sports, and for the people who shoot in general. This is partly out of simple courtesy, but partly in the hope that I can help change that 'gun-owner' into a 'shooter'. Maybe even a hobbyist-maybe, if I'm lucky, the sort of 'gun person' who starts a collection, visits the range weekly and visits gun forums.
Why do I consider this 'activism'? Simple; a 'gun person' will begin to value their gun rights, will learn the history and purpose of the second amendment, and will start to support those who support our rights. It will become an issue of importance to them, driving their voting, their membership in gun rights organizations and all the other things that will protect our collective future gun ownership.
If I can help get someone hooked on shooting, I'm broadening our base, and making us stronger. Here's how:
1. When someone mentions an interest in shooting, I offer to take them to the range; my guns, my ammo, my time teaching them to shoot (I'm an NRA instructor.) I give them a friendly, safe look at the sport.
2. When I see someone struggling at the range, I'll offer (in an appropriate, inoffensive way) to assist them, whether it's loading the weapon, grip and stance or basic marksmanship.
3. When someone mentions they've purchased a gun, but haven't gotten any formal instruction, I again offer a range trip to get them started on operating their new gun safely, the basics of marksmanship and even range etiquette (I'm consistently amazed at how intimidated new shooters are at the prospect of visiting a range.)
4. I'll visit the gun shop with them to help them select their first gun, if they haven't already gotten one but are interested in making a selection (after offering them anything they want from my collection to shoot and try first, of course.)
I'm not setting the world on fire, but I believe there are a number of people more interested in the shooting sports because of these efforts; and I also believe they're going to be voting for pro-gun candidates and joining gun rights groups.
It's possible not everyone will agree, but to my mind, this is 'activism' that actually makes a difference.
Larry
These sales were largely prompted by one thing-fear. The pandemic, the unrest across the nation and the potential for coming restrictions are making people who've never wanted a gun before realize it might be wiser to have one available.
Some of those people will never so much as load the gun; they'll keep it, talisman-like, to ward off evil from the bottom of a dresser drawer, or locked cabinet.
Others will get some minimal instruction, or qualify for a CCW. Among those, many won't carry, but some will.
An even smaller number will turn from 'gun-owners' to 'shooters', and that is our opportunity to have an impact on our gun-rights futures.
When I see an obviously new shooter on the range, I go out of my way to be helpful; non-judgmental, not pedantic, not condescending. I try hard to be a good face for the shooting sports, and for the people who shoot in general. This is partly out of simple courtesy, but partly in the hope that I can help change that 'gun-owner' into a 'shooter'. Maybe even a hobbyist-maybe, if I'm lucky, the sort of 'gun person' who starts a collection, visits the range weekly and visits gun forums.
Why do I consider this 'activism'? Simple; a 'gun person' will begin to value their gun rights, will learn the history and purpose of the second amendment, and will start to support those who support our rights. It will become an issue of importance to them, driving their voting, their membership in gun rights organizations and all the other things that will protect our collective future gun ownership.
If I can help get someone hooked on shooting, I'm broadening our base, and making us stronger. Here's how:
1. When someone mentions an interest in shooting, I offer to take them to the range; my guns, my ammo, my time teaching them to shoot (I'm an NRA instructor.) I give them a friendly, safe look at the sport.
2. When I see someone struggling at the range, I'll offer (in an appropriate, inoffensive way) to assist them, whether it's loading the weapon, grip and stance or basic marksmanship.
3. When someone mentions they've purchased a gun, but haven't gotten any formal instruction, I again offer a range trip to get them started on operating their new gun safely, the basics of marksmanship and even range etiquette (I'm consistently amazed at how intimidated new shooters are at the prospect of visiting a range.)
4. I'll visit the gun shop with them to help them select their first gun, if they haven't already gotten one but are interested in making a selection (after offering them anything they want from my collection to shoot and try first, of course.)
I'm not setting the world on fire, but I believe there are a number of people more interested in the shooting sports because of these efforts; and I also believe they're going to be voting for pro-gun candidates and joining gun rights groups.
It's possible not everyone will agree, but to my mind, this is 'activism' that actually makes a difference.
Larry