lowerunit411
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i dont know that anyone has ever ask me that question....
How to explain the appeal of this hobby of ours?!?
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Evil Monkey
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Don't let people know your hobby and you wont have to explain crap to them.
bergmen
Member.
One aspect of the shooting sports that has always intrigued me (BTW, I'm 62 years old, been a firearms owner, hunter and shooter since 1962) is the fact that almost nothing goes obsolete.
I have rifles that were designed before 1900 (1893 & 1894) that are just as viable today as when they were first prototyped. My SA revolvers owe their roots to the Colt Single Action Army of 1873 (only slight differences from that timeless design). Many of my favorite calibers are well over 100 years old (30-30, .45 Colt, 45 ACP, 9mm, .22 rimfire).
I can think of nothing that is as timeless as guns and ammo. My grandkids will think the same thing when they enjoy the contents of my gunsafe one day.
You don't have to keep up with with quickly evolving technologies (like you do with most things today) to stay current to existing trends. When I pick up my Marlin 1894 or my Marlin 39A I could just as well be back in time to 1900, no difference.
This is a marvelous link to the past like no other activity in my opinion.
Dan
I have rifles that were designed before 1900 (1893 & 1894) that are just as viable today as when they were first prototyped. My SA revolvers owe their roots to the Colt Single Action Army of 1873 (only slight differences from that timeless design). Many of my favorite calibers are well over 100 years old (30-30, .45 Colt, 45 ACP, 9mm, .22 rimfire).
I can think of nothing that is as timeless as guns and ammo. My grandkids will think the same thing when they enjoy the contents of my gunsafe one day.
You don't have to keep up with with quickly evolving technologies (like you do with most things today) to stay current to existing trends. When I pick up my Marlin 1894 or my Marlin 39A I could just as well be back in time to 1900, no difference.
This is a marvelous link to the past like no other activity in my opinion.
Dan
Shooting is a sport. Since most people at one time or another were involved in a sport -even if just in high school- I find common ground through sports analogies.
So I ask them to recall what it feels like to hit a home run, score at soccer or football, sink a long put, score when returning a hard tennis serve...?
My reply is: "Ok, well, you see I get the same feelings when I make a good rifle shot. Shooting well takes practice, skill, concentration, fitness even."
This method usually gets through to folk. If not, oh well.
So I ask them to recall what it feels like to hit a home run, score at soccer or football, sink a long put, score when returning a hard tennis serve...?
My reply is: "Ok, well, you see I get the same feelings when I make a good rifle shot. Shooting well takes practice, skill, concentration, fitness even."
This method usually gets through to folk. If not, oh well.
Guns, power tools, cars, and all of it; you use the same part of your brain. When you replace a brake part in your car, the same as loading a magazine, it's the same process. Guns, as a hobby, are a natural extension of those of us who also understand other machines. I have always said, firearms are adult fireworks, when used for fun and the joy of them as machines. When it gets to the next level, well, what are you going to do?
I tell them that there are scores of great reasons to enjoy firearms!
1. Self sufficiency. A firearm can provide the ability to put meat on the table through hunting. It can provide protection of life when in extreme danger. It can aid in the developing of a great sense of responsibility and safety.
2. History. Guns have molded and shaped the world in numerous ways since their creation. It is possible to not only own, but fire and become proficient with a firearm with great historical significance. Some firearms have a true historical mystique about them. The Colt Peacemaker, the AK 47, the M16 and countless others are great examples of this. This part of gun ownership is rarely ever considered by people not involved in the hobby.
3. Family significance. A gun may have been handed down over generations in a family. What makes them special, is that often times, that same gun is still functional for each generation that receives it, and builds its own family history over time. Few other heirlooms can add history as they go.
4. Sport. Good shooting is challenging in the same fundamental ways that all technical sports are.
5. Mechanical/Craftsmanship. If you appreciate mechanical devices and fine craftsmanship, there is much to like about firearms.
6. Fun. 'nuff said.
1. Self sufficiency. A firearm can provide the ability to put meat on the table through hunting. It can provide protection of life when in extreme danger. It can aid in the developing of a great sense of responsibility and safety.
2. History. Guns have molded and shaped the world in numerous ways since their creation. It is possible to not only own, but fire and become proficient with a firearm with great historical significance. Some firearms have a true historical mystique about them. The Colt Peacemaker, the AK 47, the M16 and countless others are great examples of this. This part of gun ownership is rarely ever considered by people not involved in the hobby.
3. Family significance. A gun may have been handed down over generations in a family. What makes them special, is that often times, that same gun is still functional for each generation that receives it, and builds its own family history over time. Few other heirlooms can add history as they go.
4. Sport. Good shooting is challenging in the same fundamental ways that all technical sports are.
5. Mechanical/Craftsmanship. If you appreciate mechanical devices and fine craftsmanship, there is much to like about firearms.
6. Fun. 'nuff said.
FROGO207
Member
My first answer will be a question. Do you enjoy a hobby?? If they say yes I will ask them what it is and what makes it special to them. Then I will compare it to my hobby of shooting/reloading/collecting and why I like what I do.
I will also follow this with an offer to go to the range with me, explaining that it will be after a safety briefing because I take firearm ownership/safety really seriously as should everybody.
I will also follow this with an offer to go to the range with me, explaining that it will be after a safety briefing because I take firearm ownership/safety really seriously as should everybody.SonOfRoost
Member
I like shooting for quite a few reasons, it's like holding a piece of mechanical genius in your hand. If you understand everything about how your gun works, it's just amazing to go "how did I not think of that?" Another thing is that you're holding a very powerful thing in your hands, you know what it's capable of, it's like being around a close friend, you've seen what they can do, and have a lot of respect for them. That's why I like it anyways, plus it's a challenge that never ends, it's something I can always get better at, no matter how good I am.
Nushif
Member
I usually go into a rather long explanation of it ... But the short version of it is the fact that I am here, I do a bunch of biomechanically really awesome stuff, which transfers into a CONTROLLED EXPLOSION surrunded by some amazing machinery and this rinky dink little piece of some sort of metal goes flying towards a steel thingie at such stupid speeds that the steel thingie falls over and goes bang.
Have I mentioned the CONTROLLED EXPLOSION bit yet? And the sharp TINK?
Yeah, for obvious reasons I like pistols.
But there really is no other way for me to describe the feel of a hammer dropping, a slide cycling, and the mechanical effects of a really zippy 115 or lumbering 230 grain piece of cast lead exerting a whole lot of force on something ... All because I made it so, every step of the way.
Have I mentioned the CONTROLLED EXPLOSION bit yet? And the sharp TINK?
Yeah, for obvious reasons I like pistols.
But there really is no other way for me to describe the feel of a hammer dropping, a slide cycling, and the mechanical effects of a really zippy 115 or lumbering 230 grain piece of cast lead exerting a whole lot of force on something ... All because I made it so, every step of the way.
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Baba Louie
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The Variety? From BB guns to .50 bmg and everything in between. The History? From flintlocks to AKs, some of them have BTDT and carry the tales with them. Freedom of choice? Hunting, collecting, action shooting sports, spinning yarns with friends, teaching kids. Responsible Self Control with a satisfied smile? Mechanical gadgets for chucking lead rocks spanning a variety of design, understanding how they work safely, each one a little different, each one potentially dangerous. The People you meet? Runs the gamut, 99% being good people having a good time for the most.
How do you explain the quiet warm fuzzy space within when you're in the zone on a noisy range line or working a field with a good dog with the muted sounds and smell of burnt powder and flying brass all around with everything being in a kind of a crystal clear, slow motion and you simply seem to not be able to miss...?
It's hard to put into words for those who've never been there. So I don't bother, simply smile and say "It can be an awful lot of fun. Wanna go?"
mortablunt
Member
How I'vet tried to explain it:
"Some people like cars, some people like horses, some people like sports, some people like art, some people like music, some people like anime. How is my hobby any different? You don't hear someone talking about how they wish they could have a Ferrari 458 and then phone the local Police Department about a speeding risk. Therefore, how is my desire to own an SVT-40 suddenly turn me into a psychopath?"
I'm uncertain as to whether or not it works, but it definitely puts some of it in perspective.
You may want to reword that.
"Some people like cars, some people like horses, some people like sports, some people like art, some people like music, some people like anime. How is my hobby any different? You don't hear someone talking about how they wish they could have a Ferrari 458 and then phone the local Police Department about a speeding risk. Therefore, how is my desire to own an SVT-40 suddenly turn me into a psychopath?"
I'm uncertain as to whether or not it works, but it definitely puts some of it in perspective.
You may want to reword that.
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Bobson
Member
Nushif
Member
LOL!
We, my wife and I, got into firearms after an unpleasant visitor at the house tried do gain access despite my wife telling him to get the hell out. He only changed his mind when my Heeler attempted to remove his arm. We got a shotgun and its spirialled from there. We now compete in GSSF and toying with IDPA. It is sooo much fun, its a challange and I can protect my property too. Out of interest we have had two more visitors since and the sight of the shotgun changes their mind much faster than the dog.
Bobson, I agree with your post and sadly I know also a lot of people who hate firearms and would applaud any politician who advocated repealing the second amendment.
I didn't ask the initial question wondering how to explain it because I feel I owe it to an anti to help them understand, but if someone is reluctantly on the fence, or genuinely interested, a kind and intelligent, thoughtful response might be the difference that gets them into the range with you. Of course if we just grunt and say "it's fun, but you wouldn't understand" we walk a fine line between redneck and elitist, and chances are it will only further solidify their opinion of gun-owners.
So far lots of good responses! Thanks, everyone.
I didn't ask the initial question wondering how to explain it because I feel I owe it to an anti to help them understand, but if someone is reluctantly on the fence, or genuinely interested, a kind and intelligent, thoughtful response might be the difference that gets them into the range with you. Of course if we just grunt and say "it's fun, but you wouldn't understand" we walk a fine line between redneck and elitist, and chances are it will only further solidify their opinion of gun-owners.
So far lots of good responses! Thanks, everyone.
BaltimoreBoy
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As was mentioned: it is dignified with age and history. Grains? Dram equivalents? Flash in the pan?
There is satisfaction in handling any manufactured object of high quality be it a sports car, a piano, or a firearm.
One other thing occurred to me: Action at a distance. In a sense, since the projectile is not perceptible to the human senses, it is almost like magic - no matter how mundane the scientific principles behind it. I think that satisfies some yearning in the hominid brain.
There is satisfaction in handling any manufactured object of high quality be it a sports car, a piano, or a firearm.
One other thing occurred to me: Action at a distance. In a sense, since the projectile is not perceptible to the human senses, it is almost like magic - no matter how mundane the scientific principles behind it. I think that satisfies some yearning in the hominid brain.
The Sarge
Member
What gun guy says..."I collect forearms as a hobby"
What anti hears...."I am stockpiling weapons to go on a killing rampage"
What a gun guy says....." I am exercising my Constitutional Rights"
What a anti hears...." I want to overthrow the Government"....
What anti hears...."I am stockpiling weapons to go on a killing rampage"
What a gun guy says....." I am exercising my Constitutional Rights"
What a anti hears...." I want to overthrow the Government"....
mgmorden
Member
I carry for defense, but my primary interest in guns has really been target shooting. I shoot because I enjoy it and enjoy the challenge.
Trying to explain that is about like someone trying to explain why then enjoy golf or tennis or snowboarding. The only real explanation is that they simply enjoy the activity, and if you don't "get" it, then that's fine, but leave others be and let them enjoy what they enjoy.
Sadly, I've run into this attitude many times. They act as if nobody actually shoots targets. If you tell them you target shoot they look at you as if you'd told them you buy Playboy to read the articles. No lie, I once hear one person say - with a straight face - "Sure, SOME guns are used for hunting or targets, but the reality is that the majority are used to kill people.".
Some people are just beyond hope. What's scary is that most of them actually BELIEVE what they're saying.
Trying to explain that is about like someone trying to explain why then enjoy golf or tennis or snowboarding. The only real explanation is that they simply enjoy the activity, and if you don't "get" it, then that's fine, but leave others be and let them enjoy what they enjoy.
Sadly, I've run into this attitude many times. They act as if nobody actually shoots targets. If you tell them you target shoot they look at you as if you'd told them you buy Playboy to read the articles. No lie, I once hear one person say - with a straight face - "Sure, SOME guns are used for hunting or targets, but the reality is that the majority are used to kill people.".
Some people are just beyond hope. What's scary is that most of them actually BELIEVE what they're saying.
chrisb507
Member
I try not to over-complicated things: "It's a lot fun, even if you're not that good at it (like me). Have you ever tried it?"
Blackhawk30
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You either get it or you don't.
Hard to explain if the other party has their mind made up. Easier if they have a genuine interest. Also it has a lot to do with if they try it. If people are good at something they tend to like it more than if it scares the bejesus out of them.
Sometimes all it takes is a trip to the range.There are a lot of misconceptions about guns and people who like guns. Parts of this country they have been brainwashed since childhood that guns are bad. It's not worth the effort to be called out by those types, as it usually ends up going noware. It's best left unspoken to neighboors and the like, unless they bring it up, or ask about it.
Sometimes all it takes is a trip to the range.There are a lot of misconceptions about guns and people who like guns. Parts of this country they have been brainwashed since childhood that guns are bad. It's not worth the effort to be called out by those types, as it usually ends up going noware. It's best left unspoken to neighboors and the like, unless they bring it up, or ask about it.
ThatGuyHank
Member
There are many reasons why I like guns and shooting. There is a personal satisfaction (at the simplest level it is just a small release of endorphins to chemically make me happy) in being able to guide an incredibly small piece of lead over a vast distance into a target sometimes not much larger than the bullet itself on nothing but a whim. To turn what to some may be just a shiny conical object into a hot, lethal projectile with nothing more than the lightest touch. To so non-chalantly send a bullet into a tragic destiny; despite being so minute and unremarkable they carry the weight to change the world. Whether it is the infinitesimally small path of putting a hole in a piece of paper and getting caught in a range berm for all eternity or the earth shattering task of stopping the worlds most cruel terrorist, bullets truthfully are more powerful than some of us can comprehend.
And yet, many of us control this on a day to day basis. We harness this power, the "controlled explosions", for food, protection, pleasure and even for the simple reason that we CAN. And this is done responsibly with an accidental mortality rate far below that of automobiles, slips and falls, even 5 gallon food grade buckets! I control this thing, this smattering of steel springs, sprockets and whatchmacallits. I take great pleasure in its care, its use and its function. There is a large deal of satisfaction in working on or building your own firearm (or knife, or car, or radio, etc…) and who is to say that I am not allowed to do what makes me happy? When someone asks why I like guns I ask if they’ve ever even held one. Just holding a gun makes me feel a bit giddy on the inside, I still feel like that twelve year old picking up my Gamo .177 to keep rabbits away from my mother’s garden. There is a bond that we make with such things. My Gamo still sits in my closet, and it likes to stretch its legs once in a while. Every scratch, nick and gouge in the stock and finish tells a story. Each gun takes on a persona, creates its life story in your hands; we give them a past, present and future. While we have such incredible power and control over them we develop a sort of pet relationship with them. We constantly clean and wash and pamper them, mostly so we can ensure that they’ll do what we ask of them when we see fit.
Anyway, I’m taking up too much space. I bond with my guns, I always do some sort of work on them and learn their quirks and how they “feel”, what they like and dislike. In this I find satisfaction in that I can do it, that I can coax a machine into putting projectiles into very small holes, that I can say that I built this and it WORKS. There is no greater pride than that of an accomplished man (or woman). Guns are fun and I have yet to meet someone that agreed to go to the range with me that came back saying that they still didn’t like or see why guns are fun. Cheers.
And yet, many of us control this on a day to day basis. We harness this power, the "controlled explosions", for food, protection, pleasure and even for the simple reason that we CAN. And this is done responsibly with an accidental mortality rate far below that of automobiles, slips and falls, even 5 gallon food grade buckets! I control this thing, this smattering of steel springs, sprockets and whatchmacallits. I take great pleasure in its care, its use and its function. There is a large deal of satisfaction in working on or building your own firearm (or knife, or car, or radio, etc…) and who is to say that I am not allowed to do what makes me happy? When someone asks why I like guns I ask if they’ve ever even held one. Just holding a gun makes me feel a bit giddy on the inside, I still feel like that twelve year old picking up my Gamo .177 to keep rabbits away from my mother’s garden. There is a bond that we make with such things. My Gamo still sits in my closet, and it likes to stretch its legs once in a while. Every scratch, nick and gouge in the stock and finish tells a story. Each gun takes on a persona, creates its life story in your hands; we give them a past, present and future. While we have such incredible power and control over them we develop a sort of pet relationship with them. We constantly clean and wash and pamper them, mostly so we can ensure that they’ll do what we ask of them when we see fit.
Anyway, I’m taking up too much space. I bond with my guns, I always do some sort of work on them and learn their quirks and how they “feel”, what they like and dislike. In this I find satisfaction in that I can do it, that I can coax a machine into putting projectiles into very small holes, that I can say that I built this and it WORKS. There is no greater pride than that of an accomplished man (or woman). Guns are fun and I have yet to meet someone that agreed to go to the range with me that came back saying that they still didn’t like or see why guns are fun. Cheers.
I work with alot of golfers & they play alot of golf. So i also tell them that i like shooting for some of the same reasons. In the summer i mostly rifle shoot outside in beautiful wather so i get to be outside all day get some sun & often times it is with a good friend. Then i tell them that like them when they golf they are trying to get better & i like to shoot for the same reason. After that i also point out to them that they have several clubs as well as several sets of clubs i also need more then one. Then we usually smile or laugh & just enjoy the moment. Most of the guys i work with though are avid hunters, ex military or grew up in more rural ares with firearms. If there are anti's there they must not say anything becuse i have never heard anything negative about firearms.
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