How many people have you converted???

**JLStorm** · November 20th, 2006, 08:58 AM

I am always amazed at how several of my peers who once hated guns, or claim that they still do at times, really want to go to the range with me, or are now going for their concealed weapons permit. At the moment I have one friend who HATED guns and is now looking for his first carry weapon, although he still is a very liberal individual and doesnt fight for gun rights, its a step in the right direction. I have 5 family members who now love going to the range and like the fact that I carry in when with them, who at first didnt want guns in their house at all.

I have a very lead by example attitude with my weapons, I don't attempt to change anyone because I find its pretty pointless to argue with someone who has made up their mind with an opposing view. However I dont let my morals bend either. When I first started working armed and carrying everywhere else I went, my parents did not want me in the house with my weapon for "the good of the children" and I obeyed their wishes by refusing to enter their house at all, now they are used to having guns in their house and appreciate how responsible I am with my guns and my training.

At any rate, I was just wwondering how many people you have met that have seen the enjoyment and security firearms provide with your help or advice.

**LorDiego01** · November 20th, 2006, 10:43 AM

I always make it a point to take people to the range when I hear them say they've never fired a gun.

I'd say I've converted about 15 people in the year so far.

**ChamberedRound** · November 20th, 2006, 10:44 AM

Good work, Diego.

In the city, I bet there's plenty of ultra-liberals who are ripe for the picking

**looperrun** · November 20th, 2006, 03:33 PM

I have converted several nephews and nieces. Course my daughters finance loves it now. I even had the chance to take a Japanese foreign exchange student out to the range the day before he was supposed to go home. He never even held a gun before since they are illegal in Japan. I let him fire everything I have and he loved it. Really enjoyed watching him with the AK and the 454.

**pghplr** · November 21st, 2006, 01:02 AM

I wouldn't say I've converted, but I have changed the mindset of a few parents who's kids loaf with mine. Once I was asked "how can you let your kids play with guns"? I said mine don't play with guns, because I've taught them to respect guns.... but yours might. My kids grew up with guns in the home, they're used to seeing me with a gun. We go shooting often as a family function and have alot of fun doing so. They know what a gun is capable of doing and understand the importance of safty. And that includes what a gun can do in the hands of one of their friends "playing" with a gun. OR, them handling a gun while playing with their friends. (my guns are always in the safe if not on me)
I tell them my favorite story about my sons first time at the range with a "real gun". Like his friends, at that point, a gun had no reality to it. He grew up playing Playstation where you shoot anything that moves. And you had a millon guns to choose from. And they all have one thing in common, no reality. My boy wanted to shoot my 357, gangsta style, cause that was the cool way to cap someone. I talked him into doing it two handed. One pull of the trigger made a world of difference in my little gamers mind about what a gun is all about. He didn't even want to shoot it again that day. It's not a toy after all. It's not something of a curiosity to my kids. You teach your kids about stranger danger, crossing the street at the light, fire awareness, and not to play with guns. And while you think you're sheltering them from guns, they're playing video's with guns in them, watching shoot-em up movies or playing with toy guns outside with their friends. The difference between my kids and yours is simply reality. If one of their buddies pulls a gun out for show and don't tell, they're gonna be high steppin outta there. No curiosity for my kids, just a strong desire not to be shot accidently.
I've taken a couple parents and their kids shooting and though they enjoyed it, not sure if they're into it. But they definately learned a little more respect. Hopefully their kids will have the same respect as mine. Its alot easier to explain to an 8-10 year old that theres no reset button or take backs after pulling the trigger of a real gun when they're in shock!