Lots of interest lately

[Gripsafety]

Two years ago a dive buddy from NJ became interested when he heard me discussing guns with another diver. I invited him to come out to PA and go to the range with me. We met at my house, and when I opened my safe, his eyes bugged out of his head. He said, "Whoa, that is illegal." I assured him it was not, and chose a 10-22, a colt 6920, an SKS, a Beretta 9mm and a Kimber 1911. It took some talking to convince him that he could ride in my truck with these weapons without risking prison.

He had a ball at the range. Being a technical diver, he easily grasped the safety rules and range etiquette and didn't do badly at all. He shot everything I brought, and really liked the AR. There was a guy on the range who was shooting a Reising M50, and it totally blew his mind that it was perfectly legal and no problem at all at the gun club.

The next day he applied for a NJ FPID, and a couple of days later applied for a permit to buy 2 handguns. He bought several guns and got his Utah and Fl non-resident permits. Fast forward to now - he got disgusted and moved to FL, where he now carries all of the time and belongs to several clubs. He had a small business in NJ, and moved it to Fl. This cost NJ some significant money.

I've introduce quite a few people to shooting, but this was the most radical transition I've seen.

[bogey1]

How do you stay friends?

Alcohol

[Rosco the Iroc]

Anyone else seem a lot of interest in gun ownership lately?

In the pass couple of months I have taken 3 friends to the range. This is them asking me to take then and not me pursuing then to give it a try.

That's a pet peeve with me. People who bug me to go then never go though with it.

[JAKIII]

Now you just need to get them out to the voting booth voting for the correct people.

November 8, 2016 is more important than most realize.

[Jhaydeno]

Took two to the range this past Wednesday. We shot .22's, a few AR's, and a couple large frame handguns. I also explained why we don't shop at Dick's!!

I agree with the OP, I've seen an increase in interest over the last year or so.

[libra8]

If I'm not mistaken violent crimes are down and have been dropping steadily over the last 40 years, as gun ownership has grown

Not if you listen to the media. Not just violent crime. All crime. https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/uc..._1993-2012.xls

[alpacaheat]

Anyone else seem a lot of interest in gun ownership lately?

In the pass couple of months I have taken 3 friends to the range. This is them asking me to take then and not me pursuing then to give it a try.

Lately as in the last 7 years?




Meanwhile...

[Gunowner99]

Alcohol

Great friend maker!

[jthrelf]

I think firearm ownership is more more talked about lately (sometimes because of tragic events, unfortunately). Many more people in the country are able to get a carry license/permit than 30 years ago. It's also an opportunity for us to educate people and encourage them to explore their right to keep and bear arms. Very critical for us to add more to our side and to expose them to the benefits of a well armed society.

[Parrisk]

take them to the range?? Oh, you mean the back porch... gawd I love living in the country