Permit me to introduce myself

[jazzhound]

Now that I've posted a bit it's become apparent that I'm allowed to create a topic. So I just thought I'd let you all know a little about me and what my primary motivations are for being here. Like the rest of you (firearm owners) I prefer to discuss RKBA issues with those of liberal persuasion. As a young person, I "took the wrong road" and I carried a firearm illegally -- as many in the trade do. I never developed any shooting skill and never fired a gun during those years, although I was on the receiving end of gunfire during a deal gone sideways once and took a couple of ricochets. (one to the shin, one to the forearm) I ended up hitting an extremely brutal bottom at the age of 30 (now 53) and have been clean & sober for 23 years.

For many years I stayed completely away from firearms of all types.......equating them with my former lifestyle. Then, early in W's first term, tension involving the boyfriend of a roommate/tenant motivated me to buy a small revolver. I must add that bad feelings about the relationship between the R's, the Religious Wrong and Blackwater factored in to the decision as well. Just had a really bad feeling about the direction the nation was heading. Since then I've purchased a few semi-autos and a Remington 870, and have found enjoyment
target shooting -- though I wouldn't say that shooting is my main thing by any stretch. Though I have a good time at the range, I shoot enough to maintain proficiency and spend the majority of my entertainment $$ on music. Unemployed and in school, I'm pretty out of shape shooting-wise and not spending much on anything; but I know I need to get out to do some plinking very soon.

My main passion with regard to the shooting lifestyle developed as I discovered how much political damage we do ourselves with our unstudied attitudes on the issue of gun control. I've read a great deal on the subject, and have tried (to the extent that it's possible) to give my liberal friends the facts on gun control when the subject comes up.

Bottom line -- I'm an intermediate shooter, and can learn much from those of you who are so clearly so well-versed on RKBA issues. This looks like a great place to continue my education -- *many* very sharp people here. Maybe I'll even find the time to participate in the
"paper plate" match that will be commencing shortly. And by the way --- if I say something that pisses any of you off, please don't shoot me. I know that you filthy gun owners are just itching for a chance to use those evil devices! :-)

[PavePusher]

1. I haven't been here too long myself...

but welcome! :toast:

It can get a bit sharp around here on occasion, but we mostly seem to persevere. Hope you find it stimulating.

[Glassunion]

2. Welcome !!

I'm a bit new here too...

But welcome none the less :) I look forward to reading your posts.

Please observe the sign...

[cowman]

3. Welcome to our forum

You'll find that most of us are well reasoned gun owners although there are a few here who love to belittle lawful gun owners and just love to start heated discussions although they usually run and hide after awhile.

Any ?'s on the 2nd amend, or concealed carry or many other gun topics will usually be answered by well thought out answers

Good ta have ya

[jazzhound]

6. Of course it comes as no surprise

that I've already been introduced to the uneducated hyperbolics. Perhaps my best policy will be to ignore them, as they seldom have anything honest or cogent to say. It's good to know that when I have technical questions there's a place I can come where the members don't insist that I made one big-ass mistake with my vote in '08.

[dashrif]

4. Welcome to the DU

Jazz And come over and do the http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=271x1989">DU paper plate web match I have been in your boat of not having time but soon my plate and the weather will be clear so to speak :hi:

[jazzhound]

5. Thanks for the welcome.......

Didn't want to be too long-winded, but there were a couple of details I should have added:

1) I consider myself an extremely responsible owner. A great instructor at the range has mentored me in both semi-auto and shotgun, and I've gone back to him to assess my progress and get weak-point analysis. He actually gave me pretty good grades.
I own a 4' safe where my firearms are always stored when I'm not home, and I've read a number of books dealing with the law and safety relating to firearms. Among these -- three by Massad Ayoob.

2) By virtue of the fact that I've been up close and personal with "the dark side" I don't have any illusions about what's out there, criminally speaking, and don't suffer from the arrogant assumption that "it" -- whatever negative "it" might be -- can't happen to me.
It seems that at the root of the "need" canard is the attitude that while a criminal assault is always a possibility, it's so slim that it will of course happen to the other guy. Of course those of us who choose to exercise our 2A rights are perfectly aware that we're not so special that we're magically insulated from potential mayhem.

Edited to add that I'll certainly make every effort to participate in the paper plate match. I think it will be very interesting to see what fellow members have to say and demonstrate.

[GreenStormCloud]

24. Actually, some of the gun-controllers that post here have been violent crime victims.

On guy has been mugged several times, and there is a woman poster who was raped and almost murdered, and they are extremely anti-gun. My view of them is that they are angry at us gunnies because we emphatically reject their lifestyle choice of being helpless.

Also - Welcome Aboard. We look forward to your insights, especially about the criminal mind.

[old mark]

7. I am very happy to see so many "New" posters who are gun owning Democrats -

I got pretty lonely here for some of the earlier pro-gun people, but we seem to have a good number here now, and are realizing that a very large number of Democrats/liberals/leftists own guns.

Welcome and keep posting.

mark

[shadowrider]

8. Glad to have you

I too am an intermediate shooter. I can hit what I'm aiming at, but I'm no Alvin York. I place my target no further than 20 feet at the range and it's usually in the 12'-15' range.

Although I post a lot on this forum, I can't say for certain it's a "liberal" gun owner forum. It's a "Gun Rights" forum regardless of political ideology, IMHO. One thing that unites the left and right as far as gun owners are concerned, is 2A rights. I have conservative friends, liberal friends and moderate friends. One thing we all have in common is guns and an interest in gun laws, CCW laws and a severe dislike for anyone, of any party, that attempts to infringe on 2A rights.

I can say with certainty, however, when I need a good chuckle I make sure to read anti-gunners posts and their lack of logic. According to them, when the guy cut me off yesterday on my way back from the range, I was supposed to whip out my .40 and start blasting. I disappointed them as I simply shrugged my shoulders and continued driving to my destination even though my pistol is loaded, chambered and ready to go IF someone presents a direct threat to my safety.

[jazzhound]

10. I wonder why this irrational thought process still amazes me

"I can say with certainty, however, when I need a good chuckle I make sure to read anti-gunners posts and their lack of logic. According to them, when the guy cut me off yesterday on my way back from the range, I was supposed to whip out my .40 and start blasting. I disappointed them as I simply shrugged my shoulders and continued driving to my destination even though my pistol is loaded, chambered and ready to go IF someone presents a direct threat to my safety."

I had an extended tussle over 2A rights on a liberally-leaning bulletin board once and was amazed at how nuts the guys got from time to time. Really intelligent people go really dumb when it comes to the RKBA. And hypocritical with their stereotyping and bigoted snipes!

[oneshooter]

9. Welcome !!!!

Listen, learn, teach, all is possable here!

Oneshooter
Armed and Livin in Texas

[jazzhound]

11. Thank You

old mark, shadowrider and Oneshooter. I too have felt the loneliness that comes from being a liberal gun owner!

[oneshooter]

16. I am not liberal, or Conservative, Democrat or Republican

My vote goes to whoever I believe is best for the city, county, state, country.

Oneshooter
Armed and Livin in Texas

[shadowrider]

17. You and me both

[oneshooter]

22. Well I'll be damned!! I thought I was the only one!!! n/t

[spin]

12. Welcome. (n/t)

[jazzhound]

15. Thanks, spin.......

..........I've read quite a few great posts from you already. Have no doubt that many more will follow.

[benEzra]

13. Welcome aboard!

I know very little about shotgunning myself, so you can probably teach me a thing or two in that regard. My very limited shotgunning experience was years ago, with a break-open single-shot 12ga and a Mossberg 20ga pump that belonged to a family member. My primary interest is semiauto handguns and civilian AR's/AK's, though I own a couple of old milsurp bolt-actions out of historical interest.

That reminds me, I need to jump in on the paper plate match, but I keep forgetting about it until after I go to the range...

[jazzhound]

14. Actually, benEzra -- I wouldn't describe myself as an experienced

shotgunner. I take my shotgun out on a semi-regular basis to keep my speed up on follow-up shots and to maintain my poise through the recoil. I have a recoil suppressing stock (KNOXX SpecOp) and have had the forcing cone lengthened, so the recoil is much more manageable that it was originally. Still, if you don't practice.........

Thanks for the welcome!

[shadowrider]

18. By the way

Did anyone tell you of the requirement for the "new guy" to buy everyone else a Filet and King Crab legs dinner? Open bar, of course. Let me know what restaurant you pick and you'll have to pay for my transport there and back, but what a nice time it'll be.

:)

[jazzhound]

19. Actually............

............can't think of a group I'd rather treat to dinner! I raise my glass to all of you!! (well.......except for the willfully ignunt ones) :toast:

[SteveM]

20. Good to have you here, Jazzhound!

Sorry I didn't get in on the welcome wagon; my WIFI gives me an hour or so before it craps out, and the damned flu (yuck) lays you low.

I have an old Wingmaster 870 .12 ga. that my Dad gave me when I turned 13 nearly 50 years ago. I also have an 870 Express (for steel shot). As you can tell, I do some hunting. My main interest is dove, duck and deer hunting (I use a meat & potato Remington 700 in .270 for the latter, and took 2 deer this last season). I have only in the last few years obtained a specific home-defense weapon (a .357 revolver as I am familiar with wheelguns). I need to practice more, but like you I am essentially unemployed (I like to call it "working out of my home") and pinching pennies. But I can consistently hit the white target with my Ruger!

I look forward to your comments, and have enjoyed those already posted.

[oneshooter]

23. Was in that state myself for 5 months

Started a temp job last week. Now they are talking of hiring me direct, as soon as my contract is up!

"But I can consistently hit the white target with my Ruger!"

YUMM!!! Whitewing Doves!! Love em on the grill!!:toast:


Oneshooter
Armed and Livin in Texas

[Xela]

21. Good to have you here.

Welcome.

Xela