Are younger people buying guns?

[Mikej]

You're barely an adult, you're a young adult...
I hate to be "age is just a number" person, but I know 70yo's who never matured past adolescence...

HEY! I resemble that remark! And in this "Place", it's somewhat of an elite club.

 

[Flymph]

I am fairly familiar with the hierarchy! XD

 

[Bolt_308]

Last week when i was at the LGS picking up an order, there was a dad there with his son, and a couple of his sons friends. Turns out it was his son's 18th birthday, and they were picking out his very first hunting rifle! It was super fun to see, and they were all so excited, and Dad proud.

Couple weeks prior, at same LGS, there was a 20somthing year old couple that came in. I would describe them as VERY 'Portlandia'- stereotype of what you would expect to see. They were obviously out of their element and knew it. When the staff member asked how they could help, they said they were there because they would like to buy a gun for their home safety, but have no idea what to do/where to go. If course staff jumped on it helping them, and I ended up chatting with them and giving them some advice. They were very appreciative and became very relaxed.

I'd like to think we made a difference, changed some minds that day regarding 'gun guys' and stereotypes . . . ;-)

 

[Mikej]

Last week when i was at the LGS picking up an order, there was a dad there with his son, and a couple of his sons friends. Turns out it was his son's 18th birthday, and they were picking out his very first hunting rifle! It was super fun to see, and they were all so excited, and Dad proud.

Couple weeks prior, at same LGS, there was a 20somthing year old couple that came in. I would describe them as VERY 'Portlandia'- stereotype of what you would expect to see. They were obviously out of their element and knew it. When the staff member asked how they could help, they said they were there because they would like to buy a gun for their home safety, but have no idea what to do/where to go. If course staff jumped on it helping them, and I ended up chatting with them and giving them some advice. They were very appreciative and became very relaxed.

I'd like to think we made a difference, changed some minds that day regarding 'gun guys' and stereotypes . . . ;-)

I remember vividly, Wifey and I doing that! First place was "The Gun Room"! And then to The Gun Broker in Clackamas! Green as hell, didn't know anything. I wasn't all that young, being in my mid 50s. Gun Broker treated us well. Though they SHOULD have steered us away from the little Kel Tec PF-9. And then to Alison & Cary Gunworks where they looked at us like criminals and wouldn't allow me to see, or hold the mag to what ever little gun they had in the counter. I'm not surprised they're closed now.

It's mighty important for businesses to be able to read people and schmooze them good. Those are the people that think of that business first when needing something.

 

[nwslopoke]

I went to the Gun Room twice because the first time I just thought they may have had a bad day .

 

[Mikej]

I went to the Gun Room twice because the first time I just thought they may have had a bad day .

That's hilarious!

Going in there with little knowledge, or feel for anything firearm related, they did have a TON of cool old guns, if I remember right. I've thought I need to go in there again now that I know more about guns. And I'm into the older stuff now.

 

[nwslopoke]

That's hilarious!

Going in there with little knowledge, or feel for anything firearm related, they did have a TON of cool old guns, if I remember right. I've thought I need to go in there again now that I know more about guns. And I'm into the older stuff now.

True. They wouldn't phase me now. I was 12-13 years younger and I was trying to be polite to the "old guys", but they were just being themselves. It's not that I have a thicker skin now, just more knowledge. I wasn't butthurt then, I just left asking myself, why? I was a customer. I had money. They didn't seem to want any.

 

[Mikej]

True. They wouldn't phase me now. I was 12-13 years younger and I was trying to be polite to the "old guys", but they were just being themselves. It's not that I have a thicker skin now, just more knowledge. I wasn't butthurt then, I just left asking myself, why? I was a customer. I had money. They didn't seem to want any.

Seem our minds are somewhat similar. Always had respect for my elders.

 

[Flymph]

That's hilarious!

Going in there with little knowledge, or feel for anything firearm related, they did have a TON of cool old guns, if I remember right. I've thought I need to go in there again now that I know more about guns. And I'm into the older stuff now.

If you didn't know, they have a large inventory because they mark up well above simple insanity and nobody wants to shop there.
Pretty sure they're some neo-nazi front for money laundering, but that's just supposition.

 

[Mikej]

If you didn't know, they have a large inventory because they mark up well above simple insanity and nobody wants to shop there.

I've read the stories here. The ONE time there, one of the old guys wanted me to buy a fine S&W stainless he had under glass. He let me have a look at it. As I recall it was $600.00 and change. Probably high for back then, but a fine deal now?

 

[nwslopoke]

If you didn't know, they have a large inventory because they mark up well above simple insanity and nobody wants to shop there.
Pretty sure they're some neo-nazi front for money laundering, but that's just supposition.

If you go back, ask where they keep the Armor-All. Tell them you want to polish your Glock. I'm sure they'll be very helpful.

 

[Mikej]

Tell them you want to polish your Glock. I'm sure they'll be very helpful.

Hoo-Boy!

After all this Time. Maybe they have seen the "Light"?

 

[Flymph]

I've read the stories here. The ONE time there, one of the old guys wanted me to buy a fine S&W stainless he had under glass. He let me have a look at it. As I recall it was $600.00 and change. Probably high for back then, but a fine deal now?

Depending model, year and condition I suppose it could be... it's difficult to tell, but given the information of who is selling it, I'd assume that pistol priced then is a fair deal today.

 

[37foxtrot]

There are small innovations hitting the gun market but are younger buyers taking to them? I do see a slight uptick in nontraditional gun buyers (30+ year old males), but these aren't young people. More middle age women. Alternative lifestyle folks, but not 25 yo.

Is the anti gun rhetoric working enough in high school and college enough that young people have zero desire to purchase? One thing I see is young people don't own high value things, so they don't feel a need to protect. They haven't started a family or own a home so they don't care.

I know plenty of younger people that are into shooting, it's more of a weekend thing with friend groups rather then individuals. There's also the fact they don't get into it until there mid 20s since they are broke and have various other hobbies at the same time. I think the larger issue is hunting because if their parents don't teach them how they are less likely to try.

 

[orygun]

Pretty sure they're some neo-nazi front for money laundering, but that's just supposition.

There are not of guns sold there that don't go thru the storefront, and i don't mean to imply illegally. The owner deals with a lot of high end guns, possibly some Class 3 items, thru internet and other outlets. I haven't been to The Gun Room for ages, but would like to go back to see what's standing in the racks.

 

[Flymph]

There are not of guns sold there that don't go thru the storefront, and i don't mean to imply illegally. The owner deals with a lot of high end guns, possibly some Class 3 items, thru internet and other outlets. I haven't been to The Gun Room for ages, but would like to go back to see what's standing in the racks.

I mean, your assertion is in all honestly substantially more accurate, but I can jest.

I think it has been over 10 years for me, and they appreciated my story about buying my first pistol ( aka I know more than I let on).

 

[RVTECH]

If you go back, ask where they keep the Armor-All. Tell them you want to polish your Glock. I'm sure they'll be very helpful.

Let see, The Gun Room is the MAJOR anti - Glock place I believe I have read about correct?

 

[Camelfilter]

Let see, The Gun Room is the MAJOR anti - Glock place I believe I have read about correct?

Yup.

However they really appreciate it if you ask in French, or a super heavy French accent. Is my understanding.

 

[Mikej]

Let see, The Gun Room is the MAJOR anti - Glock place I believe I have read about correct?

Hmm-yeah.....The stories I've heard/read here, has one or both they guys going into ranting about the horribility of "Glock" firearms!

 

[tom_as1]

There are small innovations hitting the gun market but are younger buyers taking to them? I do see a slight uptick in nontraditional gun buyers (30+ year old males), but these aren't young people. More middle age women. Alternative lifestyle folks, but not 25 yo.

Is the anti gun rhetoric working enough in high school and college enough that young people have zero desire to purchase? One thing I see is young people don't own high value things, so they don't feel a need to protect. They haven't started a family or own a home so they don't care.

I agree. Young people do not buy expensive things. They rent apartments and live with roommates. No need for a gun safe or home defense. The market is definitely aging.