Firearms enthusiast

JayDeep · Apr 4, 2026

Hey all. New here. Love firearms. Been noticing you guys always ask for more about oneself, so here it goes...

Grew up in Oregon, still here. Family was never into guns, but all were avid archers, both target and bow hunting. I liked target archery a little, but it was always missing something for me. Never could bring myself to kill an innocent animal, but I love the camping and commraderie of the hunting excursions. Anyway, fast forward, I'm in my late 20s and I decide I want to take on the responsibility of carrying a gun. Can't really recall what brought me to that notion. Had never shot, held or even seen a gun in person to that point. Bought a few used pieces, Star Firestar in 9 & 45, LCP, and LC9. Went to shoot them with my father, who wasn't particularly into or interested in guns or shooting, but was a Vietnam Vet and rifle hunted growing up, so he knew what he was doing. Anyway, immediately fell in love. Was horrible at it with a terrible grip, but something about a deep seeded need to be destructive I guess. Still not really into long guns. I've had a few, but get no satisfaction out of them, or any value from long distance accuracy. I like up close and personal destruction I surmise.

So yeah, now I'm 45 and have had many guns, still have a good few handfuls of them. Still only into handguns. Got a 556 AR pistol and an AR chambered in 22 for cheap plinking fun. Just recently discovered a proper grip and am finally seeing some accuracy increase. Don't really shoot often though, maybe once every few months.

Of all the pews I still haven't found a favorite, or even a preferred design, type, or style. I prefer the grip angle of 1911s over Glocks for sure, but would take 18 rounds of 9mm over 8 rounds of 45 all day everyday in every way and scenario possible. I love striker and hammer fired. Not a huge fan of DAO, but love a DA/SA or SAO!!! Much prefer shooting outdoors and in solitude or with just a few buddies, but mostly wind up having too little time for that so I just go to a local indoor range by myself. Wife hates guns. Not a fan that i even have one, let alone so many. I'm trying to get her into it, but I think that's a losing battle.

Yup, I guess that's about it. Really hope you didn't read all that.

10mm · Apr 4, 2026

Welcome to NWFA! Pistol skills are nice, but isn't the job of a pistol to get you to your rifle? JK, I smiled reading your post. A proper grip is key to a good draw and point shooting.

Edit: To reduce my reply to 4 sentences

gmerkt · Apr 4, 2026

Welcome.

Colt Carbine · Apr 4, 2026

1911Fanatic · Apr 4, 2026

Welcome. I had a wife like yours once. Once. My current wife whom I have known for 3 decades is a former competitive shooter, as am I. Handguns for me and rifles for her. Now we both shoot both.

My wife never gets mad about gun purchases or the like. She's just happy I am not out chasing after strange or drinking away my checks. In fact she funds half of the gun related purchases that we make. Compatibility and shared interests can make for a happy marriage.

JayDeep · Apr 4, 2026

1911Fanatic said:
Welcome. I had a wife like yours once. Once. My current wife whom I have known for 3 decades is a former competitive shooter, as am I. Handguns for me and rifles for her. Now we both shoot both.

My wife never gets mad about gun purchases or the like. She's just happy I am not out chasing after strange or drinking away my checks. In fact she funds half of the gun related purchases that we make. Compatibility and shared interests can make for a happy marriage.

Nice find brutha!

my wife doesn't hate guns in a controlled environment, but she hated the noise. Initially she went shooting with me and some buddies once, indoors and I had cheapo Walmart Winchester headsets that had no adjustment and weren't active noise canceling. Next time I promised her she won't have so much noise issues. I invested in some 30db reduction headsets and also some molded to the ear in ear plugs so we'll be extra quiet and outdoors will help too.

L0C0 · Apr 4, 2026

Welcome on board…

64MercurysRule · Apr 4, 2026

Welcome from r we gone .

Glad you're here . Feel free to share . There is much to see , learn and share here . With a lot of humor thrown in too . Enjoy the forum and all it has to offer . Blessings from down in the valley from our bunker to you & yours .