- Messages
- 15
- Reactions
- 13
Hello everyone! I joined this forum to help out my brother, who wants to sell a pistol but is challenged to do anything on the internet because of autism and ADHD. I'm also new to the world of guns and shooting and eager to learn more from experienced gun enthusiasts.
My brother and I grew up in cities all our lives with a single mother and not around Dad, who was an outdoors lover from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan ("Say ya to da UP, eh!"). As a young Civil Air Patrol cadet, I was bitterly disappointed not to be able to attend a marksmanship encampment. I never had any exposure to firearms except growing up in the 'hood in Northeast Portland, with gang shootings happening all the time throughout the '80s. In my twenties I met a new friend who let me shoot his Glock 9mm at an indoor range. I loved it and was told, "You are a good natural shot!"
Nothing happened after that to expand my gun consciousness, though, until my dad passed away in 2018. He left behind a collection of black powder guns and a handgun which he apparently kept around for defense reasons. My brother already had enough 9mm pistols so the Kel-Tec P11 became mine. Since bro lives in a Federally-subsidized apartment building, though, I became the guardian of his guns. Then Mom moved into a retirement community and I became the guardian of her guns. My parents and brother all served in the military -- go figure how I got to be the Keeper, the only one who never did any military service!
Once I got the P11, my desire to learn more and shed my fear and ignorance about guns brought me to the Beavercreek Armory in Hillsboro, Oregon. I took a class, obtained my CHL, and started shooting the P11. Shooting my brother's pistols gave me a good awareness of how different firearms can feel and perform. While he lived in Germany he bought a Brno CZ 75 Parabellum, a Smith & Wesson 459 and a Walther P-38, and I was privileged to try out all of them. Must say the Walther was my favorite. I bought a Ruger 10/22 rifle later on a whim, but I haven't had much chance to shoot it.
My brother and I have joined the Tri-County Gun Club in Sherwood, Oregon and recently attended a day at the black powder range with a handful of other aficionados, which turned out to be a lot of fun and a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Since my brother inherited most of the black powder collection, he wanted to learn about shooting them. I have little interest, but as a dedicated sibling, I facilitate our membership and attendance so he can have a fun recreational and social outlet -- something he has trouble making happen on his own. I admit my resistance to the idea of shooting black powder has lessened since that day! I probably will never shoot the black powder rifle Dad left to me, but after cleaning it and knowing a little more about it, the idea doesn't seem far-fetched (I think I would still rather hang it on my wall though).
My interest leans more toward achieving better skill with pistol shooting and feeling confident and skilled enough to actually carry concealed. I sure wouldn't mind a chance to go out plinking with my 10/22, either. Both those activities will have to wait until I get a new job, because ammunition is expensive.
My dream is to get action-range certified at TCGC and compete. My fantasy is to be like La Femme Nikita.
If anyone on here has tips about finding other forums related to black powder, for my brother, that would be most appreciated.
I will post a classified once I am no longer limited.
Cheers!
My brother and I grew up in cities all our lives with a single mother and not around Dad, who was an outdoors lover from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan ("Say ya to da UP, eh!"). As a young Civil Air Patrol cadet, I was bitterly disappointed not to be able to attend a marksmanship encampment. I never had any exposure to firearms except growing up in the 'hood in Northeast Portland, with gang shootings happening all the time throughout the '80s. In my twenties I met a new friend who let me shoot his Glock 9mm at an indoor range. I loved it and was told, "You are a good natural shot!"
Nothing happened after that to expand my gun consciousness, though, until my dad passed away in 2018. He left behind a collection of black powder guns and a handgun which he apparently kept around for defense reasons. My brother already had enough 9mm pistols so the Kel-Tec P11 became mine. Since bro lives in a Federally-subsidized apartment building, though, I became the guardian of his guns. Then Mom moved into a retirement community and I became the guardian of her guns. My parents and brother all served in the military -- go figure how I got to be the Keeper, the only one who never did any military service!
Once I got the P11, my desire to learn more and shed my fear and ignorance about guns brought me to the Beavercreek Armory in Hillsboro, Oregon. I took a class, obtained my CHL, and started shooting the P11. Shooting my brother's pistols gave me a good awareness of how different firearms can feel and perform. While he lived in Germany he bought a Brno CZ 75 Parabellum, a Smith & Wesson 459 and a Walther P-38, and I was privileged to try out all of them. Must say the Walther was my favorite. I bought a Ruger 10/22 rifle later on a whim, but I haven't had much chance to shoot it.
My brother and I have joined the Tri-County Gun Club in Sherwood, Oregon and recently attended a day at the black powder range with a handful of other aficionados, which turned out to be a lot of fun and a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Since my brother inherited most of the black powder collection, he wanted to learn about shooting them. I have little interest, but as a dedicated sibling, I facilitate our membership and attendance so he can have a fun recreational and social outlet -- something he has trouble making happen on his own. I admit my resistance to the idea of shooting black powder has lessened since that day! I probably will never shoot the black powder rifle Dad left to me, but after cleaning it and knowing a little more about it, the idea doesn't seem far-fetched (I think I would still rather hang it on my wall though).
My interest leans more toward achieving better skill with pistol shooting and feeling confident and skilled enough to actually carry concealed. I sure wouldn't mind a chance to go out plinking with my 10/22, either. Both those activities will have to wait until I get a new job, because ammunition is expensive.
My dream is to get action-range certified at TCGC and compete. My fantasy is to be like La Femme Nikita.
If anyone on here has tips about finding other forums related to black powder, for my brother, that would be most appreciated.
I will post a classified once I am no longer limited.
Cheers!
Last Edited: