223lover 9 Posted August 24, 2009 I've been doing alot of soul searching lately. I've been shooting off and on since the 70's. Now after a long long time, I found a renewed interest the sport.. Actually, since last September, when I shot an AK , that old feeling stirred again. So now 3 AR's later, and 4 new hand guns, I have to think what the hell am I doing? So it begs the question, at over 60 should I be selling my guns and not buying more? Or just screw it and keep shooting as long I can until as they say, they pry the gun from my cold, dead hand? As a side note, I have no kids to give them to, and my wife thinks the one gun a month law is the greatest thing since sliced bread. (did I just answer my own question?) Your opinions on the matter would make me feel better. Sleepless in Sussex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpecialK 193 Posted August 24, 2009 do you get pleasure from shooting? If yes. Then are you to old for pleasure? If it makes you happy then do it! If you have no kids to leave the guns to, then you have no kids to leave the money you would save from not buying guns. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njpilot 671 Posted August 24, 2009 If you can safely handle your firearms, I don't think you can be "too old". If you still enjoy shooting them, I say keep them and shoot them. If there are some you find you don't shoot anymore and don't have any real attachment to them, you could always sell them and put the money towards a nice vacation or something. Just my thoughts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
67gtonut 847 Posted August 24, 2009 Huh? What does being over 60 have to do with enjoying a hobby? God willing you have 30+ more years of enjyoing life!!!! Live dammit! My dad turned 69 this month..... and just bought a handgun after years of not having one..... I cant wait to shoot with him.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
usnmars 136 Posted August 24, 2009 As long as you can safely handle em go for it. If it gives you pleasure and you aren't a hazard to anyone else have fun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
223lover 9 Posted August 24, 2009 Too old for pleasure? :oops: Interesting concept Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
totalabuse 27 Posted August 24, 2009 I'm thirtynine years old and thanks to my father I've been shooting thirtytwo of them. And a gunowner for thirtyone of them. I had my FID before I had my voters registration card. I'm just as enthusiastic now as then. "Shooting is fun"-Old Painless. And he's well over sixty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
223lover 9 Posted August 24, 2009 Safety is not an issue. I'm still healthy, working, and "with it". I've thought of selling off the ones I don't shoot any more, but as a gun salesman recently told me, after awhile, they become like your children, each different, as much as they are alike, and it's hard to give them up while they still live at home. hah ha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kenw 293 Posted August 24, 2009 at over 60 should I be selling my guns and not buying more? I'm sure it's different for everyone, but age alone shouldn't be a factor when deciding whether or not to continue something you apparently enjoy. My wife's dad was a competitive shooter and instructor well into his 70's and continued to shoot and reload for his personal enjoyment until he was into his early 80's. As long as you still enjoy the sport, and are physically able to do what you need to do to participate, I can't see age being even remotely relevant. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joe_D 0 Posted August 24, 2009 223lover, My situation is much like yours. 50 is in the rear-view mirror and 60 is not far in front of me. I was away from shooting for more that 25 years when my son encouraged me to come back to it. 2.5 years, 3 handguns and 7 long guns later later I have asked myself these same questions. I have come to the same conclusion that others have stated here. As long as health and mental acuity allow I will enjoy this hobby. After all, how often can we participate in an activity at our ages, enjoy it as much or more than when we were younger and actually see improvement? Plus, the comraderie among shooters is uplifting. Wouldn't you rather talk to others about bolt-action military surplus rifles or O/U shotguns than your prescription meds or latest surgical procedure? If and when the time comes to give up your firearms there wil be many eager younger shooters willing to give them a good home. Until then, keep shooting and enjoy every minute of it. That's what I intend to do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpecialK 193 Posted August 24, 2009 hold on, I've changed my mind. You are to old and you should sell all your guns to me for half of what they are worth. :mrgreen: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoNRA 12 Posted August 24, 2009 what guns you got?, lol i'll buy some if they are cheap enough... Also keep 1 for home defense and 1 for fun just incase, lmfao Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chad 3 Posted August 24, 2009 You are certainly not alone. The guy that does the box o truth isnt any spring chicken. Besides....60 is the new 20! Enjoy the sport, and dont look back! http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bio.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
223lover 9 Posted August 24, 2009 Well ok then Special K, I will just get some bubble wrap and package the Python, Diamond Back, the 6 model 41's and the Hammerli right out to you. Say $10 ? Sound fair? Intested in the Colt Ace also? Oh wait, I have this here Singer .45 in the safe but it looks its age. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpecialK 193 Posted August 24, 2009 10 bucks? geeze that sounds pretty steep. I'm just a broke college student these days, how does 6 bucks sound? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt6669 71 Posted August 24, 2009 As a side note, I have no kids to give them to, and my wife thinks the one gun a month law is the greatest thing since sliced bread. (did I just answer my own question?) Your opinions on the matter would make me feel better. Sleepless in Sussex I'm always in the market to be adopted I'm really a good kid LOL Anyway you gotta shoot until you can shoot no longer. Age is just a number to associate when you were put on this earth. As long as you keep active and live the life you want to live age shouldn't tell you that you can or can't do something. I hope when I'm 80 I'm still crawling on the floor with my kids kids when the time comes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PK90 3,573 Posted August 24, 2009 My oldest customer recently turned 91. He enjoys shooting his 9mm handgun and 22 rifle every week. At least that was what he told me a few months ago. Come to think about it, its been awhile since I heard from him. Hmm. I hope he is still around. :shock: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
223lover 9 Posted August 24, 2009 Ha Ha if you listen closely, you can hear the safe door closing... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
223lover 9 Posted August 24, 2009 Thanks PK, I feel MUCH better now! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt6669 71 Posted August 24, 2009 Thanks PK, I feel MUCH better now! I just realized your in hoptacong which is a hop skip and a jump away from Cherry Ridge. I just hope you can make it out to the Monthly Clay bird shoot Sept 13th. It should be a really good time and I am sure it will reinforce why you should keep shooting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joeybones 1 Posted August 24, 2009 I just turned 59 and have been thinking along the same lines. I also started shooting in the 70's, they got out of it till about 7 years ago. Read 2 books by Peter Hathway Capstick and went out and bought a Winchester model 70 in .H&H for a trip to Africa I'll never take. In fact I bought several pistols and rifles that are just sitting in the safe. I had hoped to leave them to my son's but they seem to have no interest. I make a trip to the bullet hole maybe once or twice a year. I am hanging onto mine , they can be part of my estate sale. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GaTz 0 Posted August 24, 2009 KEEP SHOOTIN TILL YOU PHYSICALLY CAN'T!!! WOOOHOOOO Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbtrout 141 Posted August 24, 2009 You are only as old as you convince yourself you are. As long as you are physically able, have fun. I hope to be shooting for a long time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
totalabuse 27 Posted August 24, 2009 But........I would feel much better if you stopped driving. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lublin 3 Posted August 24, 2009 If you love shooting you should shoot. If your wife loves you she will stay. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rscalzo 3 Posted August 24, 2009 I'm just finishing up the addition of a ramp to our outdoor ranges. many of our members are up there in years but still want to shoot. As the range is down a hill, the ramp was added. Age doesn't stop someone from doing anything unless you let it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djg0770 481 Posted August 24, 2009 So it begs the question, at over 60 should I be selling my guns and not buying more? I took my dad (70) shooting for father's day. He has not shot since the 50's when he was conscripted into the army. On a side note, he was not impressed with the trigger on my XD, he felt the takeup was too long. I can't wait to take him out again and have him shoot the Mosin or the shotgun... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malsua 1,422 Posted August 24, 2009 Too old is when you don't have any fun doing it. It really has nothing at all to do with your chronological age. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GunNRose 0 Posted August 24, 2009 223lover, I'm 54 and I'm a complete newbie, having gotten my first gun permit only last month. And I'm just a weak girl! If I can do it, you can keep on doing it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites