I just want someones' opinion on this matter.

 

I told my wife that I ALWAYS meet nice people at the range, and the gun shops, and at cigar shops. Now that could be partly due to the fact that I do spend some time at those locations, and usually in a good mood and happy to be there.

 

It could also be that as social beings, these venues expose us to people who share those same interests, you know, "birds of a feather flock together". We have a common interest. We WANT to be there. I can honestly say almost without exception that I have met some of the nicest folks at those locations.

 

It is a great opportunity to talk to folks from whom you can learn a thing or two just by having a conversation. It is fun to see the various various guns and accessories at the range, see the varying techniques, and see the expertise of some shooters. Almost without exception, if I show an interest in a particular gun I am invited to run some ammo through it. Of corse I reciprocate.

 

Now I am sure that we all have and will continue to run into some real ass hats in these locations, but it seems to me that on average there are fewer ass hats that frequent these locations than say Home Depot, or even the local bar. Case in point, have your wife drag you to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, or to the mall......some serious bad moods and unfriendly demeanor can be found there.

 

Am I right, is it a guy thing, or am I getting too mellow in my old age?

I'd have to agree with you. Almost everyone I've met either thru this forum or just randomly at the range has been very nice and helpful. On top of that, gun people are always eager to share their "toys" which was probably what surprised me the most when I first started shooting.

 

I'm generally a grumpy, anti-social guy, but, hanging out with gun people and enjoying the hobby we all love so much, always puts me in good spirits.

I'd have to agree with you. Almost everyone I've met either thru this forum or just randomly at the range has been very nice and helpful. On top of that, gun people are always eager to share their "toys" which was probably what surprised me the most when I first started shooting.

 

I'm generally a grumpy, anti-social guy, but, hanging out with gun people and enjoying the hobby we all love so much, always puts me in good spirits.

 

Pete, thats because you hang out with us. =)

 

But I agree, alot of gun folks are friendly, when together, however the people on the forum, are top notch.

Every time I go into a cigar store there doesn't seem to be really anyone there..... heh.

 

I was just at J&R Cigas up in Whippany - there was like 2-3 people there other than the store staff. Even if there are people there, none of them seem to hit me up with any conversations.

 

.... Maybe it's just because I look really young. I'm 28 but Chinese so I look younger. Not the normal Cigar smoker demographic.

+1 so far

Ive said that for years plus most gun enthusist are a cut above

I think you nailed it in your original post, "Birds of a feather flock together." Generally speaking, I think the battles NJ firearms owners tend to unite us (even if unspoken). I don't think the firearms community is any more polite to its kind than other types of communities. If there is a shared interest, people tend to avoid conflict.

I guess I am more critical....

 

For the most part I agree...... but I have talked to people at the range, or been close to others, that I would prefer not to associate with.... for one reason or another.... but I would say the percentage is quite low.

 

I do find this for all my hobbies also.... especially motorcycling....

 

 

.... but I am getting old and grumpy, so ignore me if you want :twisted:

Bah!!!Humbug!!!!

+1 on your 1st post..

+1 as well.

 

Funny, cause this came up last night with my brother in law. Brother in law is a Marine, in for 14 years now, he and his family are being sent to Japan for 3 years in July, they came up to nj to visit family before they left. Last night I took him to shore shot, and met up with fellow forum members. On the way home we stop for a beer and he asks how long i knew everyone that was there, i said only a few months, but they are all great people..

He was surprised, and I think he put it best, "here, I was shooting other peoples guns and only minutes before I was shaking their hand for the first time, what a great bunch of folks"

 

I will admit, sometimes I wish people would leave me alone, cause I'd save a bunch of money! :mrgreen:

I think its because gun owners tend to have similar hobbies and more importantly, similar political views. You know when you meet other gun enthusiasts what the common ground is and the ice is already broken. Also, especially in NJ, gun enthusiasts are all battling the same cause against the gun control people and meeting other people that are fighting the good fight with you forms a natural comradery

I really can't add anything that hasn't been said but I will add to Don's post.

 

When people bring their toy's, it costs me money because either me or the wife wants it. I joked about an AR but now after the wife shot Don's, I got the green light! lol

 

Stop costing me moolah!

I agree 100% with the OP.