I haven't even purchased my first gun, and already brought another person (maybe 2) into shooting. 

I took my second NRA course with ShootNJ - great instructors and a lot of fun. I did the pistol basic a few weeks ago, and just took rifle basic this weekend with my teenage son. I'm brand new to the sport (still waiting for initial FID), and feel much more comfortable bringing firearms into the house now that we have some education under our belts. I thought after I got my handgun, I might pick up a .22 rifle so we could go to the range together if he enjoyed it. Enjoyed is an understatement - He had a blast, was safe, and put up some impressive groups for a first time shooter! I guess video games really do help hand-eye. That part of my plan might have been a mistake (to my wallet) - the boy is already putting together a wish list of rifles to buy, way more than the $2-300 I was planning on for a 10-22 or 795 never mind the price difference between .22 ammunition and the .223 and .308 he really liked. oh, and as we were leaving range 14, he saw the trap/skeet shooting and asked when (not if) we would be learning shotgun...

 

My wife expressed interest in trying it out after she listened to my son describe all he learned, and the fun we had at the range - Looking forward to spending some extra quality family time together, but not so much the cost of my new found hobby.

 

 

 

It's not a cost, it's an investment.

Good point Dan. I guess I need to adjust my perspective.

Since I don't actually own anything yet I was concentrating on the dollar signs.

Thanks.

Forget the cost. It's nice to have a hobby you can share with your son, and you have someone you can pass heirloom firearms to and will appreciate them.

Don't look at the money. Guns are an investment. Ammo is a money pit. Be patient and aquire things as money allows.

Even if the firearms don't cost "that much" they will remain heirlooms.  Finally I'm buying something that really WILL last more than a lifetime.