What do you think?

[SupportGeek]

I have a situation Im not sure how to deal with, Im a relatively new shooter, and Ive expressed my desire to shoot handguns (truth be told I want to try out everything, handguns, shotguns, rifles, "evil black rifles") the wife is cool with it and wants to try getting into shooting as well with me.
She has some members of her family that are AVID hunters, one even reloads, so I feel I could learn a lot from them, but when I mention I want to shoot handguns, they always ask me "Why?" or say something like "I used to have a revolver, but I just have no use for them".
I usually reply with something like I wouldn't mind doing some competitive shooting and it might be something good to have around for HD, although I also want to answer with "because Ive ALWAYS wanted to since I was a lil guy.

I get the impression that its almost like they feel Im wasting my time or something, even after I answer them, and try to talk about rifles or something more geared to their interests, they dont seem to want to talk much about it, and yet I really would love to learn anything I can from them.

Has anyone else ran across something like this? Do hunters just generally not like hand-gunners or something? Maybe Im answering them wrong when they ask why I want to shoot handguns? How would you answer that question?

I have VERY low experience shooting currently (last shot rifles about 15 years ago, and it was .22 short) still have yet to shoot handguns (other things came first), could it simply be a case of me not being "One of the guys" since I really have pretty well ZERO experience at this point in their eyes?

I know its not strictly a handguns related topic, but it seems that my handgun interest triggered a bit of a cold shoulder, but maybe its just an overall lack of experience on my part thats got them more cautious to talk with me.

Any thoughts?

[FNH5-7]

Feel free to ask me anything you want about handguns, rifles, shotguns, ammo etc.

I've learned that not all people that own guns are gun nuts, most gun owners aren't gun nuts. Some people have a rifle for the sole purpose of hunting and don't go after any other guns. A lot of people have only 1 gun that they keep for years and their spare time is used up in another hobby.


Oh and welcome to calguns.

[ocspeedracer]

Some hunters don't like black rifles and handguns, could be they only see them as people killers, or don't like anything but hunting guns. I don't get it. Usually when i run into people like that they are from other states and I just say where am i going to shoot a rifle within 20 minutes of where i live, Answer: no where.

[POLICESTATE]

Some people like blue, some people like red. They don't care for handguns, you do. Do what you like, buy some handguns and shoot shoot shoot!

From my own experience many of the hunters I know and/or talked with have a handgun, not all though. Some people just like hunting with their rifle or shotgun. Some people even like hunting with handguns.

Don't let it bother you. Chances are if they ever go to the range with you and shoot your nice 1911 .45ACP (assuming you get one that is) they're going to want one themselves

If you know someone who is experienced shooting handguns go shooting with them, learn how to operate, aim, fire etc... get more familiar with them. Once you have some familiarity with them you'll feel more confidence about them and I think that will show with your your in-laws.

That is if you care what they think

[RedFord150]

My Dad was a Korean war vet and a former hunter. He was good with rifles and shotguns, hated handguns. He never spoke poorly of them, he just did not like to shoot them.
My Dad also hated the 'Army 45'. He used to joke that he could not hit the side of a barn from the inside. Too bad he never got to shoot my Dan Wesson PM7 or my Colt Double Eagle. I'll bet he would think a little better of the old 'Army 45' ;-).
Knowing this, I never asked my dad any questions about handguns. He admitted he did not know anything about them, why bother.
Find another source of info. In fact, since you have never shot a handgun, sign you and your wife up for a beginner course at your local indoor range. They will probably have rental guns for both of you to shoot, as well as eye and ear protection.
You will probably both have a great time, you will learn the right way to shoot, and you will get to try some guns before making a decision on what to purchase.
I think this is win, win, win.
Good luck.

[BigDogatPlay]

Some hunters don't like black rifles and handguns, could be they only see them as people killers, or don't like anything but hunting guns.

See Jim Zumbo for how that can work out. the narrow view approach is how, in no small part, how the anti's have been able to incrementally screw us all these years.

You can always ask questions here, there are shooters and collectors of all manner from hard core competitors, to LEOs, to instructors to weekend plinkers and hunters. I fall into the LEO, hunter and (soon to be again) instructor bucket.

If you have a range near you that rents and offers instruction, start right there. You might also inquire at any local shooting clubs. I know there are more than a couple of orgs in the five cities area that might be able to help you get started. And there are bunches of good Calgunners in that area who'd no doubt be cool with a meet and greet at a range.

[sequoia_nomad]

Definitely go to a range and try out anything that interests you. Most of the hunters I know are hunting enthusiasts, not gun enthusiasts. The guns don't get brought out regularly for plinking and target shooting, they get brought out once a year to sight in and go hunting, which is indeed unfortunate. Not to put down or generalize hunters, this is just what I have found. You certainly don't need her family's blessings to pursue your own interests.

[redcliff]

I'd recommend you and your wife take an NRA "First Steps" handgun course from your local range which should have a list of NRA certified instructors available to teach you. Many of them will provide handguns for you to shoot if you pay for the ammunition along with the class fee. You can discuss this with them over the phone when you set up the class.

When my fiancee wanted to learn about handguns and get a CCW we took the class together since it was a pre-requisite for her. The instructor was great, explained proper gun handling and safety, safety, safety and basic marksmanship. My fiancee was much more comfortable with handguns after that class.

[tileguy]

if you ever make it to northern cal. 1hr. north of sac. send me an email and ill take you to a local free range and let you shoot all the hand guns you can shoot 22 cal to 44 mag and everything in between. large cal bolt guns and black rifles and give you as much info as i can on all of them for free or a little ammo would be nice. iam serious if you like bring your wife my wife and kids shoot also. iam going out tommorow around 9 to10am or any time you can make it up week days are better the range is almost empty during the week very busy on week ends

[map]

It's all good. They prob just don't like hand guns. Just stop by this site and read up on the threads. You'll be surprised how much you will learn. Ask questions here. Every one is really nice and very knowledgeable. Good luck to you.

[elsolo]

I don't know any hunters that are pistol shooters.
When I hunt with my uncles and cousins, they find it so fascinating that it's how they introduce me to people.
They wouldn't be hunters if somebody hadn't introduced them to it, probably same thing for pistol shooting.

[SupportGeek]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement and reassurance, this community really is second to none, its good to know I can ask questons. It helps knowing that my in-laws likely just dont like handguns, I sort of suspect this may be the case since afaik they dont even carry a backup when out hunting in case something goes wrong.
I definitely would feel more comfortable with instruction, and I know she would too, I'll check out the local indoor place here in Santa Maria "Range Master" like Redcliff said, they may know instructors, I checked the NRA site and there were no classes coming up in the area. We do go north to Hollister every 2-3 weeks to take the little one to visit my Wife's Mom and Dad and other relatives, maybe i can ask at somewhere up there too, like Markleys or something?
I'll keep reading the posts here, and ask questions (and search for answers in case its been asked already), one thing Ive already taken to heart is to try out many different handguns to see what fits and works well for ME before laying down cash for a purchase.

Its nice that the wife is supportive and interested too, she reconfirmed it tonight, she wants to check out Coyote Valley and get her hunters safety as well there. Also after hearing about someone she knew that had their place broke into while they were home, this acquaintance said they would be getting a security system, my wife said something to the effect of "We need to get a security system to stop home invasions/breakins too, but not Brinks or any crap"
I replied "Oh, like a D-O-G?"
She said "Hell no! A MuthaF'n G-U-N"
So yea, theres no question she is on board, Im thinking shes going to want her own before too long