Losing interest.....

[ap3572001]

Over the years, I collected guns, shot in competitions etc. My department has an off duty policy that allows for only certain type of handguns. I noticed lately a complete loss of interest to shoot, buy, keep pistols that are NOT on our carry list.

Like my target 1911's, Browning High Powers etc.

Is this normal? Or am I getting too practical? Or maybe old...?

Do You enjoy shooting pistols that You know You cant carry in the same way as You enjoy shooting the guns that You can holster when You are done?

[Snoopy47]

I use to drive motorcycles 20K a year, and race them, and at one time had 5 registered and running bikes, and over a dozen through the years I've owned.

The last time I rode a motorcycle was in 2008, I don't own any now, and have kept only 1 helmet, and set of riding gear (just in case down the road). I use to surf the net looking a motorcycle stuff, and now I don't even bother.

I see that interest in shooting lessening as well, and only shoot a few pistols and I'm not motivated much to buy anymore guns (when before I had a long list of things I wanted). I compete, and shoot only to remain competitive. Other than that I'm not about going out for fun and shooting.

I imagine in a few years my guns will get mothballed as well.

[biochembruin]

It's probably normal. Interests change over the years. I used to be into import cars quite a bit, but now that I'm older my time and money go elsewhere. As far as guns go, I'm less motivated to purchase things I can't use on duty, but I will from time to time. But if it's between upgrading a duty weapon, or buying something I can't use at work, I'll spend the money on accessories to upgrade the weapons I use at work.

[ap3572001]

I use to drive motorcycles 20K a year, and race them, and at one time had 5 registered and running bikes, and over a dozen through the years I've owned.

The last time I rode a motorcycle was in 2008, I don't own any now, and have kept only 1 helmet, and set of riding gear (just in case down the road). I use to surf the net looking a motorcycle stuff, and now I don't even bother.

I see that interest in shooting lessening as well, and only shoot a few pistols and I'm not motivated much to buy anymore guns (when before I had a long list of things I wanted). I compete, and shoot only to remain competitive. Other than that I'm not about going out for fun and shooting.

I imagine in a few years my guns will get mothballed as well.

Yeah... Its just a different feeling for me to shoot some really tight groups, or some plates with a Glock,Sig, Beretta 92,HK S&W 38 /357 revolver (stuff I can carry) VS 1911's , High Powers, CZ's etc (Guns I can t carry). Know what I mean?

[ap3572001]

It's probably normal. Interests change over the years. I used to be into import cars quite a bit, but now that I'm older my time and money go elsewhere. As far as guns go, I'm less motivated to purchase things I can't use on duty, but I will from time to time. But if it's between upgrading a duty weapon, or buying something I can't use at work, I'll spend the money on accessories to upgrade the weapons I use at work.

This is how I feel too.

[Falconis]

I have maybe 4 or 5 more firearms I intend on buying. Some are on the list some aren't. After that, it's probably gonna be about accessorizing.

But in the end, shooting is expensive

Lately, the only times I shoot are when friends are interested, or one of them organizes a shoot somewhere out in the middle of nowhere. That has the benefit of blowing through a lot of ammo and a great hangout for the day with some awesome food.

[TrailerparkTrash]

ap357....

I feel your pain. I was the same way. I describe myself as once being a complete psycho-obsessive-compulsive-gun enthusiast! Over the years, I too placed many of my guns into moth balls and into the "reserve fleet" of personal weaponry.

That being said however, I will NEVER sell my guns. I collect them and many of them are just "safe-queens", burried in the back of the safes. One day, my kids will get them.

My dept also only permits certain guns to be carried on/off duty, which sucks. However, I do carry many non-authorized guns on my side when I'm out camping, hiking, and hunting. I look at it from a point of not carrying for "protection" as an off-duty cop, but carrying on my hip while out hunting or target shooting while on a hike out in the desert. That way, it keeps me legal.

In the unfortunate event that I must use my unauthorized weapon for defense while out in the brush, I would just plead my case as being a citizen using a specific gun for another purpose other than self-defense, but it was the only gun I had at the time when needed.

I DO NOT carry an unauthorized weapon while in town and going to/from work. There wouldn't be a valid excuse for that if I had to shoot someone. Wheras if I'm out camping and need a .44mag for bear protection, the dept. would understand (maybe) that a 9mm or .45acp just wouldn't cut it.

I just don't worry about those situations. So, i'll never get rid of my guns and I just try to take out the ones I haven't shot in a long time and go kill paper targets when able.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Over the years, I collected guns, shot in competitions etc. My department has an off duty policy that allows for only certain type of handguns. I noticed lately a complete loss of interest to shoot, buy, keep pistols that are NOT on our carry list.

Like my target 1911's, Browning High Powers etc.

Is this normal? Or am I getting too practical? Or maybe old...?

Do You enjoy shooting pistols that You know You cant carry in the same way as You enjoy shooting the guns that You can holster when You are done?

I am right there with you. I have started to divide my collection into practical, carryable, useful firearms on side, and everything else on the other. Pistols that I am not authorized to carry are on the short list to get traded or sold. I will go out on a limb and admit that I traded a 1911 for a Beretta 92FS because I can carry the Beretta anytime/anywhere and I could carry the 1911 no time/nowhere. The huge price difference between 9mm and .45ACP ammo was another consideration. My M&P 9mm FS and compact pistols are now the centerpieces of my collection because they are carried daily. Ammo/magazines, and training time are applied to these pistols frequently. Most everything else is gathering dust.

[bjl333]

Over the years, I collected guns, shot in competitions etc. My department has an off duty policy that allows for only certain type of handguns. I noticed lately a complete loss of interest to shoot, buy, keep pistols that are NOT on our carry list.

Like my target 1911's, Browning High Powers etc.

Is this normal? Or am I getting too practical? Or maybe old...?

Do You enjoy shooting pistols that You know You cant carry in the same way as You enjoy shooting the guns that You can holster when You are done?

I'll shoot them for ya!!!

[ap3572001]

I am right there with you. I have started to divide my collection into practical, carryable, useful firearms on side, and everything else on the other. Pistols that I am not authorized to carry are on the short list to get traded or sold. I will go out on a limb and admit that I traded a 1911 for a Beretta 92FS because I can carry the Beretta anytime/anywhere and I could carry the 1911 no time/nowhere. The huge price difference between 9mm and .45ACP ammo was another consideration. My M&P 9mm FS and compact pistols are now the centerpieces of my collection because they are carried daily. Ammo/magazines, and training time are applied to these pistols frequently. Most everything else is gathering dust.

The same here. I enjoy a lot more shooting the guns I can carry and do carry.

[mixicus]

I've found I default to using my duty or authorized pistols for most stuff. This includes competition (when I'm not working weekends). It has become a case of limited resources (money and time) and maximizing bang for the buck. If I shoot a USPSA match with my duty Glock, I get the enjoyment of the match plus get trigger time on a work tool. I've even be known to use a stripped down Sam Browne with a level 2 retention holster. Same for a training class though I may use a 9mm to save some $ if I'm flipping the bill.

About the only pistol that gets any regular trigger time besides my carry stuff is a Ruger Mark 22. It's just so much fun and so cheap! The PPC/Bianchi revolver and match 1911 stays in the safe.

[oddjob]

I'm a retired LEO, but I enjoy shooting USPSA matches. What I found in my case is to mix it up (shooting). I'm not talking about plinking, but organized matches. For me its not just the shooting, but its meeting a variety of people too. I've shot Open, Limited, Production, L-10, Single Stack and revolver. Right now I'm on a Single Stack and Production kick and I really enjoy it. I venture into three gun every once in a while too. High power rifle and metallic silhouette may also interest me. I just shot a GSSF (Glock) match and I don't even like Glocks!

Shooting matches with your kids/family will also help renew interest.

As far as my CCW guns go I rarely shoot them. I tend to view my guns as a source of enjoyment first.....Self defense second.

Variety is the key to my interest in shooting & collecting guns.

*Warning* Do not explain this "variety" idea to a spouse!

[Gnome]

...I'll spend the money on accessories to upgrade the weapons I use at work.

I agree completely. I've spent at least $400 upgrading my Beretta 92. Surefire X300 weapon light, adaptor rail, pressure switch, and matching Safariland Holster w/ sentry lock. I also want to upgade some of the guns in my small collection. Want to send my personal 870 to Hans Vang Comp and my Ruger Mini 14 (Don't laugh) to Great West Gunsmithing. Each of those upgrades are probably gonna be the price of a handgun.

I DO NOT carry an unauthorized weapon while in town and going to/from work. There wouldn't be a valid excuse for that if I had to shoot someone. Wheras if I'm out camping and need a .44mag for bear protection, the dept. would understand (maybe) that a 9mm or .45acp just wouldn't cut it.

I've actually carried an unauthorized handgun (SA XD .45acp) for bear protection while camping/fishing at Rock Creek Lakes Resort, in the Sierras. Was I wrong to think that 14 rounds of .45acp would be strong enough to kill/fend off a bear attack? It is the strongest caliber handgun I own. I figured I would only be dealing with small black bears, and not Kodiaks or Grizzlies. It was either that, or the 870 on my back. Think the 870 on my back would have caused a few double takes.

-Gnome

[Che762x39]

I think it is all about the different seasons of life. Before I retired I did the police olympics and other formal and informal competitions.

With retirement came divorced and downsizing. I use to shoot every week now I go every other month or so.

[psango]

Just the opposite

Over the years, I collected guns, shot in competitions etc. My department has an off duty policy that allows for only certain type of handguns. I noticed lately a complete loss of interest to shoot, buy, keep pistols that are NOT on our carry list.

Like my target 1911's, Browning High Powers etc.

Is this normal? Or am I getting too practical? Or maybe old...?

Do You enjoy shooting pistols that You know You cant carry in the same way as You enjoy shooting the guns that You can holster when You are done?

Now that I'm retired I've lost interest in Duty type handguns, MP40, 4006, etc. I like shooting my target 22's and 1911's. I have two CCW types a PM9 and MP40c that I qualify with, but their just for S.D.

You should send my all of your 1911's and HI-Power and I will take care of them until you interest returns.