View Full Version : Hobby or Lifestyle?
This question sort of arose in another thread and I like the concept very much as I think it goes to the root of many disagreements people have on firearms-related forums.
I thought I would also break with a personal rule and post a poll to go with it.
Are firearms a hobby for you, or are they part of a larger hobby, or are they a lifestyle or part of a larger lifestyle?
I'm being intentionally vague with the definitions for the choices here because I'd like to hear how you voted and why you think that vote applies to you. I obviously have my own ideas about what the different choices mean but want to keep them to myself for now to hear others' thoughts.
Hobby: firearms are a hobby in and of themselves
Hobby: firearms are part of a larger hobby
Lifestyle: firearms are a lifestyle in and of themselves
Lifestyle: firearms are part of a larger lifestyle
For me,it's part of a greater lifestyle.Too long n the USMC.
Also 4 generations of LEO behind me.
John_Wayne777
01-13-10, 12:00
I'm a little puzzled by firearms as a "lifestyle". I'm not sure what exactly that means.
Are you referring to firearms as a part of an overall lifestyle that is concerned with concepts like security and personal defense or does "lifestyle" mean something else?
If the definition is personal security and self defense, then firearms can be both. I like guns. I like to shoot them, collect them, learn about them, and occasionally tinker with their inner workings. I think they are fascinating pieces of machinery.
I also carry firearms daily as a tool of personal defense.
I voted for option 4: Firearms are part of a larger lifestyle
Why? Because I think they almost have to be when you carry a pistol everyday for defense, if not, they should be. I've been shooting for over two decades (actually more, I started shooting when I was 5, but not more seriously until I was 15). I'm 36 now and have been carrying a pistol daily (civilian) for about 17 years. It becomes part of your lifestyle just like anything else you do daily.
I will clarify that my fascination with autoloading rifles is in it's infancy in comparison to my lifestyle with pistols. I've owned an AR-15 for about 12 years, but it was mostly a pop can plinker or squeeky killer for the majority of that time. I've started getting more serious about its application over the past 3 years. I'd say I mostly got into it simply because I like to take something and become more proficient with it. I do pretty well with the pistol, but wanted more of a challenge, so I started working with the rifle a bit more.
Overall, I'd say the pistol is a far more significant part of my lifestyle than the rifle, but I see myself heading more and more towards both.
woodandsteel
01-13-10, 12:12
It used to be a hobby and a lifestyle for me. I have a safe full of firearms that I hardly ever shoot. I bought them because I appreciated the history or the engineering that went into them.
When I went into law enforcement many years ago, I was upset to find that the department I was going to decided on switching over to Glocks. In my "firearms enthusiast" stage, I saw the Glock as an ugly, purely utilitarian sidearm. Now, I probably won't buy any other handgun besides a Glock.
That is unfortunate, because there are so many out there that I want to buy. Such as the HK p30, the HK 45c, any number of 1911's and so forth. But I have recently became more interested in spending time and money becoming more profficient with my duty Glock than buying new ones.
This has spilled over into my rifle collection as well. I would love to get an M1 Carbine as well as an M1A, and a number of bolt action rifles. But, for the time being, my money will go into my current and future AR style carbines, magazines and ammo.
Ya know I had this conversation with a customers wife just the other day in our store.
The lady viewed her husband having his CCW and carrying a gun everywhere they went as a "hobby." I informed her that carrying a gun to protect yourself or your family is NOT a "hobby."
I believe that collecting firearms IS a hobby. Training on how to use them and carrying one (for CCW) to NOT be a hobby (more lifestyle thing).
IMHO, people that own guns but never attend training or practice how to fight with a gun would be considered "hobbyists." People that do train (and have actually attended a defensive shooting schools) will view firearms as a requirement (lifestyle).
C4
It used to be a hobby and a lifestyle for me. I have a safe full of firearms that I hardly ever shoot. I bought them because I appreciated the history or the engineering that went into them.
When I went into law enforcement many years ago, I was upset to find that the department I was going to decided on switching over to Glocks. In my "firearms enthusiast" stage, I saw the Glock as an ugly, purely utilitarian sidearm. Now, I probably won't buy any other handgun besides a Glock.
That is unfortunate, because there are so many out there that I want to buy. Such as the HK p30, the HK 45c, any number of 1911's and so forth. But I have recently became more interested in spending time and money becoming more profficient with my duty Glock than buying new ones.
This has spilled over into my rifle collection as well. I would love to get an M1 Carbine as well as an M1A, and a number of bolt action rifles. But, for the time being, my money will go into my current and future AR style carbines, magazines and ammo.
I am the exact opposite as you (until recently). I had ZERO interest in collecting firearms. I woud not buy a gun that I didn't think served a hunting or defensive purpose (and one that I would actually shoot). So that means that I had a total of about 8-9 guns. This is not a lot for an FFL that can get things at cost and also write the expense off.
I have had a shift in thinking recently and have started to buy guns that are not made any more. As of late, I have picked up an M1 Carbine, two HK P7M8's, Sig P6 and a Nazi marked HP.
So now, I am kind of interested in historical weapons (that I can still shoot).
C4
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both.”
James A. Michener
Outlander Systems
01-13-10, 12:32
"A haircut's not a lifestyle"
+10 to anyone who gets the reference.
I voted four. As my agenda-neutral handle suggests, firearms are factored into a grander scheme. Said scheme includes keeping myself 6' above ground.
Outlander Systems
01-13-10, 12:32
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both.”
James A. Michener
Sounds like something Miyamoto Musashi would say.
Firearms, in the context of this forum and others, are all generally part of a larger lifestyle, and the arguments begin when you discuss the overall lifestyle. Desk jockeys and the well trained should have no problems coexisting, assuming everyone acts appropriately.
Stemming from the other thread, someone was questioning the fitness of a class attendee who had all the latest and greatest, but wasn't in the best of shape.
Right there is an example of two different lifestyles, but both may fit choice #4.
One person may have a job requirement to maintain an expected level of fitness and proficiency, while the other may seek proficiency to maintain confidence in his ability to defend himself and others. Both might meet all of their own personal standards, but their personal standards just don't agree.
I'm a little puzzled by firearms as a "lifestyle". I'm not sure what exactly that means.
Are you referring to firearms as a part of an overall lifestyle that is concerned with concepts like security and personal defense or does "lifestyle" mean something else?
If the definition is personal security and self defense, then firearms can be both. I like guns. I like to shoot them, collect them, learn about them, and occasionally tinker with their inner workings. I think they are fascinating pieces of machinery.
I also carry firearms daily as a tool of personal defense.
If I may quote myself...
I'm being intentionally vague with the definitions for the choices here because I'd like to hear how you voted and why you think that vote applies to you. I obviously have my own ideas about what the different choices mean but want to keep them to myself for now to hear others' thoughts.
Sounds like something Miyamoto Musashi would say.
Thinking the same only Yukio Mishima "Sun and Steel":cool:
I was brought up to believe firearms are tools,tools to save lives,put meat on the table.
To me it's a mindset thing. I'm not a collector of anything.
If I don't use it it goes.
It's not a life style choice we are born this way! :D
variablebinary
01-13-10, 13:45
Lifestyle
http://www.mattaxelson.com/album/afghanistan/images/SPMAJSML.jpg
A person can do IPSC, 3 gun, carbine class, play soldier, or whatever, it's always going to fall short of someone who puts their ass on the line day and night. Those types of shooters dont get to walk away and go home when they are tired, or cold or sleepy.
That's a lifestyle. I enjoy guns, I enjoy training, I carry a G19. Guns are important in my life, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it a lifestyle.
I started shooting my father's .22 pistol in 1960 (a nice little llama 1911 clone). We literally wore it out. I bought a pistol for selfdefense (& fun) in 1977. To me, firearms fall into 3 categories: an emergency device like a fire extinguisher, a sporting tool like a golf club & something to collect like coins or stamps. Over the years I’ve shot sporting clays, skeet, high-power, silhouette, .22 silhouette, 3 position .22 & done a lot of plinking, but practical pistol is my favorite. I think the tactical carbine matches would also be as much fun (my next thing). I got a couple of guns that are optimized for those sports. Losing interest in collecting, I sold the guns that I started to collect. Men seem to find weapons appealing, maybe we are hardwired that way. I've watched little boys playing, if you don't let them have toy guns, they will make a shoe or broomstick into one. I don't have an urge to take my fire extinguisher out & practice with it.
I enjoy guns, I enjoy training, I carry a G19. Guns are important in my life, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it a lifestyle.
So which did you vote? I could see taking that stance but voting #1, 2 or 4.
firearms fall into 3 categories: an emergency device like a fire extinguisher, a sporting tool like a golf club & something to collect like coins or stamps.
That's a good one, and I have used a variation on that before. Maybe another poll would be...
A firearm is to me like a...
1)...fire extinguisher
2)...golf club
3)...rare coin or stamp
While some may find all three to be accurate I think almost everyone would have one that would outweigh the others.
I myself chose part of a larger lifestyle. I have immersed myself in firearms related activities and work for as long as I have been able to. I have attended and completed ~17 months of gunsmithing school. I have been S.A.R.E.T. certified and trained at Rock Island Armory. Worked as a gunsmith commercially, a firearm salesman/counterman, and traveled the country as a Small Arms Repairman.
Although I am now laid off and unemployed I am working on some firearms related projects with some past associates. At the present time I am searching high and low to find a new Small Arms Repairman "Gig" - read "Get A Job". I am also attempting to put together a new pistol caliber carbine design that is lightweight, robust, affordable, and ergonomic for the mainstream gun enthusiast.
I started out as a ill educated "Gun Junkie". I made a plethora of gun buying decisions both financially and in terms of the firearms I chose to purchase. At this point in time I have a nice "Collection" of quality firearms and within said collection I have a core group of "Essential" working rifles and handguns. At this point in time I still have the urge to buy any firearm that strikes me as classic in design, or that is mechanically interesting/intriguing to me - although now it is not financially feasible.
It seems now that I prefer to work on firearms now more than I actually shoot them, but make no mistake I do enjoy practicing with them. When I get the chance I also enjoy occasionally hunting also. That said it is not the overriding reason I own firearms. To me hunting is more of a skill that I have learned and now view as an essential skill acquired and presently practiced as a hobby. If I had more $ and time I would like to attend some formal firearms instruction like a carbine class.
My chosen occupation and interests are all firearms interconnected and or related.
--->APB
I think you need a 5th choice. Combination.
EDIT: To that end I voted #4 as to me that would encompass the lifestyle bit with the hobby being part of the greater lifetyle part
I think the lifestyle choice is important and covers how I feel about the importance of firearms, especially for defense of self, family, and community. Carrying daily, being skilled in the social use of a firearm, practice, etc of those skills and being of that mindset is a lifestyle decision and commitment.
However, one can also enjoy firearms as a hobby. I like tinkering with them, shoot at targets for fun, plinking, and blowing the crap out of things too. This is separate from the "social work" interest.
I always had an interest in firearms since I was a kid, but did not grow up shooting them and only had a 22 I bought on a whim for fun when I went back to college to finish up. However, when Clinton started to push through the AWB I got serious about it and started getting interested in the social work aspect and got an AR, a handgun, etc and started to get some training (not the sort of training I would take today but at the time it was what I knew about) and made the commitment to carry.
But being a naturally inquisitive person I also was interested as a hobby. I like to tinker and build things so I got it to reloading, made my first AR, etc.
I also like history so I picked up some 8mm mausers (7.92mm Mauser) and some Swedish mausers and a Ljungman. And a bunch of Enfield SMLE types.
I did make a rule early on that all the firearms had to be "practical" though. With a very liberal definition of "practical." I only sold one firearm due to this rule -- an Eagle Arms very heavy barrel 24" or so "target" gun. Like a 2" dia barrel roughly. You could watch the hits through the scope like it was a 10/22. I decided it was not rally practical and got rid of it. Everything else has a "practical" use besides being fun (obviously social tools have the biggest practical use)
I voted number 4. Firearms have been a big part of my entire life from childhood to the present. I was in the Army in the 80's. At one point, I worked as a Gunsmith. Adherence of the Gov't. to the Second Amendment has formed my political views. If I were physically able and had the coin, I would attend as many Handgun/Carbine classes as possible.
Larger lifestyle. Started with air guns and hunting by the time I was 6. Then into the Corps at 18 and started my own collection. Moved from there to security and LE, CCW along the way. I usually handle an empty weapon at some point on most days merely as a familiarity exercise. My wife hates that I dry fire and practice reloads in the evening, even if it's just a few minutes.
With the exception of a budding WWII collection, my firearms are mainly serious use. Most of the hunting guns have given way to tactical stuff, some of which could still be used for hunting if need be.
To me a hobbyist would be someone whose range trips center around pleasure. Most of my trips center around training and competition. I actually find it difficult to get "just for fun" range time. Not that all shooting exercise isn't enjoyable, but sometimes I get to the point where I find myself making excuses to not go. That's when I have to go and relax and just have some fun with guns. Otherwise, it gets to become a chore and you won't go as often as you should.
I'd be interested to know how many people haven't been to the range in the last 2-3 months, and why.
rubberneck
01-13-10, 14:54
Both. They aren't mutually exclusive. My hobbies are a part of my lifestyle and my lifestyle is my hobby.
Pathfinder Ops
01-13-10, 15:00
Larger lifestyle because of what they represent not just locally or nationally but globally.
They embody one of the few things that uniquely states I am an American. they say:
I'm different. My nation was built after yours on certain precepts. Individual ownership of a firearm being one of them and a distinct message that says we will remain independent of the "global governance" and take solid pride in what our Founding Father's wanted. That we are free men.
In contrast to those out of control (nation) states where firearms ownership (AKA possession) is a matter of survival; I see it here in America as a greater lifestyle choice that keeps/ has kept our country from devolving into one of the weakened and out of control nations.
Firearms are one of the fibers with which our freedoms is woven. many in our nation have forgotten that. And they would be the ones who want to let the UN be a "stabilizing world force" and marginalize our independence by joining the "new world order."
Whoops....sorry I didn't mean for that to become a rant.
Larger lifestyle, in regard to profession. What I am is what I do, and vice versa.
I'm one-dimensional and boring, in other words.
This.
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both.”
James A. Michener
Thanks for posting, Todd.
Larger lifestyle. Being proficient with a handgun and rifle, for me, go hand in hand with knowing unarmed combat skills, staying in shape, reading, and monetary discipline. I want to do all I can to handle whatever may be thrown my way. Keeps me young and gives me options.
I chose option #4 but I would say they are part of a lifestyle and part of a hobby.
My carry gear and serious range time are dedicated to a lifestyle with the purpose of protecting myself and those that I love. The guns are part of this lifestyle.
On the other hand, I have guns I don't carry. I do not own them for defense. I hunt with them, shoot competitions with them and tinker with them. These guns are part of a Hobby that I have had since I was younger. This fascination and love of guns has carried over into my lifestyle but I still do some things just for the sake of having a hobby.
In conclusion, I would say guns are my hobby and a defensive mindset is my lifestyle.
Jeremy45
I chose #4.
I love guns, I really do, but collecting them is for rich folks. If I were a rich man, I'd have a wide variety of cool modern stuff and older weapons with historical significance, but I am not, so I've got small modest selection of stuff I've deemed useful. I shoot some more than others, but they're all functional. And as much as it makes people cringe, I'm not afraid to admit that I have guns for shooting people, should the need arise. I don't even hunt, though I have no real qualms against it other than a general dislike for boredom.
If left at that, I'd say #3 probably fits as well, but truthfully I do consider them to be part of a bigger picture than just me liking to shoot them or even wanting to be able to defend my family. It's a lifestyle/mindset issue -- part of being free, as free as one can be in today's world at least, is to be armed. No matter your views or the political climate, a man can't say he's free if he's powerless to resist the control of others --don't misunderstand, I've got no disillusions of one-man Rambo badassery in the face of tyranny, but you can't even draw a line in the sand, when your stick has been confiscated.
Misc Ex-Member
01-13-10, 16:20
People that do train (and have actually attended a defensive shooting schools) will view firearms as a requirement (lifestyle).
There are many people who attend hundreds of hours of training as their hobby. They are "training junkies" i.e. training is their hobby/recreation. Many do not carry a gun outside of their shooting school, much the same as many police and military (even SF "Operators" :eek:) do not routinely carry firearms outside of "work".
If a civilian analyzes their needs and takes one carbine class, three pistol classes, a driving class and gets EMT certified, it would probably make a lot more sense than taking six carbine classes. But some guys do it anyway. It's fun, challenging, and in the end, it's their money to spend as they see fit.
geminidglocker
01-13-10, 17:46
Definitly a Lifestyle. Growing up, my Hero was McGuyver. He always did the right thing, protected folks, and built cool stuff out of commonly available items. I was in Boy Scouts, and always took pride in myself. During High School I fell in with the "Wrong Crowd". I smartened up real quick though and took a correspondence course from N.R.I., I never finished, but I did land a job as a Department Manager due to my Charisma and Knowledge of Firearms. I served the Public well in my six years as a Gun Salesman and small time Gunsmith. 9-11 happened and I went to war. Firearms served me well there too. Now, I'm on VA disability, so the gunfightin' is done. I still work on guns, allow folks to sight in in my yard, and help the firearms community when and wherever I can. I still come to this very forum, everyday, without fail. I have the Glock Logo on my right Bicep.
Nowadays, my friends usually refer to me as McGuyver, or Crazy Dave. Both are hard faught for and well desrved Nicknames. War is in my blood. My Grampa was in WWII, and he was my first Hero. Problem with him is he taught me Modesty. But that's a good thing.
When my Son was born I could swear I smelled Hoppes #9. He's going to be a Warrior too. I think Family Values plays into it a lot, when you determine if it should be a Lifestyle or a Hobby;)
Your question makes my head hurt rob...:cool:
I think the modern firearm has probably changed and affected the world as we know it on the same levels as the internal combustion engine and air conditioning. I've always been fascinated with them as tools, protection, art, collectables, investments, etc....look how many various forums we have. Black powder makes me yawn but I don't put down the guys who ga-ga over them as I understand the disease.
I guess for me it went from a hobby to lifestyle as soon as I got my ffl...
Gutshot John
01-13-10, 18:06
If you shoot purely for fun it's a hobby.
If you shoot because it's part of your day-to-day job it's a lifestyle.
There are a thousand shades of gray in between.
I voted "Lifestyle: firearms are a lifestyle in and of themselves" but I can see how "Lifestyle: firearms are part of a larger lifestyle" would also apply.
It's hard to categorize most people into on hard and fast compartmentalization and I'm even more unconventional then most.
If you shoot because it's part of your day-to-day job it's a lifestyle.
I disagree that the only way for it to be part of a lifestyle is for it to be part of your paycheck. In fact I would argue that there are thousands of LE that get paid to carry one for which even their duty weapon is not even remotely part of their lifestyle.
I voted #4.
To me, firearms are a big part of my life. I love to talk, look, feel, drool, shoot, train, drool, converse, gain inspiration (for future acquisitions/builds)...compete when time permits.
I'm not a door kicker, I'm just a guy who spends a lot of his time with his "hobby" :D
Chose option #4.
All of the above could apply to some degree.
Firearms are primarily about preparedness for me.I would consider that a larger lifestyle(some may call it a hobby).
Gutshot John
01-13-10, 18:48
I disagree that the only way for it to be part of a lifestyle is for it to be part of your paycheck. In fact I would argue that there are thousands of LE that get paid to carry one for which even their duty weapon is not even remotely part of their lifestyle.
Well as someone said what do you mean by "lifestyle"? For me lifestyle means shooting or preparing for a shooting is a huge part of if not your daily life. Its the means by which you live. If it's your lifestyle your ass depends on your skill/training/equipment and those of the guy to the right or left of you. If you're just a civie CCW than this obviously doesn't hold true. Most of our lifestyle involves sitting behind a desk and typing on a computer. Does this mean you can't or won't use the gun in a non-hobby manner? Of course not but then there is no end to the circular logic of this debate... one might say that all hobbies are part of a lifestyle but then the relevance of this thread becomes increasingly tenuous.
For the LEOs you're referring to it is part of their lifestyle they just don't know it yet. That doesn't change the fact that most of the rest of us shoot because we like it.
You can disagree if you'd like but there is a big difference between your "lifestyle" and those in the sandbox who deal with incoming and outgoing fire as part of their regular "lifestyle." Again you view "hobby" as a pejorative, I do not.
You, me and everyone else who CCWs does so because we shoot as a hobby. I don't know of a single person who CCWs who doesn't also like to shoot as a hobby. Why is this a bad thing?
I don't know if lifestyle is the right word but that is what I chose.
Firearms are part of a mindset. There are people who go through life oblivious to the realities of the world. Bad things happen to good people, and there is no divine intervention that is going to save you at the last moment.
Then there are people who pay attention to the world, see what it is like, and plan accordingly. Firearms are a part of this, but far from the only part.
Of course many people fall somewhere in between since this is an oversimplification. But in my experience it is just the way things are. =\
Larger lifestyle because of what they represent not just locally or nationally but globally.
They embody one of the few things that uniquely states I am an American. they say:
I'm different. My nation was built after yours on certain precepts. Individual ownership of a firearm being one of them and a distinct message that says we will remain independent of the "global governance" and take solid pride in what our Founding Father's wanted. That we are free men.
In contrast to those out of control (nation) states where firearms ownership (AKA possession) is a matter of survival; I see it here in America as a greater lifestyle choice that keeps/ has kept our country from devolving into one of the weakened and out of control nations.
Firearms are one of the fibers with which our freedoms is woven. many in our nation have forgotten that. And they would be the ones who want to let the UN be a "stabilizing world force" and marginalize our independence by joining the "new world order."
#4, what he said, I am an American, I was brought up as an American not a globalist. The 2nd Amendment is the one that protects all others.
They also have purpose. They are there for self preservation, when seconds count, the cops are minutes away. I got into hunting within the last couple years. It's nice to be able to go out and get away from it all and for a little while I can kinda live like our forefathers lived, living off the land, you kill what you eat. Also enjoying nature and just relaxing. Nothing is more relaxing than sitting out in the woods while it's snowing and dead silent.
I would consider it more of a lifestyle than a hobby.
I have a friend who is really into RC (planes,trucks,boats,etc).
That's his hobby.
It doesn't affect his day to day clothing choices,where he does/doesn't go,his politics,etc,etc...
Same for my dad who is really into billiards...Gramps who is a big golfer...
None "suffer" for their hobby to the extent I do for Firearms.:D
kaiservontexas
01-13-10, 19:03
I chose part of a larger lifestyle because I am very pro-liberty and I grew up with them as apart of that idea. Then there is also the self-defense side of things.
MarshallDodge
01-13-10, 19:08
Lifestyle. I think I spend more time thinking about guns than any other subject in my life. :cool:
TriumphRat675
01-13-10, 19:14
Hobby with aspirations to lifestyle. I've had training, occasionally compete in IDPA, and have achieved what is to me an acceptable level of competence with my go-to weapons, but my tendency is to towards collecting and fun-gunning. I have too many other interests to honestly say that I devote enough time to shooting to raise it out of hobby status.
Gutshot John
01-13-10, 19:19
Well hell if all you have to do is believe in self-defense and the 2nd Amendment than I suppose it's a lifestyle for me than as well. Who isn't pro-liberty?
Strangely that doesn't feel right to me so maybe the OP should define "hobby" and "lifestyle" in whatever way he chooses. Until then this differences are wholly semantic and therefore inevitably will become a rhetorical circle-jerk.
Even still I don't think the four choices give anywhere near the nuance required to appropriately examine the issue so my guess is that he wanted to come to a specific conclusion by obliquely asking a question that would inevitably lead there.
nutnless220
01-13-10, 19:27
.........
John_Wayne777
01-13-10, 19:32
I think Todd's post sums it up nicely, frankly.
If there are those among us who are excellent with a firearm it's not solely a result of their job. Their job may require having a weapon strapped to them daily but the skill they have with that weapon, the depth of knowledge they possess on the subject of using it...most of that is a result of their personal interest in the topic and their personal drive to excel in those areas.
If someone is or desires to be excellent at something it's a lifestyle.
Gutshot John
01-13-10, 19:34
Let's see the December holidays notwithstanding, I shoot at least two, but usually 4-5 times a month. About 400-800 rounds a month is my ammo budget until I get more fully employed, no one pays for my ammo but I did stock up when it was cheap. I average about 3-4 formal classes a year and train with a coach at least the same number of days. I pay for all that out of a paycheck that also covers my mortgage, groceries, transportation etc.
I carry whenever I can but not when I go to work. Paycheck is more important than CCW.
I don't really call myself a collector, if so my collection sucks. I own more than one gun, but several are of the same type.
I hunt but only with a bow. Hunting with firearms (outside of varminting which is really just target practice) is kind of dull to me. I spend a bunch of time out in the woods which is also a hobby.
I bet I shoot more than most people here and I think if people were really honest with themselves they'd acknowledge that it's much more of a hobby.
I will expand my definition from "preparing for a shootout" to being "paid to shoot." Since there are a bunch of "lifestyle" shooters in competition who have never fired a shot in anger.
I'm constantly thinking about shooting as are most people who frequent this site. I love to shoot, I'd do it more if I could.
I'm not really sure about trying to separate hobby and lifestyle. I picked number four because for me it's more or less a big hobby grounded somewhat in lifestyle. I live on a ranch and a gun is a handy tool to have around, but isn't really necessary for day to day activities. If I were a person who totally viewed guns as tools, all I would really need is a good 30-30 lever action, a 10/22, and a decent handgun. That would cover 98% of any situation where a gun would be necessary. Instead, I have a small "collection" of guns and my ranch rifle is an AR, which to me says that my hobby influences the guns I use. I have tool guns, which usually are useful, but not particularly that interesting to me. I also have fun guns that I own because of their history, some niche, or just because they are a lot of fun to shoot. I don't see why a person can't have both.
Where does addiction fall in all of this?
Strangely that doesn't feel right to me so maybe the OP should define "hobby" and "lifestyle" in whatever way he chooses. Until then this differences are wholly semantic and therefore inevitably will become a rhetorical circle-jerk.
Even still I don't think the four choices give anywhere near the nuance required to appropriately examine the issue so my guess is that he wanted to come to a specific conclusion by obliquely asking a question that would inevitably lead there.
They're originally your terms, why don't you define them? :p
Gutshot John
01-13-10, 20:23
They're originally your terms, why don't you define them? :p
I wouldn't presume in your thread. :p
RogerinTPA
01-13-10, 20:27
I consider my pistol training highly practical as I may use the skills at anytime in a real world encounter, as a lifestyle, since I am armed the over whelming majority of the time, and which I plan on dedicating more training to. I consider carbine training a hobby, which is fun to participate in, but actual real world usage is less probable, since I don't wear a chest rig or tote a carbine on a daily basis. It does provide me additional skills in case shit happens, that would change my lifestyle, from pistol toting, to carbine toting. I been a "gun guy" since 12 years old, so the "gun culture", is part of my way of life.
I'm with Pi3. Not just an addiction...just an obsession. Lifestyle per Grant's first post, but definitely a hobbyist in my collecting.
threefeathers
01-13-10, 21:34
Life style for me.
Mauser KAR98K
01-14-10, 00:39
I'm going for both.
First, it is a lifestyle to me due to the fact it is life and death, and life and death should be all business and not a full fledged hobby. But with the same breath, it shouldn't governor your life, unless you are active duty military, LEO, or Private contractor; that is a whole different ball game. I'm not one to think about firearms, or the firearms culture every waking moment, but it is one my mind every day at some point. Everything else is life goes on, and it should be for us everyday armed peasants.
What we do with firearms, moreover weapons themselves, I believe, should be a number one priority to get the best stuff that doesn't break, learn to use them well, and enact regiments of training to improve from where we stand after the last round down range. Then we place the weapon on its stand, and we pick-up something else that should fill our lives just as much, and in that, pursue it like we have just done with our previous training. You might call this an alternation between hobby and lifestyle, but it all serves us better as individuals in the long run, as we are able to do multiple things well, take a break from something else to pursue another pull to our beings.
If we pursue one thing as a lifestyle, then that thing controls our lives and we at its mercy. This will lead to undo stresses, and with what is in question, could lead to bad judgment. Treating it as a hobby won't give the same urgency of discipline and thought that is needed for weapons, but it should give breathing room to make it more pleasurable and less of a burden.
Just my thoughts on Martial Arts as a whole.
BTW: First post, glad to be here.
i chose that its part of a bigger lifestyle...
for me...arming myself, defending myself, is just part of a larger personal responsibility, and a responsibility I have to my family...
I wish I had more knowledge and skill (and was not injured currently) to be more self-reliant....
but, in the spirit of "courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference" my own personal protection and training is something I can do something about...
to that end I've taken to becoming more proficient in a lot of things...lost over 100 pounds (need to get back to finishing that.....), trying to get my body healed, looking into alternatives for being a better provider are among some of them....so firearms, and their use, are just part of that
ChicagoTex
01-14-10, 03:12
I voted Hobby as part of a larger Hobby.
My definition of larger Hobby is a little loose though.
Basically, I like cool mechanical toys. I love cars, guns, knives, etc.
Just the other day my friend commented to me "I don't really get the 'gun thing'"
To which I replied "Do you get the car thing?"
"Yeah"
"Then you get the gun thing. I do the gun thing, but can't afford the car thing. Just like I did the knife when I couldn't afford the gun thing."
Basically guns sit highest in my hierarchy of affordable Cool Stuff. The fact that they're useful for personal defense is really a secondary benefit to me. Not that I don't take my right to carry seriously and don't train with my gun - but I'm not hardcore enough that I'd carry a gun if I didn't also think they were fun.
I'd probably own at least one though, regardless, because shit happens.
William B.
01-14-10, 12:56
It's #4 for me. I love American History, so I'm taking into consideration the way that this country was founded (revolution), the Declaration of Independence, and the US Constitution.
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both.”
James A. Michener
I keep re-reading this quote & get something more each time. If you can turn all work into play, you've got it licked. Perhaps the key access point to the art of living is learning how to live in the present moment. The zen notion of mindfulness, of alert wakefullness is very similar to Jeff Coopers directive to live in condition yellow. This would apply to Lifestyle with a capital L even if you lived in a place where you could only defend youself with an ax handle. Cooper's notions of mindset apply even when a firearm is not available.
http://www.teddytactical.com/SharpenBladeArticle/4_States%20of%20Awareness.htm
Derek_Connor
01-14-10, 14:14
i have no grand illusions.
its a hobby for me.
i have no grand illusions.
its a hobby for me.
Self preservations can never be classified as a "hobby." It is a necessity.
Water-Skiing is a hobby.
Now you could clasify "training" as an "interest" that rides shotgun next to self preservation.
C4
Derek_Connor
01-14-10, 14:40
I dont equate guns the end all, be all of self preservation. If my guns were taken from me tomorrow, my mindset on self-preservation would be the same. I would just have to crush that MFers head w/my bare hands instead of the .45acp..
Like I said, for me, its a hobby.
I dont equate guns the end all, be all of self preservation. If my guns were taken from me tomorrow, my mindset on self-preservation would be the same. I would just have to crush that MFers head w/my bare hands instead of the .45acp..
Like I said, for me, its a hobby.
Your right. The mind is actually the most important "tool."
Everything can used to defend ones life, but a gun is one of the TOP tools in the arsenal.
C4
Thanks for posting this poll. It was something I wanted to do and have though about a lot. I recently was in a big "discussion" on another forum as to whether or not shooting was a martial art. Many argued it was not because it did not involve "hand to hand", others said it was too easy and did not require a mastery of skills, others said martial arts were a philosophy while shooting was a sport. Needless to say I was blown away by these responses, the pure lack of knowledge and the total lack of mindset. It is amazing how many supposed "gun people" view firearms ownership as lightly as putting a ball at the mini golf course. It always rubs me the wrong way when people refer to shooting as a hobby. I have a hobby, it is collecting model airplanes, if tomorrow BHO declared that I could not longer have my model airplanes, it would suck, but it really would not make me much less of a free man. Firearms are far far different. They enable me to protect my family and myself from the wolves, they enable me to protect my nation and community from the wolf packs, and they enable me to put food on my table for my family. They are far more important than any sport or hobby. I realize that the mind is the weapon that allows all of the above, but without firearms, it becomes much more difficult to achieve. I think those guys back in the 1780s knew this.
I know I'm new to the forum here, but I really feel I am among like minded gun owners here.
To the posters that know who the D.K.'s are, as well as Black Flag, Corrosion of Conformity, Circle Jerks, Misfits, etc., I feel the mindset that led us to take to this music, leads us to a different way of looking at things. Don't over analyze this. We gravitate to what we gravitate to. Also love classical. Embracing violence as a useful tool in certain circumstances can lead to a higher probability of surviving in bad situations. If you don't get the gist of my post, don't dwell on it. Simply has to do with the mindset with which some approach life. Buy the guy a beer or beat the shit out of him if need be. It's all about lifestyle. Never judge a book by the cover. If you don't agree, no problem.
RogerinTPA
01-14-10, 21:08
Firearms proficiency is an essential and necessary skill set for all Americans to obtain. It should be a way of life for all. It should be written into our laws to have mandatory firearms training, starting from middle school through 12th grade.
Roger- Agree. Would like to ad basic financial skills should be added as well. Have a feeling the Dems. want to keep the masses in the dark, though.
BushmasterFanBoy
01-14-10, 21:26
Firearms are just tools, and as a result, its hard for them to be anything by themselves. By their very nature as inanimate objects, they must be a part of something greater. With the exception of extremely dedicated bench rest shooters that try to eliminate the human from the shooting process as much as possible, I'd say that all shooters have guns as part of something else. It's up to each person whether that something is a hobby or a lifestyle.
For me, I think it's a lifestyle, and at this point, guns are a pretty small part of it. A love of freedom, an awareness of politics, an emphasis on fitness, education, frugality, self sufficiency, and a strong mindset that a person ought to be able and willing to defend themselves and their rights are much, much greater aspects of that lifestyle, IMHO. To that lifestyle, guns are only one ingredient.
To someone else, guns might just be a hobby at the range, and that's fine too. But to me, guns are part of a way of life, one that embraces common sense and the idea of rugged individualism. It seems quintessentially American that men ought to be armed. After all, a man who is armed is able to face the world on his own, by defending himself, hunting for food, and protecting his family. Without guns, the individual ideal falls apart under a veil of perceived security provided by the government. For that reason alone, I think its hard to say that guns are just a hobby. Yeah, you might only use yours for hobby shooting, but just the ownership of them keeps a certain American lifestyle alive.
It is part of a larger lifestyle for me too. I guess all service members will pretty much answer that it is part of their lifestyle. After all, how many members here can honestly say that they have Sh*t, Showered, Shaved, and Slept with their firearms?
Robb Jensen
01-15-10, 08:17
“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both.”
James A. Michener
Excellent Todd.
See you soon.
Count myself and my family that see firearms as part of a greater lifestyle. Its about the mindset and goals for us.
Rifles are a hobby, carry is a lifestyle.
FlyAndFight
01-15-10, 11:04
Greater lifestyle and as Todd so eloquently quoted, a hobby as well, at times.
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