This concerns me

[GilpinGuy]

Mild rant I guess.

I recently bought a firearm from a forum member - transferred at an FFL, it was legal and all that, of course. I've done many transactions with forum members since I joined in '12 , and all have been awesome. Not one problem or hick-up. What a community!

What dawned on me today was that I'm almost 47 yo and I can't think of a transaction I've done with someone that was obviously younger than me, except maybe one (but not by much).

Holy crap. If only old dudes like me and older are engaging in firearms sports, training, hunting, etc., we are doomed. All I can do is get my 12 yo son enthused about guns (he very much is) and my 4 yo daughter will be soon too.

Most of my gun buy/sell transaction have been through this forum, so maybe that's all there is to it. Are we a bunch of old farts here?

Either way, we gotta get youngsters into guns. Pickenups Christmas giveaway was awesome back in the day (thank you again!), until the gov't decided that was evil. It's a challenge with government schools jamming shit down the young one's throat's as well.....(profanity laced rant deleted).....ok, I'm done.

[Grant H.]

I don't know what you consider old, but there are a lot us that are sub 40 on here.

I, however, have to agree that we don't see enough teens at local matches with their parents.

[ray1970]

Weird. I'll be 47 in a couple of months as well but it seems most of my transactions through the forum always seem to be with people quite a bit younger than me. Or at least they look younger than me.

[ray1970]

I, however, have to agree that we don't see enough teens at local matches with their parents.

That made me chuckle. Teenagers typically don't hang out with their parents. Plus, most matches seem to start some time in the morning and usually on a weekend. Ever see a teen up early on a Saturday?

[laportecharlie]

Most everybody is younger than I am.

[Bailey Guns]

Thanks for making me feel old. My oldest kid is within sight of 40 years old.

[Fmedges]

I have sold a number of firearms on this site as well as other things and I think I've only met someone older than me two times (30 at the time). I think that for you it may of just been a coincidence.

[colorider]

I'm 49. Buy and sell here often. Yep, I'm normally,the old dude at the transaction.

[izzy]

Guns are expensive. Not many younger people can afford them.

[StagLefty]

47 year old fart !!!!! Damn whippersnapper [Beer]

[Hummer]

Guns are expensive. Not many younger people can afford them.


There has to be motivation. Back in the day when my peers were blowing dough on 45 and 78 rpm vinyl records, I saved two years of lawn mowing money to buy an Anschutz Match 54 and Redfield International sights with all the accessories. Still have and shoot that rifle. I'll bet few of my old jr. and high school friends still use vinyl. Early on I developed a philosophy of buying/investing in quality and sticking with it. It's served me well.

I, too, am concerned about the lack of firearms education, a hunting heritage and a true conservation ethic in the current crops of young people. I believe that with increased urban populations and government control, we will lose our natural lands and native species, we will lose our freedoms, and we will lose America. I am not optimistic.

[Great-Kazoo]

Thanks for making me feel old. My oldest kid is within sight of 40 years old.

[LOL] Our joke with the daughter is. If you mother got pregnant when we started dating you'd be 44. Which is weird, even with her turning 34 soon.


Guns are expensive. Not many younger people can afford them.

They can't afford $400 AR's? Younger folks have different priorities as well as income than others.

You read some of the threads here from people who have been members for a few months, or years, before owning an AR, or any semi auto. It's more to do with what they or anyone needs over ones wants.

I do concur the education system along with social media has turned an inanimate object in to something evil. Based on sterotyping rather than actual first hand experience.



Last item. I'm as old as Hbar's dad and young enough to be LaPorte Charlie or Blaster Bob's brother. Being almost everyone i deal with are youngsters

[00tec]

I dont think the folks that are in the market for $400 AR are the type that are willing to communicate to work out meeting details, drive an hour to meet, make sure it is in decent shape, then do the FFL thing.

Its just easier to click a button on PSA and have it shipped to your nearest shop.

I have played middleman for people my age that expressed interest in stuff here (they were not members, and I was not buying firearms for them), only to find out they suddenly couldnt afford or didnt budget for it properly. I buy the stuff anyway. The mentality of having quality stuff and doing fair business is being lost.

[Skip]

I dont think the folks that are in the market for $400 AR are the type that are willing to communicate to work out meeting details, drive an hour to meet, make sure it is in decent shape, then do the FFL thing.

Its just easier to click a button on PSA and have it shipped to your nearest shop.

[snip]

Valid assumptions IMHO. When I was younger I bought exclusively from brick and mortar shops and usually on the weekend (only time off I had). Only bought new because I wasn't comfortable doing anything other than shooting/cleaning.

As I got older I was more comfortable with private party and learned it's easier to take a long "lunch break" to do a transfer than go on the weekends and wait forever. Buying a used Sig and replacing all the springs isn't a big deal. Building an AR is cake.

Until age ~28 I had one AR (20"), a 870, and one P226. Yup, only three guns. Didn't have the time or income for anything else. Now things are different :)

This is a hobby (lifestyle?) that takes time if you don't grow up in it and a lot of the traditional ways to create interest with youth is going away; school hunter safety programs, scouting, etc.

[ray1970]

I also think the age demographic for who you meet up with when buying or selling has something to do with the merchandise changing hands.

In other words, if you're buying or selling a $1,000 revolver or a nice Garand the chance that the buyer or seller is going to be a little older and more financially established is probably greater than meeting someone to pick up a $450 Glock or a $250 shotgun.

[hurley842002]

I guess it depends on who you consider young OP. The height of my gun purchasing was from around the age of about 22 to around 28 or 29. Prior to 22 I was still trying to get my shit together and figure out what the heck I was going to do with my life, and didn't have extra money to spend.

Fast forward to post 29 and into my 30's I started a family, and while being gainfully employed, don't make enough to save for our future, emergencies, vacations AND toys, I choose to put toys on the backburner.

I'm 33 now, but I'll likely be your age OP, before I'm able to focus on toys or anything like that, and even then I'll be looking to retire, and dumping all "fun" money into that. To be honest, I've asked myself for awhile now, how some of you guys afford living life AND toys, apparently I'm in the wrong line of work...

[CS1983]

I guess it depends on who you consider young OP. The height of my gun purchasing was from around the age of about 22 to around 28 or 29. Prior to 22 I was still trying to get my shit together and figure out what the heck I was going to do with my life, and didn't have extra money to spend.

Fast forward to post 29 and into my 30's I started a family, and while being gainfully employed, don't make enough to save for our future, emergencies, vacations AND toys, I choose to put toys on the backburner.

I'm 33 now, but I'll likely be your age OP, before I'm able to focus on toys or anything like that, and even then I'll be looking to retire, and dumping all "fun" money into that. To be honest, I've asked myself for awhile now, how some of you guys afford living life AND toys, apparently I'm in the wrong line of work...

What do you do?

Keep in mind that some people are ok w/ debt levels that would give Dave Ramsey a heart attack and makes CC companies tumescent. Others have very good paying jobs.

I've never been made happier by things, though. Minimalism is appealing.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4bFYJ0JUMk

[Sawin]

I am 34 and got into the non-hunting use of firearms when I moved to CO 11 years, at the ripe old age of 23.

Being by myself with no family or community around me when I moved, self-reliance was a natural conclusion leading me to buy my first handgun and begin getting training. Fast forward to today and I now practice, instruct, or compete in one type of shooting sport or another, just about every weekend. This passion endures even after getting married and subsequently having two kids.... My wife is supportive, but knows she and the family remain my priority despite the lucky frequency I am still able to maintain. Sometimes I can only squeeze in an hour early one morning before spending the day doing chores and family things, but i still try to practice and continually improve.

The OPs observation about the age of involved shooters/enthusiasts is not wrong, but it's only a small fraction of the true picture. Our community here on this forum is not a valid representation of the shooting world at large. There are enormous amounts of young people gaining interest and actual competence in the use of a handgun for self defense, more than anything. What do you think the next step for those people is once they're bitten by the gun bug? They move into long rifles or shotguns... it's just a natural cycle, just as much as any other kind of interest or hobby.

I know literally dozens of 20 and 30 something's, each with their own families, friends, communities, etc. that share a common interest and appreciation for firearms, even if they don't get out and shoot as much as we might, but they're 2A supporters and they're on both sides of the political aisle.... We just need to empower individual liberty and self preservation/sufficiency, and gun rights will be fine... even if some of our more traditional shooting sports dwindle as generational interest in those sports fails to keep up.

[Great-Kazoo]

To be honest, I've asked myself for awhile now, how some of you guys afford living life AND toys, apparently I'm in the wrong line of work...

Low overhead, minimal to zero debt, started investing / buying firearms when FNC's, H&K's Polytec's were an average $350 - $800.


If i was your age with kids, guns or other toys would be at the bottom of the buying list. Especially with the housing market's pricing the last few years.

[izzy]

They can't afford $400 AR's? Younger folks have different priorities as well as income than others.


I know some younger kids that live near me they're 19 and 20. They both work and live on their own and yeah $400 for a rifle plus ammo to shoot it is a big deal to them. I've been shooting with them and they love it but the really can't afford to get their own stuff.

[BushMasterBoy]

Interest will probably go way up with the coming war involving North Korea. Be positive!

[thedave1164]

LOL, you find that odd, try having a son in law that is two years older than you are......

[CS1983]

LOL, you find that odd, try having a son in law that is two years older than you are......

https://media.tenor.com/images/86eb7c00905ba5fa58b0e0bc7c7c7486/tenor.gif

[Skip]

Interest will probably go way up with the coming war involving North Korea. Be positive!

Peak Garands?

Everything old is new again.

[hurley842002]

If i was your age with kids, guns or other toys would be at the bottom of the buying list. Especially with the housing market's pricing the last few years.

Yes, guns and toys are at the bottom of my buying list (just compare my trading post activity now, to years past), I have close to zero debt, with my car note being the majority of that. I plan to move at some point, which should give me even more room financially, but even then I'll likely continue to save and get the car paid off.

(Speaking of finances, where has Irving been?)

[brutal]

Why would any (well, most any) Millennial spend more on guns and ammo than the latest cell phone?

My oldest being an exception. Classed as a Millennial by most charts @34, but is totally supportive of LGBT (Liquor/Guns/Bacon/Titties).

[cstone]

If you know anyone of any age, let them know about your hobby of sending small metal projectiles through paper or banging into steel plates. Make certain you let them know that you would be happy to take them to the range and let them learn how satisfying it can be to try and put the small metal projectiles into the same hole or close on steel plates. Show them how much fun it gets as you move the target back and shorten the time it takes you to send those metal projectiles. We are ambassadors for our hobby.

Be safe.

[hollohas]

I'm mid 30. I just don't sell any of my guns so my exposure to face-to-face transactions are minimal.

I also don't have the time to browse the TP or the money to drop on random impulse buy guns/gear other people might be selling.

When I want a gun, I save up for it. The odds of that very same gun being available on the TP when I finally have enough $ are slim-to-none chances, so I buy at my LGS.

The few face-to-face transactions I've had have all been very positive. I do enjoy meeting you folks when I can.

[thvigil11]

Interest will probably go way up with the coming war involving North Korea. Be positive!


Peak Garands?

Everything old is new again.

That's why Blasterbob is shopping Garands again. Must be getting ready for re-enlisting.

[BlasterBob]

That's why Blasterbob is shopping Garands again. Must be getting ready for re-enlisting.

You are correct Tom. Garands lately are "my thing". Greatest battle rifle in "my time" and to me it still reigns right up there. I am still buying them when I find a really nice one at a reasonable price of course. Doubt they will ever really go down much in price even if CMP receives a good number of them again. I admit I am one of the OLD FARTS here and am proud to be coming up on 81 in December. Wife and I have been married 57 years and have been through some dang tough times - medically. The first week of marriage, we both agreed that when either of us saw something that we really REALLY wanted and if we truly felt we could,afford it, buy it. My Mrs has never been critical of any part of my shooting sport from target shooting, reloading, collecting etc.. When I finally go belly up, [BooHoo] she is going to have a LOT of stuff to part with but I have taken care of that with a detailed listing most of my stuff, it's description, serial numbers, value and what could probably be sold for. I do have a shop (LGS) that will take everything and sell it at 15%"commission. In the mean time, if I spot nice Garand at a decent price, I will add it to the pile. [blaster]

[Wulf202]

The real reason you get people in that age bracket is that this is not a Facebook group. Or maybe you only buy guns that old people like.

[thvigil11]

You are correct Tom. Garands lately are "my thing". Greatest battle rifle in "my time" and to me it still reigns right up there. I am still buying them when I find a really nice one at a reasonable price of course. Doubt they will ever really go down much in price even if CMP receives a good number of them again. I admit I am one of the OLD FARTS here and am proud to be coming up on 81 in December. Wife and I have been married 57 years and have been through some dang tough times - medically. The first week of marriage, we both agreed that when either of us saw something that we really REALLY wanted and if we truly felt we could,afford it, buy it. My Mrs has never been critical of any part of my shooting sport from target shooting, reloading, collecting etc.. When I finally go belly up, [BooHoo] she is going to have a LOT of stuff to part with but I have taken care of that with a detailed listing most of my stuff, it's description, serial numbers, value and what could probably be sold for. I do have a shop (LGS) that will take everything and sell it at 15%"commission. In the mean time, if I spot nice Garand at a decent price, I will add it to the pile. [blaster]

You are a lucky man and we are fortunate to have you here on the forum. Hope that LGS is nice. Between Trinidad and Raton, things are pretty lacking. 2 small ones here, plus Whittington. I don't think Trinidad even has 1 right now. Got like 20 pot shops though. Cops here have been having a blast pulling south bound cars over. You got away just in time I guess.


Per the original post. Bob does win the "everyone I trade with here is younger than me category". But you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer guy.

[ray1970]

Or maybe you only buy guns that old people like.

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

[wctriumph]

Almost every one I meet to transact a deal are younger than me.

Oh well.

[BlasterBob]

Almost every one I meet to transact a deal are younger than me.

Oh well.

Gotta keep an eye on the OLD ones. They have probably been around the block more than a few times and are experienced at working things THEIR way. [Luck]

[Gman]

They say you're only as old as you feel.

...which makes me about dead. [dig]

I'd like to think that it's the wisdom gained over the years that gives one an appreciation for the finer things...and that's what you're looking for, the finer things.

[osok-308]

I recently turned 30 and do my best to get my friends and family in their early 20's into firearms. There are many younger guys that would like guns if they had someone help during the beginning stages of getting into them. That's exactly what I try to do.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[ray1970]

I recently turned 30

Well, shoot. You've practically got one foot in the grave.

[wctriumph]

^^^^

He certainly can't be trusted anymore.

[GilpinGuy]

Wel, good. I guess it's just a coincidence then. Happy to here that there are lots of younger folks into firarms. I neve thpught about the diring around to do face to face stuff. I have to drive an hour to get to a gun store anyway, so there is no "convenience factor" there for me

[Jer]

Maybe if you weren't buying/selling six shooters and cap & ball guns you'd attract a younger crowd. 😉

[Duman]

The last two transactions with forum members surprised me. They were in their 20's, 30ish at most. Encouraging.

[ben4372]

I was just talking to a friend with a similar gun habit. I decided I'm now where my uncle was 20 years ago. I have the guns I like and don't really go looking for new fangled stuff. Most people that have a few Lugers are close to 100. I like stuff that was cool or in movies when I was growing up. I have no need for a pre 64 rifle, and they are priced as such that i wouldn't pick one up on whim. I'm not sure what 23 year olds are after, but it's probably gonna be something that wont be special to a kid who is born today.

[Graves]

I didnt take the time to see if anybody already said it but could be the genre of hardware you're selling. [Dunno]