The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: BAC on August 19, 2011, 02:16:03 PM
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Over the summer I seem to have misplaced my passion for shooting. Part of it is being unemployed for so long and not wanting to spend any money that isn't absolutely necessary. Part of it is that I rarely have anyone to go to the range with. It was really fun shooting with my friends from high school earlier in the summer. That was the first time in a long time I shot with anyone else, but they live too far away to make it a regular thing.
Went the other day and just really didn't want to be there, so I packed up and left after less than 50 rounds. There's rarely anyone else at the club when I go, so there hasn't been a chance to get to know anyone there.
I even started a gunsmith correspondence course early this year, but haven't been motivated to do any studying since before my daughter's operation at the beginning of summer. Now we may be moving to that gun-loving mecca Maryland. Well, we probably will be, it's just a matter of when.
Sorry to unload. I'm not looking for sympathy or advice, just needed to vent.
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I can understand that. I lost my passion for shooting and other things when I became severely depressed, again. :'( The good news is I'm not suicidal. I may ride my ATV Sunday or do some shooting next week. I'm trying to get out of the house more. I just have to force myself to do things. Hang in ther BAC and it'll be fun again.
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I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard
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I feel your pain. Unemployment is very depressing. Depression sucks the joy out of life. Hang in there as this a temporary condition.
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Hi;
Knowing now that I am not the only one having ups and downs keeps me "sane". The more I talk to others and find out that they/we are in the same boat helps make sence that it is not only me and that I can control only so much of my life and just have to keep going to get a better handle/control of the rest of it. I often wonder what became of the "good/happy times". For me to give up is against my character, striving to hang in there and make things happen is the only hope. Letting off a little steam helps from time to time.
Maybe it is the current events happening in this country and the world. Everything use to make sence, now it is what in the world is going to happen next.
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Hang in there Brian. Something good will come. My motivation for hobbies does go up and down over the years. Heck my motivation goes up and down.
Just don't drop out entirely. My wonderful, supportive wife got me lifetime memberships in NRA and ARRL when we were first married. I may loose motivation, but the magazines keep me in touch and help keep my interest in something other than my own problems.
So stay on-line. Here and G+ and keep talking. We'll be here.
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I fight it every day. Its gotten better, but I'm still not where I was. It can be crippling. You start replaying conversations, memories, woulda/shoulda/couldas, generally the bad stuff. The key is to do stuff. Just get out out. Hell, sitting in the back yard with an iced coffee and watching the dog run around and enjoying the trees and such helps. You'll find that after you just go through the motions, you start to enjoy things more. It worked with fishing. I actually have fun. As far as shooting, I'd recommend an outdoor range. Being at an indoor dingy range is kind of depressing at the best of times. Get out in the sunlight. It does get better. Just my .02.
FQ13
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Thanks for the kind words, guys. It's kind of comforting to know you're not alone. FQ - indoor range? Who said anything about an indoor range?
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Thanks for the kind words, guys. It's kind of comforting to know you're not alone. FQ - indoor range? Who said anything about an indoor range?
He reads way to much into things.
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You're never alone BAC!
Hang in there, go hug your kids, wife and remember the important things in life have nothing to do with how you make a living. Do what you can, they'll love you anyway!
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Thanks for the kind words, guys. It's kind of comforting to know you're not alone. FQ - indoor range? Who said anything about an indoor range?
Hey, I was hoping. I really do find that the sunlight and being outside helps. No BS, maybe its the vitamin E or something, but dingy spaces do not help.
FQ13
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Dude, if you wanted someone to go shoot with all you had to do was ask. ;D
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Use your wife and kids for motivation to keep your skills up. If the provebiale poo hits the fan you may need to be sharp. It's hot as hell down here but I still go shoot just because I want to maintain and not loose ground. It will get better. The job thing is picking up down here. I work on repairing oil field offshore vessels and I see a huge upswing in companies spending money right now. I think things are going to boom again. The oil feild don't spend money unless theres a good return. Hang in there.
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Dude, if you wanted someone to go shoot with all you had to do was ask. ;D
I was going to, but you were dealing with your own stuff. I'd love to!
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We can make that happen. I am currently clubless. Where do you shoot at?
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We can make that happen. I am currently clubless. Where do you shoot at?
Butler City Hunting and Fishing Club in East Butler.
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Need to try those exploding targets, Tannerite. Always enjoyable to blow things up. Work with .22 as well. ;D
http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Sure_Shot_Exploding_Magnum_Rimfire_Targets_1_2lb_p/ss-mrf-1-fslash-2lb.htm
As tt posts, Never Let The Basta*** Get You Down....
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Hey, I was hoping. I really do find that the sunlight and being outside helps. No BS, maybe its the vitamin E or something, but dingy spaces do not help.
FQ13
Unless you're eating wheat germ or something similar, you don't get vitamin E from being outdoors. I think you mean vitamin D--and you might be onto something if that's what you intended.
Recent studies indicate many Americans are not getting nearly enlough D through diet alone. And many of us just don't spend enough time in the sun to allow our bodies to make the needed D.
(Dingy spaces CAN help if the beer is cold.)
And, that's just my 02.
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Fat fingers strike again :-[. And yeah that is what I meant. It is amazing how much better I felt after just hanging out outside for an hour. Back yard, fishing, walking downtown, outdoor table, whatever. Its not magic or anything, but it does help.
FQ13
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I feel for you Brian I really do, I think that its pretty bloody ordinary that a guy that served his country cant get a bloody break, and while I am not much into the praying, I do send my thoughts your way to you and your family.
Chin up mate and dont let the pack mongrel bastards get you down.
You can always sell up and come down under of course we have shit gun laws but our employment rate nationally is only about 5% and if there is anythng to go by with the people that they employ down here you would be a shoe in to get a job. Especially in Qld or WA in the mining sector and bloody good money to go with it.
Of course you would have to learn the words to click go the shears and camped under a gumtree.
best of luck mate!
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I feel for you Brian I really do, I think that its pretty bloody ordinary that a guy that served his country cant get a bloody break, and while I am not much into the praying, I do send my thoughts your way to you and your family.
Chin up mate and dont let the pack mongrel bastards get you down.
You can always sell up and come down under of course we have shit gun laws but our employment rate nationally is only about 5% and if there is anythng to go by with the people that they employ down here you would be a shoe in to get a job. Especially in Qld or WA in the mining sector and bloody good money to go with it.
Of course you would have to learn the words to click go the shears and camped under a gumtree.
best of luck mate!
Gee Sledge, Mexico is closer, Their unemployment rate is about the same and you only need to learn Spanish ;D
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Gee Sledge, Mexico is closer, Their unemployment rate is about the same and you only need to learn Spanish ;D
I think the Aussies pay just a smidge better and they have better beer. The food on the other hand? Advantage Mexico. It comes down to the women. Do you prefer white or latina? Either way you'll wind up with a job in a warm place with a cold beer and a decent woman (if you get a good job). Of course, if you have flexible morals, its not too hard to find folks in Mexico who will pay you well for your skill with firearms. I mean hell, your marksmanship will save them enough on the ammo bill that you might get a bonus.;D
FQ13
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FQ, that's not a job, it's a hobby ! ;D
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that's a bugger mate,
hang in there,
some times you need to step away for a little then not long after you will ask your self, why did I do that and the Passion will come back
had that happen my self recently however have gotten back in to it, same for the aquariums, back in to that, the break helps some times I have found,
best of luck with the Job Hunting,
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The food on the other hand? Advantage Mexico. FQ13
I don't see how. Especially after you factor in that eating it produces the equivalent of eating 6 bars of Ex-Lax 3 hours later. Bill T.
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Hang in there BAC, totally understand where your coming from. Maybe a day shooting with Junkie is all you need... ;D
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This should help.
I just ordered a DPMS Oracle kit for my early birthday present. We can't afford it right now, but the wife said to go for it.
(http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/images/?id=5992)
MidWayUSA had it for $539, but I got it directly from DPMS for only $489 with free shipping. I thought it was a good deal.
The wait begins...
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It's like an erector set for grownups! ;D
FQ13
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She's a keeper. The wife AND the kit. ;)
That should help overcome the doldrums. Have fun!
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Dress Up Barbie for guys.
Buying toys always helps the attitude
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This should help.
I just ordered a DPMS Oracle kit for my early birthday present. We can't afford it right now, but the wife said to go for it.
You are Loved, BAC, cared about and cherished. You have already won.
Your joy and happiness over this gift will be her prize...the more it helps you the greater her reward will be....get into this and you'll not let her down.
Take care.
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Keep your chin up. Tough times for everyone. I started exercising and getting in some "trigger therapy" with a .22 rifle instead of shooting my Glocks. Cheaper and can plink for a while and not go broke.
Sold some collectibles to possibly buy a newer pistol. Wife had it spent before I even had time to make a decision. Frustrating but I was being selfish and she pointed it out. Now I have parked the Jeep and walk to work. For fun I run the neighborhood for exercise. Met people I have never known before and have lived here for 8 years. Turned me into a social butterfly instead of a introvert.
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I think this type of thing happens to everyone at one time or another. Sometimes it's hard for me to get motivated to pack everything up and head for the range. Only to have to unpack it there, then back up again to head home. Then put everything away and clean guns.
In that regard it's a lot like boating. The actual time you're doing it it's great. But getting there, launching, retrieving, the clean up and maintenance required afterward takes a lot of the joy out of it. They say the 2 greatest days in boating are the day you buy it, and the day you sell it. Granted, guns are a lot easier maintenance wise, but after a while it all wears on you, and you tend to get a bit lazy and lose some interest because of it.
I'm anxious to get out and shoot now because it's been so hot here, I can't wait for the cooler weather to move in so I can hit the range again. I've been loading my ass off, so I've got plenty of ammo. Summers here are like January in North Dakota, just opposite. The temperatures keep you inside. Too cold there, too hot here. The heat does wear on you, and make you lazy, then you feel a bit guilty because of it. It's hard to stay busy and be productive in some way. The weather just makes you burn out too quick. The older I get, the worse it seems to get. I just take it easy, and one day at a time. Everything is temporary. Nothing stays the same for long. At least that's the way I try to look at it. Bill T.
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What kind of cheap but reliable mags should I get for this?
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What kind of cheap but reliable mags should I get for this?
I do not own any, but Brownell's have a pretty good rep: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=21225/product/ar_15_m16_20____30_round_magazines (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=21225/product/ar_15_m16_20____30_round_magazines)
These have the Magpul follower and are $5 less than the Brownell's: http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15-Magazines-p/magazines%20dh%20gt30mf.htm (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15-Magazines-p/magazines%20dh%20gt30mf.htm)
I've also found decent parkerized mags beat up and cheap ($5) at pawnshops, and replace the followers with Magpul anti-tilt followers, so these end up even cheaper than the Bravo ones.
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For AR-15's these days Mag-Pul P-Mags are your best bet. Bill T.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=2319370991
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For AR-15's these days Mag-Pul P-Mags are your best bet. Bill T.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=2319370991
Thanks, I already put Pmags on my wishlist for Midway. With my discount (C&R) it seems like a really good price.
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That was fast!
I got an email about an hour ago...it's scheduled to arrive Friday! I was fully prepared to wait weeks for this. I'm not ready!
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BAC, Hang in there, things willget better. You have a large , loving family here for support.
Try Aim surplus for magazines. I think that some of the PMags and maybe some others have free shipping and the prices are competative and sometimes the best I can find.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/catalog.aspx?groupid=14&name=AR15+type+Rifle+Magazines
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BAC, Hang in there, things willget better. You have a large , loving family here for support.
Try Aim surplus for magazines. I think that some of the PMags and maybe some others have free shipping and the prices are competative and sometimes the best I can find.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/catalog.aspx?groupid=14&name=AR15+type+Rifle+Magazines
Thanks...and thanks!
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It's heeeeere! Can't wait to get started. This is really getting me revved to go back to the range. I ordered a couple PMags and a Tru-Glo 4x scope today.
(http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp244/bchiaravalle/DSCN0873.jpg)
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Great news, BAC!!!!
and good the kit got there too :D :D :D
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Well that didn't take long at all!
(http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp244/bchiaravalle/DSCN0877.jpg)
I know, it's pretty boring and not very tacticool, but it's my first attempt. Sure hope it works. Too bad the scope and magazines won't arrive until Tuesday late day. :(
Now I'm itching to get to the range!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I think this type of thing happens to everyone at one time or another.
I experienced it a number of years ago. At the time my wife and I had crappy jobs and too many expenses. I was trying to get a photography business off the ground, so time away from my "real job" was consumed by picture taking. Out of necessity to buy new equipment and pay bills, I had to sell almost every firearm I owned. Some great stuff went away - a Colt 1909 .45, two S&W .44 Specials, an essentially NIB 1903A3 Springfield with DCM paperwork, etc. I was down to one handgun and shotgun. I didn't handload a single cartridge for perhaps five or six years. I couldn't afford the gas to drive to the range even if my shooter's soul hadn't been ripped from my chest.
But time passed and better careers followed. Not only did our balance sheet improve, a certain tv show called "Shooting Gallery" helped rebuild the long smoldering fires. My collection is still smaller than in "the good ol' days" but I again enjoy what I do own. We have children now and I look forward to the day I will teach them how to shoot and safely handle firearms. I go hunting a few days a year and am slowly creeping back into competitive shooting.
BAC, hang in there. Your last couple of posts show you never truly lost your shooter's heart. Glad to have you back!
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Now I'm itching to get to the range!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Better scratch that itch. ;D