Episode 151 - New vs. Old Gun Cultures

[jimmyk]

Just listened to this on podcast (I know, I'm a few days behind). Michael, you ranted for almost the entire hour. That must be a new record. Seriously though, I think the topics discussed in this episode in connection with the new vs. old gun cultures are extremely pertinent to gun owners today, and I would encourage everyone to listen to this podcast.

I grew up around guns, my dad was a hunter. He instilled in me a passion for the outdoors, but hunting wasn't one of them. I became a gun owner because of my concerns for self protection / self preservation. Concealed carry was what brought me back into the fold. Living in Florida, concealed carry was a no brainer. I consider myself an active shooter, weekends on the range, weeknights in my garage reloading. I'm an NRA certified firearms instructor in six different disciplines. My teaching focus is concealed carry. I still have no interest in hunting, I'm not opposed to it, its just something that does not interest me.

And this brings me to the point of episode 151. The new vs. old gun cultures. Especially as it pertains to our biggest protector of the second amendment, the NRA. As much as I support the NRA, I don't believe that the NRA has done all they can to embrace the "new" non-hunter shooters. One of my recent instructor courses was basic rifle shooting. I could be mistaken, but I do not recall seeing an AR or AK style rifle in the entire course manual.

The bottom line of MY rant is that the NRA needs to open the door fully to the new gun culture, so that we become ONE gun culture once again. "They are not after MY guns" type attitudes are just not acceptable. The anti's will divide and conquer.

Maybe a few years from now we will look back at Zumbo and consider that a turning point. Maybe it was actually good that he made the comments that he made, they certainly generated a lot of noise. We need all the noise we can get.

We have a great movement that's growing exponentially. Times are good for RKBA.

Let's keep moving in the right direction to keep it going.

[Michael Bane]

100% agree!!!!

Now how do we make that happen? I'd be happy to pass along (and probably take credit for) all ideas to the powers that be!

Michael B

[Pathfinder]

100% agree!!!!

Now how do we make that happen? I'd be happy to pass along (and probably take credit for) all ideas to the powers that be!

Michael B

First would be to collar some of the Board members and get them YOUR ideas, have them start working on changing the direction of the NRA somewhat as YOU laid out, adding programs, updating materials, etc. Jimmyk gave you one example - training materials.

LaPierre won't do anything unless pushed by the Board (and YOU) to do so.

Credit given!     

[rr4406pak]

Just wanted to drop a line and wanted to tell you that I thought this podcast was the best one I've ever heard you do.
Bravo and thank you.

[Rastus]

I think there has been some movement in the NRA that would have been unheard of before.  At least, in their communications group...now the training, etc. could use a boost towards an expanded vision.  The two TV shows they air and to some extent the National Rifleman have been reflective of a transformation.

Not that they aren't nice and sincere people, but I have not been voting the "Fudd ticket" for board members for as long as I can remember.  I think that is part of how we transform and I totally agree with effecting changes on the board.  We need thoughtful people on the board who are reflective of the makeup of the new gun culture which, apparently from Michael's sources, is 3 out of 4 major parts not primarily motivated by hunting.  The numbers were quite amazing as I was taken back by the numbers quoted...I had no idea that the enormity of the change was so great.   I would appreciate a link to that data or a post of some of the major observations so I can share that data in conversation. 

I swung by the range at USSA today on the way home and dropped 100 rounds of 9MM on plates in casual business dress of slacks and a polo shirt.  It is very possible that you could spot me on the range still dressed in remnants of a business suit with the tie and jacket left draped on the truck seat to get in a few quick rounds.  That's a conceptual vision that our brethren who trek afield need to get in their head...urban and suburban workers and professionals polishing off a few rounds before going home.  In fact, a dozen or so professionals I know take their lunch break at an indoor range in Tulsa from time to time.

In my opinion what we see is a predictable change in the "political structure" of our subculture...the gun culture.  A few lone voices are heard from the wilderness in any demographic shift contrary to the vision of the "old guard" before a paradign change.  In retrospect, if we look behind ourselves we can see the tipping point that was......

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