Has the economy affected your shooting habit?

[sanjuancb]

Absolutely, lead shot that used to be $18 for 25 lbs. is now over $50 for the same amount.

So much for being the shotgunner that I once was...

[Pathfinder]

I voted no, but here's the background.

I wasn't able to shoot all that much before, since I was traveling so much, and even when I was home, she who must be obeyed had to be squired around like Miss Daisy. Besides, the only ranges were 25 and 45 miles away (one way), respectively, so shooting was a nearly full-day activity.

Now, after the move, I am not traveling, and I have one range 10 miles another 12 or so. So it is easier for me to shoot now. Even though I joined this culture fairly late in life, thankfully, I was able to stockpile some ammo (I even have some surplus Hirtenberger .308 somewhere) at fairly decent prices, plus pick up a Dillon 550B reloader - as yet unused.

Locally, I can pick up Wolf .223 55-gr FMJ for $5 a box, which was no bargain before, but is now. My Sig 556 doesn't know the differance - I went through another 100+ rounds yesterday sighting in the new BUIS yesterday. OK, more than sighting in, I was having fun. I am also blessed with making a fairly decent living.

Thus, my no.

Side note - the new BUIS were a front Samson folder and ARMS 40L rear folder. I could not believe these 2, different manufacturers, mounted on a Picatinny rail and out of the box - zeroed at 50 yards and slightly low at 100 with no windage adjustments. Elevation is a bit off, shoots low, but the groups, oh my, very nice.

[ellis4538]

Only shoot 1 USPSA match and 1 IDPA match per month and no practice (lost our range a while back).  Occationally will go out with a friend to practice a bit.  Used to practice every Wed. from begin/end daylight savings time.  I'm retired and have had medical bills lately so supplies and gun purchases are on hold.

Richard

[CJS3]

I don't reload as much as before. Now I spend more time price shopping for components.

[DesertMarine]

I quit shooting on a daily basis, mainly centerfire rifle, about two to three years ago.  I have started to shoot again but only go twice a week with only one rifle at a time.  Gotten into trap shooting but only do it two times a month.  I reload all my pistol and centerfire rilfe ammo and the price of powder and components is tremendous, so have to limit. 

Reading about how far some people have to travel to shoot and having to pay makes me grateful of where I am at.  We have a municipal range that belongs to the National Guard but maintained by the city.  NG and city entered into agreement where citizens can use the range but range can be closed when Guard needs it.  Haven't seen the ranged closed since 92 unless they have closed when I haven't been there.  Best part is that there is no charge to shoot, except trap which is $3 a round.  I normally shoot 3 rounds, so $9 and three boxes of ammo.  Plus I travel about 12 miles to the range but I live outside city limits.

Best part is that I am enjoying shooting more than before.  I shoot for fun now rather than itty bitty tiny groups.

[Sponsor]

[tman]

It sure has, and the range is just across the highway from my subdivision, I eked out enough money for a yearly pass before everything went south, s/s disability check doesn't stretch out for ammo.

[MikeBjerum]

I voted yes, but that is not entirely true.

I have shot very little this year, but that has been because of father-in-law's illness and rapid death and everything that goes with taking care of mother-in-law. 

However, I'm not sure I would have been able to shoot at the same level of previous years if I had the time.  Just last weekend I had the 500 mag out and was asked what it cost to shoot.  I told him $1.50 at shot, but then I remembered that I was still shooting ammo I stocked up on over two years ago.  I joke that today I'm happy to have a .223 so I can by "cheap" ammo at the price I used to complain about for my .22-250.  A friend and I used to claim to not buy .22lr if it was over $9.00 per brick, and we bought a lot of bulk 550 round boxes for that price.  Thank God I still have 15,000 rounds of cheap stuff, because now I purchase if I find it at $15.00 (and that is hard to come by).

It has gotten expensive, too expensive, but like eating I like it WAY too much to give up!

[shooter32]

It's yes for me. I go to the range less and shot more 22's also. But my range time has been longer.

[dj454]

I voted yes. I can still afford to shoot .22's but my range is 32 miles away so the added cost of fuel keeps me at home on weekends. My wife has also had some medical expenses so I can't buy my reloading components like I did. Not being able to shoot on the weekends is depressing.

[red rider]

Yes, but only in caliber....I still press the trigger as many times, just on a .22, instead of my usual .45 or .44 or .357 or 9mm or .223 or ect, ect....you get the picture.