Posted on Mar 9, 2015
Do you still go to the range since you left the service?
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Since I left the military, I haven't been shooting nor I plan to go. I'm not opposed to weapons or shooting. It's just something I desire to engage in since I transitioned. After being out two years, I still occasionally think about range qualification days. I know many of my comrades and vets who own personal weapons and still go shooting today. I'm a bit curious about the post-service shooting choices. Do you still shoot or no? Why or why not?
Weapons
Transition
Military Industry
Shooting (Sport)
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 129
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I'm only a couple of miles from the NRA HQ, so I have no excuse. Beside I like shooting my civilian version M4 and 45, it was something I was really good at in the Corps, plus it is a great stress reliever from the day to day grind.
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no but I sure do want to..i was a PMI and a member of the Marine Corps Shooting Team when I was stationed aboard Pendleton...I've never shot anything other than expert, (with the rifle...only pizza boxes with the 9mil, tho) and I was series high shooter in bootcamp...I LOVE shooting and would be completely stoked to get my hands on an M16 again..sigh...I miss it so much!
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As much as I am able. I've taken courses taught by Larry Vickers, Pat McNamera, and the Milwaukee SWAT team. Cost a fortune but the sad thing was that it was better than any training at my unit; we did 300m simulated targets to qualify, NCOs used ACOGs. I personally loved being an Infantryman, and relish any opportunity to hone my skillset or to learn more. Although I'm no longer in the military, and you wouldn't know it from my career, it was the only thing I've ever done that I had a natural knack for. My only talent. Shooting helps me to feel less, well, useless.
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SPC Gary Welch
You have got to be kidding the only time we used paper targets was for zeroing the rest of the time it was pop-ups out to 300 meters at the range
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#SFC Michael Jackson, MBA Growing up in peaceful (at the time)l residential neighborhood in inner-city Chicago back in post WWII, I was never introduced to firearms of any type so never developed an interest in them. Later after intense exposure to just about every type of weapo in the service I could not begin to associate a pleasant, challenging, or skillful experience like hunting or target practice with weapons firing. Since then I've never picked up a weapon of any kind. My brother on the other hand is just the opposite, is a big huntsman, target shooter, and owner of a cabinet full of guns of all types.
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
Thanks for sharing. Since I left the Army, I haven't gone shooting. A couple of times I thought about getting a handgun but it's not a priority for me.
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Capt Tom Brown
SFC Michael Jackson, MBA - In addition, my eyesight is so poor these days, I cannot focus on the front and rear sights and then shift focus to the target without getting lost in the process. That applies to handguns or rifle of any type.
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For me, this is just about the only sport I can still do, so yes, I go to the range here in Michigan as often as possible. Not as often as I'd like due to funds. I try to go at least once a month. I also have a CPL so I try to stay sharp with my carry pistol, a Ruger LC9 (S). I've also put a laser on it that comes on whenever the weapon is drawn from the holster, although I practice almost entirely with the iron sights. The laser is great though, because whatever you put that laser on is what you'll hit. In today's world, I consider carrying a must. Between nuts going into "Gun Free Zones" and opening fire and Jihadists shooting unarmed people or cutting off their heads, I like to feel like I at least have a reasonable chance of surviving and protecting my family and fellow Americans, as per the Oath I took.
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GySgt Douglas Dare
I'll be in Michigan this summer around the Lansing area for our family reunion. I love to shoot my guns and teach marksmanship. Sure hope to see you this July Marine. GUNS is the legalize so we are not looked at as a war monger in the courts eyes. My weapon was taken from me when I left active duty. I now own as many guns as I can afford and I love shooting for sport. lol
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Yes once or twice a month for years now to stay proficient with both carry pistols and AR's
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Yep, I shoot about once a month since I retired. I enjoyed it when I was in, and still enjoy it now that I'm out. I love the power, the precision, and the patience that is required to shoot well and to maintain a firearm properly.
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