Without the Internet, I'm not sure I would've gotten into firearms.

[CraigAPS]

So, I've been off work for the last couple of weeks (hurt my foot at work and had to stay off of it). The downtime has given me lots of time to surf the net, watch videos, and think. I found myself thinking about all of my interactions and experience with firearms from when I was a teenager until now. I had thought several times about getting a gun when I was in my 20s, but never took the plunge. I didn't have anyone in my life really that was into shooting at all. So, I was clueless, to say the least. I never knew enough to make an informed decision. Later in life (a couple years ago), I was able to Google things, found sites like this and others, had YouTube videos to watch, etc. I had somewhere to go to get the information that I was lacking. There was quite a bit I also learned doing things hands-on, but the basics were gleaned from reading reviews, threads on forums like this, and watching A LOT of YouTube. I just kind of had this epiphany this week and thought I'd share. I was also wondering if anyone else has had similar thoughts?

 

[actaeon277]

 

[Bennettjh]

Yeah. Now that I think about it, the internet did have a lot to do with me getting involved with firearms. At least to this level it did. I had a .22 growing up, my grandpa and uncle's had guns but didn't carry regularly. I was looking to buy some .22LR online and ran across this site. Then later on I thought about getting a pistol to carry and searching the web led back to here and the rest is history.

The internet and INGO also helped me get involved politically with the Second Amendment.

 

[snowwalker]

Whether it is here, YouTube, books or other places, there may be a few facts and a lot of opinion. It will still be us, whoever that may be, still finding what works and doesn't work on an individual bases. There is always going to be trial and error.

 

[churchmouse]

Been involved since I could safely point a rifle.
What the internet did was connect me with so many like minded that my involvement escalated. Immensely.

 

[King31]

The internet didn't directly lead me to firearms, but it has allowed me to gain valuable knowledge and further my addiction. I have been shooting 22 rifles since I was 5 or 6, but I didn't get my first handgun until I was 22. I had shot a few here and there, yet there just wasn't much interest. Flash forward to now and I am all hands on deck with various platforms and calibers. I'd say the web is to blame for majority of that as I would research something until I couldn't stand it any longer, and then get one.

 

[indykid]

Bought my first firearm around 1976. Don't believe I had any internet help.

 

[91FXRS]

I found INGO when I started expanding from long guns and did some google fu about laws for carrying a handgun in Indiana. I found all the info I could ask for here and then some. So yes the internet has helped me gain a lot of knowledge, including how to survive with out it....

 

[Goodcat]

Completely agreed. As a matter of fact, I owned a .22 Marlin 60 or something, then a S&W sigma 40, then a Keltec PF9 over four years, firing only 20 rounds total, before I discovered INGO. I have since owned, traded/sold/bought over 100 firearms and fired estimated 12k rounds through various platforms. Built many ARs, own five NFA items, own thousands and thousands of brass and projectiles and have taught dozens of people about gun safety and shooting. Without INGO, i would likely be under a 100 round count. Ha

 

[fastwally]

I traded for my first revolver in 1960 and have had many firearms since. I will have to admit the last ten years with internet has fed the flames a lot.

 

[halfmileharry]

The internet steered me to INGO. I did a search and "GUN PORN" came up. Well, I looked and I'm still here. I've been here a while and I can still enjoy guns at least.

 

[Expat]

I certainly had guns before I got on the internet. I was from Eastern Kentucky, everyone owns guns. I may own more guns due to the internet... not sure.

 

[LarryC]

Well, I'm glad to see anything which helps spread the sports connected with collecting, owning, targeting etc. firearms. However I was "into" firearms before there was an internet, or even personal computers! However, I have learned much about various firearms, cartridges, gun history from this site. I also learned what all the NRA does and joined several years ago.

Due to the internet I saw information on some firearms I would never have been exposed too, let alone owned. When I was exposed to guns as a young lad in the 1940's and early 50's, the only ones I saw or shot were fairly common shotguns, 22LR rifles, my BIL's 45 cal 1911, a few military surplus guns etc.

Until the internet I never had any information on any of the older military surplus arms, except those sold Via mail order from Comic books, or Mechanics illustrated! I have purchased firearms over the internet and it (and this site) has also inspired me to purchase some at gun shops and gun shows.

 

[Goodcat]

You can learn a lot on INGO, just not very much about guns.

 

[Mark 1911]

The internet did not exist when I first became interested in firearms. But over the years, I would say it has had a significant impact on my firearms purchases as well as my general knowledge of firearms and various issues concerning them.

 

[Winamac]

Been involved since I could safely point a rifle.
What the internet did was connect me with so many like minded that my involvement escalated. Immensely.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ For me as well.

 

[BiscuitsandGravy]

I'm so old the interwebs didn't exist until 'Man-Bear-Pig' invented it... It was family and my LGS which is still in business. Marlin Golden 39A from Kmart when I was 12. Then a Lee 'handloader kit' in HS from my LGS. Boy did I use the crap out of that handloader and a set of Lee powder scoops- which still sits in a cabinet.

Now its just because that's all there is- right? Or am I missing something?

 

[CraigAPS]

Yeah. Now that I think about it, the internet did have a lot to do with me getting involved with firearms. At least to this level it did. I had a .22 growing up, my grandpa and uncle's had guns but didn't carry regularly. I was looking to buy some .22LR online and ran across this site. Then later on I thought about getting a pistol to carry and searching the web led back to here and the rest is history.

The internet and INGO also helped me get involved politically with the Second Amendment.

I never would've thought I would ever have joined any 2A lobbying groups, especially the NRA. The only things I had ever heard about the NRA were bad things. Now, I belong to the NRA and the GOA. Nor would I have ever imagined emailing/calling senators or members of congress about anything. I had never even thought about political aspects of firearms until researching stuff on the Net.

Completely agreed. As a matter of fact, I owned a .22 Marlin 60 or something, then a S&W sigma 40, then a Keltec PF9 over four years, firing only 20 rounds total, before I discovered INGO. I have since owned, traded/sold/bought over 100 firearms and fired estimated 12k rounds through various platforms. Built many ARs, own five NFA items, own thousands and thousands of brass and projectiles and have taught dozens of people about gun safety and shooting. Without INGO, i would likely be under a 100 round count. Ha

I bought my first gun due to some safety concerns. I figured I'd go to the range and shoot a couple times, then just have it. Who'd have thought I would enjoy shooting so much??

You can learn a lot on INGO, just not very much about guns.

HAHA! True, but a lot of the opinions can pique interest in the underlying products/skills/etc.

 

[Drail]

Be very very careful what you "learn" from Youtube videos. The amount of stupid B.S. on there is absolutely astounding. Especially if you think you are going to "learn" how to work on a gun.

 

[Smith& W]

Even though I was a gun enthusiast before the internet was common, I now spend most of my free time browsing gun related sights. Sure is fun.