Difference between Gun Owner and shooter

[Coach]

What makes the difference between being a gun owner and a shooter? What skill level does one need to have in order to be considered a shooter instead of simply a gun owner? How many gun owners do we have compared to shooters? Which do you consider yourself to be?

 

[shibumiseeker]

I consider a shooter to be someone who trains often enough to be thoroughly familiar with their weapon(s) to the point they have body memory. The person who puts 50 rounds a year through their pistol and 2-3 rounds a year to sight in their rifle/shotgun for hunting season is not a shooter.

 

[gregkl]

I agree with the above poster and will add: to me a shooter is anyone who shoots their guns on a regular basis. Even if they are not a very good shot, they are at the range trying.

I don't think we all have to be Carlos Hathcock's to be considered a shooter.

I look at slightly different maybe. There are shooters, people who go out and shoot their guns and collectors, people who buy guns and keep them in the safe for fear that they might get a blemish on them or lower the value because it's been fired once of twice.

Nothing wrong with being a collector but for me, I will shoot my P&R, 6" Model 29, Dirty Harry be damned!

 

[esrice]

Great questions.

What makes the difference between being a gun owner and a shooter?

While all Shooters are (typically) gun owners, not all gun owners are Shooters.

I believe the difference is that Shooters take gun ownership to the next level by prioritizing skill over equipment.

What skill level does one need to have in order to be considered a shooter instead of simply a gun owner?

While I don't know that there is a defined benchmark, the Shooter strives to enhance and refine their skills, while Gun Owners strive to increase their collection of guns.

How many gun owners do we have compared to shooters?

I would venture to guess 1-2% of gun-owning Americans.

Which do you consider yourself to be?

I own 2 guns and have attended over 120 hours of defensive training. I consider myself a Shooter.

 

[.45 Dave]

I agree with the above poster and will add: to me a shooter is anyone who shoots their guns on a regular basis. Even if they are not a very good shot, they are at the range trying.

I don't think we all have to be Carlos Hathcock's to be considered a shooter.

I look at slightly different maybe. There are shooters, people who go out and shoot their guns and collectors, people who buy guns and keep them in the safe for fear that they might get a blemish on them or lower the value because it's been fired once of twice.

Nothing wrong with being a collector but for me, I will shoot my P&R, 6" Model 29, Dirty Harry be damned!

I agree. Lots of people have guns for home defense for example but have never shot them. The barely know how to load them!

 

[ATM]

What makes the difference between being a gun owner and a shooter?

Getting banned from INGO.

 

[stephen87]

ATM wins. Congratulations, your prize is the interwebz.

 

[ctbreitwieser]

Getting banned from INGO.

The only reason I clicked on this was so I could type that same thing. You beat me to it.

 

[iChokePeople]

I believe the difference is that Shooters take gun ownership to the next level by prioritizing skill over equipment.

I think that's a great answer.

 

[youngda9]

Symantics...I'm outta here.

 

[atvdave]

I have several guns (for many years) and target shoot many times throughout the year, but I have never taken any formal gun training classes. (other than what my dad taught me many years ago).

What does that make me?

I know, I just opened myself up to a lot of jokes..

also... I qualified expert in rifle & pistol when I was in the NAVY..

 

[williamnewman1]

The only reason I clicked on this was so I could type that same thing. You beat me to it.

likewise , you guys answered it well

 

[esrice]

What does that make me?

Here's the litmus test:

You have saved enough money to attend the training course of your choosing, but it falls on the same weekend as your favorite gun show. Which do you attend?

 

[atvdave]

Here's the litmus test:

You have saved enough money to attend the training course of your choosing, but it falls on the same weekend as your favorite gun show. Which do you attend?

I failed...

 

[esrice]

I failed...

Impossible. It isn't pass/fail-- its just a choice that puts you in one category over another. There's nothing wrong with just being a Gun Owner.

People "come to guns" for a myriad of reasons-- that's why forums like INGO are so interesting. My interest in guns is rather narrow and specific, yet I've learned TONS from others here who are into other facets of this fantastic hobby.

 

[gregkl]

Impossible. It isn't pass/fail-- its just a choice that puts you in one category over another. There's nothing wrong with just being a Gun Owner.

People "come to guns" for a myriad of reasons-- that's why forums like INGO are so interesting. My interest in guns is rather narrow and specific, yet I've learned TONS from others here who are into other facets of this fantastic hobby.

19,000+ posts! One of your hobbies may be posting!

 

[esrice]

19,000+ posts! One of your hobbies may be posting!

Why yes it is!

 

[shibumiseeker]

Impossible. It isn't pass/fail-- its just a choice that puts you in one category over another. There's nothing wrong with just being a Gun Owner.

People "come to guns" for a myriad of reasons-- that's why forums like INGO are so interesting. My interest in guns is rather narrow and specific, yet I've learned TONS from others here who are into other facets of this fantastic hobby.

Bad test anyway because there are lots of folks who shoot a lot but never take a class or want to.

I think a better test is "are there any quality guns in your collection that you've shot enough to have to replace common wear parts (springs, extractors, etc) in and that you can field strip blindfolded?"

I added "quality" because I've owned guns that needed regular replacement parts at a hundred rounds

Nothing wrong with being a gun owner who doesn't shoot much, or a shooter who collects a lot of guns they don't shoot.

 

[esrice]

Bad test anyway because there are lots of folks who shoot a lot but never take a class or want to.

Its designed to separate those who hold attaining guns as a higher priority than attaining skill. Took me like 2 minutes to come up with it.

 

[Captain Bligh]

So I've got this acquaintance. I invited him to go shooting. He said he never goes to the range. He said he went once after he got it so he knows it works and he knows he can use it if he has to. He is a gun owner.

I go to the range. I fire guns. I clean guns. I have done so repeatedly. I will do so again. I am a shooter.

And, therein lies the difference.