Guns in My Life: A Boomer's Journey Through Hunting and Safety

I am a 70-year-old Boomer from Detroit, raised in a nearby suburb, where the practice of hunting was common. Growing up, it was a way of life for many of my family members in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The culture of firearms was not alien to me, and hunting was a regular part of our family dynamics. Additionally, the men in my family were veterans, just like many of the dads in my neighborhood. Even the teachers, both male and female, had military experience, reflecting the deep-rooted connection with the military in this community.

Early Exposure to Firearms

Living in a lower-middle-class Detroit suburb during a time when major cities in Michigan were thriving and safe, I saw a world where hunting and firearms were a common part of everyday life. The Boy Scouts and ROTC were highly popular, and shooting merit badges were actively pursued. My friends and I frequently shot .22LR rifles. It wouldn't be uncommon for rifles and shotguns to be accessed by most of us, making the idea of firearms a familiar one. My high school, although having decent racial integration and few racial issues, still had a culture where firearms were a significant part of sport and community bonding. Street confrontations were more likely to involve fists rather than firearms, and some smaller dropouts would carry cheap stilettos for self-assurance. But despite the prevalence of physical altercations, firearms remained a significant part of the social fabric.

Deciding to Own a Gun

Yes, I have. I own several firearms, with rifles and shotguns being the norm. My motivation was not just about hunting but also about self-defense. One of the places where I lived had limited indoor hobbies, and my neighbors and father being hunters made the presence of firearms even more prominent in my life. The need for multiple weapons to cater to different game types and environments made sense, and the thought of having to carry two guns into the wilderness did not appeal to me. Thus, the quest for a single, versatile weapon that could handle various hunting scenarios became a priority.

Family and Personal Experience with Firearms

I have never lived in a house without firearms. My parents bought me my first rifle when I was a child. A brother-in-law gave me my first shotgun, and all subsequent firearms were purchased by me, for various reasons that always included "because I wanted it." I began shooting at a young age, mostly with .22s for target practice and some plinking. The sport of shooting is a mix of physical fitness, breath control, and repetitive safety that never seems to get old. When I could consistently shoot a full playing card off the target, I upped my game by taping playing cards and shooting them edge-on. This competitive aspect of shooting is what kept me engaged over the years.

The Pragmatic Reason for Owning a Gun

While living in another state, I obtained a concealed carry permit (CCP) because it seemed the prudent thing to do in light of frequent news reports of injuries and deaths from hotheads and road rage. Not six months later, I was on the shoulder, tending to a fresh blowout, when I was accosted by a hothead with a switchblade. I drew on him at point blank range, and he dropped his knife and ran. I still have it. The experience reinforced the importance of owning one's own safety. When seconds count, the police are minutes away. It's crucial to be prepared and knowledgeable about the use of firearms in self-defense.

Conclusion

In my journey, owning a gun has been not just about hunting but also about personal safety. The experiences and opportunities I've had have shaped my outlook on firearms and their role in modern life. Living in a culture where firearms are a part of the landscape has made me a responsible and informed firearm owner. My advice to others is to embrace the responsibilities that come with owning a gun and to be prepared.