How did you know you were done?

Jump to latest Follow Reply
A

Antaeus776

Member
Jul 18, 2020
15
8
VT, United States
Well, I've been sitting on this post for a while, largely because I didn't want to admit to myself that as much as I thought I could get back into this hobby over the past few years, it just never really happened - and I don't think things are going to change anytime soon.

My wife and I sold our previous property in the woods which had given me the chance to enjoy target practice whenever I wanted, but there's no way I can use my .30 on my half-acre suburbian plot (even with a moderator) without raising eyebrows. Add in shoulder issues (and knee surgery right before Christmas), and I think it's time to move on. By no means is this a pity party - and I know I've been a silent member of the site for a while - but I guess it's more of a realization that as much as I love this sport, I probably have to move on.

Anyone else in a similar situation? I welcome your thoughts and opinions!

Antaeus
 
  • Like
  • Sad
Reactions: Firewalker, maxtrouble, L.Leon and 3 others
Don't feel bad. It's just a waste of time. There are many other things a person can do with their life that are a much better use of our time.

There are worse things ... but there are better things, too.

I nearly called it quits with this last October when our piece of junk HW97K broke itself apart again for the third time. It's been a lemon from day one. The only thing that keeps me going in this is that if I don't do it, nobody else here will, and the rodents will take over again in no time.

+Peter, hieromonk
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bandito, maxtrouble and drjjpdc78
Upvote 1
I sympathize! I moved, last year, from a home with open pastures in the back yard, to a home in a cul de sac. I have exactly 50yds to shoot across. However, even with a moderator, all of the dogs in the neighborhood lose their minds when I shoot. Add the concern of where a ricochet might land... It's just not the same. BUT, I will not give up on the sport. It embodies all of my passions. The machine work, the outdoors, hunting... Its a sport that can be as simple, or as complex, as one desires.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bandito, maxtrouble, Sqwirl57 and 6 others
Upvote 0
Antaeus and Aaron,

What about a box trap for .22 lr? With all the shooters listing shooting at nickels, shouldn't have to worry about ricochet in an open trap. Even with shoulder problems go to a pistol. Also in UT & VT surprising no open land near you? I live in crowded socialist NJ and I may have to go to my club to shoot powder, but even I can find some public land to go play, how about a WMA in either state?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bandito, beerthief and markhooper
Upvote 0
You just need different tools now. I understand that .30 cal is fun and all, but if you still want to shoot in the back yard of your new home you'll need look at .177 or maybe .22 cal. It's okay! This is good! You, my good sir, have a legitimate reason to go shopping. I rather envy you!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bandito, orangeokie, drjjpdc78 and 6 others
Upvote 0
You don’t have to give it up, just change tools! If you make a quiet pellet trap with putty to stop the loud impact sound the neighbors won’t hear it.
And a low power .177 with a good moderator will be almost silent!
I have a S200 with a moderator that is incredibly quiet, it’s extremely accurate too.
You can still have immense fun shooting 15 yards, even less.
I agree with rcarlisle, it’s just time to change it up.
I would sell the .30 and start researching for a new super quiet low powered rifle, or even a pistol!
This Steyr LPS was customized for extreme quietness and big shot count.
At 25 yards shooting off of bags you can shoot through the same hole, it’s so incredibly accurate that it’s hard to believe.
A shooting session at 15 yards with a very accurate gun is a lot of fun in my opinion!
To say nothing of shooting flys!!
No way should you move on in my opinion, just change tools!

IMG_4346.jpeg


IMG_5651.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chard, Air Time, Bandito and 10 others
Upvote 0
Antaeus776 said:
Well, I've been sitting on this post for a while, largely because I didn't want to admit to myself that as much as I thought I could get back into this hobby over the past few years, it just never really happened - and I don't think things are going to change anytime soon.

My wife and I sold our previous property in the woods which had given me the chance to enjoy target practice whenever I wanted, but there's no way I can use my .30 on my half-acre suburbian plot (even with a moderator) without raising eyebrows. Add in shoulder issues (and knee surgery right before Christmas), and I think it's time to move on. By no means is this a pity party - and I know I've been a silent member of the site for a while - but I guess it's more of a realization that as much as I love this sport, I probably have to move on.

Anyone else in a similar situation? I welcome your thoughts and opinions!

Antaeus
Click to expand...
i would suggest a quality 10 meter pistol , a plastic tub and rubber mulch as a backstop target . Tough to master but so much fun when you do ,
I shoot mine @ 7 yards inside the house . IZH 46M , very quiet .
 
  • Like
Reactions: rcarlisle, Bam86, drjjpdc78 and 2 others
Upvote 0
Antaeus776 said:
Well, I've been sitting on this post for a while, largely because I didn't want to admit to myself that as much as I thought I could get back into this hobby over the past few years, it just never really happened - and I don't think things are going to change anytime soon.

My wife and I sold our previous property in the woods which had given me the chance to enjoy target practice whenever I wanted, but there's no way I can use my .30 on my half-acre suburbian plot (even with a moderator) without raising eyebrows. Add in shoulder issues (and knee surgery right before Christmas), and I think it's time to move on. By no means is this a pity party - and I know I've been a silent member of the site for a while - but I guess it's more of a realization that as much as I love this sport, I probably have to move on.

Anyone else in a similar situation? I welcome your thoughts and opinions!

Antaeus
Click to expand...
Why not simply buy a smaller caliber gun. Something like the BRK Atomic or Rangers, RAW Micro Hunters, Evol Mini, Notos, Prods, etc. Lots of fun to be had with these smaller, less powerful PCPs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chard, Bandito, drjjpdc78 and 3 others
Upvote 0
beerthief said:
i would suggest a quality 10 meter pistol , a plastic tub and rubber mulch as a backstop target . Tough to master but so much fun when you do ,
I shoot mine @ 7 yards inside the house . IZH 46M , very quiet .
Click to expand...
I shoot my 30 ft lb springers in the house…. 😯 😂. She nearly jumps off the couch when testing. 10 yards into my garage
into layered burlap and old blankets .. it stops them fast and no ricochet ..it’s not the big power guns that are dangerous .it’s the below 12 ft lb guns that will come back at you if you don’t have soft backstop . I’ve had 12 ft lb 22 shot at 25 yards into a tree come right back at me. For the record. Golf balls make poor targets.. 🤣
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bandito, fishing43, AaronKrebs and 2 others
Upvote 0
if you like something enough you will find a way. Airgunning is a sport,I like fishing even more,I like gardening, models and music, none of them is an end all, they are hobbies,if I can not do one there is another one,of I love optics,bird and whale watching,I am on a ten-year plan;I will be too old to do many of the things I enjoy now, big deal there ,is always dreaming:LOL:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bandito, rcarlisle, A.G.R and 4 others
Upvote 0
Antaeus776 said:
Well, I've been sitting on this post for a while, largely because I didn't want to admit to myself that as much as I thought I could get back into this hobby over the past few years, it just never really happened - and I don't think things are going to change anytime soon.

My wife and I sold our previous property in the woods which had given me the chance to enjoy target practice whenever I wanted, but there's no way I can use my .30 on my half-acre suburbian plot (even with a moderator) without raising eyebrows. Add in shoulder issues (and knee surgery right before Christmas), and I think it's time to move on. By no means is this a pity party - and I know I've been a silent member of the site for a while - but I guess it's more of a realization that as much as I love this sport, I probably have to move on.

Anyone else in a similar situation? I welcome your thoughts and opinions!

Antaeus
Click to expand...

Antaeus

I agree with many on this thread. Don’t give up.

I just sold my .30 EVOL Paradigm to fund a brand new RAW TM1000 .177 Nutmeg brown laminate BM-500 stock. Martin should have it ready in March or April. Can’t wait to get it and try it out.

I shoot 30y and 40y challenge paper targets at my local outdoor range two or three times per week. If you are creative, I am sure you can hopefully shoot in your backyard without neighbors seeing you with an adequate pellet trap. Alternatively, is their an outdoor or indoor rifle range near your home?

I had a knee replacement last year, so don’t let these types of things bother you or prevent you from doing what you enjoy.

Tom
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bandito, maxtrouble, drjjpdc78 and 1 other person
Upvote 0
If there is a will there is a way. State land, shooting ranges etc. There are ways to shoot. If you are in this mindset then the reality is that you don’t love it and aren’t really into it anymore. Nothing at all wrong with that. I have done that in my life several times. In my 20’s tournament paintball was my thing like airguns are now. 13 years ago up until about 4 years ago it was archery. I was into tournament 3d and setting up and tuning my own bows. Lost the passion and only really bow hunt now. Will airgunning last?? Who knows.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bandito, L.Leon, maxtrouble and 2 others
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu