Handguns, now like motorcycles, more an image than a passion?

[Tilos]

I saw this happen to MCs, shops carry more clothing than bikes...for the image.
Lots of the seasoned generation, first time MC owners, putting around on Harley clones with the "outfit".

With record handgun sales, are more people just buying for the image?

Just askin'
Tilos

[bigmacque]

Every single weapon I've bought I purchased because I wanted that gun, for a reason.

[recoilguy]

I own 3 motorcycles one is a Harley one is a Harley Clone I putt around on and one I built. It isn't what you ride..............it's that you ride.

It is ok to buy a motorcycle and put on the outfit if that is what you want to do. I have ridden since I was 9 and raced motoX.....now 41 years later I still ride.....I have slowed down and I stop more frequently, the seats on my bikes are all aftermarket comfortable ones. Some of my best riding buddies are guys who bought bikes and the outfits too. It doesn't make them bad guys it just gave me a whole bunch of new guys to ride with. i have the garb chaps and a vest I even have patches sewn on. If yuo saw me on my Kawasaki you might mistake me for "one of those posers" you'd be very wrong.

Guns same deal........as long as those who buy them are safe and do not tarnish the image of gun owners, so be it. There will be some sweet used guns for sale in the near future. If someone has the money, is sane, and wants to buy a bike or a gun, takes time to learn how to use it and just enjoys hanging out with other gun owners or bikers, well.....America what a great country!

RCG

[Bawanna]

Well guess we're even. I was gonna input some really good stuff but recoilguy already said it.

It's that you ride. Words to live by.

[Tilos]

Recoilguy:

Exactly, I just bought a 2007 Suzy S50 with 2000 miles on it, a week ago.
It now has 3000 miles on it and to your point.
At nine, you beat me by 2 years, but does coasting down hill on a motorcycle frame/no motor and walking it back up hill count as "riding"?

In the course of buying this bike, I saw many coming and going with loud pipes, etc.
A big multi-brand shop, and the salesman told me the BIG V twins are all that's selling now.

We all made fun of the Goldwingers who ride from Dennys to Dairy Queen, were the lights are brighter, to check out each others new chrome nut covers.

I'll ride/shoot with anyone and have fun doing it.
It's not my intention to appear as a bike or gun snob.

I'm just trying to understand what is causing so many new people to become gun owners.
I welcome the new voices to our cause, but don't believe it's all because of Obama or politics in general.

Lately though, what I've seen of new shooters at a range open to the public, has me baffled.
They only let the public on the 25 yard pistol line and it usually goes something like this:
They shoot a mag full, 2 handed, with many shots off target.
Then they shoot a mag with hands braced against a post. and do a little better.
And finally expend the rest of their ammo, sitting down with their gun in a gun rest.
I've helped when I could and suggested they find a place to shoot at 7 yards.
Most complain about the cost of ammo and I let them shoot a 22 to show them what that's about.

Are they a product of video games with high expectations..help me understand.
They are usually pretty dejected when they leave.
I want them to enjoy shooting, and not give up.

And I think there is many more who never even get to the range.

Anyone who visited a gun store on Black Friday know what/who I'm talking about.

just askin'
Tilos

[Bawanna]

I've seen them. I too try to help them get a grasp on things when I can. My son finds it embarassing when I approach them and tell them the simple basic things that they are doing wrong. Grip alone is a big one, grabbing low to get away from the slide etc.

I don't have a good answer for you, perhaps the video game ninja syndrome. I know that current administration had and has a profound effect on me and several I know. I buy everything I can possible buy.

I heard a horrible rumor and I think it was mentioned here too about doing something to powder and primers to make them super expensive.

Makes it tough to be a gun person when you gotta struggle to support your hobby. Shouldn't be that way.

[Tilos]

Mr.B, already have, HAZMAT, just have to raise it, in increments, over time, until...

[Bawanna]

Mr.B, already have, HAZMAT, just have to raise it, in increments, over time, until...

Same category as my old Boy Scout slogan "Be Prepared"? I do try.

[jeep45238]

My reloading setup and firearms don't get shown off. I shoot with them, and compete with them from time to time. They keep my hip warm when I'm not at work.

[joshh]

i wear my American made jeans & boots when i ride my harley, not their chinese ****! I buy my guns for myself & no one else. hope others do the same.

[jocko]

i wear my American made jeans & boots when i ride my harley, not their chinese ****! I buy my guns for myself & no one else. hope others do the same.

I have some levi's, not made here. Harley jeans, not made here..

[ltxi]

I saw this happen to MCs, shops carry more clothing than bikes...for the image.
Lots of the seasoned generation, first time MC owners, putting around on Harley clones with the "outfit".

With record handgun sales, are more people just buying for the image?

Just askin'
Tilos

Yep, absolutely. Fashionable accessory is the only reason I decided to buy and carry a sidearm. I really wish we could all move onto something else. Guns are a pita to have to carry around all the time and I'm terrified that something will come up where I'd be expected to use it.

[earle8888]

Yep. Checked with the store/indoor range....they are up over 5 times last year people's first time on the range, up ywice that on graduates of CCW course!

[kahrseye]

I love to ride, on my 3rd Harley since 2001 and lost count of how many guns I've had. I don't question other's motives cause if they're in it for the "image", it'll soon fade, doesn't matter what the subject. Here's a couple of pics of my new ride; a 2010 Ultra Limited.

[Tilos]

kahrseye:
nice scoot thanks for posting...now I can post a pic and not be the 1st one:)
And I have to thank the "image rider" that sold it back to the dealer.

A 2007 bought new at the end of 2006 that I bought last Tuesday with 2000 miles:D

[recoilguy]

This is the one I built.....my son painted it

My 2 best friends and I built this. We even built the forks Bent the tubes welded it together and laser cut all the parts....springs and bushings from grainger


http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r270/coilguy/blackscoot5Photobucket.jpg



http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r270/coilguy/blackscoot3Photobucket.jpg

RCG

[kahrseye]

Tilos: nice bike, I hope you get to ride it alot.

Recoilguy: I'm always impressed with someone who can build something; a talent I do not have. Very cool

[joshh]

I have some levi's, not made here. Harley jeans, not made here..

Diamond Gusset Jeans | Official Web Store (http://www.gussetclothing.com/)
jeans made in USA with 100% American materials. Better quality than any store brands ive worn & only $39/pair. i actually found them because they make a kevlar lined riding jean & i started buying their normal jeans & belts as well.
it doesnt sit well with me that these "proud" American companies outsource their clothing lines to china while american companies struggle. my wife bought me a pr of $80 harley brand jeans & i returned em.
http://www.americanmadeworkboots.com/chippewa97863.html

[Tilos]

earle8888:
That's some amazing info.
Happy to see our ranks are growing, it makes us a louder voice.

Moderators: I apologize for the MC thread drift, but it's fun, with great pics.

Thanks all.
just sayin'
Tilos

[Bawanna]

Speaking as the resident rookie mod, go forth and ride. I love scooters myself, used to flat track in my youth, moto crossed a couple times too.
Fine looking scooters there too, makes me think alot about training wheels.
I have a Sportster in my garage, sadly it ain't mine but my sons. He lets me twist the throttle once in awhile and feel the vibration. It's almost spiritual to me.
Actually in this instance its not off topic as its mentioned in the title but who cares about that anyhow. Ya know!

[Tilos]

Mr.B:
The showrooms are full of 3 wheelers...go take a look.

Upon a house move a few years ago my wife asked why I wasn't selling the leaf blower at our the garage sale.
I need it to blow dry my motorcycle when I wash it.
She said, "You don't have a motorcycle anymore."
And after the longest pause she ever gave me, she said, "OH".

So, you see, it can be done.
just sayin'
Tilos

[Bawanna]

Yup, Jocko pointed me to them new Harley 3 wheelers, darn nice but I'd have to live on it. Looked at the Can AMs but I'm afraid that other bikers won't wave to me when we pass and I'd feel bad. I wave from my van and they don't wave back either, we'll sometimes they give me the Hawaiian Good Luck sign, what's up with that.

I'm not selling my leaf blower now either. I never thought of using it for that but thats a great idea.

Love the story, just gotta love sentences with hidden meanings. Oh! ha ha.

[recoilguy]

My buddy is set on a Can Am spyder. I will wave to anyone. I wave at Kids on Mopeds. The Can Am is a cool bike Diffferent to be sure but it appears to be fun!

RCG

[Bawanna]

Thats what I was looking at. I actually sat on one and your right it's definitely different. I saw a few on the road and they seem really fast. Seems like they would be more stable with two wheels on the front rather than the conventional trike to me too.
I didn't ride the thing, much as I wanted too.

The downfall is the gas filler is under the seat. We figured I could scoot up on the front close to the handle bars so the seat could come off and somebody fill it or maybe modify somehow.

All the controls except the brake are on the handle bars. The brakes work both the front and the rear off one pedal. I would think that could be moved to the bars without too much difficulty.

Now what to do with the chair. Be nice to have one that just deflated and you could put in your shirt pocket, flip a switch and presto you have a full size top drawer chair. Course a great pair of legs would trump that by a landslide too.

[getsome]

I got to go look at those 3 wheelers, I want another bike real bad and have ridden since I was a young'un...My problem is my left hand has nerve damage and I can't fully open my fingers but can grip just fine so holding on is no problem until it's time to stop then I have to kinda flop my hand over the clutch lever in order to pull it in...I wish there was an automatic clutch Harley with an air shifter paddle or something like that but I don't think its available...I suppose I could get used to doing the hand flop thing but when I last test rode a 1200 sportster it didn't feel real safe and starting off wasn't too smooth either...Man that was such a sweet bike and I really had to have a sit down brain to heart talk in order to walk away from that deal...The salesman did everything possible to change my mind and even called the house and talked to the boss, then the SHTF when she found out I took a test ride..Her exact words were "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR F*&$KIN MIND!!!!!!...:behindsofa:...Oh well I guess I could get a scooter....naaaaaaaaa... if it doesn't idle like Potato, Potato, Potato, Potato, Potato it just doesn't work for me.....:cool:

[Bawanna]

Kind of the way I feel too, nothing like that potato potato potato. That Can Am Spyder would work for you though. It's like cyntrivical or something, theres a switch on the left handle bar, you just take off like an automatic and it will shift itself but you can also hit the button and shift when you want if you want to wind er up some.
No idea how long that kind of set up would last, or how it works.

I might go see if I can test ride that puppy come summer. Kind of like to see how it rides. I'll bring a stick or something to work the brake. I don't gots to stop, I gots' to go! Dig!

[getsome]

BRAKES, BRAKES, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN BRAKES!!!...:p

[kahrseye]

Thats what I was looking at. I actually sat on one and your right it's definitely different. I saw a few on the road and they seem really fast. Seems like they would be more stable with two wheels on the front rather than the conventional trike to me too.
I didn't ride the thing, much as I wanted too.

The downfall is the gas filler is under the seat. We figured I could scoot up on the front close to the handle bars so the seat could come off and somebody fill it or maybe modify somehow.

All the controls except the brake are on the handle bars. The brakes work both the front and the rear off one pedal. I would think that could be moved to the bars without too much difficulty.

Now what to do with the chair. Be nice to have one that just deflated and you could put in your shirt pocket, flip a switch and presto you have a full size top drawer chair. Course a great pair of legs would trump that by a landslide too.

A friend of mine lost both legs when he stepped on a land mine in Viet Nam. He rides his Harley everywhere.....he has a side car where he carries his wheel chair. He uses all hand controls, and is quite adept at it. Where there's a will there's away.:tongue:

[Tilos]

There you go Mr.B
A chair for the chair.

[DasFriek]

I Mexican carry a Desert Eagle .50AE in the front of my pants for image only, The ladies love it!

Until i get them home they are pretty sad then.

[joshh]

Looked at the Can AMs but I'm afraid that other bikers won't wave to me when we pass and I'd feel bad. I wave from my van and they don't wave back either, we'll sometimes they give me the Hawaiian Good Luck sign, what's up with that.

.

those can ams are sweet & a fellow rider is a fellow rider. i ride my harley softail with my friend who rides a whacked out 929 honda crotch rocket more than any of my other friends. i'll wave to any rider. i like it when someone in a car or truck waves too: means they are paying attention. its getting sketchy out there with every soccer mom & yuppie texting or playing with their nav systems.

[Tilos]

"those" were previously also known as "Canned Hams".
I apologize for that geezerspeak,
Tilos