GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Gun Gate => Topic started by: ezman604 on June 28, 2017, 04:38:27 PM
-
I have to get on my soapbox for a moment and post something that needs to be said.
We who spend MANY hours in devotion to our sport/hobby have, I believe, a different and stronger point of view and ethics about our pastime.
We try to shine a positive light on our beloved sport and TRY to prove we are true sportsmen and women. And shutter when we hear of irresponsible behavior of some while handling airguns.
Disrespectful or careless acts give the entire airgun community a black eye and bad reputation. And can also bring unwanted attention by law enforcement and government agencies.
So I will make this statement for GTA Forums. We are a membership of sportsmen and women. We will not condone disrespectful acts or careless usage of airguns by any person in order to promote themselves. It generally takes a lot of trust and talking (and maybe even written legal documents) to procure private lands to be able to shoot/pest/hunt with airguns. If you did not procure the permissions, you do not HAVE permission to violate the trust given to others. When on another's property, you are REQUIRED to show diligent care and be very respectful of all life and property. And if an accident DOES happen, report it immediately. Unreported accidents are NOT accidents. Those are acts of vandalism!!! And should be treated as such.
If I (we) hear of any GTA members violating these common sense ethics, they will be banned from this forum and should be excommunicated from our airgun community. We do not want or need folks like this representing us!!!
We are ALL tasked to be the best when representing our community. And you would want nothing less if YOU were the land owner giving permission.
Now more than ever and as always....
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
8)
-
Roger that !!
-
Thanks for the note/reminder. As a matter of fact irresponsible shooters of powder burners or airguns, make things a lot harder for those of us who abide by the law while enjoying the sport.
-
All good points and need to be said often.
-
D Ez,
You are SOooo right on EVERY SINGLE point made.
If there was only a way for you to know just how close to home this hits for me, you would be both shocked and amazed.
It has taken years to gain the collective confidence of the Landowners who have placed their trust in us, as well as the health and safety of their homes, farms, livestock, and livelihood.
It takes an incredible amount of time and effort "with boots on the ground" to secure these permissions,.... and all it takes is a mere split second of carelessness by one, for the many to lose it all.
Unfortunately I have experienced this, and it is a sad day when you realize that a permission is no longer.
But in the BIGGER picture, it is my greatest fear that an unfortunate incident on one permission, will in all probability, spread like a wildfire, and will likely result in the loss of several permissions.
Hopefully, that is as far as it goes, and does not morph into an event that could negatively affect the entire sport.
Trust me,... it's not that far of a "Stretch".
Please, Everyone,
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING OUT THERE, and how YOUR actions, CAN AND WILL Impact the way we ARE ALL viewed and JUDGED.
Whether you realize it or not, there are groups out there who would find no greater pleasure than to regulate and/or eliminate our sport as you know it.
PLEASE !,
Be Responsible, Be RESPECTABLE, and by all means, MAKE SURE you are SHOOTING SAFELY !
-
Well stated. Thank you.
-
Well said. If everyone acted responsibly and respect for something that has to be taken care with caution, we wouldn't also have these stupid laws like not being able to shoot even in safe designated places out here in California or other states. Ended up going to a local outdoor range yesterday here by where I live and came home deaf from a guy with his girl friend firing off an AR-15 at a target 5 feet away besides me wasting rounds. Meanwhile I'm enjoying shooting a target at 60 yards with my R9.
-
Similar issue at a couple local ranges I frequent, idiots with powder burners , tearing up the grass 10 yards or less from the firing line. Makes me wonder ::)
I guess they can't golf well either ;)
-
"I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it."
-
As a land owner I agree with you 100%.
-
And can also bring unwanted attention by law enforcement and government agencies.
This can't be stressed enough. It's not even limited to the state it happens in. The Tamir Rice incident brought a LOT heat in Baltimore and Massachusetts, even though it occurred in Cleveland.
-
Personally I think we are very close to seeing airguns being regulated like powder rifles, or at least like black powder "antique" type guns.
Personally I can think of one company that did a distance challenge not to long ago. Here we can find people with a "bb gun" that will shoot 600 yards and hit a golf ball. Really....do we want and need this kind of attn.
I am/was a pretty active RC flyer, I had flown RC aircraft starting in the early 80's.....and no one bothered us. Introduce the "drone" and now anyone can "program" this thing to fly. And see what has happened to that hobby.....regulation has stuck its nose in its business....and a great many pilots "chance it" and just fly anyway.
I really think with guns, the guberment will be a little more in our face. We just need one accident, or one person to go off his rocker and do something really bad with an air gun....then it is all over.
Personally I think the die is cast....just a matter of time.
-
Just offering my affirmation (fwiw) that the points made in this thread are well-communicated and important.
-W
-
Trst
-
Personally I think we are very close to seeing airguns being regulated like powder rifles, or at least like black powder "antique" type guns.
I'm with Ralph on this point. I live in California, and there is an insane mindset 'against' guns that has already overshadowed owning let alone shooting. I'm hoping that airguns will continue to escape notice and regulation... and responsible air-gunning will go a long way to allow it's continued enjoyment here.
-
So, to the point of this message in the first place, it is even more imperative that airgunners especially in CA represent as our community needs them to. We don't need added negative attention to our sport/hobby.
-
So, to the point of this message in the first place, it is even more imperative that airgunners especially in CA represent as our community needs them to. We don't need added negative attention to our sport/hobby.
Thank you Sir,
Points well taken.
-
Agree with all points noted. Awareness of other people and their property must be on everyone's mind anytime you shoot. I take some exception to Back_Roads generalized comment about "idiots with powder burners" however. Many of us shoot both and do so responsibly. And I've seen more than a small number of idiots with airguns as well. They can kill you just as dead. Let's try to welcome all responsible shooters aboard.
-
I too firmly agree with what's been said here. But, I'd like to ask you what you think about this...
So, I'm going through the 'New Member Introductions' trying to up my post count to the minimum needed to attach pictures and links and come across this...
I have been into PCP's for about 15 years. I now own a Edgun R5M, two Red Wolfes, two Atamans, Veterand shorty, Huben K1, Vulcan 2, Compact FX and a few more. I shoot targets in my wooded backyard. I shoot wild bushes(trimming them back), also I stop shooting chipmonks(to easy to kill) and shoot their tails half way off. This earns them free rights to eat sunflower seeds free of harm. I do the same on squirrels. I live in a major city down south and only have one other friend that shoots and that is it. I have met some great friend in the PCP community by buying and selling on the internet
I don't understand how well respected members can 'Welcome' this person without reservation? I couldn't.
-
I too firmly agree with what's been said here. But, I'd like to ask you what you think about this...
So, I'm going through the 'New Member Introductions' trying to up my post count to the minimum needed to attach pictures and links and come across this...
I have been into PCP's for about 15 years. I now own a Edgun R5M, two Red Wolfes, two Atamans, Veterand shorty, Huben K1, Vulcan 2, Compact FX and a few more. I shoot targets in my wooded backyard. I shoot wild bushes(trimming them back), also I stop shooting chipmonks(to easy to kill) and shoot their tails half way off. This earns them free rights to eat sunflower seeds free of harm. I do the same on squirrels. I live in a major city down south and only have one other friend that shoots and that is it. I have met some great friend in the PCP community by buying and selling on the internet
I don't understand how well respected members can 'Welcome' this person without reservation? I couldn't.
I agree with you. I can not welcome someone who feels torture is a viable and acceptable option in any shooting sport. It is completely against what any responsible shooter knows and practices. What comes next ? Shooting just one wing off of Starlings ?
-
I don't understand how well respected members can 'Welcome' this person without reservation? I couldn't.
Ditto... this is neither responsible nor respectful. Shooting animals to wound them is also illegal.
-
I too firmly agree with what's been said here. But, I'd like to ask you what you think about this...
So, I'm going through the 'New Member Introductions' trying to up my post count to the minimum needed to attach pictures and links and come across this...
I have been into PCP's for about 15 years. I now own a Edgun R5M, two Red Wolfes, two Atamans, Veterand shorty, Huben K1, Vulcan 2, Compact FX and a few more. I shoot targets in my wooded backyard. I shoot wild bushes(trimming them back), also I stop shooting chipmonks(to easy to kill) and shoot their tails half way off. This earns them free rights to eat sunflower seeds free of harm. I do the same on squirrels. I live in a major city down south and only have one other friend that shoots and that is it. I have met some great friend in the PCP community by buying and selling on the internet
I don't understand how well respected members can 'Welcome' this person without reservation? I couldn't.
Ditto. That's borderline sociopathic, IMHO.
-W
-
We do not condone or support such actions. Plus, as stated, it is incriminating. I had not seen it but took care of it now. Warning message sent to....as a reminder.
-
If you have "Airguns" that can take down a deer....they'll get noticed.
-
If you have "Airguns" that can take down a deer....they'll get noticed.
Any responsible party handling an airgun capable of taking down a deer will exercise the same degree of respect and caution required with any powder weapon.
-
As a land owner I agree with you 100%.
Agreed
-
I just hate seeing something like this in the news:
Harper Woods police: BB gun-wielding vandals damage 2 dozen vehicles
https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/harper-woods-police-bb-gun-wielding-vandals-damage-2-dozen-vehicles (https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/harper-woods-police-bb-gun-wielding-vandals-damage-2-dozen-vehicles)
-
I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you for this post, I know my family agrees as my son-in-law and his best friend are police officers.
-
Amen, Bro. Well said.
-
Well said.
-
Beware the virtual BB gun - it could put your brain out. ;D
-
I live in the UK where we are already heavily regulated,and have considerably lower power guns than you guys have in the states.Do you think that you are under more of a risk of serious regulation on air weapons because of the very high power and large calibers you use.I have been reading about how your air guns will take down very large game, and do you think that the closer you get with air guns to the “take down “ power of live rounds the smaller becomes the distinction to folks who are anti gun to start with. Just curious.
all the best
-
I live in the UK where we are already heavily regulated,and have considerably lower power guns than you guys have in the states.Do you think that you are under more of a risk of serious regulation on air weapons because of the very high power and large calibers you use.I have been reading about how your air guns will take down very large game, and do you think that the closer you get with air guns to the “take down “ power of live rounds the smaller becomes the distinction to folks who are anti gun to start with. Just curious.
all the best
I do not think this forum is the proper place for an international firearms law political discussion.
-
my apologies
-
Last year on a cow-corral permission I shot a pigeon sitting on the ground. The range was close, and after a pass-through the pellet bounced off the ground and hit a cow standing in the background (it jumped a bit right after the shot).
I immediately called the owner, asked him to come with me to inspect the cow, and offered to pay for any expenses or damage that I had caused.
He gave the cow a shot. Even though I kept insisting he would not let me pay for any of it.
Recently he offered to introduce me to other cow farmers who also have pigeon problems.
I will continue to stand by any damage I might cause, and I will be more careful to anticipate ricochets!
Matthias
-
Nice to see this topic raised & discussed.
As a newish pcp owner & hunter, I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos to get a sense of how others do things. - Especially dealing with holdover & wind, but also how to get permissions, etc. While watching some "highly regarded" Youtubers do pesting on farms, I've been STUNNED to see how careless they are. These guys are shooting FX Impacts and the like, at .25 and .30 cal, aiming at pigeons & starlings that are sitting on a roof maybe 100 yards away. Sure, they only show the perfect hits, but as you watch those frames, you can often clearly see large holes that they previously blew into the farmer's roofs and silos.
These same yahoos then shoot birds that are sitting on electrical wires, again form 50 - 100 yards out, or even further. What happens when they shoot 2" too low, and cut the wire?
This kind of shooting is, IMO, insane, and can only lead to big problems for us all in the future.
-
FWIW, I also notice that a lot of these same guys tend to walk around the farms with their rifles pointed upwards. It seems to me that's a bad accident waiting to happen, if they ever trip and the safety is off.
Isn't it correct form to walk with the barrel of a loaded gun pointed down?
-
Needs more "Like" button. Come to think of it OP is the one to talk to about that. 😄
I enjoy airguns and really enjoy that I can still get some trigger time. The new challenges are intriguing.
I find a lot of airgunners pretty up tight and some really irresponsible. Reading on another forum about deer hunting with a 22 cal springer and such kind of turn my stomach. They think they are on the cutting edge and lord help anyone who challenges that.
The forum isn't a total &^^& show. I have gleaned some fantastic tune info and other things from them.
Keep up the high road attitude and doing the next right thing. I can tell you that it is very often unpopular, but it is worth it when someone finally admits you are doing the right thing.
I just noticed how old this thread is, still pertains, though.
-
FWIW, I also notice that a lot of these same guys tend to walk around the farms with their rifles pointed upwards. It seems to me that's a bad accident waiting to happen, if they ever trip and the safety is off.
Isn't it correct form to walk with the barrel of a loaded gun pointed down?
Depends on where your at. I shoot at an indoor range (powder) and muzzle up is safer. Concrete indoors is not a good place for negligent misfire. Outdoors in the dirt, muzzle down. Just depends on the situation. I treat all firearms no matter what type with respect and as safe as possible. The people I shoot with are the same or they don't shoot with us.
-
All true. We're a very small community, and since the government tends to be more "iffy" with the airgun industry we need to uphold a good reputation.
-
Totally agree 100% with everything you said. It took me three years to convince a land owner to allow me on his land to hunt groundhogs. There has been several occasions that person(s) have shot at his cattle and horses with air rifles. That is immature and very unhuman.
-
I have to get on my soapbox for a moment and post something that needs to be said.
We who spend MANY hours in devotion to our sport/hobby have, I believe, a different and stronger point of view and ethics about our pastime.
We try to shine a positive light on our beloved sport and TRY to prove we are true sportsmen and women. And shutter when we hear of irresponsible behavior of some while handling airguns.
Disrespectful or careless acts give the entire airgun community a black eye and bad reputation. And can also bring unwanted attention by law enforcement and government agencies.
So I will make this statement for GTA Forums. We are a membership of sportsmen and women. We will not condone disrespectful acts or careless usage of airguns by any person in order to promote themselves. It generally takes a lot of trust and talking (and maybe even written legal documents) to procure private lands to be able to shoot/pest/hunt with airguns. If you did not procure the permissions, you do not HAVE permission to violate the trust given to others. When on another's property, you are REQUIRED to show diligent care and be very respectful of all life and property. And if an accident DOES happen, report it immediately. Unreported accidents are NOT accidents. Those are acts of vandalism!!! And should be treated as such.
If I (we) hear of any GTA members violating these common sense ethics, they will be banned from this forum and should be excommunicated from our airgun community. We do not want or need folks like this representing us!!!
We are ALL tasked to be the best when representing our community. And you would want nothing less if YOU were the land owner giving permission.
Now more than ever and as always....
SAFE & Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
8)
This is part of why I like this forum and appreciate its members so much.
-W
-
If you have "Airguns" that can take down a deer....they'll get noticed.
Any responsible party handling an airgun capable of taking down a deer will exercise the same degree of respect and caution required with any powder weapon.
No disrespect intended BUT Any Airgun period no matter what its power level is should be treated with the same respect as a firearm. That also includes arrows, slingshot ect.
-
So, to the point of this message in the first place, it is even more imperative that airgunners especially in CA represent as our community needs them to. We don't need added negative attention to our sport/hobby.
At the risk of sounding "political", it's not just California. Remember that at voting time.