Is This Really The Kind Of Representation American Airgunners Need?

[avator]

Count me in.... I'm of the "come and get em" mindset.

[DevilsLuck]

I think the conversation has skipped past the point. The point being, those whom are the vocal representatives of our sport, and the kind of attention they bring. My concern is about a German company, in its zeal to sell products to American sportsmen, will end up hamstringing us all...

[selittle]

I thought Sig Sauer was American. I know the new springer is completely made in the USA.

[ezman604]

You know I love airguns. Just look around my Man Cave and you can tell that instantly.
I have a bitter sweet take on the direction I believe our sport/hobby is heading. And this is not a new revelation to me, I've felt this way from the beginning.
I want to promote our sport/hobby and get the word out to those that have no clue. And to bring more good folks into the fold that could and would enjoy them as much as we do.
The push and acceptance of airguns for hunting really worries me. They are capable and SHOULD be allowed. But it puts them along side and comparable to powder burners. It IS just a matter of time before new regulations and restrictions follow. When more folks learn of the REAL potential of airguns, our sport/hobby will change forever. Mark my words.
And the look-alike airguns REALLY make me uncomfortable. This removes our identity and makes our beloved airguns even more of a threat to some. When misused or when someone gets hurt (or mistakenly killed) that involves a look-alike airgun, the ball will start rolling. I'm sure the ball is actually rolling already to regulate or eliminate airguns.
This is just my take, my gut feeling.
We have archaic laws on the books in the surrounding cities that ban all citizens from owning and operating airguns, BB guns and even sling shots within the city limits. That puts ALL of us in a category of vandals. I would like to have these stricken from the books but adding airguns to allowed hunting instruments, IMO, will strengthen these ordinances and make them near impossible to get removed.
Just my 2 cents worth.

[DevilsLuck]

You know I love airguns. Just look around my Man Cave and you can tell that instantly.
I have a bitter sweet take on the direction I believe our sport/hobby is heading. And this is not a new revelation to me, I've felt this way from the beginning.
I want to promote our sport/hobby and get the word out to those that have no clue. And to bring more good folks into the fold that could and would enjoy them as much as we do.
The push and acceptance of airguns for hunting really worries me. They are capable and SHOULD be allowed. But it puts them along side and comparable to powder burners. It IS just a matter of time before new regulations and restrictions follow. When more folks learn of the REAL potential of airguns, our sport/hobby will change forever. Mark my words.
And the look-alike airguns REALLY makes me uncomfortable. This removes our identity and makes our beloved airguns even more of a threat to some. When misused or when someone gets huts (or mistakenly killed) that involves a look-alike airgun, the ball will start rolling. I'm sure the ball is actually rolling already to regulate or eliminate airguns.
This is just my take, my gut feeling.
We have archaic laws on the books in the surrounding cities that ban all citizens from owning and operating airguns, BB guns and even sling shots within the city limits. That puts ALL of us in a category of vandals. I would like to have these stricken from the books but adding airguns to allowed hunting instruments, IMO, will strengthen these ordinances and make them near impossible to get removed.
Just my 2 cents worth.

I lament the ultimate outcome of what the demand for recognition, of airguns power will lead to. My own fond childhood memories of airgunning will not be available to the future generations. If regulated like any kind of weapon; those days will be gone forever. Then we’ll have to ask ourselves, “was it really worth it”?
 I guess for some it is. But the reality is that it will effect us all as airgunners, even though airgun hunters, are a small segment of the airgun community. Gone will be the hobby/Smith’s innovating in their garages. The small cottage industries that supply us with unique hand made parts. And if one has to start jumping through hoops to get an air gun, many will opt to just get the powder burner instead. Often, they are cheaper.
Likely gone as well are some of the communities favorite airgun makers. Thomas, RAW, and others who might lack the will, or capital to pursue the costly, and onerous liscensing required to stay in business.
 But then to have a foreign manufacturer come over here, and start hoopin’, and hollerin’ “hey! Look what airguns can do!” Really angers me. They need to stay in their lane, and out of American politics. But with our nation adopting their weapons for the military it’s just a pipe dream.
Still many want airguns to “get the respect they deserve”. Careful what you wish for... Because we all may get it.

[ssbn617]

Amen to that
Mitch

[ray1377]

Sig can say they are "helping" us establish better hunting laws all they want.
It doesn't change the fact that they could care less about your hunting laws or your sportsmen type hobbies.
It all boils down to $$$ MONEY $$$
They have seen a constantly growing segment of the airgun market and are trying to be the big dog at the food bowl.
All this is just in the hopes that "THEY" sell more airguns... period !
I agree with others when they say this will probably end with airguns (big bores especially) falling under some type of regulation.
And the replica airguns that look just like their powder burning cousins is gonna bite us in the arse one day, just watch.
Some stupid kid is gonna hold one up in front of a law enforcement officer and get shot for it.
And then that stupid kids parents will sue the city, the officer, and then the airgun company probably putting them out of business with bankruptcy.
So much of a good thing can be bad for you never had a truer meaning that airguns do today.

Ray

P.S. faster and bigger ain't always better, if you catch my drift

[lefteyeshot]

Big bore, high velocity, hunting with air guns, air guns that look like real guns, pesting to kill something rather than protecting the house or garden. Slippery slope.

Years ago in S.C. con get out of jail and also has a contract to kill someone. Buys a cap and ball revolver and does the dead. Few hours later guy and gal cops killed him in a shoot out.

NRA seem to have got half the people hating PB's. Maybe the ASA can do the same for us.

[lefteyeshot]

A 12 year old kid with a look alike BB pistol has already been killed by cops.

[selittle]

NRA seem to have got half the people hating PB's. Maybe the ASA can do the same for us.

I know, another unpopular opinion, but I think the NRA has done more harm than good. Once, a long time ago, they actually represented the shooting sports, sportsmen, and hobbyists; now they represent mostly the gun manufacturers.

[nervoustrigger]

In this talk of the inevitability that big bore air rifles will become regulated, it seems to me we are already there.  Ask someone who lives in Illinois where a .22 is a big bore.

[bandg]

I'm not an NRA life member but will probably do so next renewal.  The NRA seems to be one of the very few (if not the only) organization that supports the armed public.  Sure they support the "gun manufacturers" because without them there will be no shooters.  They also fight political powers (money) that would take away all second amendment rights if they could and that takes money as well.  All IMO of course.

[DevilsLuck]

NRA seem to have got half the people hating PB's. Maybe the ASA can do the same for us.

I know, another unpopular opinion, but I think the NRA has done more harm than good.

To an extent I can agree with this. When they bother to work to get laws removed from the books, rather than help write them; maybe then I’ll give them a listen. Till then... they need not bother passing me the hat. Besides... if the time came where airgunners might want NRA representation; the debate will have already been lost.

[GreyBeard1851]

I'm one of the few, I'm sure, that see no issue with regulatory oversight of guns (yes, that dirty phrase: gun control) I don't think its a bad thing for manufacturers to lobby states for the inclusion of air guns into the mainstream hunting scene, and I don't think its a bad thing for states to have oversight. Fact is, a higher power pcp is very dangerous and should be considered so. If that's what it takes to be able to use a .50 cal Seneca to take a deer then so be it.

If everyone thought like you, no one would be allowed to own guns   Sorry but this needed to be said.

[unionrdr]

Very true. We have to come together to educate these left-wing snowflakes what air guns are and are not. They are the single most detrimental faction of society that will easily ruin this country if they are not educated properly on the subject. " Those that can't do teach" is more prevalent today than ever before.

[Buldawg76]

The problem with the left wing is they are not willing to learn anything about any type of guns whatsoever. Its difficult to teach those who have no desire to learn much less think rational or logical. Its not in their agenda to compromise or negotiate.

Mike

[selittle]

The problem with the left wing is they are not willing to learn anything about any type of guns whatsoever. Its difficult to teach those who have no desire to learn much less think rational or logical. Its not in their agenda to compromise or negotiate.

Mike

Blanket generalization. I'm as far left as you can get, but have been using and been around guns my whole life. I've hunted since I was legal and went every time I could with my dad before. I simply don't see guns as mark of freedom or badge of honor. To me they are a tool and hobby. I have no problem with regulation, licensing and control. And have never been afraid of the government taking my rights away until 2016.

[ezman604]

NO POLITICAL OR RELIGOUS DISCUSSION!!!
With the topic, it's hard to do. But keep the political comments out.....

[selittle]

NO POLITICAL OR RELIGOUS DISCUSSION!!!
With the topic, it's hard to do. But keep the political comments out.....

It is hard, especially when the very title is political in nature. Maybe time to can this discussion.

[DevilsLuck]

NO POLITICAL OR RELIGOUS DISCUSSION!!!
With the topic, it's hard to do. But keep the political comments out.....

Thank you.