...what got y'all started?
The threat of violence, believe it or not. I grew up in the city, in a family that's not into guns or hunting, so I never got the opportunity to try it as I grew up. The first gun I ever shot was my M16 in boot camp. I was a good shot with the M16, which surprised me, since I had no experience. I always had an interest, but never had anyone to show me the ropes. All the different centerfire cartridge names and calibers was very confusing, for someone never exposed to them previously.
Later, my wife and I were living for a time in a very rough neighborhood. There were instances of gang violence in the parking lot of our own apartment building, and my wife was in a few dangerous situations concerning violent neighbors. I decided it was finally time to get a gun.
As I was shopping for a revolver for home defense, I saw a strange looking rifle at the end of the rack. When I held it, I knew I had to have one (or one like it). I later realized it was a Traditions flintlock. I had never heard of muzzleloading prior to this. I didn't know such guns were being made these days and that it's a popular sport. The gunshop owner told me I should get a copy of the Dixie Gun Works catalog (who?), so I did. I was amazed at the extent of items available. I didn't know this world of blackpowder existed, except for Civil War reenactment groups.
As I was learning about centerfires, I also started reading about blackpowder, first Fadala's books, then everything I could get my hands on. I found that the more I read and shot muzzleloaders at the range, the more my interest went backward in time. I like percussion, but I like flintlocks more. And I like matchlocks more than flintlocks, etc. The older the gun, the more I like it. I collected all the research I could find on the earliest handgonnes and the invention of 'gonnepowder'. I also learned a few things about the early gonnes from the websites of some people that are now regular posters on the Pre-Flintlock forum. What goes around, comes around, I guess.
Except for my military experience with the M16, I basically taught myself how to shoot everything else by reading hundreds of books and magazines, since I've never had anyone to teach me. My first rifle was a flintlock, so I guess you could say I 'learnt the old way'. Now my wife agonizes as my collection of centerfires, milsurp rifles, rimfires, and muzzleloaders keeps growing. I justify it by reminding her that it all started with my desire to protect her from harm. ::
:thumbsup: 
