New member from Williamsburg

[YourOnlySin]

Howdy kids.

Im a 37 year old father of four who grew up in Idaho state. I have fond memories of hunting with dad and gramps as a kid, and I always enjoyed the freedom to shoot on public lands away from town. Moving to Virginia in 2004, I thought "gun ownership should be a joy in VA. due to the great gun laws." Boy was I wrong. I cant shoot anywhere but an expensive pistol range, unless I know someone with private land. What a joke! Recently, I became a CCP holder. Again, I'm disappointed at the "seemingly" shrinking list of places I can even legally carry with a permit! What the hell happened to America? Why do I feel like I'm the bad guy for wanting to carry a gun legally? Why do people treat me like I'm an advocate for gun violence when I exercise my right to carry?

My own beloved wife, a liberal Dem. and avid "gun hater" has hesitantly allowed me to practice my passion of sport shooting and owning a firearm, although she persists I do not keep it in the house. Ok...at least we compromised. The mail man that delivers to my house must be thoroughly confused when he places mail in my box from The Brady Campaign right along with mail from the NRA.

With all of that, I bid you hello and say thanks for being on my side.

Jim

[OakRidgeStars]

Welcome to VGOF, Jim!

[LFS]

aboard.

Just out of curiosity, do you and your wife discuss this issue or is it one of those things better left untouched? I'm always curious about rabid "gun haters". They are a shrinking population in this country, thankfully.

[goodoleboy]

Bring her to the picnic Saturday......no wait she might go crazy

[OakRidgeStars]

Bring her to the picnic Saturday.....

I think that's an excellent idea. It would be great to have you both there.

[goodoleboy]

In all seriousness it would be a good idea to bring her as Jay stated above. Education is the first step brother.

[YourOnlySin]

My fiery Italian wife would not be interested in coming. I also think my day would not be fun if she were present.

We do discuss the issue from time to time, but I am always left on the losing edge of the battle and usually change the subject or leave the room upset. She has a rebuttal for every single argument presented to her regarding gun control or its advocacy. Her mother is the same way and the two of them together really make my blood boil when they get going about it and start spouting their statistics of gun related deaths. I just cant argue with people that are so ignorant and selfish that they cant see it any way but their own. I love my wife dearly, but this is clearly one of those areas of conversation that are better left untouched. At least by me...maybe someone else that can provide some real, logical data or reasoning would have better luck. I know a picnic full of gun toters would not be the best place for her, lol.

[eagleye44]

Welcome Aboard Jim
If Mary Matalin and James Carville can pull it off, I imagine anyone can.

[LFS]

http://www.gunfacts.info/ is your friend.

Print out the PDF and "accidentally" leave it on the coffee table.

[YourOnlySin]

http://www.gunfacts.info/ is your friend.

Print out the PDF and "accidentally" leave it on the coffee table.

This is beautiful! Thank you for this....exactly what I needed! I am so tired of feeling helpless against arguing with someone who likes to pretend they know all the statistics.


BTW...you mention leaving it on the coffee table, lol! I remember coming home from work one day and saw an opened letter lying on the kitchen counter from the local sheriffs office informing me that my CHP application was approved and being sent to the judge for signage. In her defense, she was worried that I was in trouble for some reason when she saw the letter from the Sheriffs office....I only wish I had been there to see her face when she read it!

[shulatt]

Hello and to VGOF!

[Moccasin]

Welcome to the forum.

[moss20]

Welcome

[herohog]

Welcome to the Group!
Are you a VCDL member yet? Look into them. If you are a gun owner in VA, these guys are your best friend!

The wife needs to come out to the meet/shoot and greets! My, and the other wifes, get tired of being out numbered!

[allingeneral]

Hi Jim. Welcome aboard!

Good stuff!

[45XDC]

There is one outdoor Shooting Range in your area that I know . Its only for long guns but its free.
•Chickahominy Range Information (PDF) »
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wmas/cwma- ... -range.pdf

Be sure to bring your own paper targets, cardboard backing, clothespins and tape. No reservations are required and there are no fees. No pistol shooting is permitted. Shooters are limited to one hour of shooting when the range is full.

Range Closure Notice
Range Operation Dates: September 1 to March 31, closed on Mondays.


Dates Hours
September Closed on Monday
Tuesday-Saturday: 9 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 6:30 PM
October - January Closed on Monday
Tuesday-Saturday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 4:30 PM
February - March Closed on Monday
Tuesday-Saturday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday: 1 PM - 5:30 PM

The area has hunting opportunities also
Hope this helps

[zephyp]

Jim. Glad you're here. Please do come to the picnic and bring your wife. A good time will be had by one and all. As a positive note, at least you and your wife cancel each other out at the polls...

[Paliden]

Jim, WELCOME bring your wife to the picnic and she can see we are are just everyday people and God give you the patients you need!

USMC Code of Conduct
ARTICLE VI:
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

[Oldtimer]

to the forum

[Juggernaut]

Howdy kids.

Im a 37 year old father of four who grew up in Idaho state. I have fond memories of hunting with dad and gramps as a kid, and I always enjoyed the freedom to shoot on public lands away from town. Moving to Virginia in 2004, I thought "gun ownership should be a joy in VA. due to the great gun laws." Boy was I wrong. I cant shoot anywhere but an expensive pistol range, unless I know someone with private land. What a joke! Recently, I became a CCP holder. Again, I'm disappointed at the "seemingly" shrinking list of places I can even legally carry with a permit! What the hell happened to America? Why do I feel like I'm the bad guy for wanting to carry a gun legally? Why do people treat me like I'm an advocate for gun violence when I exercise my right to carry?

My own beloved wife, a liberal Dem. and avid "gun hater" has hesitantly allowed me to practice my passion of sport shooting and owning a firearm, although she persists I do not keep it in the house. Ok...at least we compromised. The mail man that delivers to my house must be thoroughly confused when he places mail in my box from The Brady Campaign right along with mail from the NRA.

With all of that, I bid you hello and say thanks for being on my side.

Jim

Hello neighbor! I'm in the 'Burg also. About your wife, did you know her leanings before or after you got married? Your relationship sounds funny, but not "funny, haha". Yall must have some interesting conversations. What if some of your friends were to show up at your house heeled on a weekly basis? Do you think she'd grow accustomed to the idea that we're not all wacko nutjobs looking for showdowns at noon on Main St.?