What got you into airguns?

[FL22]

, Been shooting bb guns from 5 up, Around 1975 or so , Jog, family, baby on the way, I couldn't go out and shoot my 22, 12 gauge, 270, Looking in the Beeman catalog and calling and talking to the father of all air guns MR Beeman , Bought a FWB 124, HUGE learning curve , After I learned how to shoot the thing for 32 years it was supreme Until the PCP came around , Oh my accuracy way beyond a springer ,,
enjoying the sport

Back in the early 1980s, I latched on to a Beeman catalog. Dr. Beeman hooked me with his propaganda about his guns being the "finest" and the "best". I bought an R8 and found that it truly was way above what was previously on the airgun market. IMO, Beeman really kicked off this hobby with providing top quality guns that were built more like powderburners and not the usual cheap stuff offered with plastic stocks, sheet metal parts and homely designs.

If you haven’t already read it, this is an interesting read.

How Airguns Have Improved Since 1980 – Part One

Today, we’re looking at a historical document from the airgun industry. It’s the 132-page, Spring 1980 catalog from the Air Rifle Headquarters Inc. and it’s an ideal opportunity to see how airguns have improved since that time. So, yes, that’s 44 years ago and – frighteningly – some of us...

community.hardairmagazine.com

 

[Duncan Seadog]

I shot pellet guns like many, if not most young boys back in the 1950s and early '60s. After high school graduation in 1965, the military called my name, and a year later, in 1966, I found myself a Corpsman stationed with the 3rd MarDiv in Vietnam. After 2 tours there, I'd seen enough of shooting and guns and I swore "never again". By the mid 1980s I had two junior high age sons who went to Boy Scout camp. When their father's day came, there was a dad's shooting contest that my boys insisted I participate in. As dad, I couldn't let my sons down, so I shot and I won. This set my boys on an interest in the shooting sports. I taught them and we had a blast together shooting a beautiful Sheridan which still shoots. Just a few short years later my oldest son went off to West Point. Today he is a full Colonel, yet he and I have now taught his sons how to shoot. My younger son has also made a career of the army and is a Major. He and I shoot with his son. I gave him a Dragonfly MK ll. 22 cal two years ago and he is a deadeye with it. He now shoots my HW97K expertly as well. We have become a family who enjoys the sport of shooting. Vietnam was a long time ago for me and so are Iraq and Afghanistan for my boys. Shooting is fun now. Shooting my airguns is my major interest these days. Orv.

Hi Orv, being down at your gun range where you live is basically when I started shooting airguns. I have two of my own that I have had for a few years but it is always a pleasure to shoot with you at your range. Plus, it is always challenging to compete with you, along with being a lot of fun. I look forward everytime I am down south at your residence. Duncan Seadog - Greg
Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend.

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

Hi Orv, being down at your gun range where you live is basically when I started shooting airguns. I have two of my own that I have had for a few years but it is always a pleasure to shoot with you at your range. Plus, it is always challenging to compete with you, along with being a lot of fun. I look forward everytime I am down south at your residence. Duncan Seadog - Greg
Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend.

GREG, my friend. Welcome to our Fourms. This place is where to be for airgun comradship. The associated HARD AIR MAGAZINE is the first place to find the first news regarding our hobby. Anyway, welcome. Come on down and let us make some tin can dance. Orv.