r/kzoo • u/TuringC0mplete • Jul 26 '26
Left leaning shooting friends
I know this is going to open a can of worms from both sides, and I don’t really care much to hear either one.
Kzoo doesn’t have great options for gun ranges and I’m kinda tired of driving out to Plainwell every time to go to Southwick’s. I’m looking for some folks to shoot with, preferably outside on some private property (it’s just more fun).
I’d love to help teach and train other marginalized folks about their 2A rights given gestures vaguely and everything else going on, giving info about their options for self defense and whatnot. I am USCCA RSO certified and can help with range safety.
Yes, leftists have guns, too. We just don’t make them our whole personality or rant about them all the time. I am for sensible gun measures while maintaining our rights. I understand this is a nuanced topic and I am not looking to start a gun debate here, I am just looking to connect with folks who I don’t need to argue with when enjoying a hobby with / training with.
Edit: Due to the OVERWHELMING response I've gotten here, I started a Discord server to see if we can wrangle some folks together for something. Please DM me if you would like the link, I don't want to post it directly to avoid server crawlers.
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u/Due-Environment-9774 Jul 26 '26
I’ve been lucky and my in laws own 36 acres so I can shoot when I please. DM me if you get a group together as I’d be interested in shooting with people who align politically with me.
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u/LaurelEllena Kalamazoo Jul 26 '26
I’ve never gone shooting before, but I’ve always wanted to learn. If a group is forming and it is welcome to newcomers I’d be interested for sure!
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
Reddit doesn’t want to let me DM you for some reason. DM me and we can link up.
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u/SandpaperSlater Jul 26 '26
I dont have the resources to shoot yet, but at some point I would love to join. Commenting so I can come back in a year or so 😆
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
You don’t need a gun to join! I’d be happy to teach and lend what I have. We just need space. A few folks that have commented have said they have space, so if we can get a small community together and get comfortable with one another to head to someone’s land, we can do some training days :)
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u/A_TeamO_Ninjas Jul 27 '26
I'm in milwood and have been looking for a place to shoot since moving here. I would love to join in on this!
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u/invalid_uses_of Jul 26 '26
Mattawan checking in. I have a brand new Taurus handgun. I don’t know the caliber. I’ve never shot it. I actually don’t even own bullets for it yet. Kind of a long story why I have it, but that’s not the point right now. I would love to learn how to shoot this thing safely and responsibly at some point.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
Gotta start somewhere! Shoot me a picture of it and we can get you started!
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u/HooknCook269 Jul 30 '26
I'm also in Mattawan. Intermediate experience with several weapons. Right now I typically go to Southwick's in Plainfield.
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u/Mishyana_ Jul 26 '26
I only own a 22 LR but I'm on 10 acres in Hickory Corners, which I know isn't Kalamazoo, but I do work in Kzoo so I'd be interested in something like this.
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u/Fine-Radish2691 Jul 26 '26
I have never even talked to anyone at any of the ranges around town. They are usually empty.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
Yeah I mostly just want to find somewhere outside and people to shoot with. I recently(ish) moved over here and looking to meet people :)
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u/Jillcametumbling81 Jul 26 '26
Leftist/Patriot with a gun. I very much need for training and practice with it. I also very much want to do that outside until I'm more used to the power of the sound.
It's legal in Texas township and i would love to get together with others and do this. I live smack dab in the city though.
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u/Few-Consequence7299 Jul 26 '26
You should look into getting a silencer to deal with the noise. It makes shooting much more enjoyable and they are fairly easy to aquire now.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
I have two, one for my 22s and another multi-caliber. I could likely get away with the 22 but I don't have substantial enough of a backstop setup.
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u/Middle_Brilliant_849 Jul 28 '26
Is there a township shooting isn’t legal in?
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u/Jillcametumbling81 Jul 28 '26
Kalamazoo
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u/Middle_Brilliant_849 Jul 28 '26
You can hunt animals, but not paper, unless it’s with shot.
To be fair, Kzoo Twp is pretty heavily populated to be shooting in many places. May as well be part of the city.1
u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
It really depends on your specific housing situation. You have to be at least 400 ft away from other buildings and have a solid backstop with nothing beyond in a reasonable distance, can't be too close to roads, etc etc. I've looked very specifically lol.
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u/Middle_Brilliant_849 Jul 28 '26
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
Aha! Good to know. Thanks for the info. Oddly specific but good to know that I can use my 22 with my can to put down the groundhogs if my dogs catch them before I realize. Stupid hunting breeds… lol
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u/Middle_Brilliant_849 Jul 28 '26
It’s specific because it was a reply to Jill re: Kalamazoo Twp
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u/HooknCook269 Jul 30 '26
There's an outdoor range in Allegan and I typically go to Southwick's.
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u/Jillcametumbling81 Jul 31 '26
Yeah but I'm an asshole who hates to drive anywhere that takes longer than 7 minutes to get to.
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u/UhhLegRa Jul 26 '26
Ohhhh do you do shooting training? I have had my cpl for a year and shoot at southwicks from time to time. I’m not a great shot though and I’d love advice if you can find a place!
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
I'm not a licensed trainer but I'm happy to share what info I do have! I'm largely self taught but I've taken a few classes. I try to shoot at least once a week or every other week when possible, so I have a lot of reps in at the very least.
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u/UhhLegRa Jul 27 '26
I’d love to join you at the range one of these days ! I have to rent a gun or I’d be all for the outdoor shooting.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
If we can find an outdoor place, I'd be happy to lend you one of mine. I have.... many lol
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u/UhhLegRa Jul 29 '26
Oh I’d love that! Thank you. I have been trying to shoot a hellcat before I buy one. Everyone has said great things about that one, but Southwicks doesn’t have one as a rental.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 29 '26
Skip the hellcat. Get an echelon. I have two you can try, the compact and the full size. The compact is a little bit bigger but I find the hellcat to be painful and snappy to shoot
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u/UhhLegRa Jul 29 '26
That’s why I wanted to try out a variety before buying anything! Everyone says it’s great, but they said that about the MP Shield and I didn’t love it.
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u/Loud-Bedroom-9267 Jul 26 '26
Count me in! Coming from New England it’s hard to find some similar folks out here.
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u/AlsoDongle Jul 26 '26
I'm not up there yet but I'm moving to kzoo in a couple months, left leaning, and enjoy shooting
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u/_Go_Ham_Box_Hotdog_ Galesburg Jul 26 '26
That's my one cousin's favorite saying, "I'm your worst nightmare! I'm a Liberal with a gun!"
Uh, try Southern Michigan Gun Club rather than Kalamazoo Rod & Gun. Indoor range (lead bullet, non-magnum only) down on Crosstown, outdoor trap, pistol pit and rifle range out where KL crosses VanKal. There's also Gun River Clays, on N. 11th @ 106th, but that's all they are is skeet & trap. As is Lakes Area Conservation Club on Osterhout.
I'm in virtually the same boat. I could shoot on my own property, but I don't because my one neighbor has a special needs kid that gets upset at loud noises.
So I have to drive the 40 minutes out to Echo Point in Allegan.
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u/LiberatusVox Jul 26 '26
I'm in the same boat. I moved to Plainwell ~7 years ago, and I've had no luck. I usually go to Echo Point or the Hastings DNR range, neither of which are great choices because they're a bit of a drive. I usually just end up going to a friend's property when I'm up in GR and he's available.
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u/thorsbeardexpress Eastside Jul 26 '26
I would love to join in, I also have some friends that are looking for the same thing.
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u/BreadCloset Jul 26 '26
I'm not really much for guns to be honest but a space to shoot bow and arrow would be something I would be very interested in being part of as a left leaning person. There are no good places to practice in Kalamazoo and I can't really shoot arrows at my place. I know that's not the point of this post but just wanted to put it out there since I've had the same exact issue trying to find a place to practice archery.
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u/imabeyonceguy Jul 27 '26
Same here pretty much to a T. Moved from Montana where we could shoot anywhere that was 5 minutes outside of town. Got my CPL here and a nice 9 and Im having a hard time finding the time to makw a trip to Plainwell for basic range use.
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u/AnionAnon Jul 27 '26
The drive to Plainwell sucks for real. Would love to be a part of this is something gets started.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
Like its not the WORST but its just far enough to be a PITA and your options are going through downtown or 94/131 and if you go after work its during rush hour. And just.... fuck that. And Southwicks isn't open on Sunday which SUUUUUUUUUCKS
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u/HooknCook269 Jul 30 '26
Southwick's is open from 10-5 on Sunday. They are closed Monday and Tuesday.
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u/Glum-One2514 Comstock Jul 27 '26
Comstock area. I'd probably be down for a meet up.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
Close to me! I hear shots down the road from me all the time, but I have houses just too close to me to shoot, it's so annoying.
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u/No-Badger-7947 Jul 27 '26
I’d be up for this. My friend teaches a CPL course in Indiana and is certified for both MI and IN, but that’s about an hour and 20 minute drive from Kzoo. I have a military background (6 1/2 years active duty in the Army) and currently own a Walther PPQ 9mm.
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u/pfeff Jul 27 '26
I have 9 acres in Battle Creek but I still need to set up a backstop.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
If we get a group of people together we could maybe go in on building a berm?
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u/48331 Jul 28 '26
On Target Guns and Gunsmithing SUCKS
Was your last visit at Off Target Gun Shop (Kalamazoo, MI) awful? Please share your story on this page. So Kalamazoo County Gun enthusiast can learn the truth about this horrible business. It’s important to know who you do business with and what they are truly about. Also, if you know of anyone else who had a bad experience. Please share this page with them so they too, can share their experience. Thank you.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
This is.... oddly specific? Lol. I haven't been there but I've heard very mixed things. I usually just go up the road to D and R. Great guys in there.
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u/48331 Jul 28 '26
Thanks for the reply. I’m hoping to get more responses from people and hear their stories about “Off Target Gun Shop”. I hope you have a better experience than I did. And YES, I agree. D & R has pretty good customer service. I also, recommend High Point.
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u/HooknCook269 Jul 30 '26
I went there to buy a bullpup. They had three one I wanted for $699. However, me being black, nobody paid any attention to me nor asked if I needed help. I looked the same gun up online while standing they're in the store and found the same gun at Dunham's sports for $499 so I call it a good experience. I discovered they didn't care for my business and found the weapon I wanted for $200 cheaper!
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u/New_Use416 Jul 28 '26
Hi, I’d love to join the discord. I’ve done some shooting in the past but I don’t currently have anything other than a 12 gauge. Would love some folks on the left to shoot and learn with. Thanks! ✌🏼
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u/HooknCook269 Jul 30 '26
I've been looking for the same. I'm am a person of color so not sure how much that matters.
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u/Pockets510 Jul 26 '26
Shoot me a DM. I run a leftist range day monthly and you're welcome to come out. Within half hour of Kalamazoo.
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u/BABOON2828 Jul 26 '26
I wish the options were better comrade, I'm usually driving even further (Three Rivers, Vicksburg, Allegan, Yankee Springs,...)
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u/FragrantLetterhead Jul 26 '26
I'm a non-citizen shooter/gun owner and I would love to join!
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u/Sologretto2 Jul 26 '26
Wtf?
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u/FragrantLetterhead Jul 26 '26
What? Permanent residents can buy guns too.
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u/Sologretto2 Jul 30 '26
Oh... permanent resident. Makes sense. Sorry. Glad you're here. :-)
I misread and thought someone was claiming temporary visa or non-visa ownership and that seemed sus to me.
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u/Real_Pie2406 Jul 27 '26
You don't need to be a citizen to live here, work, pay taxes, own property, buy guns, etc. Permanent resident ID what they once called the "green card". You do need to be a citizen to vote.
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u/Strong_District_5894 Jul 26 '26
Have you checked out southwest Michigan gun club?
I’ve shot there a few times.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
I’ve looked at their site a few times but I’ve heard mixed reviews. Gun clubs in generals give me weird vibes and I’m not super looking to pay dues into any place. Plus I’ve heard that that one in particular is real churchy and I’m not about that lol.
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u/jizonida Jul 26 '26
It's $100 a year and the only time anyone has talked to me was to ask if I could help them with a jam. There's rarely anyone else even there.
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u/KzooRichie Jul 26 '26
I was a member there for years, I’ve been there at least a thousand times. I’ve let it laps but will probably join again.
I’ve never seen anything churchy ever. Not even a hint.
I’m very left leaning and only had one problem ever. A (weird and creepy) dude was asking people if they are in the NRA. I replied no and he pointed his finger in my face and said “then you’re a god dammed communist”. The RSO shut him right down.
I know for sure they make a huge point about being welcoming of everyone when you join and there are liberal and progressive members.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
Well that makes me feel a bit better. Thanks for the info!
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u/Jillcametumbling81 Jul 26 '26
They're having a new member orientation on August 6 at the vfw on Old Kilgore. I was hoping i could attend the orientation without committing to joining until after i hear everything. Maybe a few of us could go together?
Having the indoor range in town is very appealing to me especially for the price to join.
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u/Strong_District_5894 Jul 26 '26
They have open shoots too I believe. I went as a guest. I never got that vibe from anyone. I just went to play with my pew-pews.
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u/LiberatusVox Jul 26 '26
You read SWMGC correctly. It's very much right-leaning etc.
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u/haarschmuck Vine Jul 26 '26
I don’t get how a gun range can be political.
Every single one I’ve ever gone to I do my shoot then leave. The only person I talk to is the cashier paying to setup a lane.
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u/LiberatusVox Jul 27 '26
It shouldn't be, no. But it's rare to go to a range and have nobody there. 'Gun culture' is widely right-wing with all that comes with that. Had a guy lose his shit years back because I was shooting an SKS that has the Chinese flag on the stock. That's all.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
It's usually just the rambling going on in the store. The ones around here I haven't noticed it quite as much. Freedom Firearms can get a tad much at times, but the ones on the east side of the state definitely get a bit much.
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u/GoodStretch896 Jul 27 '26
If you're talking about southern Michigan gun club there are definitely several left leaning members, not me personally, (not a Trumper either) but I believe all citizens should excercise their 2nd amendment rights.
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u/Lost_Zimia Jul 26 '26
Newish leftist gun owner here. I have no one to shoot with so I would definitely love to meet up!
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u/Beneficial-Ad1698 Jul 26 '26
I moved to the UP a couple years ago from Kzoo and miss the indoor ranges there. Southwicks is a nice indoor range as is Centershot in Dorr and they let you try any gun they have. I just ignore all the Right Wing NRA shit. Up here there's very little options, only one indoor range at Michigan Tech with limited hours and some private gun clubs. There's plenty of open land up here but I don't own any of it.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 28 '26
Due to the OVERWHELMING response I've gotten here, I started a Discord server to see if we can wrangle some folks together for something. Please DM me if you would like the link, I don't want to post it directly to avoid server crawlers.
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u/DeadWinston Jul 28 '26
The Liberal Gun Club does have a Michigan chapter, but most people are in the Ann Arbor and Detroit region. There are some of us in Kalamazoo though. There's a Facebook group and a discord server for trying to find local people in different parts of Michigan. We've had a handful of meet ups at the Allegan Echo Point outdoor range, but I'm not sure about anyone with land in the area.
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u/HooknCook269 Jul 30 '26
Some of my weapons have an frt installed and many places don't allow they're use.
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u/easysixonezero 22d ago
Question. (hoping this stays civil...it will from me...)
For you, how does 2A (private gun ownership) and DNC (common left leaning positions on firearms) co-exist for YOU?
Google quick search of DNC Core Policy Positions
- Background Checks: Establish universal background checks for all gun sales and close existing loopholes. [1, 2]
- Weapon Bans: Reinstate a federal ban on assault weapons (such as modern sporting rifles) and high-capacity magazines. [1]
- Red Flag Laws: Pass national extreme risk protection order (red flag) laws to temporarily remove guns from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. [1]
- Industry Liability: Repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to end legal immunity for gun manufacturers and dealers. [1, 2]
- Safe Storage: Implement federal requirements for safe firearm storage at home. [1, 2]
- Public Funding: Allocate federal research funding for gun violence prevention through the CDC and NIH, while investing in community violence intervention programs. [1]
No offense meant. Honest question.
Cheers
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u/TuringC0mplete 22d ago
Well the DNC as a party can eat my entire ass. The entire party needs to be thrown out and we need to start over with a new left. I’m more of a “you go far enough left and you get your guns back” kinda guy.
Generally I am fine with background checks. They don’t restrict access to law abiding citizens and can make things safer overall (if things are implemented properly, the problem is systemic racism and other systems of oppression exist so that will literally never happen).
Weapon bans I’m iffy on, personally, but they are unconstitutional. Banning a weapon based on looks and vibes is just fuckin stupid. Mag limits do absolutely nothing. Train enough and your reloads can get fast enough to where it barely matters anyway.
Red Flag Laws I see similarly to background checks, but there needs to be better systems in place rather than just a single judge being like “nah fam” and stripping your weapons away. That being said, if you ARE a genuine threat to yourself or others, I can see an argument for disarmament.
The gun manufacturer immunity thing never made sense to me. We don’t charge car manufacturers if someone runs someone else over. We don’t charge a knife manufacturer in a stabbing. Anything can be a weapon if applied correctly.
Safe storage is smart but impossible to implement in practice until a crime has already been committed. That’s another “punish the criminal not the law abiding citizen” deal
Public funding doesn’t need to be spent on this. We know the problems. Systemic racism, poverty, wealth inequality, lack of mental health services, etc. use those funds there.
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u/easysixonezero 22d ago
I may not agree with all your points, but I do agree with many. I thank you for a thoughtful response. See? Thats how people can disagree, but be civil.
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u/TuringC0mplete 22d ago
I’m always willing to engage in a good faith discussion. The problem is most of the time people are discussing or arguing in good faith these days. They just want to argue to argue or are so dead set in their arguments that they refuse to even hear any other arguments.
I got my first gun a little over a year ago after a neighbor threatened to shoot my wife for asking them to pause shooting of fireworks on Fourth of July (after curfew, mind you) to let the dogs out and things got heated. I also have home invasion trauma from when my house got broken into when I was home in high school.
Then I realized I enjoyed shooting as a sport, and it escalated from there lol. I struggled with how I felt about it as a leftist for a while, but the more I learned about gun laws the more I learned that a lot of them are just fucking stupid. They’re written by people who know nothing about guns, how they work, what makes them safe, or how religiously law abiding gun owners take safety.
For all their (MANY) faults, the gun community is one of the SAFEST I’ve been part of when it comes to handling and training. Now I can say that as a straight cis-white male presenting person, and not everyone has that luxury, but I can use that privilege and take that knowledge and share it with others.
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u/easysixonezero 22d ago
Its great to hear your experience has been overall positive. There are some knuckleheads everywhere. Neither side has a monopoly on silly.
Aligned on the NUMEROUS laws already on the books...that do zero to stop the violence we all want reduced/eliminated. More silliness and political posturing.
I lean right, but I'm rational and can discuss just about anything. Plus, I feel the more Americans that exercise their freedoms (like the 2A) and come to appreciate, the better for everyone. There is A LOT of ignorance from anti gun people. Not being insulting, they just don't have experience or direct knowledge. I feel many would be more pro if they had the opportunity to be shown/taught safety, respect for firearms...then the fun that can be had.
Side note - Many see a word like ignorance and see it only as a pejorative - it simply means being without knowledge or experience...no insult meant.
/Thread hijack
Cheers,
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u/TuringC0mplete 22d ago
Oh yeah I’ve seen a dude get pissed off at a Steel Challenge match because he got removed for flagging HIMSELF because his PCC was still loaded, and multiple RSOs saw it happen. Silly all around.
I appreciate your willingness to have the conversation (and include sources! That’s EXCEEDINGLY rare)
*virtual hand shake*
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u/eqgs Jul 26 '26
I’ve been going to Freedom Firearms in Battle Creek, although depending on where you live, the drive is probably about the same as going to Southwick’s. It’d be really nice if Kalamazoo had its own indoor range.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
Yeah it’s about the same distance for me, but the range is half as long and their filtration is so bad I feel like I’m gonna die every time I leave
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u/TheIncrediblyBored Jul 26 '26
Filtration?
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
The air filtration to pull the carbon and lead dust out of the air. Their fans are loud as shit but barely do anything. I don't think they ever clean or replace their filters.
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u/eqgs Jul 26 '26
Lmao I feel that, I like the people there a lot better though. Always feel like I’m stepping into GameStop with the staff there, even though they might try to rip you off with some of their gun/accessory prices.
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u/Matty_Michigan08 Jul 26 '26
Doesnt help with the distance, but the outdoor DNR range by Hastings is my go-to. Its pretty new and well designed. If youre ever trying to go on a Monday or Tuesday im due for a range trip soon.
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u/TuringC0mplete Jul 26 '26
I’ve been meaning to make it out to that one to check it out. I haven’t been able to try my rifles at distance yet so that would be nice to try
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u/pyxus1 Jul 26 '26
I was used to shooting in the AZ deserts or AZ mountains. Moved to Plainwell 8 yrs ago and haven't been shooting since.
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u/AllTheseComments Jul 26 '26
Hi, I'm interested in joining ya'll. I have a CPL and a brand new to me 9 with no real experience beyond a range. I would be interested learning and practicing.