Am I a Fudd?
Hi all, please forgive me for asking this. I’ve been getting back into firearms recently and I feel as though I’m having a sort of identity crisis. I’d love to get your opinions and would appreciate any help or advice you can provide.
For my background, I grew up with guns. My dad taught me safe handling, how to shoot, etc. We used to go hunting, and he was one of the people who sparked my interest in guns and eventually competitions.
As of now, I am getting back into the hobby. I enjoy old military rifles, shoot competitively at the CMP/NRA Highpower/Service Rifle matches and long range steel matches, reload my own ammo, and am licensed to conceal carry, even though I only do it occasionally due to my work and attire not being conducive to the same.
My question is, am I am fudd? I feel so alienated by much of the firearms community today. Whether it is in person or online. I don’t say this as a way to make anyone else feel bad or to imply any sort of negativity about others. I just don’t feel like I’m “one of you guys”. I will describe what I mean below:
• For example, I’m not super into FRTs/Super Safeties. I think they are silly (for me, given I’m more of a precision/accuracy shooter) even if I think they should be okay to own.
• I also don’t really do any sort of defensive training or competition. I see people online, especially Reddit, all the time saying I should be training etc. I don’t really do that besides practicing my marksmanship (standing/sitting/prone, use of the sling, dry firing my pistol one handed). I mainly do target shooting with my ARs, Bolt Guns, Pistols, etc.
• I also am not super libertarian. I say this in the sense that I am not opposed to federal agencies existing or taxes etc. My politics would generally be described as neo-conservative, favoring a strong national defense, strong executive, and generally socially conservative stance. I feel like politically I do not fit in with most of the people I meet at the range etc who say things like “Abolish the ATF” or whatever. I say this while agreeing that the ATF has historically done unconstitutional things. But this is just an example.
• I don’t regularly carry, and when I do I only carry a pocket pistol (KelTec P32). My job limits me from carrying without putting myself at risk for legal penalties. But when I’m online I also feel like I’m doing something wrong by not carrying a larger/more powerful pistol with extra magazines.
• I don’t own any tactical gear and don’t really have a desire to. Plate carriers, helmets, nods, etc. I also don’t really prep for any sort of end of the world scenario beyond just having a food supply at home, trying to be self-sustaining where I can, hunting, and learning first aid/medical skills (I am a PA but don’t have any trauma experience).
• I don’t own any suppressors. I hope to buy my first one this year.
I realize this is a really silly question, perhaps it is my OCD that makes me always doubt myself. I just was at a shooting match the other day and noticed that I don’t often feel I “fit in” with the others, for one reason or another like those listed above. I fully support the second amendment even to the point of legal full-auto. I just still feel like I might be considered a “fudd” for who I am, and I understand it’s my duty as an American to be armed. I also know the 2A isn’t just about hunting or shooting etc. But in spite of this, sometimes I wonder if I should stop shooting because of these doubts about “who I am”, but I know that sounds really silly.
I apologize for such a long-winded post. I appreciate your honest thoughts and opinions. This is something I’ve been wrestling with for some time now, and I finally decided it would be best to just ask instead of wondering about it internally.
Thank you all for your help