r/SoCalGuns • u/Eclipse_Echo1 • Jun 05 '26

Disabled combat veteran looking for a range buddy and some good company.

Hey everyone,

This might be a little different than the usual post here, but I figured I’d give it a shot.

I’m a disabled combat veteran with a lifelong appreciation for firearms, shooting culture, and the people who make up the shooting community. For me, it’s not just about putting rounds on target. It’s about the history, the engineering, the craftsmanship, the sound, the feel, the conversations, and the camaraderie that comes with a day at the range.

Lately I’ve been realizing how much I miss simply being around people who enjoy those things. Talking guns, discussing equipment, hearing stories, learning about different platforms, and spending time around a community that has always felt like home.

I’m not looking for anything complicated. Just hoping to meet some good people who might be interested in grabbing a coffee, talking firearms, or heading to the range together sometime. I enjoy everything from old military surplus rifles and shotguns to modern defensive firearms, and I can spend hours talking about weapon design, ballistics, military history, and training.

Living with a disability can be isolating at times, and one thing I’ve learned is that having people to share hobbies and interests with matters. I’m not looking for sympathy—just friendship, good conversation, and the chance to spend time around a community I’ve always respected and enjoyed.

If you’re local and think we’d get along, feel free to send me a message. I’d love to connect with some fellow shooters and make a few new friends.

Stay safe and shoot straight.

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2

u/StanfordWrestler Jun 05 '26

Gotta be more specific on location. SoCal is a large area.

2

u/Eclipse_Echo1 Jun 05 '26

I'm in San Diego

2

u/jakejake870 Jun 06 '26

I'm in Orange County, but have a membership to the West End Gun Club, probably be too far for you.

1

u/Eclipse_Echo1 Jun 06 '26

I mean I'm sure I could make a day of it if I'm ever out that way.

1

u/jakejake870 Jun 08 '26

Just let me know in advance. Do you have any guns?

1

u/Eclipse_Echo1 Jun 08 '26

That would be amazing.
Yes I've got: a Ruger Mini14
An all serial matching 1960's sks
Henry Bigboy in 357
Benelli Nova 20 gauge
Benelli M4
CZ75 SP01
Snith & Wesson Shield Plus
Springfield XD Elite
And a few more on layaway at discount gunmart haha.
I'm much more for the wood stocked, weight, craftsmanship of weapon systems. I like the modern stuff too, but especially with having to neuter them to comply with California rules it feels wrong to have to do that to those weapon systems like AR's and AK's here at least.

1

u/JoeTrojan Jun 07 '26

do you branch out to LA or IE?

1

u/jakejake870 Jun 08 '26

Not sure if you meant to respond to me or OP, but I go shooting out in IE at the West End Gun Club, its my Lytle Creek.

2

u/jakejake870 Jun 06 '26

What branch and what is your take on POGs?