I would tell my younger self to seek training ASAP and don’t put it off.
Forego the next gun purchase and use the
money to take a class instead. You will get more out of it, and it will save you money and struggles in the long run.
I know you have reasons for not going now, but those reasons will only multiply as you wait. Not having enough money is the most common reason to delay. I’ve said that plenty of times, then a month later I’d buy a gun that cost more than a class.
Many times I delayed due to not thinking I could afford it. Later in life, I still didn’t have an abundance of money, but then I also had more commitments to keep me from going.
Once the first kid came, I got serious about this whole self-defense thing. I wasn’t just watching out for myself now. So I’m playing catch-up with even less available time than ever before. You don’t think I was wishing I had gone earlier?
Self, I say:
Go now. It’s easier to make happen now.
Aside from training, I would tell my younger self to attempt competition sooner. Don’t be afraid of not being good enough, or not having enough equipment, or not good enough equipment. Just go.
And furthermore, young self:
With whatever money you have left, buy those $240 Garands, the $139 M-1 Carbines, the $79 Enfields, and alllllllll of those cheap ex-police revolvers of the late 80s-90s.
