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LEESBURG, Fla. — Golf, pickleball and boating are all popular activities among local seniors, but according to a Pew Research study, another sport is gaining popularity: shooting.
The 2023 study says nearly a third of adults in the U.S. say they own a gun. Of those, 37% are between the ages of 50 to 64 years old, and 35% are 65 or older.
The trend can be seen in Central Florida as a growing number of seniors are bearing arms for comfort and connection, like Mike and Cigdem “Chi” Consales, who live in The Villages.
These days the couple is carving out a little extra time for themselves for date nights and their new favorite pastime, firing off a few at the gun range.
Mike Consales proudly showed off his gun to Spectrum News, a Smith & Wesson Model 629.
“This is the gun that Clint Eastwood used in all the Dirty Harry movies,” Mike said.
Chi Consales says she has been shooting since she was 11 years old.
“I started on a shotgun with my father… It was fun,” Chi said.
Firearms instructor George Rodriguez says the majority of his students are retirees. Rodriguez teaches various classes at the Gun Shop and Gun Range in Leesburg.
“They watch the news, they hear stories that are going on and they say, well, I need a firearm to protect myself,” Rodriguez said. “And they buy that firearm and they get it home. And they look at it and they’re like, well, I don’t know how to load it. Which way to the bullets go in?”
While the Pew Research study shows 72% got a gun for protection, it has developed into a sense of community with a little friendly competition.
Jerry, who didn’t want to give his last name, is a trainer and member of The Villages’ Straight Shooters, a social organization that boasts about a thousand members.
“What we’ve found to happen with the seniors is they didn’t realize that they actually enjoyed it and it was fun. So, then it becomes recreation, just like playing a game of golf,” Jerry said.
Mike echoed that sentiment, saying, “You know, this is just another thing that my wife and I have in common that we can go out and really enjoy. There’s no competition. She’s a better shooter.”
Rodriguez offers several classes a month through his company Viking 6 Tactical, including basic firearms, concealed carry, rifle and revolver training.
Central Florida seniors find connection and community on the gun range – Spectrum News 13
