Now, if you just finished reading Gabe's post, let me add just a bit....
Like Gabe, I recently became AG "reborn"...
I had my 760 and 1377 growing up (kept @ my uncle's house in Ronkonkoma, since I "couldn't have" them in Queens where I lived), and many long days of youth were spent with my cousin Marc and his friends on endless bird and pest "safaris" in the thick woods that were still abundant in Ronkonkoma. It was a blast to say the least.
So, talking with my cousin @ a family get-together, and we get to telling my sons (who are 15 and 13) some of our stories, and my sons seemed quite interested, so I began to search the web (googled "air guns" "long island" = destination Cobra!). So, I stopped in one Saturday in early March, and met Dave, and considering it was still pretty much winter, needless to say Cobra was buzzing and busy, with many customers in and out, plenty of people talking air guns..... it was like a "new drug" - but it wasn't new at all - the fascination from 30 years ago was back - but now I would have the real treat of introducing my two sons to it....
Anyway, I made my next visit in to Cobra on a Monday off, and I had the pleasure of meeting Gabe, who was most outgoing, friendly, and happy to share his knowledge, insight and introduce me to virtually every weapon in the shop and was able to impart details about each one. Not to mention, but for anyone within driving distance of Cobra, the best part is not just the friendly staff and people you meet at Cobra, but being able to handle and try so many different types of air guns. Talk about "TOYLAND"!
Well, needless to say not unlike Gabe I have been pretty much like a piece of "furniture" at Cobra since mid March. I cannot say that I currently hold the arsenal that Gabe does, but my sons and I have been thoroughly enjoying a .22 QB78D(w BSA 2x7-32), .177 Whisper Deluxe(had a problem with the Gamo scope, so mounted a 3x9-32 Leapers I bought from Dave), .177 850 AirMagnum(3x9-32 Bushy), and the Beretta CX4 Storm(my ultimate "fun gun" to date), all "adopted" from Cobra ;-) ! Add in a few air pistols (Crosman 1088 and C11, Daisy 5501 and 15xt), and a Shadow Express (from Wallyworld - my son "had to check out!"), and we've been having a blast, whether in the backyard range (20-25 yds for the rifles, and set up 10 yds for the pistols), or heading out to the woods. The birds have been dropping, and both of my sons are having fun, and seem to be developing into pretty decent shots. Best thing about it all? The time we're spending together doing something we enjoy and passing this along to them for years to come.
Anyway - I know this post has been WAY TO LONG - it is my pleasure to have met Dave, Gabe and all the COBRA crew. I am looking forward to my sons and I enjoying the AG hobby and the great people around it now and in the future.
Be Safe, Have Fun, Shoot Well.
Frank