For me it was a typical story, Rawhide, Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, Palladin, etc. and I had the Mattel Fanner 50's, etc. My older brothers got a J.C. Higgins .22 rifle and I learned to shoot with that. But then after school I was completely away from guns for 25 or 30 years. After Texas got Concealed Carry passed, I got a gun for that in '98, and started shooting again and really enjoying it. First it was self defense or carry pistols, then got into Colt Snake double actions. I started reloading and was at the range every weekend punching holes in paper, but wanted something more. My brother had a 1st gen 32-20 SAA that a dying friend left him, and I liked it so got a .44 Spcl Colt. The keyboard player in my band told me about CAS in '99, and the rest is history. I've gotten a little faster over the years, but not much. Still just as much fun, though. The non-cowboy guns don't come out of the safe much anymore. Except for next week when the Green Mountain Regulators has their Miami Vice shoot. A regular cowboy shoot that can be shot with CAS guns as usual, but emulating Miami Vice is encouraged. Any guns may be shot, as long as the bullets are lead and within velocity limits. I usually shoot Python, King Cobra, Diamondback, Annaconda, 1911, and use a Buckmark .22 with red dot sight for all the rifle targets. Plus they use Wild Bunch rules for semi-autos and shotguns, so the '97 can be stoked at the loading table. Too much fun!
p.s. Greyhawk, I enjoyed the story about your uncle.