I would recommend it. My contacts with the Ham community show a lot of folks like those on the forum and many/most of them are involved in guns, too. From a license perspective, it is pretty much of a "cheap date". You may wish to by a book for about $25 to help you study for each test. The tests themselves are $14. There is no requirement to purchase or own equipment, though a least having a HT (Handi-talkie) on the 2 meter band is a good idea. Mine was just a little over $100.mojo84 wrote:My church is about to have a Ham radio license training class. Trying to decide if it is something I should pursue.
I took the free education to become a storm spotter (a 4 hour class) and now I can participate in the "nets" used to keep the US Weather Service updated while weather events are occurring. That, by itself, is almost worth the whole price of admission.
Most Ham clubs have an "elmer" program which provides education and guidance to new and wanna-be Hams. I've found them very open and willing to provide information. Ham clubs are a passionate group about their hobby and do a lot of good things with it in the community. Like anything else, it can suck up all of your free time if you let it.