My first gun was a Crossman 760 pump bb/pellet gun. My dad bought it for me right around my 8th birthday. I pretty much shot everything with it and by everything I mean including the TV. Long story, but yeah, I got an ass whoopin for that one.
My dad has had various long guns and shotguns, but he was never really a pistol shooter. He had an old .38 and .22 revolver, but never really left the safe. I pretty much had a disinterest in guns until I rediscovered the AR 15 platform a few years ago. For some reason, I never realized just how far the AR platform had evolved from it's Vietnam War era days. It got me interested in long guns again.
Honestly, it wasn't until I got my carry permit and shot a Glock 23 that I really started to become enthusiastic about firearms in general. I don't know why, but as a designer, the Glock appeals to me. Sure it doesn't have the "hipster" flair of a Beretta or the Scandinavian design aesthetic of a Sig. However, it's simple operation, clean lines, minimal design, and the fact that it just works everytime makes it the "Helvetica" of handguns.
Now, I'm full blown crazy about firearms. It's an addiction that I have yet to find anything that will satiate my hunger.