Like Brian, I have been shooting on and off (more off than on) for 30 years.
I honestly can't remember buying my first kit.
My wife found a bag in our loft whilst spring cleaning 10 years ago. It was my old Perris Whiteheart (c.1980).
"Sell it, bin it or use it,, but dont put it back in the loft" she said.
It was no competition, but I doubt she realised then what a box pandora had opened.
From a club point of view, years ago (before I came along) club policy was "finish your beginners course and buy equipment if you want to continue"
When we revitalised the club, some were keen to change the philosophy, so we got a grant and bought loads of beginners kit so no one would ever be forced to buy equipment. Now we have so many beginners using club kit that its hard to take on any new beginners. We have just introduced a fee for using club equipment to "encourage" long term users to make an investment in their own kit but they dont seem to be taking the hint, especially juniors parents who "might think about it next christmas!". Yeah!
