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So about every week one of these threads comes up...
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The Tourist
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I have a theory based on just "knowing guys" and sittin' around the ol' cracker barrel.
When you sign onto any hobbyist forum, part of you expects to find very knowledgeable guys with an indepth understanding of the sport. If a guy mentions a "1911" the assumption is that he not only shoots them, but can detail strip them, design modifications, perhaps owns thirty of them.
In point of fact, he might own one, and shoot it every few months.
We refer to a guy who comes here just to read as a "lurker," but I also think there's a guy who is really trying to be a "learnker." He doesn't know a lot about things, and he makes the assumption that everyone here knows every item about firearms and their history.
So he simply asks, "What's the best." If fifty people say "the pre 1964," then that's where he begins his studies and perhaps his purchases.
Now before you laugh, take a look at a parallel condition--that being our THR discussion of knives. You'll see the same few guys responding, but 50 people reading.
Same thing with the Keeping Sharp area of Knife Forums. It's a tight little group. In fact, Ben Dale opines that there are only five tinkers using waterstones (or Japanese tools) for the typical commercial sharpening of hobbyist knives. The rest come to learn.
I think it's a very good thing!
The only way I've ever learned anything--including riding V-twins--was to walk up to an expert and say, "I'm a newb, teach me how."
A newb is not a poser, and it only takes a few minutes to explain a concept, a book, or direct the guy to a member here who works in that field. And we should be cognizant that lots of guys feel a tad sheepish about the outright asking for help.
When you sign onto any hobbyist forum, part of you expects to find very knowledgeable guys with an indepth understanding of the sport. If a guy mentions a "1911" the assumption is that he not only shoots them, but can detail strip them, design modifications, perhaps owns thirty of them.
In point of fact, he might own one, and shoot it every few months.
We refer to a guy who comes here just to read as a "lurker," but I also think there's a guy who is really trying to be a "learnker." He doesn't know a lot about things, and he makes the assumption that everyone here knows every item about firearms and their history.
So he simply asks, "What's the best." If fifty people say "the pre 1964," then that's where he begins his studies and perhaps his purchases.
Now before you laugh, take a look at a parallel condition--that being our THR discussion of knives. You'll see the same few guys responding, but 50 people reading.
Same thing with the Keeping Sharp area of Knife Forums. It's a tight little group. In fact, Ben Dale opines that there are only five tinkers using waterstones (or Japanese tools) for the typical commercial sharpening of hobbyist knives. The rest come to learn.
I think it's a very good thing!
The only way I've ever learned anything--including riding V-twins--was to walk up to an expert and say, "I'm a newb, teach me how."
A newb is not a poser, and it only takes a few minutes to explain a concept, a book, or direct the guy to a member here who works in that field. And we should be cognizant that lots of guys feel a tad sheepish about the outright asking for help.
22-rimfire
Member
When you change the number to 10 or 12, the list becomes much easier to assemble as you can include firearms that are not likely to be heavily used but are available for special needs. Example... a 375 H&H rifle for someone living in the East.
Tourist; I think you are on to something with regard to TRUTH. The folks that know the most generally know their limitations and don't respond or recommend outside those constraints. I've learned a lot. I guess what 6 guns you would choose relates to this as it gives a would be firearm owner or one just starting to buy firearms a starting point. Yes, I know this is "sort of" off topic. Start a new thread Tourist!
Tourist; I think you are on to something with regard to TRUTH. The folks that know the most generally know their limitations and don't respond or recommend outside those constraints. I've learned a lot. I guess what 6 guns you would choose relates to this as it gives a would be firearm owner or one just starting to buy firearms a starting point. Yes, I know this is "sort of" off topic. Start a new thread Tourist!
rantingredneck
Member
Six guns??
OK, I'll just pick six out of my safe:
1) Remington 870 (with several barrels)
2) Remington 700 .30-06
3) Ruger GP100
4) Remington 31 (it's a family heirloom, has to stay, and it's a fine shooter to boot)
5) Remington 11-87. Just because
6) Marlin 60 .22LR
These threads are fun sometimes, but the trouble with them is that the answers will likely vary across time.
Ask me the same question next week and I might have a totally different group of 6.
OK, I'll just pick six out of my safe:
1) Remington 870 (with several barrels)
2) Remington 700 .30-06
3) Ruger GP100
4) Remington 31 (it's a family heirloom, has to stay, and it's a fine shooter to boot)
5) Remington 11-87. Just because
6) Marlin 60 .22LR
These threads are fun sometimes, but the trouble with them is that the answers will likely vary across time.
Ask me the same question next week and I might have a totally different group of 6.
The Tourist
member
22-rimfire said:Yes, I know this is "sort of" off topic. Start a new thread Tourist!
Well, this is where I'm a newb.
I have only owned one shotgun in my whole life, a Mossberg 590, rifled sights.
I have never owned one of the new model SW revolvers. The last one I purchased was a 342, five shot titanium framed .38 SPL that came with a cable lock.
The last SW automatic pistols I purchased were their 645 and their 639.
I have only owned one lever action rifle, a Marlin stainless 45-70, vented.
I have only owned two .22 handguns. An old Ruger standard, and a 22/45.
I believe I have stopped hunting.
The real issue here is simply "knowing when to fold 'em" and answer threads where you have something to add. In a very real sense that limits me to knives, casting, reloading, 1911s and older SW N-frames. And that's not bad, actually, those items are where my interests are.
22-rimfire
Member
Tourist; TRUTH is a good thing and one that you are very good at regardless of how many guns you own or have owned. I always enjoy your posts. This was not intended as a criticism but rather a suggestion on what might be a thought provoking thread about fourms and gun discussions.
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