Stop the madness!

[Old Dog]

My whole point was ... an attempt to point out that, while most often, suggestions and recommendations are made out of good intentions, they also often contribute nothing to a thread other than muddling up an issue and wasting bandwidth ... but, that at this particular juncture in time, where our firearms rights are at such extreme risk, it's crucial that we maintain our credibility and stop turning discussions into a bunch of fanboys each trying to out-shout each other touting our favorite platforms or talking out of our butts about subjects we have zero personal experience with (there are already two large brand/platform specific forums on the net for this).

On the "madness" scale, thread drift regarding particular gun recommendations doesn't rank very high.

Maybe not to you, but for those seeking actual worthwhile information based on actual experience and knowledge, it may make a difference. Some people use this forum for reference material, not simply entertainment. And they just might be spending real hard-earned money of their own. And frankly, sometimes the thread drift just gets supremely irritating before a moderator's attention gets called to it ...

This post struck me as spot-on

With all due respect: If we intend to keep this passion/hobby/pastime alive, we can't just be a bunch of gray haired old farts sitting around swapping BS at the gun counter.

Not all the sub-forums on this website always contain examples of what I was speaking to. Some of our less active sub-forums regularly contain great (and more impartial) information. And we've got some awesome resources who post regularly in the revolver forum as well, a small group of really knowledgeable members whose input I, for one, truly appreciate and will defer to their considerable experience.

Crap folks. It’s a BS session Using a keyboard. No different that talk among group of enthusiasts on any given subject. Here it’s a bunch of strangers using funny names. Gets a little out of hand, don’t read it, too far out and it gets locked. Human nature. IMO

I'd disagree. Especially as the internet, and the anonymity makes it possible for the hyperbole and the extreme opinions to get so quickly out of hand; sitting 'round the cracker barrel at the general store, face to face, we know the experience level of the guys with whom we're BSing, can more easily detect those kernels of wisdom and truth, if not, we can call them on their crap without incurring hurt feelings or rancor.

 

[.38 Special]

Part of it probably is just boredom. Especially during Covid, forums like this are a substitute for in-person socializing, and that means that sometimes folks will pipe up even when they don't have anything to say. Especially combined with threads that could be over and done with in five posts - "Should I use 12.1 grains or 12.2?" - you're going to get some side chatter.

I personally don't consider it much of an issue, and find less of that on THR than on any other hobbyist site I have been to. Hell, try going over to muzzleloadingforum.com and asking for advice on scoping your flintlock...

 

[whughett]

All we want are the facts ma’am. Just the facts.

 

[CapnMac]

states that he's looking for a revolver and not five answers in somebody's telling him to get a Glock or a shotgun.

You omitted "AR" []

And, we here at THR are generally better at this than other places. I've never seen anyone recommend a "Glock AR" here (unlike some other places). And while there's some fanboi stuff here, it's nothing like on other fora (where the answer, the only answer, is "kar98k" . . .

Also, this appears to be endemic to all fora, on all topics. Construction forum: "Should I use batt insulation or blown-in?" And at least one of the answers will be to use ICF, or some format not related to framed walls. So, it's something about we humans, that we will champion things without thinking them through.

Or, perhaps Dunning-Kreuger is far more common than researches suspect.

 

[Kleanbore]

Great post, Old Dog.

 

[jmr40]

I'd argue that in the vast majority of the cases people asking those questions welcome another opinion. If someone is a knowledgeable shooter they almost never ask for such advice. They know what they like and what works for them. It is usually novice shooters with limited experience who come to places like this asking for advice.

If someone is obviously a novice and debating between a Ruger Super Redhawk or Desert Eagle as a carry gun I'm going to suggest something more appropriate.

 

[Izzy77]

well it depends...

on a recent thread on ( either here or TFL) someone with a wrist injury and a "recoil sensitive" wife decided he needed to know which .22 ruger pistol is best for protecting home against Antifa.

I suggested (amongst other things) a 10/22 with the 25 round ruger mags if he was hell bent on a .22.

I feel no guilt or shame.

 

[Robert]

As always, if a post or thread is not in keeping with the standards of THR or is off topic for the thread, hit the report button to bring it to the attention of staff. We can't be everywhere all the time, it is the members that help maintain the standard.