A New Year's word to Newcomers
First of all – WELCOME! By subscribing to this Forum, you have made a decision to increase your knowledge of a field that is new to you, and that is commendable. Hopefully the regular contributors will give you all the information you need to enjoy your new pursuit in safety and with great satisfaction. I am currently subscribed to six online firearms Forums and find much of value in all of them, and my hope is that you will, too. But allow me to pass along a word of caution. These comments are not focused in this Forum alone, mind you, but to all similar sites online, and I will post the same message on every one in which I participate.
Probably 25% of the information you will find here is solid gold, posted by people who really know their stuff. They have not only read every available bit of published information on their subject but have also expended considerable time and resources to find arcane, long-out-of-print materials that contain stuff that was true 100 years ago and is still true today. Then, they have put that knowledge to the test by actually building those firearms themselves, or making up those loads and testing them systematically, or hunting those critters, or going armed in to harm’s way and living to tell about it. They’ll tell it like it is, warts and all, and will be as eager to tell you of their blunders as they are to brag of their triumphs. Treasure what you learn from them.
Another 25% have done at least the first part of the above – they’ve read it all! They’ve compared all their sources, thought it all through, and reached what they believe to be, and often are, reasonable conclusions. The only thing they lack is experience – and unfortunately, many of them are reluctant to admit that fact. No real criticism meant here – it’s human nature-- but you should always apply at least a grain of salt to what they advise.
25% of posters have read innumerable gun magazines, and they’ve spent time soaking up local gun shop lore. Here, I begin to advise real caution on your part. I read gun magazines, too, but keep in mind that many gun magazine writers have less-than-pure motives. They are writing to make money, dealing with deadlines, depending on manufacturers for access to new products. To write something critical, even if clearly called-for, can be too much like biting the hand that feeds them. Honestly, some never seem to encounter a single bad gun or load – and that, frankly, is not just unlikely but downright impossible. As for gun shop "experts" – I will state this flat-out – there is no better source of out-and-out BS available.
The final 25% – well, what can I say? Some are trying to sell something, period. Some are cranks who know nothing of what they speak, but are seeking some twisted sense of self-esteem by deceiving others in to thinking them "experts". And some I can only believe are pursuing their own malevolent agenda with no regard to those who may be hurt by their foul spoutings.
Don’t let me discourage you. There is real gold to be mined here but, just as in life, there is no free lunch. Don’t expect to be spoon-fed everything you need to know; if something you hear here sounds good, great – but remember Ronald Reagan and "Trust, but verify!"
Again, welcome, and best of luck to you in your new endeavors.
