“I’m really wondering about the purpose of this blog lately,” a commentator opined underneath an Irresponsible Gun Owner of the Day post on our old pal FPS Russia. “Granted, I just came on board a few months ago…but it’s apparent to me there is a lot of hate here…and not just for the gun grabbers . . . We hate Fudds, we hate cops, we hate the younger folks like FPS who are helping introduce the fun of firearms to his generation, we hate gun companies that don’t bend to our will . . . this sounds more like the Obama/Biden divide and conquer to me.” As per our policy, I deleted this off-topic meta comment (and subsequent discussion about the site) and brought it here for discussion. As TTAG’s publisher, I’d like to say this about that . . .
First, I understand as well as anyone that Americans’ Constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms is under threat as never before. I know that gun owners must pull together to turn back the tide of civilian disarmament. That we are in the fight of our lives, standing for freedom against oppression.
Second, the purpose of this website is right there in our url: tell the truth about guns. There are irresponsible gun owners in our midst. There are hunters who support banning modern sporting rifles (a.k.a., “assault rifles”). There are law enforcement officers who abuse their authority, shooting the wrong people and/or lobbying to disarm American citizens. That’s the way it is.
The vast majority of TTAG’s thousands of posts defend and celebrate firearms and the gun culture. But let me be clear: it is not our job to define gun culture. To use our editorial discretion to decide who’s in and who’s out. I refuse to sacrifice the brand’s core value–presenting no-holds-barred gun-related information—to present a unified front to the enemies of firearms freedom.
To intentionally suppress inconvenient truths about guns and/or gun owners would be a form of “political correctness.” The same kind of self-censorship practiced by the mainstream media and, let’s face it, some members of the firearms information industry. Although we sometimes get it wrong, we aspire to a higher standard.
In short, I didn’t start this website to create propaganda. As long as I’m in charge, that’s not the way we roll.
As for the accusation that we hate “younger folks” like FPS Russia, get off of my lawn! No seriously; we’re the ones who pointed out that the NRA jumped the shark when Wayne LaPierre went after violent videogames. We’re the ones who want gun owners to invite newbies to the range. We’re the guys arguing for expanded firearms ownership into the LGBT, left-leaning and minority communities.
Look at our I Am A Gun Owner album over at Facebook. Read our posts. Know this: The Truth About Guns is an inclusive community. As long as participants respect our no-flaming policy, everyone is welcome. And I’m always ready to respond to complaints or criticisms via email ([email protected]) or my cell phone number at the top of the home page.
As for our impact on the struggle to defend and extend Americans’ Constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms, I make no claims. All I can say is that we do what we can. I hope that we do no harm. But I know full well that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I remain vigilant, and I will more carefully consider our editorial mix going forwards.
Meanwhile, I thank our Armed Intelligentia for keeping us honest. And invite you to tell it like is, no holds barred, below.
I would have been sorely tempted to either:
1. Ignore him; or
2. Advise him that if he was asking questions, he probably had no reason to be bothering me, so buzz off or get to work.
I think I’m young (31) and I don’t feel anything like hate on this site for my generation. Pointing out safety violations from others is a good thing. I think it’s a good idea to point out FPS Russia’s mistakes since he’s a firearm celebrity. We don’t want other gun owners performing safety violations because they saw it on you tube.
They are pointing out his follies, but also giving him more exposure and page hits (therefore financial contributions via YouTube payments). So it’s not hate or ill will, it’s just pointing out that while he does extravagant and dangerous things for the sake of Hollywood glamour, real gun owners should exercise caution and care. And enjoy watching him do stupid things
I have recently read articles here that are reminiscent of fingernails and chalkboards. I read these articles because I need to know what the enemy is saying. Listening to only those that agree with me does me no good. Hearing an argument for the first time, durring a discussion with a liberal, leaves me less than fully prepared in the debate.
This is the Truth About Guns, and sometimes the truth is ugly, the truth hurts.
Someone who hunts and doesn’t own a modern sporting rifle but at the same time supports gun rights is not a Fudd.
Someone who hunts and supports banning AR-15s is a Fudd.
Fudds are not our friends in this struggle.
I don’t think most Fudds are actually real. I think that “I grew up hunting but…” is just a weak qualifier gun grabbers use to both seem reasonable and to keep from looking like the Prius-driving, overpriced coffee-quaffing, pseudointellectual pantywaists they really are.
If you asked one if they’d ever tried the .600 Nitro Express, they’d probably think that was a new flavor shot a Starbucks.
I’ve had Lucas’s experience a lot in my hippie-degree-mill town. “My poppa took me hunting as a kid back in Minnenoisconsin, but I just don’t agree with Militarizing American Society and Automating The Power Of Death!”
Lucas, you forgot “mendacious poseurs,” “useless-degreed Occupiers of taxpayer-fleecing tenured professorships,” and “people who raise feral brats and expect you to call them Indigo Children.” IMO they’re scared of guns because they’ve taught their offspring that they are so SPESHUL, they are little beasts whom they wouldn’t trust with a firearm the way their dad ostensibly trusted them.
You’re confusing “hate” with anger. Justified anger.
The word “hate” has become as obnoxiously abused as “racist.”
+1
gun owners and gun rights activists still can’t hold a candle to the manufactured rage espoused by gun haters.
Listen: we’re the informed ones. We’re the ones who know what “semi automatic” actually means. We’re the ones who know “universal background check” = registration —> potential for confiscation. We are the ones who are refusing to use emotional arguments to win over followers. We are pointing out that laws passed in a hurry are both irresponsible and likely to have deleterious unintended consequences. And we’re constantly mocked by a public who has not had the desire to educate themselves on the issues.
We damn well have a right to be angry. The biting criticism that TTAG is real as it is convincing. And the people on this site, writers and readers, do it better than anyone. You certainly aren’t going to get it from a politician. You won’t even get it from (some) gun manufacturers. Our rights are under attack, and we have a job to do.
I’m 18 and don’t feel any hate against young people on this blog. I see hate for people being unsafe, setting bad examples, and not supporting the second amendment fully. I don’t like those things either.
Additionally I don’t feel this site is anti law enforcement just anti special privileges for law enforcement. When you can shoot up a random car without consequences, that’s not okay.
Watching FPSRussia is not how I want new shooters to see this community. Invited by their friends and taught proper safety protocol and given good instruction is.
Exactly. Guys like FPS Russia and whichever lunatic said the Zombie fad will protect our 2nd Amendment-protected rights are seriously hurting our cause because to them, guns are simply “toys” that they like for the coolness factor. They don’t take safety seriously because they think that it makes guns less “fun” and therefore it isn’t necessary. And when they screw up, it falls back on the rest of us, who get painted as irresponsible nutjobs along with them.
Maybe “hate” is too strong a word, but the point stands that we don’t need their help and if we ever wind up depending on it, the cause is already lost. Go ahead and doubt me, but Japan thinks guns are super-cool. Nobody there can own one anyway.
It depends, I think the zombies are a cute fad that’s harmless to gun rights, if anything it normalizes the gun culture to many people.
It’s a harmless pop culture meme, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.
You can’t teach people gun safety in a country where those people aren’t allowed to hold or own guns.
Well said, Jake. I wish that at age 18 I’d have had my head as properly-screwed on as you illustrate. You give me hope.
He’s more like Tim the Toolman. Yes, his safety practices aren’t so grand, but we need more than just the four rules, we also need good marketing.
Because gun owners, gun enthusiasts and 2nd Amendment people of the gun are under constant barrage of disinformation and lies it makes us extremely sarcastic with a low tolerance for stupidity.
If the reader can’t take our dark humor with a tablespoon of salt, then FOAD. There are PLENTY of other websites that will pander to those that like their firearm news nice and vanilla.
Me – I like the truth.
Biden? who doesn’t hate the guy?
Nobody. Obama picked the guy as insurance to make sure no one would try to assassinate him in office.
well, i’m going to go OT again, but this post seems to be a good reason. i want to thank you for this site. i enjoy reading here for about half a year and must say: to me, you’re mostly reaching the higher standard you’re aspiring to. you all present a wide range of information and facts about guns and related topics and this facts seem to be less one-sided than the ones presented in the ‘normal’ media. I enjoy watching FPSRussia and I do think he’s making a good job to introduce young people to guns, but responsibility and safety are issues which should not be taken lightly, so it’s only fair to point out if someone is publically failing on this essential gun-issue. This applies even more because many people see FPSRussia as a show which presents how the average gun owner uses and abuses his guns, not as what it is: a show which is based on a very special attitude towards guns.
well imo whoever posed that statement to RF is full of it, and has clearly just discoved this excellent 2a website, seems like they are trying to pull a jessie jackson on ttag. young ppl hate? gtfoh, fps russia is supposed to represnet anything othet than himself? hahaha what nonsense. putting him in the irresponsibel gun owner of the day posts is a GOOD thing. If i ever saw anyone behaving like he does at a public or private range i would confront them myself or get management. what he does is DANGEROUS and does nothing for 2a.
The “news” hasn’t been about the news for a long time now. The MSM is more about entertainment than anything. News networks get their ratings by reporting violent events which we, as a society, gobble up. The more tragic and horrific an event is, the more attention it will get (“if it bleeds, it leads”). DGU’s are boring in the eyes of the MSM because they are cut and dry: good guy shoots bad guy, justice is served, the end. Ultimately, this creates a situation where you only see and hear one perspective, and since all of the MSM reads off the same script, the sheeple are beaten over the head with the views of the MSM. Furthermore, the sheeple don’t seek out alternative news sources because they’re “too boring”. Thus, you end up with an indoctrinated society.
Has anyone here ever stepped foot into a news studio and seen how things work behind the scenes? It must be a very interesting experience. I’d wager the environment in such a place would be like going back in time to the 60’s.
Thanks for putting this list together. Good to know who deserves our business, and who doesn’t.
Would government contracts get in the way of a manufacturer boycotting the LE of a ban state? If so, that might explain why the big boys (Colt, Glock, S&W, etc.) have kept quiet.
Nice work. This boycott makes me as excited as a schoolboy. It’s the last step before a national strike, in my opinion.
Surprised to not see Brownells on this list either way yet. I called them the other day to “register” my sympathies and that as a customer would like to see them join with others like Midway. I can spend my money anyplace and Brownells at the moment is not on MY buy list. It could change if they speak up. No fence sitters today.
What ammo makers? I didn’t see any in that list, much less a major ammo supplier.
I will be shocked if any ammo maker bigger than a specialist precision rifle shop gets on board.
In New Mexico a semi-auto and magazine ban never got out of committee. Since about half the country doesn’t even know we’re a state, it’s not surprising it didn’t get much coverage. HB 402 was essentially a NY style ban, but almost everybody here, GOP or Dem, likes their guns.
One good thing about this recent attack on our rights: it’s become perfectly clear who our friends are. And who our enemies are. This will be helpful when we throw their sorry skins out next year. I can’t wait.
What an absurd notion. And that woman should stop scaring babies and cover her face.
Keep it up!!
“I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!” ~ Barry Goldwater (a *real* conservative)
Because they think they know better.
“Hate” is what the other side defines as daring to disagree with them. Usually while engaging in it.
The effective-range thing with a cylinder or modified choke isn’t a problem at all.
Indoors or 20m: transition to the 4-5 slug shells from your buttstock or sidesaddle carrier
Also: it’s “gauge”. There is no such word as “guage”.
I believe he was aiming his shot gun like a rifle and was not just blazing away. No, Biden isn’t even a stopped clock.
i would love to see companies like hornady, remington, winchester, and speer ammunition join the boycott. it will also help solve the “peasant” ammo shortage.
The formatting is all kinds of wonky in mobile.
I’ve been an occasional reader for quite a while, and a regular reader since Sandy Hook. TTAG provides intelligent, reasonable analysis and commentary of events, and I think both the site reps and the posters have been fairly restrained in their comments about the idiotic antics of the disarmers. None of us are well served by glossing over the seriousness of the situation, or by over the top “blood in the streets” sentiments, although I don’t think Stanley McCrystal got half the kicking around he deserved for his “.223 is too dangerous for civilians” lie.
There is one instance where I think it got out of hand, and that is the recent FPS Russia thing. The tone was a bit sneering, but keep in mind that I’ve got a son who looks and acts a great deal like him right down to the fake Russian accent. So that might be my father reflex kicking in.
Charlie
that lists brings a huge smile to my face but with out glock and smith & wesson we are still at a huge disadvantage.
The real question is: who the heck makes waffles in an oven??!
We had a Day of Resistance on my Dads ranch with some friends here in western, ND. Good day to be me.
I am a long time supporter of the NRA but time for Wayne tp retire.
He cannot deliver a speech (and somebody else can’t write one), is not charistmatic and projects the wrong image
I completely agree. I am class 3 dealer in here in Eastern, NC and the Apple Law firm is who I send people to who are interested in a NFA trust.
I hear they don’t have much power when not chambered. I talked to a guy that said he routinely swept up & would put bullets in his wood stove, not much happened except a little noise, Randy
Who hasn’t left a mag on the range sometime or another?
What a coincidence! Just got my stamp for my Ti-Rant 45 the other day.
Mailed – 8/21/12
Check cashed ACH – 8/27
Pending – 9/7
Approved – 2/16/13 (a Saturday!)
Form4 in hand – 2/22
Exactly 6 months, with no issues. Was actually very surprised given the election, recent events, and winter holidays. Looks like NFA examiners routinely work on weekends too. The system may suck, but the employees are great.
I’ve Owned my sig 250c in 9mm for a year. No failures ever, and Tight groups always. Everyone has their right to an opinion, but don’t call this gun a pos just because you dont have the steady hand and discipline to shoot a double action trigger. It forces you to focus on the fundamentals of shooting, Sight picture, trigger control, grip, and breathing. If you can’t hit tight groups with this weapon maybe you shouldn’t be operating a fire arm. And for those of you saying that any gun shop will steer you away from a 250, who cares? Gun shops in my experience are just like any record shop, comic store, computer store or any other specialty shops, they are filled with people who believe they are the most knowledgeable people on their product, which is usually false. They are biased just like anyone else. I enjoy going to the range and letting the clerk tell me how bad my 250 is, then I shoot 3 to 4 inch groups at every standard distance right in front of them. The bottom line is the gun is Rock solid, and any comptitent shooter can be accurate with it.
Now, I know that everyone seems to love this letter – but is it just me (a UK citizen) who notices that he ‘shoots’ every suggestion down and makes no counter proposals except ‘increase freedom’?
OK, so we increase freedom to allow all parties to carry guns – this gives MORE unbalanced people access to massively disproportionate weaponry. If you are depressed, or mentally ill, or simply angry, you now have the means by which to kills hundreds of people.
Wake up America – what Obama suggests may not be popular, but it’s the only way. You are proposing a nuclear arms race that applies to every individual in your country, you are stumbling into a future where Columbine is a weekly occurrence…
I think the occasional post about gun misuse is nothing more than a transparent and token attempt to maintain the spirit of the blog title. If the truth were really told, there’d be a lot more negative gun stories. But that’s fair enough. Even I, on my little blog, post the odd DGU that seems legit.
To answer the question, does this spattering of irresponsible gun posts harm gun rights, absolutely not. The overwhelming preponderance of information around here is gun positive. On the contrary, the harm done is to society at large due to the promulgation of nonsense like gun ownership and home carry should even precede proper training. Remember when Robert was pushing that one? Plus, the obligatory resistance to any and all gun control laws. The vast readership tends to follow Robert’s lead on everything so I can only imagine how much damage is being done right here by reinforcing wrong ideas about guns.
The really horrible thing about this whole scenario is that
there is virtually nothing that will get the CPD Chief
throw out.
Makes you wonder when NJ and othe states or municipalities (chicago) all pass legislation prohibiting use of public funds for investment in companies that manufacture arms. In fact…. Rahm Emanuel went so far as to pressure banks to do the same. Now, the feds buy from a foreign company. That in and of itself is pathetic given the state of our economy and our current employment levels but if you couple it with the possibility that it could be an intentional snubbing it couldnt get much worse.
Looks like Governor Chickenpooper of Colorado is waving the political flag seeing which way the wind blows, looking for his buddies to give him and his party cover for the next election. Neither Hickenlooper or O’Malley have a clue about the benefits that jobs and taxable revenue bring to a State’s economy. To them, it’s preferable to force people (employees of Magpul and Beretta) to apply for unemployment benefits in a recession, while chipping away at the 2nd Amendment. Money talks and moral BS walks.
“Days of resistance” are the sort of flimsy political theatre that most of us don’t have time for. IMO it reeks of occutardiness.
If it had been attached to some concrete thing–a particular piece of legislation in each state, for instance, and rallies in the state capitols on a weekday to be heard by the lege-bots…well, then maybe I’d’ve considered it.
I/we had better things to do. Like resist by buying more guns and ammo at a big gun show here on the Wet Side…and take three newbies to that show. The latter so they could see that “gun show attendees” are a diverse and friends-n-family-based bunch o folks, and that we all are united by RKBA/2A despite specific differences in life choices, politics, religion or other.
You may or may not get kicked off a bus and go to jail for watching this video, but I can say with a reasonable degree of certainty if you watch any video by this guy you will get bored and/or go to sleep. He just keeps talking and talking.
At this point if you want to buy a gun, a double barrel shotgun is about your only choice.
I like the location on the AR for the safety and mag release, but I think the bolt release location sucks. Especially when you have to lock it back to clear a malfunction.
I’d rather have a scope and a miniature reflex sight in an offset mount. A Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x Patrol mounted on top of a rifle combined with a Aimpoint Micro, Trijicon RMR, or Leupld DeltaPoint in an offset mount is a great combination. Rather than turn the power ring to 1x on a variable power scope, you roll the rifle and use the reflex sight for close range. I keep my scope set to 4x.
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