Telling the truth isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always cheap. Sniper’s Hide is one of the authoritative blogs and forums for long-range shooting and precision marksmanship. But the Hide has found itself on the receiving end of a federal defamation lawsuit because of a critical forum post and YouTube video. Click the screen cap above to view it for yourself. It’s a less-than-flattering, but very matter-of-fact, detailed exploration of the ‘workmanship’ that went into a Tactical Rifles customized Remington 700 . . .
The video was originally posted on the Hide’s forum back in 2012, publicity that the TR wizards apparently didn’t enjoy. But rather than addressing the problems shown in the video and perhaps responding in the forum, Tactical Rifles has chosen to sue Sniper’s Hide owner Frank Galli and rifle owner, Marc Soulie of Spartan Precision Rifles, who made the video. TR’s suit charges slander, libel, and makes a bizarre ‘assault’ claim that I don’t remotely comprehend.
But if Tactical Rifles expected Galli to fold, delete the post and settle the lawsuit, they picked a fight with the wrong Marine. Galli, Sniper’s Hide and Soulie are fighting the lawsuit and the Sniper’s Hide community has their back. They’ve already crowd-funded the first $7500 of legal defense fees for them, which is all kinds of awesome.
While this isn’t Sniper’s Hide, TTAG and the Armed Intelligentsia have a stake in this fight, too. As you know, when we find problems with a gun or other product, we tell you about it. That’s part of the job description here. If a butt-hurt operation like Tactical Rifles can successfully sue Sniper’s Hide over a negative opinion of their work, no one will be safe from the next petty company that turns out products of questionable quality.
The last time I checked, truth is a perfect defense against a charge of defamation. But that hasn’t stopped Tactical Rifles from trying to silence Frank Galli, Marc Soulie, and Sniper’s Hide. If Tactical Rifles can muzzle Galli and Sniper’s Hide this time, how long will it be before some other cheesed-off operation puts TTAG in their lawyers’ crosshairs?
[h/t Paul McCain]