hickok45: interesting and informative, or more annoying than anything else?

I think Hickok is a great source for information and isn't intended to be a detailed Spec review of every single firearm, but rather a general knowledge channel where novice shooters can go to learn.

He also does what everyone wants, and compares similar firearms, so you can get an idea of the features without having to purchase or find them yourself.

I think he is one of the better firearm reviewers on the interwebs and other than his glock bias, seems to keep himself from falling prey to unjust reviews. He seems to try to not be too opinionated about most firearms but rather just report and let you decide. He's a super humble guy and does a lot to give back to the community which is also a big atta boy from me.

Hope to see many more years of gun reviews and woods walks with Hickok45.

He’s pretty good for general info. His reviews are not tech oriented at all, but focus on how the gun feels and shoots. He often does a “chapter 2” video on a firearm which is mostly shooting and less talking.
He does not talk down to his viewers.

I think he’s alright. Problem with a gun reviewer is it’s all subjective to the individual. He did overexaggerate his motions in his distain for the highpoint review.

I have watched several of his videos over the last few years. I agree with drband, he has decent general reviews. Sometimes he does specials on such as the development of lever actions, handloading, etc. All general info.

Wow. Don't like his style? Either watch something else or make your own videos if you think you can do so much better.

There's about 3 MILLION people subscribed to him. He must be doing something right. And he does amazing work for the shooting community. He presents himself as an honest, down to earth, highly responsible firearms enthusiast. His videos might not be quite as informative as some, but he has an "everyman" sort of quality that I think leads many to relate to him.

Unlike many channels with dudebros and bearded weekend warriors who try anything and everything to be as tacticool and edgy as humanly possible, vying to be the ultimate macho badass, Hickok45 is just an old dude from Tennessee that likes to shoot guns in his backyard for fun. I'm sure he'd tell you the same thing.

Say what you will about him but he's a great roll model for new or old shooters alike and doesn't put on any airs. I think he's awesome.

Well, if Hickok didn't go into details about that splendid Hudson H9 and it's incredible recoil reduction system, maybe he was not impressed by it in the first place...

He rarely says bad things about a firearm but gives hints if he has reservations. Very understated. Some folks might miss his hints.

kcofohio said:

I have watched several of his videos over the last few years. I agree with drband, he has decent general reviews. Sometimes he does specials on such as the development of lever actions, handloading, etc. All general info.

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Guess I missed that one. I seem to remember him reviewing a Kel-Tec and about the negative thing he said was that the mag release would engage while firing at times. But he didn't trash the gun.

Edit: I meant to quote BigBore44 in post #4.

Oh, BTW, who wouldn't want a range set up like his!

I watch his videos all the time. He's a great source of information and a very good shot too. Better shot then I am.

I'd say he represents the average shooter out there who may be curious about a specific product. What sets him apart is that he is more knowledgeable about guns than most people, and probably at least on par with the average THR member, along with having better than average skills in gun handling and marksmanship, which validates him more than basic knowledge. It would be nice if all the guns he covers would be covered by someone like Kyle Lamb or Larry Vickers or John McPhee, or even Todd Hodnett- but that's just not their game.

Having watched a number of Hickok45's video, I think they're mostly just entertaining. His reviews and comparisons don't have enough detail to push me in one direction or another. But it's pretty cool watching him shoot on that range!

I enjoy watching Hickok and also his son’s channel from time to time. I agree he (and his son) do a pretty good job of presenting our community in a positive light. He’s popular and found a format that works for him and has made him famous. I say kudos to him.

Sure he might say something I disagree with or don’t like. That’s just part of life. But overall I think he does what he needs to do to have a channel that’s informative, fun and watched.

I could contrast him with a reloading channel that I watch used to watch from time to time that drives me nuts. Unlike Hickok the guy goes on way too long, his testing methods are sloppy and his camera work is just his reloading bench. Worse unlike Hickok who throws in some humor and keeps things interesting the guy is always serious and acts like he knows it all when it comes to reloading. I guess it’s why I gave up on him much vs Hickok who I watch when I have time.

That aside
For those that don’t know YouTube is very anti gun and we need to support as many of the gun channels as possible. We need to let them know that we’re not a crazy minority’s but people exercising our Constitutional rights. A silent majority that needs to get more vocal!

I certainly wouldn't turn down an invitation to have lunch with him, especially if it meant a trip to his range.

I like Hickok45`s reviews. He give you a great feel for the gun he is shooting Yea ,he is not all that technical, but after watching one of his I almost feel like I have shot the gun myself. I just get a good feel for how the gun performs in his videos. He seem like the kind of guy you would like for a neighbor even if the did not have that fantastic range.

WVGunman said:

I'm talking about this guy here. You have to watch several of his videos to get a feel for his style. My main complaint is that he doesn't seem to know any more about guns in general than some old dude living out in the country, but he undeniably gets his hands on a lot of great stuff. An example of what's annoying: he actually got a Hudson H9 to try out, a gun that has been big news in the gun press for some time now. He shoots it and remarks in passing how the barrel/bore axis is set lower on that design, which is intended to reduce recoil. That feature is the MAIN feature of the Hudson design that sets it apart from others. But does hickok45 say much of anything in particular about it, either yay or nay? Nah.
I kinda hate myself for watching, because I feel myself getting dumber. Hearing him ramble on about random **** in the H9 video, instead of talking about the ONE thing he could talk about I couldn't get anywhere else (what's it like to SHOOT IT?!) was infuriating. But on the other hand, he's still demonstrating stuff that I may never get my hands on. It's a real Catch-22. Perhaps I'm just thinking too much.

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I enjoy his video's, i've got a suggestion, get a video camera, do what he does and go head to head against him. Try talking to a video camera for 10 min see how it turns out. None of us are perfect, he does what he enjoys, i wish i had a set up like he does. I think he tries to let the person watching make the decision about the weapon, he just gives some of his own opinions. He's a lot better than watching ''house rehab'' or watch some guy see how much food he can pound down his gullet. lol

I have watched, perhaps, two dozen of his videos over that past few years.

I have found them both informative & mildly entertaining.

Most recently, prior to deciding upon my G42 purchase, I sought out and watched his vid on the piece.

ARKLITE881South said:

I enjoy his video's, i've got a suggestion, get a video camera, do what he does and go head to head against him. Try talking to a video camera for 10 min see how it turns out. None of us are perfect, he does what he enjoys, i wish i had a set up like he does. I think he tries to let the person watching make the decision about the weapon, he just gives some of his own opinions. He's a lot better than watching ''house rehab'' or watch some guy see how much food he can pound down his gullet. lol

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Or whatever new mess the little people have themselves in this week on TLC.

I'm a big fan of Hickok45. I find his reviews very honest and informative. He doesn't bombard the viewers with personal opinions. He simply tries to show a gun for what it is and let the viewer decide.
I saw the Hudson review and thought it was quite good, the review I mean. Nothing impressive or innovative about a huge two plus pound 9mm with low recoil.

Entertainment first information second, I like the guy he has skills and he doesn’t talk with his hands like the warrior/operator types.

WrongHanded said:

Having watched a number of Hickok45's video, I think they're mostly just entertaining. His reviews and comparisons don't have enough detail to push me in one direction or another. But it's pretty cool watching him shoot on that range!

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I kind of agree with this. I like his videos because hes safe, not slinging lead for the hell of it. I don't think he offers very detailed reviews on things other then it shoots well, poor, shoulders well, shoulders poor, etc. I would like a little more detail then just this is what it is and shoot it and that's it. I do like his videos and would rather watch him then some of the others on youtube.

I find some of his videos more informative than others. I first found him when I wanted to buy a mosin for &75 and watched his discussion. his videos are long and he rambles, but he gives typically honest reviews. I am always impressed by his ability to hit things with handguns, the man is a good shot that is for sure.

Hokie_PhD said:

I enjoy watching Hickok and also his son’s channel from time to time. I agree he (and his son) do a pretty good job of presenting our community in a positive light. He’s popular and found a format that works for him and has made him famous. I say kudos to him.

Sure he might say something I disagree with or don’t like. That’s just part of life. But overall I think he does what he needs to do to have a channel that’s informative, fun and watched.

I could contrast him with a reloading channel that I watch used to watch from time to time that drives me nuts. Unlike Hickok the guy goes on way too long, his testing methods are sloppy and his camera work is just his reloading bench. Worse unlike Hickok who throws in some humor and keeps things interesting the guy is always serious and acts like he knows it all when it comes to reloading. I guess it’s why I gave up on him much vs Hickok who I watch when I have time.

That aside
For those that don’t know YouTube is very anti gun and we need to support as many of the gun channels as possible. We need to let them know that we’re not a crazy minority’s but people exercising our Constitutional rights. A silent majority that needs to get more vocal!

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I have two i like for good info. Both seem to offer decent info but just go on and on and on about personal stuff i lose interest.