Are there any shooting gadets that you thought were stupid...

[BikerRN]

I thought Night Sights and Lasers were gimmicks until proven otherwise.

I've just recently converted to a light on my defensive handgun, as well as the handheld. They each have their purpose, and being that I want to stack the odds in my favor as much as possible, have converted to things that I used to consider gimmicks.

I'm still slow to jump on the Band-wagon, as I prefer that somebody besides your's truly be the Beta Tester.

BikerRN

 

[PandaBearBG]

Well I thought the Magpul B.A.D. Lever was way overpriced stick of metal and just a gimmick but I ran into a good deal and put it on (removeable and doesn't permanently alter anything) and wow, really handy firing from the bench or prone when loading or reloading, really didn't know what I was missing until I used it. Love it.

Maybe not a gimmick, but I could not reason spending 30 or 40 bucks on new pistol grips for my AR's or new grips/grip sleeves for my pistols, and I really get sweaty hands if its a hot day and things get slippery. Well constantly readjusting my grip was getting annoying and really having to work my grip was fatiguing my hands so I just tried wrapping every grip in hockey grip tape, and its just AMAZING! after the tack is set, its no longer sticky, doesn't leave residue on metal or plastic, easy to remove, yet stays solid if its wrapped tight. Always a firm dry, grip. Looks a little different but I swear by it.

 

[danprkr]

Night sites. I couldn't think of a reason I'd need them, until I started using them, now I'm a big fan, especially for CCW. It's not a deal breaker if they don't have them, but it sure is nice if / when you need to acquire a decent site picture.

Especially when you REALLY NEED A PISTOL RIGHT NOW! And it's midnight, and you're not sure if the junky is going to run away or run you through with his 18 inch screwdriver.

 

[zoom6zoom]

I couldn't imagine why I'd ever want a mag loader. Then I happened across a Maglula loader half price at a clearance sale and got it just for giggles. Wow, was I wrong... I can load my AK mags so fast now and still have feelings in my thumbs. Went out and bought the universal pistol loader right away.

 

[seanie!]

I'm going to echo a lot of people when I say a mag loader. Usually I called it a day at the range when my thumbs hurt too much, but now that's not an issue. I could have sworn they were pointless before I tried a buddy's though...

Other than that, a quad rail. I thought those were stupid, tacticool, heavy, expensive, etc. until I picked one up for my Saiga on a whim. Now I still think they're tacticool, heavy, and expensive, but definitely not stupid. I've got a VFG, light, and red dot on mine. None of that comes near 10lbs. either...

 

[7thCavScout]

Butler Creek Magazine Loader for 10/22 Hot Lips and Steel Lips Magazines
When I first I saw these I thought no way in HE double hockey sticks can that thing work!
Oh they do my friend, and VERY well at that!

 

[7thCavScout]

This:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=523189

Thanks a lot TechBrute! After looking at your link I just ordered one!!!! Tell Larry Potterfield he owes you a commission!

 

[CharlesT]

I'm sorry if I pissed anyone off. That's just the way I feel.

 

[TechBrute]

I'm sorry if I pissed anyone off. That's just the way I feel.

Let's just all get along... er... stick to the original question:

Are there any shooting gadets that you thought were stupid then realized they were pretty useful or cool?

I'm sure the list of things that are just plain stupid, without later being useful or cool, is a much, much longer thread...

 

[Carter]

I'm sure the list of things that are just plain stupid, without later being useful or cool, is a much, much longer thread...

And probably closed pretty quickly.


This thread is making me want to buy a bore snake and find my speed loader.

Luckily I haven't sliced my finger open lately trying to load my pistol mags. Darn promags.

 

[xcgates]

+1 on the boresnake, though to be honest it never seemed stupid to me. To me it was the best (well, only) way of cleaning a gun barrel when shooting and "cleaning" outside in 10 degree weather.

That, and a couple drops of oil here-n-there on the action keeps an 870 and a .22LR bolt action rifle going all winter of regular use. While never seeing the inside of a heated building.