stickhauler
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- Mar 22, 2009
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- 538
I had a buddy who asked me if he could use 7.62 x 54R in his AK-47. And he supposedly knew about guns.
Funny Questions from NOOBs
- Thread starter Dr T
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Gun Nerd
Member
What's that old saying..."the only dumb question is the question never asked"? As much as I'd like to stay and debate the merits of the dumb question, I have to go bid on my 40mm steel shot J frame on Cannonbroker.com.
I've heard there are no dumb questions, only dumb answers. And boy have I heard some dumb answers. 
However, I have heard some questionable questions.
Like: "Can you shoot someone with a .22?" Really?
I believe he meant, could kill someone with a .22.
However, I have heard some questionable questions.
Like: "Can you shoot someone with a .22?" Really?
I believe he meant, could kill someone with a .22.
Jim Watson
Member
It is just that the Internet makes it easy to ask questions that seem to be below the basics to those of us who had to learn it the hard way from print sources and experienced shooters in person. There also seems to be a lot of misinformation out there, but that is probably just another effect of easy Internet communication, I recall some old time doozys.
Arkansas Paul
Member
I don't think the OP was being condesending or mean. He's just recalling some things that seem funny to an experienced person.
I have asked my share of funny questions as well. On this forum, when I first started handloading, I asked why IMR powders had higher pressures than Hogdon. Then I found out that one was listed in psi and one was listed in cup. I felt stupid after learning about it, but hey, that's alright. I learned something and I'm sure the experienced guys got a good laugh at me. Nothing wrong with that either.
It's when the person who does know what they're doing is asinine and rude with those who don't that it's out of line, and the OP wasn't doing that at all.
I have asked my share of funny questions as well. On this forum, when I first started handloading, I asked why IMR powders had higher pressures than Hogdon. Then I found out that one was listed in psi and one was listed in cup. I felt stupid after learning about it, but hey, that's alright. I learned something and I'm sure the experienced guys got a good laugh at me. Nothing wrong with that either.
It's when the person who does know what they're doing is asinine and rude with those who don't that it's out of line, and the OP wasn't doing that at all.
Shadow 7D
Member
Oh, my goodness
I once witnesses a VERY bitter fight on a reloading forum,
in the end some one stopped by and pointed out that the were both technically correct since one was using CUP and the other PSI...
The ones that get me, isn't the questions, it's the stories that mark one as a NOOB, the 100% sure, .50 will blow you apart if it even gets near you and all the other legendary lore of the gunshop.
I once witnesses a VERY bitter fight on a reloading forum,
in the end some one stopped by and pointed out that the were both technically correct since one was using CUP and the other PSI...
The ones that get me, isn't the questions, it's the stories that mark one as a NOOB, the 100% sure, .50 will blow you apart if it even gets near you and all the other legendary lore of the gunshop.
Sport45
Member
Just think, there are folks over on the plumbing, roofing, siding, etc. forums right now laughing about some of the things we ask...
How many people are experts at everything? That noob we poke fun at may be the same guy that saves our child's life some day with his new surgical technique. His knowledge of firearms will be pretty meaningless then. (Unless, of course, he asks us if we own guns in the pre-surgury screening.
)
How many people are experts at everything? That noob we poke fun at may be the same guy that saves our child's life some day with his new surgical technique. His knowledge of firearms will be pretty meaningless then. (Unless, of course, he asks us if we own guns in the pre-surgury screening.
)possom813
Member
Not even gun related at all, but a funny story...
About 3 years ago my wife, a natural blonde, and I were driving through West Dallas. In the area we were in, there were several homeless folks wandering around, or at least the assumption was that they were homeless.
Upon seeing several wandering down a sidestreet, my wife asked me if they were homeless, I told her that it was more than likely, then she looked back at them, and back to me, and here's the blonde moment, "Where do they live?"
About 3 years ago my wife, a natural blonde, and I were driving through West Dallas. In the area we were in, there were several homeless folks wandering around, or at least the assumption was that they were homeless.
Upon seeing several wandering down a sidestreet, my wife asked me if they were homeless, I told her that it was more than likely, then she looked back at them, and back to me, and here's the blonde moment, "Where do they live?"
mgmorden
Member
As long as its a question, I don't see anything as being stupid. For every question posed in this thread I guarantee that there was a time when every person who as posted in this thread would have had to answer "I don't know.". Asking a question is just a way of saying you don't know something but would like to.
It's the stupid statements that bother me. I once got into a semi-heated debate with a guy because he swore up and down that you could fire a particular different rifle round in a .303 British rifle. I don't even remember what he was claiming it was anymore, but I know that it was not even the same caliber, nor even dimensionally close.
That said, in internet usage "noob" isn't necessarily an insult. I play a lot of online games and people when the first start at a game even refer to themselves as "noobs".
It's the stupid statements that bother me. I once got into a semi-heated debate with a guy because he swore up and down that you could fire a particular different rifle round in a .303 British rifle. I don't even remember what he was claiming it was anymore, but I know that it was not even the same caliber, nor even dimensionally close.
That said, in internet usage "noob" isn't necessarily an insult. I play a lot of online games and people when the first start at a game even refer to themselves as "noobs".
Sport45
Member
possom813,
Where'd you dig up that old quote? It brought up a chuckle and some old memories.
Where'd you dig up that old quote? It brought up a chuckle and some old memories.
I keep thinking of a J frame in 40mm...
Can I get a concealed holster for it?
Seriously, tho, I think a lot of the questions we get (like that one!) are a sad testament to how disconnected people (esp. kids, and esp. out here on the left coast) are from firearms, and from all the media hype trying to get people to fear and avoid firearms... and when they get un-brainwashed, they really *don't* know and want to learn. Of course, there's always the night vision guy above that is rather quite scary, but in general it makes me want to go out and get more people involved in our "hobby"...
Now, about that holster...
Can I get a concealed holster for it?
Seriously, tho, I think a lot of the questions we get (like that one!) are a sad testament to how disconnected people (esp. kids, and esp. out here on the left coast) are from firearms, and from all the media hype trying to get people to fear and avoid firearms... and when they get un-brainwashed, they really *don't* know and want to learn. Of course, there's always the night vision guy above that is rather quite scary, but in general it makes me want to go out and get more people involved in our "hobby"...
Now, about that holster...
Axel Larson
Member
Maybe the guy who wanted night vision was trying to watch owls, really though night vision is not regulated in any way, so why ask for an ID. I thought it was innocent until proven guilty.
I think it's a double edged sword. Yeah, people have the ability to fire off a random question to find an answer (correct or incorrect answers) without doing real research.
On the other hand I think the internet does much more to actually dispell myths and inaccuracies.
An example that comes to mind is the question of the safety of tumbling loaded ammo.
I've read in multiple reloading manuals that it's not safe to tumble loaded ammo. Reasons quoted might be a spitzer point impacting and detonating a primer, breakdown of smokeless powder changing the burn characteristics and increasing pressure, etc.
Right here on THR this myth has been dispelled by member who have tumbled ammo in excess of 24hrs and have scientifically posted the results with powder comparison photos, chronograph results, etc.
Prior to the internet how many myths were (and still are) passed from generation to generation from fathers to sons, from gun shop employees to customers, etc.
Just my observations.
OP
OP
Dr T
Member
I am glad that or moderator Sam clarified the intent of my original post. I have been a student of firearms and shooting since before I was 10 years old, have a reasonably good memory, and have made enough mistakes along the way to understand that the lack of accurate information can be a very dangerous thing.
In the two cases I cited, the thing that really brought the smile to my face (after the fact) was the look of understanding (and perhaps incredulity) when the new shooter actually got it. In the first case, that there are many different names and one can be easily confused and there was a lot of history that adds a richness to the sport. In the second, that you don't have to be a sniper and dial in each shot with incredible precision to be an effective deer hunter (BTW, he got a big confidence lift from my little explanation an recently took two deer in the one half day he had for hunting.)
One should always respect that an honest question deserves an honest answer, discipline your response so that it will not make the questioner feel belittled, and have the humility to remember that we have all been there.
But, that doesn't keep me from finding some of the questions amusing. But then, I try not to take myself too seriously anyway.
In the two cases I cited, the thing that really brought the smile to my face (after the fact) was the look of understanding (and perhaps incredulity) when the new shooter actually got it. In the first case, that there are many different names and one can be easily confused and there was a lot of history that adds a richness to the sport. In the second, that you don't have to be a sniper and dial in each shot with incredible precision to be an effective deer hunter (BTW, he got a big confidence lift from my little explanation an recently took two deer in the one half day he had for hunting.)
One should always respect that an honest question deserves an honest answer, discipline your response so that it will not make the questioner feel belittled, and have the humility to remember that we have all been there.
But, that doesn't keep me from finding some of the questions amusing. But then, I try not to take myself too seriously anyway.
actual conversation...
I'm thinking about getting a 9mm or .357 but I can't decide between the two.
How about a Ruger Blackhawk Convertible? It shoots both.
Both? How do you get .357's in the 9mm magazine?
Uh, it's a revolver. A single action.
Oh, so it uses full-moon clips?
No, it comes with two cylinders.
I don't want that. I don't want to have to take the gun apart to load it.
I'm thinking about getting a 9mm or .357 but I can't decide between the two.
How about a Ruger Blackhawk Convertible? It shoots both.
Both? How do you get .357's in the 9mm magazine?
Uh, it's a revolver. A single action.
Oh, so it uses full-moon clips?
No, it comes with two cylinders.
I don't want that. I don't want to have to take the gun apart to load it.
OP
OP
Dr T
Member
DWFan,
The mental image--wait a second, I have a North American mini revolver that works like that...
It does bring up the image of the scene in the Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western when Clint changes cylinders in order to reload...That sequence is worth a smile (and Cabela's now carries those cylinders...)
tds
The mental image--wait a second, I have a North American mini revolver that works like that...
It does bring up the image of the scene in the Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western when Clint changes cylinders in order to reload...That sequence is worth a smile (and Cabela's now carries those cylinders...)
tds
Cop Bob
Member
Have heard many... The funny one's that stick..
A VERY attractive and statuesque blond walked into the gun shop and asked them person behind the counter, Q:"How big of a gun do 'I' need for protection?'.. A: Lady, I don't think they make one that big." (she laughed, and later walked out with a Model 19 2 1/2". With a complimentary box of wadcutter, and bought a box of HP's)
Another customer comes in with a 32 Revolver for "repair"... Q: Can you put a stronger spring in my pistol?" A: "Sure, what seems to be the problem?" A: "My 'Goat' is weak, (the goat later determined to be the hammer "You know, the Goat, the part that looks like a Goats head, and butt's the shells." "I need a stronger goat to butt the shells, so the bullets come out faster." Uh, yes, it really happened... We took it in on trade, and sold him a 38 Charter Arms.. He left happy.
Another customer comes it with an RG Revolver in 38.. and stated " I need a new 'Clickey Pin'... Q: "A what?"..A: You know, a 'clickey pin" that thing that goes in the middle, without it the gun won't go "Clickey-Clickey"... he was talking about the cylinder retention pin...
A VERY attractive and statuesque blond walked into the gun shop and asked them person behind the counter, Q:"How big of a gun do 'I' need for protection?'.. A: Lady, I don't think they make one that big." (she laughed, and later walked out with a Model 19 2 1/2". With a complimentary box of wadcutter, and bought a box of HP's)
Another customer comes in with a 32 Revolver for "repair"... Q: Can you put a stronger spring in my pistol?" A: "Sure, what seems to be the problem?" A: "My 'Goat' is weak, (the goat later determined to be the hammer "You know, the Goat, the part that looks like a Goats head, and butt's the shells." "I need a stronger goat to butt the shells, so the bullets come out faster." Uh, yes, it really happened... We took it in on trade, and sold him a 38 Charter Arms.. He left happy.
Another customer comes it with an RG Revolver in 38.. and stated " I need a new 'Clickey Pin'... Q: "A what?"..A: You know, a 'clickey pin" that thing that goes in the middle, without it the gun won't go "Clickey-Clickey"... he was talking about the cylinder retention pin...
outdoorsman1
Member
As a (former) daily open carrier (now carry concealed with WI new CCW Law), I was asked almost every day if "I was a cop", and the usual "Is that gun real", and even a few "Is that a BB gun"...
All valid questions and I honestly answered each and every one which more often than not led to an informative conversation on firearms and carrying in general.
Point being... Asking any question can be a good thing...
Outdoorsman1
All valid questions and I honestly answered each and every one which more often than not led to an informative conversation on firearms and carrying in general.
Point being... Asking any question can be a good thing...
Outdoorsman1
NoAlibi
Member
This law enforcement technique is called profiling. Sometimes it’s ethnic, sometimes it’s gender, etc. and a myriad of others along with specific combinations .
We used it in the 60s & 70s to thwart hijackers (before they were using airplanes as missiles) at Miami International Airport. The profile was: Cuban male, no luggage, one-way ticket purchased with cash. It worked and we prevented a number of potential hijackings.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper in the 70s (?) had the most street busts for narcotics. His profile combination: Cuban male, rented van from Dade County (rental vehicles had tags that indicated this - more on this in a moment) doing EXACTLY the speed limit. They certainly didn’t want to get stopped for speeding considering their cargo and didn’t want to take any more time driving than was absolutely necessary.
Even the robbers in Dade County also used a profile. A rental vehicle form the airport. Travelers usually would bring their best jewelry, clothes, cameras and money. The robbers would wait outside the airport looking for the “Z” rental identifier on the tag, then follow the traveler and at some point along the way bump into the rear of the traveler’s car. People normally would not get out of their vehicle in what might be considered a bad area, but they will in a rear-ender because they are required to exchange information in an accident.
After a rash of this type of robbery they stopped making license plates with the identifying “Z”.
Simply, profiling is used because it is so effective. But you might not be too impressed if you were a Cuban male in Miami. The debate about the end justifying the means will go on forever. YMMV…..Doc
newbuckeye
Member
During the divorce, my x wife tried to convince the Judge that I had a 40 mm handgun that I used at work. He looked at me and asked "What the h*ll kinda weapon is that?". I told him "Glock 17 in 9mm, Your Honor":banghead:
Shadow 7D
Member
Having shot 40mm
I can attest that I would not like to shoot it in a handgun
I can attest that I would not like to shoot it in a handgun
The Lone Haranguer
Member
And then there are the people who should know better. A local large sporting goods store, Mahoney's, recently ran a newspaper ad for 9mm, .40mm and .45mm ammunition. How do you rifle a bore that small?
(BTW, that is quite an interesting place. I bought two boxes of the 9mm Blazer Brass at $10.99 each, a decent price by today's standards.)
How do you rifle a bore that small? (BTW, that is quite an interesting place. I bought two boxes of the 9mm Blazer Brass at $10.99 each, a decent price by today's standards.)
Ignition Override
Member
My very first search for basic gun facts only began at age 52, in '07.
The selection of both calibers and rounds is both astonishing and puzzling.
Most of my naive questions were asked in person (or researched), to avoid extra embarrassment on the Internet.
Until then, my only gun (besides pellet/bb types as a kid) was the 1940's-vintage Savage .22 rifle, which had not been used since '85.
Had plinked with it less than a dozen times.
The selection of both calibers and rounds is both astonishing and puzzling.
Most of my naive questions were asked in person (or researched), to avoid extra embarrassment on the Internet.
Until then, my only gun (besides pellet/bb types as a kid) was the 1940's-vintage Savage .22 rifle, which had not been used since '85.
Had plinked with it less than a dozen times.
Last edited:
Strykervet
member
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2010
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"Which rifle would be best for HD? I know I need one that takes a bayonet, I was thinking about a Mosin, but I wanted a semi, what do you all think?" He went on to explain the virtues of a bayonet for HD and how he'd use it. I think he later set his sights on an AK, and then posted later for assistance on how to convince his mom to let him keep a loaded AK with fixed bayonet in his basement abode. Wow.
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