Actually vBulletin's search engine is a bit limiting. I have often run up against its limitations where I can't find something I know is here. Part of it is the 3 character thing, part of it is the lack of advanced search capabilities.
That said, I think u are being harsh - if it was "gun cleaning" or "best 22 pistol" maybe; but in this case, what would the search term be to get us right to the threads in question?
On another note, I have never seen it - is this for real?