Gun Snobs lighten up!

[jcwit]

I would much rather carry and shoot one of my $120 PA-63s than a $150 HiPoint C9. I don't dislike inexpensive guns, I dislike crappy guns.

Have you ever owned a Hi-Point? If so, what do you base your dicision of them being "crappy" on? Explain please.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I can appreciate your point, and a guy shouldn't be put down for buying what he can afford. I have had a problem with some friends, who, despite being told by others who have some firearms knowledge, go off and buy a low quality or defective firearm, and then get stuck with it, even when they can AFFORD to buy something better. I have one who bought a HiPoint, and then found himself with something he didn't really WANT to carry CCW after he owned the gun for a few months. It got him through the course, and provided a few days of shooting, but the size and handling soon made him appreciate the other, better guns that he got to handle. Needless to say, he would have saved money to have added a hundred or two, and done a little serious shopping or talking to avid shooters and gun toters, and bought a good used gun or more appropriate carry piece. He now owns a Ruger .40.

 

[Zoidberg523]

Snobs can be found on both sides of the argument.

snob n. One who tends to patronize, rebuff, or ignore people regarded as social inferiors.

I don't really see how there are snobs on both sides of this argument. I'm not sure I know someone with a Hi-Point (or any cheaper firearm) who looks down on someone with a Kimber or an HK. There are those with cheaper firearms who are weary of people with more expensive guns, surely, for they fear unwarranted ridicule on the part of the person with the more expensive firearms. IMHO, however, most people with cheaper firearms are quite humble about it, and only look down on those expensive firearms owners who are snobs, and disregard those with cheaper firearms as less skilled, poor, or stupid.

 

[PJR]

Always amazes me how these cheap guns that everyone does so well with are NEVER found in the winner's circle at ANY trap, skeet or sporting clay tournament. Where ARE all you folks who love to brag about how cheap you went and how well the gun performs?

Where are they? They are here on the Internet. I often read on this site about the snooty Perazzi or Krieghoff owner who was beaten by some kid with a Remington Express who'd never shot clays before. I read about it but don't actually see it happening in real life on the shooting range.

It's the Walter Mitty fantasy of clay target shooting.

 

[Ian]

The other side of the coin are the people who automatically assume that someone with an expensive gun has no skill or training and they spent lots of money on a gun to make up for it.

I have not owned a HiPoint, because I have experience with two friends' HiPoints (a 9mm and a .45). Those both had enough malfs (and just crummy handling) that I have zero desire to buy one myself. I would not recommend one to a new shooter when there are surplus guns available for similar prices. The same money will buy better quality in a surplus gun than a new one, generally speaking, because of depreciation. Just like I would much rather buy a $2000 used car than a $2000 new car.

Sure, finding the good deals on used guns takes more time than just walking into a shop and buying the cheapest thing on the shelf. But when you are flat broke, you ought to be spending the most effort to get full value for the money you do have.

 

[General Geoff]

If you're happy with the gun and it goes "BANG" every time you pull the trigger, not much more can be asked for.

While I've never personally seen a Hi-Point at the range (I tend to visit fairly rural ranges that have more affluent members), to be honest if I did, I'd ask the owner if he would allow me to put a few rounds through it, as I'd genuinely love to shoot one. And I'd gladly reciprocate by allowing him to put some rounds down range with my guns.

The other side of the coin are the people who automatically assume that someone with an expensive gun has no skill or training and they spent lots of money on a gun to make up for it.

It's usually very easy to tell the posers from the real deal. There's a difference between expensive and quality. The two are not mutually inclusive.

 

[oneounceload]

I'm not sure I know someone with a Hi-Point (or any cheaper firearm) who looks down on someone with a Kimber or an HK.

It's called "reverse snobbery" and it is prevalent in this thread, on this forum and many others where so many have the BRAG about how cheap they are while trying to justify in their mind that their gun is as good, (or they themselves are) as the person who bought a higher-dollar quality gun. For the most part, with any mechanical device, you DO get what you pay for...........that is NOT to say that a pump gun, for example, can't do the job..it just doesn't do it as well, and when every missed target means a losing scenario, or every jam might mean a lost life in a HD scenario, some folks would rather not take those risks and want to use the best possible equipment.

How many serious mechanics use the wally world tools as opposed to Snap-On or similar? I see WAY too many threads from someone looking to use the absolute cheapest POS to protect their lives when maybe, if money IS that tight, they would be better off with mace or a baseball bat. Are there inexpensive guns that shoot decently? Sure there are, the Ruger MKII is a good example. But if it is for HD/SD, or serious competition, then using an inferior piece of equipment is nothing but a handicap, and in the case of HD/SD, could be a fatal one.

 

[Col. Plink]

Snobbery is just someone showing their ignorance and self-absorbtion. I have already encountered some here (not much), all of it surrounding my mention of the fun and reliability of my HiPoint 40 combo.

The 'you get what you pay for' addage is not true; overpaying is rampant in the firearm world, even from my limited experience. For my part, I have never been concerned with what a gun looks like or the reputation of the words engraved on it. I have found my pistol/carbine combo to be reliable and accurate: attributes that could have cost FAR more. Nothing wrong with paying what it takes to get a fancy gun you want; folks should just be aware that the 'fancy' is what drives up the price more than reliability.

As for paying for the reliability of the company, it's interesting to note that HiPoint continually gets high praise on THR for that.

Just my $.02 . . .

 

[Phydeaux642]

Here's a good rule to live by: "I don't give a rat's behind what anybody thinks about me or my equipment."

The most expensive handgun I own cost me about $735 (SA Loaded 1911). I will never spend $3,000 on a custom 1911. If you want to, great. If you don't like my Rock Island, guess what, I don't care. I have four Kel-tecs, too. They are another gun that gets made fun of along with their owners.

I used to play golf. I had an inexpensive set of clubs. I didn't shoot all that great, but I shot as well as many of the knicker wearing knuckleheads that toted around a $2,000 or $3,000 set of clubs.

I ride bicycles, too. Most of the roadies will not even look at me on my commuter bikes. I get a kick out it.

Yes, there are snobs everywhere. I say spend as much money as you are able to to get something that works. If it's a Hi Point, then go for it.

Marginally interested people can become passionate people with the right exposure. Being discouraged by a bunch of gun snobs can put out the smouldering of a new hobby that could become a wildfire of gun passion

That was me. I bought a gun to carry and pretty soon I was spending my time reading about guns, looking at guns and buying guns.

 

[buck460XVR]

Always amazes me how these cheap guns that everyone does so well with are NEVER found in the winner's circle at ANY trap, skeet or sporting clay tournament. Where ARE all you folks who love to brag about how cheap you went and how well the gun performs?

The reason you do not see cheap guns in the winners circle has a lot to do with gun snobbery and the fact that those folks that can only afford inexpensive guns cannot afford the expense of all the shells, range fees and the time off from work and other duties that it takes to get to the winners circle in major events. Besides what it takes to win major shooting events has nuttin' to do with the subject of the OP.

Quality costs...some can afford it, some can't - the way of the world - no disparagement towards anyone, but let's get real............

Very true, no one is denying this fact. But not everyone needs a $4500 shotgun to bust clays at their local course........or to take a rooster from the back 40. Nor do they need a Korth to shoot cans at the dump or to put down the occasional skunk under the shed. The real fact is that inexpensive weapons in modern times have taken a multitude of animals and saved many lives in self defense. They too, even with their limitations can be accurate and dependable enough to satisfy their owners needs. To belittle someone because they cannot afford or desire anything better is nuttin' but the immature act of a snob/conceited azz.........period.

 

[Maverick223]

I bought my first center-fire rifle at K-Mart in 1968. It was a 1895 Mauser 7x57 that some company sporterized. I paid $29 for it, had it drilled and tapped, bolt handle forged and put a K-Mart All-Pro 4x32 scope on it. Had less than $100 total invested. It shot great. I was working for $2.00 per hr...it was all I could afford.

Went deer hunting with some relatives, when I pulled out my rifle...all my uncles laughed and made fun of it and me. They showed off their Remingtons and Winchesters and made me feel like shi*! I almost went back home.

When the hunt was over, I was the only one to take a buck. They never invited me back. That was their loss.

Today, I own many guns...some worth more than my pick-up. I still have the 7x57...it likes Norma ammo, and it still shoots good. It is not for sale!

Good story, dougw47, it most certainly was their loss. The man behind the gun makes a lot more difference than the equipment used.

 

[rocinante]

this has degenerated into total retardation. This whole thread is not about guns, it is about class and decency. If one has to bag on someone else about their clothes or gear they have neither class or decency. It is a matter of conduct, not cash. One of the posters gave a story of a grandfather, a dad, and a son that were well heeled. Two of three understood their humanity and were gracious. The brat did not. Live and let live and try to throw as few elbows as possible.

I don't know where you guys are from but affronts and slights can be right dangerous down south. We are famous for our good manners for good reason. Do not down a man or he may put you down. Primitive but true.

 

[22-rimfire]

Unwillingness to provide much information about your firearms is sometimes interpreted by others as "gun snobbery".

 

[General Geoff]

this has degenerated into total retardation.

I would hardly consider a discussion on socio-economic class imbalance (and resultant prejudice) to be retarded.

 

[Maverick223]

I am appalled that a thread that was undoubtedly created to bring us together and show us the effects of some of our actions and commentary has resulted in such low road behavior. I like the thread, and I think that it has a worthwhile underlying lesson, but fear that if order is not quickly restored this one is heading strait for the toilet.

 

[spyke]

Gun snobs P*** up a rope!

I have had to deal with a bit of gun snob crap. The one i remember the best was at the LEE Kay range by Magna Ut. One of the Ro just couldn't keep to himself that my AKM was a piece of garbage. Also stating that his wifes 22 mag was a great CCW gun.

While im not going to knock someones choise of carry gun there are better ones than a 22 mag and i dont take someone who has such an opinion very seriously. Especially since my "crappy" AKM never had a misfire or any other issuse.

I did however upgrade from my WASR to an Arsenal. Wanted something a little tighter. But the point is I didnt need to pay $200 extra for the same gun basicaly to have something that would still do the trick.

Having a firearm you can bet your life on is more important than the brand or the price tag. $150 Hi Point, $500 Ruger or $1500 1911 if it goes bang when it needs to who cares what some jack a** at the range thinks

 

[qajaq59]

I read a post recently when a young man was shooting a " HI-POINT C9 " at the range. He was so ridiculed by other shooters that he got rid of the gun.

25% of people are idiots. And it sounds like he met them all on the same day. And what gun he shoots is HIS business.
And I've gotten that kind of guff from people when I was shooting cast in my rifles....That is.....until I asked to see their targets!!!

 

[The_Pretender]

It's always the same. It comes down to education. Not book smarts, college, or a doctorate. Education about what matters in life, what is important, what isn't, how to interact with people, how to humble and be humbled.

Tiger Woods would kick my ass up and down a golf course with a set of clubs from Wal-Mart, even if I had the best clubs in the world.

I can (and have) outshot plenty of guys in clay birds with a pump while they used over/unders. But if I were to get serious about it, I would have an over/under myself. Especially when shooting true pairs. There are just some stations that demand quick second shots, and fast as I am, I am just not that fast. But we all go casual, and shoot on report. The best part is, we all have a good time.

But as it stands, when I do get an O/U, I want a nice one and $1000 for a shotgun isn't high on my list right now when I think of the other things I could get instead. A Kimber 1911 comes to mind. Or a nice Remington 700. For now, what I have will suffice, until I get a few other delights that will ease my hunger.

Buy what you want, and don't tell another man how to spend his money. He worked hard for it (presumably) just as you did (presumably).

The gun does not make the man. It can greatly help. But it isn't everything.

Don't ever think someone is below you because of their choice in firearm. The world isn't beating down your door to get the best opinion on the subject.

By the same token, don't think running out and buying all the best stuff will make you good. You will have a good advantage, but money doesn't buy skill. (That works both ways)

 

[JohnBT]

Gosh, after reading this thread I feel right poorly about not buying cheap stuff. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt anybody's feelings. I promise, I'll buy something cheap the next time.

All y'all feel better now?

John

 

[triplebike]

Gosh, after reading this thread I feel right poorly about not buying cheap stuff. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt anybody's feelings. I promise, I'll buy something cheap the next time.

All y'all feel better now?

John

I think we'all would feel better if someone here could help you with your reading comprehension, because you have entirely missed the point of this thread.

 

[jcwit]

Gosh, after reading this thread I feel right poorly about not buying cheap stuff. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt anybody's feelings. I promise, I'll buy something cheap the next time.

All y'all feel better now?

Do I detect some snobbery here?

With a little more thought, maybe some sarcasm?

 

[MedWheeler]

Not gonna read 'em all, but I disagree with no. 8 in that I firmly believe experimentation frequently precedes conviction or passion, in any field of interest.
Incidentally, just yesterday at the range, the "new shooter" next to me, along with his girlfriend, was shooting a C9, the first I've ever seen outside a gun show. They were being coached (and quite politely, I might add) by another couple, apparently close friends, who were more seasoned shooters.

>>>>Sneers at cheap guns is how Saturday Night Special laws get passed so easily, with the silent sysmpathy of the "good" gun crowd, who really don't want to fight for the "junk" guns.
Then a waitressing single mother of three gets raped and murdered, maybe because the Raven .25 auto that might have saved her life for $50 was replaced on the gun shop shelf with a SiG P230 she couldn't afford.<<<<

This is a point I've long tried to make as well. Amen!

 

[qajaq59]

Gosh, after reading this thread I feel right poorly about not buying cheap stuff. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt anybody's feelings. I promise, I'll buy something cheap the next time.

All y'all feel better now?

John

Yup. that's a lot better..... LOL

 

[The_Pretender]

No, no. It's easy:

Less and more

 

[grace2u]

I'll buy what I want.