How do you use the High Road?

[FROGO207]

Been doing it my way and learning the hard way for a lot of years. So along comes the computer and the net and I discover The High Road. And WOW there are a lot of others that are doing it just like me while approaching it slightly differently and arriving basically at the same answer. Many, many different experiences to be added to the "Pot O knowledge" without the need take the time to do it all yourself. I learn, I help others stay safe when I can, I make friends, and we all get along remarkably well. The site is well moderated and I think that is the biggest plus over a lot of other sites. I use a laptop exclusively and check this site at least morning and night most days. I have a goal in life to learn something new every day and I learn a LOT here and it tends to happen often.

 

[Elkins45]

Occasionally I come here to access thousands of years of collective knowledge, to pick the brains of people with a diversity of experience no one person could ever accumulate. Sometimes I use it to share funny or interresting things that have happened to me. But mostly I come here just to learn new random stuff about guns and shooting.

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

I come here for mostly-unbiased information, most of which is useful

In my case moderator posts get x5 the respect and attention!

a few particular members have posted such well-written, informative, and helpful posts that I have read, that they also get 'moderator-status respect' even if they aren't moderators.

I have made more confident purchase decisions, and saved myself a WORLD of headaches thanks to this WONDERFUL forum!!! I was a member of another forum before this one, and they do not even compare. THR really is The High Road! Lower-mentalities pop up from time to time, but they do not last, one way or another.

I'll share a simple example of a wonderful, inexpensive, and subtle way that this forum has helped me improve my shooting experiences, and this is just one of countless. One member happened to mention that if your 1911 grips aren't rubber or wood, the screws can tend to un-screw themselves, or worse if you overtighten them, they can damage the grips. This immediately piqued my interest, as I was just used to bringing my screwdriver to the range. He provided a simple easy solution which are #60 1/4" rubber gaskets under the grip screws and over the grips. For less than two dollars I was able to purchase enough of them for both my 1911s and extras, and PROBLEM SOLVED! Such a small little pain in the butt, and it is now not an issue at all! Just thanks to someone else's trial and error, and the fact that they thought to share it on here.

That's what THR is all about, we share our experiences, and sometimes learn from each other's mistakes, all in the pursuit of the most pleasant shooting experience! I'm also a big fan of all the glorious 'gun-porn!' WTB and WTS posts have been really handy for me since I have joined too! I've bought and sold a few guns, and bought a few really great holsters made by members. I LOVE this site, and plan to be a member for life!

 

[RugerBob]

I like to come here and get or confirm information about reloading mostly. Sometimes I ask questions if I don't find the info in older posts.
I look for info on some guns, as I debate to get one or not. Make sure there are no issues with them.
Of the few gun sites I do visit, this is the one I go to the most, and the other relates more to casting my own.
my 2 cents.

 

[chas3stix]

As far as I'm concerned THR is the Encyclopedia Britannica of shooting on the web. I enjoy the interaction of like-minded folks. It makes me thankful for where I live and sorry for those who live in a non gun-friendly state. Good luck with your thesis.

 

[buck460XVR]

I use THR as a diversionary tactic to keep my mind off the 24/7 care & worrying about a loved one.
Thats how I got so many posts in so few years.

I can't leave the house by myself long enough to go fishing, hunting, shooting, R/C flying, or old motorcycle riding like I had planned to do in retirement.
Because I don't know what might happen if I was gone that long.

Enough said about that.

rc

So sorry to hear this RC. Since my first days here, you have always been the most helpful and most knowledgeable poster here on THR. You info is always correct and given in a manor that even most novices understand. I have always had the utmost of respect for you........and now, even more. I hope the good Lord can someday give you the time to enjoy those past-times that now are only memories.

 

[Ashcons]

I'm curious to know how the site has affected your life? How much have you learned here? Has it helped you? Has it hurt?

Hi Daniel,

I don't visit THR everyday, but when I do, I usually leave with new knowledge or ideas to chew over. Since I live so far from friends and family who would traditionally be my mentor as I learn about firearms and hunting, THR acts as my surrogate family and friends. THR members come from varied walks in life and, as a whole, can answer just about any question about firearms. The moderators do a great job here too. The most important way this site has affected my life is through constant reminding that firearm safety is paramount to firearm ownership and handling.

There is a lot to learn here and I take advantage of that. Various topics include 2A activism, legal aspects of ownership, concealed carry, and self-defense, legal cases related to 2A, what it means to be a responsible firearm owner, reloading, lubricants, metallurgy, knives, hogs (thanks Flintknapper), and too much more to list comprehensively.

Yes, this site and its users have helped me (see above). I wish when I had lived in Seattle that I had taken the opportunity to meet up with NavyLCR for a coffee at Fuel.

Yes, this site and its users have hurt me. My wish list is huge now.

Any stories about tricks you've picked up from the forum to improve your skills, safety, ways you've saved time and money, etc, I would really like to hear about.

Dry fire drills are something that I have picked up to steady my shooting. Safety is preached here, keeping me sharply focused whenever I am near a firearm. I've learned a few tricks to saving money, especially re: cleaning and lubrication of my firearms.

If any users use this site for information about potential purchases, or access the site from mobile media such as smart phones or WIFI capable ipods during gun shows or shopping, I'm particularly interested.

Forum members have posted various helpful guides, from an economic standpoint. The most useful that I have read were a post on various physical properties of lubricants and learning about how to check over a revolver for mechanical defects. Might not be exactly what you're looking for there (i.e. checking Amazon's mobile app against prices in Best Buy), but it has directly helped me become an informed buyer on those two items.

 

[mortablunt]

Ladies and Gentlemen of THR!

Many of us aren't gentlemen; we work for a living.

My name is Daniel, and I'm a senior at the University of North Texas. I'm currently enrolled in a class entitled the "Anthropology of Virtual Communication," and as part of the curriculum, I am to choose a website and try to study how much the website and interactions through the website affect every day life.

So you have our informed consent. Carry on.

I have been a long time browser of this forum, but this is my first foray into posting.

Welcome to the discussion.

The general gun discussion forum has tons and tons of information being slung around, and I'm curious to know how the site has affected your life? How much have you learned here? Has it helped you? Has it hurt?

I have learned a lot on here. My knowledge of shooting, self defense, weapons, and tactics has been greatly improved by posting here. I learned about all sorts of AR-15 things, what sort of guns one actually needs, what good prices for ammunition are, and I finally learned what MOA actually means in practical terms. It's only hurt me in that there have been way too many hours that I have enjoyed here.

Any stories about tricks you've picked up from the forum to improve your skills, safety, ways you've saved time and money, etc, I would really like to hear about.

I learned that not just engine oil can be used to lubricate a gun. I downloaded a chart off of here which shows flaws in pistol technique based on where the missed shots end up on the target. These guys have also taught me about how to remove cosmoline. I have saved good money by learning how to cut deals at gun shows and reduce my spending on ammunition. They taught me what the cheap calibers are as well as taught me about how to spot a ripoff. I also was taught how to deal with various malfunctions and issues that may arise. The lessons on personal safety are definitely priceless beyond value.

If any users use this site for information about potential purchases, or access the site from mobile media such as smart phones or WIFI capable ipods during gun shows or shopping, I'm particularly interested.

The last time I bought a gun, I gave my original thoughts in a thread and let people reply and give suggestions. The feedback and help I received definitely helped me make what I feel to have been a much better purchase than I would have done otherwise.

I would love it if anyone were willing to be interviewed about their use of THR, preferably via a video messaging service such as Skype. All interviews are for academic purposes, and anonymity will be maintained, all transcripts of the interviews will be destroyed after the research project is submitted. My article will NOT be published or read anywhere but in class at the University of North Texas. The interviews are a required portion of my research, and I assure you that it would take no more than 10 to 20 minutes of your time.

If Skype is free or otherwise very inexpensive, then I will definitely try to help you. Could you wait until the weekend?

Respond here with any questions, or if you wish to participate in the interviews, send me an email at [email protected], and include whatever messaging services you have at your disposal.

I want to participate, and I'll send you an email after class, homework, project meeting, and I get off work. Check at about 11 tonight.

Also if you don't feel like submitting to an interview, but wish to share information with me, feel free to post here or email me. Every little scrap of information helps me!

I'm willing to do an interview, or answer emailed questions to expand and elaborate upon what I've done here.

Daniel

We already know who you are, lol.

 

[sawdeanz]

I too am a college student who recently bought his first firearm after spending lots of time here learning. I'm the most knowledgeable on guns of all my friends, thanks to this site. This has allowed me to educate other people about safety or misconceptions. I've recently joined a few gun oriented clubs at my school, and despite my limited shooting experience they are impressed with how much I know. I wish that I had more than just book smarts regarding firearms, but growing up in an anti gun household this site provides me with a community that supports my interests.
I use the site to stay up to date on 2nd amendment issues, new products and firearms care and ideology. Sometimes I follow a thread even if I have no experience with half the technical terminology and subject, but it will eventually help me someday. I have also been influenced by various youtube personalities and people I know in real life, but THR gives me different perspectives to compare.
Also it can be fun, whether I am drooling over users gun pictures or reading about crazy gun shop banter.
I access it from my phone when I'm bored on the bus or want to check up on responces to my questions. I've been mostly a user, asking lots of questions and doing lots of searching, but now that I own a gun I'm hope I can contribute my own experiences here as well.

 

[Sniper66]

Many uses

Welcome Daniel, It is heartening to see young people with a keen interest in firearms. While I have been shooting and tinkering with guns for nearly 60 years (shot my first gun at age 5) I am new to the THR site and plan to be here for a long time. Even though I am relatively new to this site, I have learned a lot already...lots of little things, like the benefits of a Lyman Carbide Cutter, problems with neck-sizing, prices for different firearms, problems with certain firearms or reloading gear. Also use it for entertainment; it is fun to read others comments and stories. And, IT IS HUGE, to learn that there are so many of us out there. Our PC culture has attempted to drive gun people underground and this site can serve as protection for us. When it comes to this passion of ours, we have to stick together.

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

So sorry to hear this RC. Since my first days here, you have always been the most helpful and most knowledgeable poster here on THR. You info is always correct and given in a manor that even most novices understand. I have always had the utmost of respect for you........and now, even more. I hope the good Lord can someday give you the time to enjoy those past-times that now are only memories.

I must report that RCmodel is one of those 'honorary moderator-status members' in my book, that I mentioned in my last post in this thread. Every post I've ever read from him has been very worthwhile and helpful. He's chimed in on some of my threads too, and has been a great help!

 

[LiveLife]

How do you use the High Road?

Daniel, as many posted already, I consider THR as a consumer information center for gun related items. I regularly use the consumer review/rating information from websites such as Amazon before making my retail purchases and do the same with THR. If I was to purchase a firearm or equipment (and I have many times), I would do a search or browse the applicable forum categories and read the thread comments both positive or negative. When I Google for information, I will frequently see THR threads come up as search results. Often, comments I read will influence my purchase decisions. I use a smart phone and keep track of pertinent threads and communicate with other shooters/reloaders (more and more by texting) to disseminate new/useful information, especially good product/component sales to lower the cost of this hobby of shooting/reloading.

For the most part, I consider THR to be more objective and open than other gun forums. I have participated in other gun forums and consider THR to be a "gateway" gun forum, especially for those new to firearms or reloading, that is more conducive for "open discussion" where posters can freely post their comments whether positive or negative. You'll often see polled threads where surveys are conducted for members' consensus and members support/argue their voting positions. I see this "open discussion" as a healthy evidence of free speech on THR where moderators intervene only when necessary in line with forum rules and typically allow the open discussions to be maintained.

Sometimes in other "brand" specific forums, opinions and comments are "slanted" towards the brand and many posters may not be at liberty to make negative comments at the threat of posts being deleted or being banned from the forum (some moderators can be a bit "touchy" and tyrannical at times). I consider such action a form of censorship that may interfere with exchange of information between members/guests.

There certainly are many knowledgeable and experienced members on THR and often, many questions are answered and resolved with in-depth discussion in minutes. This "speed of internet" support is one of many consumer benefits along with a wealth of knowledge base that's available from THR. I have lurked for a while and learned a great deal and learn something new about the hobby on a weekly basis. Support threads such as What clever little things have you "invented or discovered" that you can share? is an invaluable mega-resource for reloaders to save not only time and hassle but money as well. I started a thread "Reloading equipment/components on sale" to alert other reloaders of opportunities to buy common reloading equipment/components at discounted prices consolidated in one convenient thread.

 

[mingansr]

ah, man, you came to do your study at a great place.

first of all, i am in total agreement with cyclopsshooter above (i just got a little political myself tonite).

and all these guys (and gals?) are, as you can see, fervent about their respect and admiration for this site. do your diligence, get the feel of their helpfulness and sage advice, and get an A+ on your project.

i bought my first pistol, a Springfield Armory XD 40sw. i bought it over a Glock and other pistols, because, for 439 plus tax and govt. check, i got to receive 3 extra mags and double mag holder. the dealer told me it was a nice pistol, with excellent customer service. so cool.

in a few days i discovered 'xdtalk.com', where i learned so many more things about my XD. one example is what they call a USA trigger (ultra safety something). i thought i had a dual action because of the dual-stage trigger, but learned that the pistol is a Single Action Only (SAO). and i learned many other things, why am i shooting high? i want to shoot POA/POI (point of aim = point of impact) but learned that model used the 'pumpkin on a post' sight picture. that's just two things. now i am gonna start reloading, and geez, the knowledge imparted is fantastic.

i found THR because of a suggestion from one of my xdtalkers. now i frequent both sites daily. and when i have a question, i post threads in both. i have great respect for everyone at both sites. life is good! isn't it tho?

AND CAN SOMEONE TELL ME HOW TO PUT A QUOTE IN MY POST? I'M 65, LOSING IT FAST, AND NEED HELP ON THAT ONE.

 

[rdsmith3]

I am new to firearms at the wise, mature age of 52. I have learned about the hardware (shotgun and handgun) and the software (how to think in a defensive situation). This site has been a valuable resource for me. I generally read it daily during the work week. I have learned a lot from this site.

I have occasionally accessed it on my iPhone using tapatalk.

 

[Agsalaska]

I will play. I only recently joined but i have lurked for years.

First- You can find a lot of useful information regarding odd cartridges. Everyone knows about the 30-06. I want to know about the 35 whelen, 6.5swede, 32-20, etc. And not just the wikipedia right up. Thats all fine and dandy but I want to hear from people with hands on experience. In fact a thread from THR influenced my last purchase(A Winchester M70 in 6.5Swede.)

Second-You can find real world articles regarding gun rights issues and gun issues in general, especially on the legal board

Third-It is a place to address problems and issues that I believe exist withink the gun community.



And finally, a friend of mine shot the biggest buck I have ever seen in Texas about 30 miles from Denton two years ago with a bow. There are some big deer between Fort Worth and Denton.

 

[SleazyRider]

Many, many people here---RCModel among them---have changed my way of thinking on myriad topics and issues. I am in their debt, but afraid I have relatively little to contribute in return.

Just try having some of these conversations at a local gun or sporting goods shop and you'll see why The High Road is so successful.

 

[bikerdoc]

^ this.

Again, the sociological concept of community with mentors or elders, passing forward, can only benefit our tribe.

 

[breeze010]

THR is such a valuable source of info for anything firearm related I don't even know where to start. I've picked up a lot of tips to improve trigger control, safety, accuracy, introducing new shooters, firearms history, reloading, etc...just about every related skill to be honest.

However what I get the most out of at THR is the genuine user feedback. Even the better sites/magazines aren't always unbiased when reviewing something and you're still usually only getting one person's opinion. When researching a new purchase other users' recommendations, detailed reviews, experiences, etc are invaluable. Sure you get the people that like to bash on something because it's made by brand x and not y or some keyboard warrior that has never shot much less owned the gun. But, especially here at THR, most of the information seems to be accurate and from first-hand experience...by far the best kind IMO.

Interesting project/research, looking at how the internet is changing society has been intriguing, especially the last few years. If you need an interview over skype feel free to PM me. Although I'm sure other members would have much more to offer if you're one short I'm happy being the last pick

 

[Highgate]

How do you use the High Road?

From now on, very, very carefully!

 

[cyclopsshooter]

Delete

 

[Anthropologystudent]

Thank you!

A great thank you to everyone, and an even greater apology to the moderators for the multiple posts. That won't be happening again.

I've been ill for several weeks, and haven't had much of an opportunity to hop on here and flap my gums much, but I have to say, the information y'all left me definitely helped me feel better.

Everyone, your input was invaluable! I learned some pretty amazing things, though I'm still looking for someone willing to be interviewed, email would be sufficient if other mediums aren't possible.

I'm fascinated with how everyone on this site has found a different set of uses for it, and furthermore, how friendly the users tend to be. As a younger person, I don't typically get the warmest of welcomes from many vendors at gun shows, or even the typical gun store. I admit that it discouraged me very little from growing my collection, but it was still disheartening. The crowd here on THR has proven to be informative and polite, and I look forward to more reading!

Does anyone on here access their site from mobile applications such as smart phones, Ipods, Ipads, etc?
And if so, how?
Examples might include looking up information on THR while considering purchases in stores or gun shows, using it to retrieve information in work or public scenarios, etc.

I promise I won't tell your boss if you're browsing the forums on your iphone at work, something tells me it happens more than anyone cares to admit.


Once again, a great thank you to everyone!

 

[thefamcnaj]

Does anyone on here access their site from mobile applications such as smart phones, Ipods, Ipads, etc?
And if so, how?
Examples might include looking up information on THR while considering purchases in stores or gun shows, using it to retrieve information in work or public scenarios, etc

Ive also used the forum via my smart phone at gun shows to read up on a product that I was considered buying. Some reviews encouraged me to carry on with my purchace while others helped save money on items that were not so good.thefamcnaj

I look at thr on breaks at work all the time, helps pass the day and not get caught up in what ever lame conversation is going on at break time.

 

[k-frame]

Does anyone on here access their site from mobile applications such as smart phones, Ipods, Ipads, etc?
And if so, how?

I just added Tapatalk to my iPad and it works very well. But I use a blackberry so that's a non-starter on the phone side.