Peer pressure...

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CZ52GUY

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Maybe it's because I clipped forty...

Maybe it's because I have a beautiful wife and daughter...and have a "strong sense of self"...

Maybe it's because I'm just plain independent...but I NEVER would buy a gun, or NOT buy one based on what my shooting buddies might think about it.

Would I ask what they thought? Probably, because their good folks and I'm interested in their opinions...but opinions based on substance not taste.

The autoloader fan seems to be more prone to brand/model loyalty than others, and less "tolerant" of brands/models that don't suit their fancy.

Am I the only one out here that buys what I want, when I want (as long as I have the $$$) and really couldn't give a hoot whether one of my shooting buddies would think less of me for doing so???

For autoloaders, I own:

Bulgarian Makarov
CZ-52
BDA-380
P95-DC
CZ-75B
Glock 22
Glock 23
SigPro 2009


I enjoy the variety...as I continue to build my collection, I expect to look for more variety, not more of the same...

I'm interested in hearing from other independent minded autoloader fans...and why others seem to feel intimidated about saying "gee, I bought a Glock & I like it" ... or "I'm coming out as a Ruger owner".

I'm amused by some who seem to post requests for permission, "I'm thinking of getting one of these...is it okay with y'all?"

What's the deal?

CZ52'
 
I'll don't like your guns. They are junk. Immediately send them to me, and I will help you reclaim your honor as a man.

Oh, I'll make sure they are put somewhere where you will never have to see them again. You don't need any reminders of your unwillingness to follow the crowd.

Stinger :evil:

ps. Send all mags, ammo, holsters, cleaning supplies, etc. I'll take care of those for you, too. :D
 
No, you must pay all shipping charges, it's part of your punishment.
I'm a nut, I know.

Seriously, though, I think that most people are looking for advice. They want to have a heads up on any problems to look for before making such a large investment.

But you cannot rule out the cool factor. If you can shoot well, and look cool, so much the better.

When I ask questions, I just want imput. I know there will be those who say "you want a 9mm, I wouldn't even trust a 9mm to effectively stop a mouse." I just ignore those statements, because sometimes you step in manure on the way to milk the cow.

Stinger :cool:
 
Advice vs. Permission

Oh I know, and I've posted the "what do you think of this?" or "has anyone got any experience with that" but there is a certain "stigma" surrounding certain autoloader brands and certain "mystique" that goes with owning others.

I'm 5-7 230, I'm unlikely to look "cool" with the "sexiest" gun out there, but if I enjoy shooting it...I could care less what the "cool guys" are shooting...I left that nonsense behind in high school...actually elementary school...actually, in Kid'...never mind ;) .

Best wishes and safe shooting,

CZ52'
 
CZ52,
Well I couldnt agree more with you on this subject. There are shooters who are proud, independent and have a good soul. There are sheople who have none of the above. Good thread and Shoot well..............


P.S. Was that an ok reply? I can change it if you want.....I mean I wouldnt want to hurt anyones feelings or anything....er....um....
And just to let you know I bought one of those Super Magnum Jennings!
Drum roll in the back ground, Cause the gun store guy, they are so nice and knowledgeable and they just tell me whats perfect for me...god it made it so easy....he said the Jennings was the greatest thing ever.
I know Mr. Jones will be envious..................................

:rolleyes: :D :scrutiny:

Ya I know.....go back to your corner and play with your shiny thing:uhoh:
 
PCRCCW

I'm having more fun reading these replies than any thread I started...and I belong to a lot of shooting forums...:p

You shoot well too, and safely...

CZ52'
 
i think THR is fortunate, in that the posters all offer their OPINIONS and rarely offer their input as hard fact. everything is based upon their own experiences, and the phrase "YMMV" is frequently used.

other communities display arrogance instead of valued input.
 
The stuff you see posted on this forum is the same stuff you hear at the gunshop and range. Everybody has their own opinions and ideas. We live in a dollar democracy and your dollars count just as much as mine. Shoot what you like and shoot it often.
 
And it helps to remember that this forum is designed to mentor new shooters as well as provide a place for experianced ones to mingle.

New shooters tend to ask questions. :)
 
Am I the only one out here that buys what I want, when I want

Of course not. But you do have odd taste...:neener:
 
I have purchased two guns based on my friend's encouragement. Both times I located a gun that I thought was a quality arm at a good price and wanted a trusted opinion. It was (not coincidentally) the same friend encouraging both times.

One of the above purchases was sort of funny in retrospect. I dragged my friend to a gun shop first thing on a Saturday morning to look at this gun I wanted. He examines the gun and handles it. He very unexcitedly comments that the gun is nice and well worth the asking price. After a bit of thought I purchase the gun and we get in the car to go home. My friend says, "One of us was going home with that gun today." Turns out I tested his ethics as he wanted the gun but also wanted provide the "consulting" for which I had brought him along.

This may not exactly fall under the criteria that CZ52GUY laid out, but it relates.
 
I've never worried about what people thought about me or my purchases.
I'm called or have been referred to by terms : having an attitude, old fashioned, hard-headed, rebel , relic or classic.

Thinking back to my first gun, a centerfire, in 1973 the most bought and used platforms have been 1911's and BHP's. K frames for wheelguns. So I have wandered in and out of what is in vougue...which I could give a hoot about. With 1911's, BHP's and K frames at the moment I'm a classic...tomorrow I may be called something I can't type here...I could care less. The most "modern" semi I have is a P-11, bought originally as a joke and to see if I could tear it up, I haven't , mine works, fills a niche. Within 5 posts of any polygun thread it will be despised, exalted, praised and cursed again...I really don't care, must be that attitude thingy...but aren't you supposed to have an attitude first in order to have a 'problem with an attitude?" ;)

Peer pressure, I've always seem to run with the crowd older than me, or people that seem to be centered enough not to really worry about peers. Maybe except to shake out heads at peers and call them stupid, or nowadays -sheeple.

Clipped Forty 'eh? I'm 48. I've coined a new acronym in shotguns. Not age, Not gender specific, but an attitude. Use of any platform is fine.

CWGs stands for Curmudgeons With Guns, Dave and I are members, figure we get enough members- Correia do us shirts and hats...something else to confuse and bedazzle the sheeple...:D
 
I doubt they are asking for permission, but more so seeing who has them and what they think about em. I mean, would you buy from the Czech Republic without knowing anything about their guns? I'd rather know what others have had, and for that matter, haven't had trouble with.
 
I search the FACTS and then I get what I want based on those facts. That's how I ended up with my Steyr. Judging by it's popularity I think most poeple would have told me not to get it but I got it anyway and have not been disappointed. I don't think I would ever buy a gun based on someones opinion without handling the gun myself.
 
I couldn't agree more about the value of good council, as well as the joy that good friends can bring.

I recently was at a shop where one of my shooting buddies gave me the ...either you buy it, or I will... with a wink, but he wasn't kidding.

I do not diminish those who come to forums like these that seek advice. I recently within the pages of this forum, requested assistance on an autoloader for my wife. I am greatful for the feedback I received.

In the end, the decision is made by the guy I see in the mirror in the morning, WITH regard to the information I've collected, but WITHOUT regard to how the decision will be received by those from whom I've sought advice.

I do not fear articulating my decisions, or feel that I need to defend them.

I seek advice, do research, make my decision, and live with it.

I value my friends, but I expect them to respect me as I do them.

Best wishes and Safe Shooting,

CZ52'

P.S. BTW, I did buy it, but I would have been just as happy to see him get it. It was a great deal (95% Glock 23 in original tupperware w/NS, 2-10 rd factory DF, 1-15 rd factory NDF, 1-15 rd factory DF...$575 OTD) I just couldn't pass it up on its merits.

P.P.S. I very much enjoy THR...it's a real breath of fresh air from some of the other shooting forums I frequent. The "peer pressure quotient" here as well as the "self importance factor" is signficantly reduced from the others...
 
Maybe it's because I clipped forty...
Click to expand...

:banghead: I'll be doing the same in a few months! :banghead: I wonder if I'll handle it w/ the same sense of humo you have! Great excuse to buy a new toy tho :cool:

Yeah, I try not to fall victim to peer pressure either. There are alot of guns out there that have huge followings. Me, I buy what I like. It has kept my collection smaller & more managable ;)
 
I like variety, too, having owned pistols from SIG, HK, CZ, S&W, Steyr, Colt, Dan Wesson, Springfield, and Kahr. I intend to get a Beretta someday, Walther, Browning Buckmark, and another CZ, and I wouldn't mind a Makarov (though I really, really, really want a PSM :evil: ). All have been fine weapons, and all have served me well, though I have sold some of them for various reasons.

The only pistol that I have consistently resisted is the Glock, though I will admit that the 26 and 33 have pulled to me a few times. I just think that they are too common and over-hyped, and I don't care for the companies policy of non-recall recalls and dishonesty with their customers. Sure, they make a fine weapon, but no better than Walther, SIG, HK, etc...
 
Congratulations!

...on the big 4-0.

I actually feel better than I did when I was in my early 30's. I'm probably healthier now, enjoying my vocation, and certainly enjoying my family (including my new daughter....5 months old).

My "hobby involvement" has increased in recent years with my brother-in-law's relocation to the area (gives me a terrific shooting buddy to share a common interest).

I don't feel any different...perhaps relieved...a whole year of people accusing me of fibbing "I really was 39":)

Glad to hear that you are among the "independent thinkers". A mind is a terrible thing to waste...as is the right of self-determination and the feeling of self-respect.

I never allocate to others the responsibility, accountability, or authority for that which I am responsible, accountable, or empowered to do...my hobby selections are merely one manifestation of a broader life-style philosophy.

Again, best wishes on your impending celebration!

CZ52'
 
All my friends know this. I buy based on what I like. If they don't like my choices, they know enough to bite their tongues around me. I have taken chances on guns rated by friends as junk (no, not Jennings or anything like that) and have been pleasantly surprised.
 
Hmmm...

Well, I've only owned Berettas, Glocks, SIGs, HK's, 1911's, Tanfoglios, Brownings, Rugers, Astras, Stars, Grendels, Mausers, Manurhins, and probably a dozen other brands. So, if it's not one of those, I won't buy it. ;)

(Although, truth be told, these days I am focusing on 1911's and S&W wheelguns, mostly because I want to stop horse-trading so much and try and seriously collect one or two types. Heck, just within those two categories there's enough variety to keep me busy and broke for the forseeable future. :D )
 
I bought a 24 karat gold plated Desert Eagle.

..so that tells you about how much I care about what others think of what I buy.







You can laugh now.

My dad had quite a bit of influence on my first handgun: a satin nickel CZ-75 in .40 caliber. It still shoots nice after nearly 1000 rounds through it.

-Tommy
 
While I'll solicit the thoughts of my friends and colleagues, including those here on THR, I'll base my purchase/carry decisions on my needs.
 
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