People trying to "look cool" with their setups?

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newbie4help

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I notice this a lot when I go to the range. People with no real marksmanship skill or military experience shooting expensive guns with all kinds of cool-looking accessories. Example: I recently saw a group of guys with a desert-camo AR with holo sights, foregrips, collapsible stock, the works. These guys were clearly not military/police. Would not surprise me if that entire rig was over $1500. They could easily have bought an AK or SKS, or even just used a good .22 or a hunting rifle. And ditch the useless optics!

If they just wanted to shoot for fun they could do so at about a tenth the total cost and have the same or better experience.

I also see people at the store buying these extremely expensive, military grade optics. What for? Just buy a 1.5x zoom scope! Or use the iron sights!

Am I wrong to kinda roll my eyes at these people? I should note these people are in the minority - most people are hunting types looking to practice or just people who enjoy the sport of shooting.
 
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The Idiotus Recreationus commonly referred to as the mall ninja or range ninja is commonly found at social gathering places of shooters and non shooters alike. They come equipped with a tacitcool thigh holster and some sort of black rifle. They believe that they can buy skills. I actually like them. :) more money into the firearm community
 
To them, maybe the very appearance is part of the shooting fun. It's their money, and they're harming no-one else, so I just don't look.

(I couldn't comment on their appearance anyway - according to my adult daughter, some of my style choices legally prohibit me from doing so.)
 
Is that sarcasm :-/

I'm not discounting people who are true collectors or super experienced shooters. But these are people who don't really look like they know much more than the 14 year old girl learning to shoot with her dad! Doesn't it make sense to start with a beginner setup until you really know what you're doing, rather than spending thousands of dollars to look like Jack Bauer?

I guess it's kind of like a ferrari. Yes, for some people it's credible. But so many people driving ferraris aren't car collectors, and are just compensating for something and trying to look awesome, without really having the skill to back it up.
 
Some folks just like to have the cool stuff.

It's easy to go over $1500 on an AR. As it sits here, I have about that much invested in my carbine and it's almost as simple as you get
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I know I am messed up in the head but I enjoy my guns at home just looking at them and holding them just as much as shooting them. I know what you mean though. I do buy guns on looks and feel first.
 
If they just wanted to shoot for fun they could do so at about a tenth the total cost and have the same or a better experience.

Am I wrong to kinda roll my eyes at these people?
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Yes, probably. As long as they're not being unsafe I really don't see an issue. By that line of logic we should all drink wine out of Dixie cups. :)
 
You are wrong for rolling your eyes. No one tells you what kind of fun is approved for you to have and what isn't. You're wrong for thinking that you can judge others for what they find fun. Their experience or ability is irrelevant. In the United States, "because I felt like it" is all the reason anyone needs. And it's a good enough reason for you too. Enjoy your fun, let them enjoy theirs. Keep those eyes on your front sight and not on other's guns. You'll shoot better.
 
Who are YOU to judge? What's on your ORB or ERB or DD214?

It seems there is too much eye rolling from people on this forum, especially since this forum is in the spirit of taking the high road and not badgering others who share the same basic enjoyment of firearms.

It's none of anyone's business how I shoot as long as I am not a danger to them. Jeans and T-shirt or full kit with helmet and drop leg - who cares?
 
As a machinist, tinker, and old fan of Legos, a good bit of the fun is in assembling the thing.

You're free to roll your eyes, but I'm free to put on whatever I feel like for one of two purposes: 1) It's useful or 2) it makes me laugh.

If they can't make use of something and can't giggle about it, it's their personal problem. Roll your eyes where they can't see and leave them to it.
 
Putting a quality sighting system on an AR is no different than putting one on a good hunting rifle or good tires on your truck.
At some time we all learn to shop around and then try to get just a little better than we can afford. I am rarely disappointed with purchases this way, if some of that is "military quality" then so be it, the last dozen yrs have proven the worth of a lot of equipment in the shooting and outdoor arena.
 
Gee, I hope you don't see me, I have a Hi-Point carbine full of bling.
Your eyes would probably roll out of their socket.
 
Would you rather they all dress exactly like you and shoot the exact same guns, while talking and walking just like you? (I'm rollin' my eyes)

Odds are if a 22 year old hot female hardbody wearin' nuttin' else but a coupla tactical thigh holsters and a bandolier walked onto the range carrying an AR with 19 gadgets on the rails you'd have no complaints at all. Am I right?
 
Am I wrong to kinda roll my eyes at these people?
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Yup!

But..its your privilege...just as it is theirs to outfit themselves as they see fit.

We don't have to be practical in the United States (thank goodness) just legal.
 
Am I wrong to kinda roll my eyes at these people?
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It's none of your business what they do with their money.

Actually, you're coming across as being a bit envious that they have that much discretionary income. Not saying you are, but that's the way you sound.

But you've inspired me to break out my AR (S&W M&P 15 PC) w/Leupold 6X18 target scope and head to the range. Maybe I'll see you there. ;)
 
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