Well said. Down here, "Armed Texas Style" is what we call somebody who owns 'just' a rifle, a pistol, & a shotgun. It's never mattered the brand or the round count, and there's nothing wrong with that! 🤠 👍👍
There's a lot of elitist snobbery or gatekeeper mentality in the gun world. I like quality firearms and "tactical" equipment just like everyone else, but the amount of money guys (especially younger guys on Reddit or Facebook) spend on body armor, night vision and other high speed stuff just so they can look cool online is ridiculous.
I agree with you. Every hobby and venture has gatekeeping. The Firearms community is no different. My issue comes when we push people away because they are casuals or they don't pass some arbitrary purity test to be a gun owner. Happy New Year.
@mrtlsimon Like how some gun snob who lives and breathes just to shit on someone who says they own a couple Taurus pistols, then you find out that snob only owns a single Colt pistol and a Ruger 10/22? 🤣
I only own 3 guns now. I decided I’m a shooter and not a collector. I held on to 3 1911 pistols and sold all my other weapons. Then I used that money to buy an exorbitant amount of ammunition that I could hardly use in my life time. I bought all kinds of 1911 springs and replacement parts. That’s all. I’m just a shooter. I can’t afford to be a shooter and a collector. Also, it was EXTREMELY painful for me to sell my collection!
@christophermead9800 It all depends on what you're collecting. I have what my wife refers to as "A Small Arsenal," but I shoot em all and frequently. 30 handguns, a few old shotguns, and 2 rifles. I refuse to own safe queens and dust collectors. 1/3 of my guns were used when I got em, and even if it's only got one magazine run through it, I'm not spending much more than $300 on it. You can get in good with some local gun nuts like myself and trade em too. There's always a way to have a good selection and still be able to afford the ammo. Three 1911 pistols is cool, but you lack some spice! 😁
I agree with you on 99% of your comments, great discuss. And a good example is the guys with other more important hobbies or a lot of people just can't not afford it, than they have other more important priorities in life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinionos about it. Regards from the Swiss Alps & Happy New Year 2025!
Very solid topic for discussion. I'd consider myself a casual shooter that goes to the range about 1-2 times per month, however, I am becoming a collector. I am on a bit of a tight budget and I have purchased quite a few inexpensive firearms overt the last few years. I have a Taurus G3C that I bought close to 3 years ago and I have about 1-2k rounds through with no major issues. I have a few rifles as well along with a Pioneer Arms AKM and it runs just fine for the few times per year I take it out to the range. I've also gathered enough ammo to last me for a few years. I sometimes cycle between hobbies and 2024 was definitely a good one for firearms.
Sometimes its better to have your peace than participate in GunTube! It's good you stay grounded. Some people get way too caught up (and bent out of shape) over internet drama.
Our arsenal is very modest, we basically have what we feel we need, plus a few firearms used for fun at the range, and a few that get one range visit a year...having membership, we see the range every week, although our ammo consumption has dropped a fraction...as seniors I don't see us acquiring too many more firearms, and our ammo supply is decent...you are on point about the vast number of people who have bought one firearm and one box of ammo in the past 10 years, they Might fire the weapon once, declare okay, and hide it in a drawer...we cannot curse those folks...! in their frame of mind they have protection, and that feeling is All they want...they don't hunt, don't plink, don't expect to fight the government, don't carry...they just want to be left peacefully alone, and that weapon is their insurance...this is the USA, that's cool...!! it is so easy to fall into the belief that gazillions of gun owners have huge collections, reload, and can shoot the wings off a gnat at 1,000 yards...no, it is the other way around...once again, don't belittle the casual gun owners, simply because you are 'trained' (training is good, but not the end-all), or own a $2,000 handgun (their $400 handgun runs just fine, thank you), or know the correct terminology (magazine, not clip...!!)...there are zero gaurentees in any of this, period...
I can appreciate both. I have polymer guns that cost 4 to 5 hundred dollars. I also have some 1911s ( my favorites) that range between 17 hundred to over 3 thousand. They all have their purpose.
Agree with you and your video. I am definitely in the non-casual portion of gun ownership, as are you. I don't really care if someone owns a Staccato, a Wilson, a Colt, or a Tisas bare bones model. If you have a collection of over 100 collectible firearms, or are a "casual" shooter, you are still one of us. What's really the issue is lack of involvement and participation in the 2A fight. Even among the "gun enthusiasts", there is a casual involvement in active participation in defending the 2nd Amendment. Many will spend thousands on guns and ammo, maybe even some training classes, but won't drop a measly 30-50 bucks to join a pro 2A organization. They will spend countless hours watching videos about guns, or posting on forums, but won't volunteer a few hours to get involved, as they are "too busy". Great content as usual. Happy New Year to you and your family, and I look forward to watching you in 2025!!
When freinds and family come to me and ask what pistol to buy on a budget for casual self defense (100 rounds per year or less), I still suggest they buy a used glock or m&p for around $350. The $100 dollar increase over a sccy, high point, or Taurus is worth it. Also, please no tiny guns for the casual users. Nevertheless, they often come home with a turqouise LCP 380 saying "it's beautiful"!!
Good vid! Buy what you can afford! Test its reliability! If you have to use it if that time ever comes…… you can trust it! Remember of the topic….. Ranger bass boats are the best!!!!!!
I don't ever shoot. I just traded for a Rossi 92 45lc and I probably won't shoot 20 rounds through it this year, 2025. I have quite a few guns, mostly old rifles made by Winchester and Marlin, a few semiautomatic pistols and a couple ar rifles. I'm just a regular guy that likes guns.
It's funny here in Wyoming where we enjoy relaxed gun laws that I don't meet a lot of people out shooting and practicing. Most seem to focus on hunting and have a pistol they keep somewhere, and maybe even have a good sized collection of firearms. U just don't see or hear a proportionally large number of people shooting outside of town. Yeah, population is low. But you can just drive 1 mile in any direction and have a "gun range" to yourself here.
I took the bait on a PSA gf5 think we talked about it on one of your videos. I sent it in to PSA they replaced trunnion, bolt, carrier and barrel. If I can get 10k out of it I’m cool with it. I wanted a beater tool and if there’s a bump in the night I’d rather lose my PSA compared to my vepr. PSA via email said the bolt was out of spec. I thought by now PSA being on the gen 5 would be somewhat on par with a WASR but who knows maybe PSA fixed the issues and it’ll run. Again I just wanted it as a beater gun and really to test PSA
Actually a really good topic of discussion, i feel ive mentioned it a time or two though unsure if Ive ever bothered making a dedicated video Solid sub from me, One gun channel to another
@gunsgonewilder5058 My wife knows that a safe full of handguns are like having a safe full of gold bars. They're easily traded, sold,and bundled for big deals. She also likes being able to choose a different carry option to match the mood just like me. 😁
Interesting point of view. Black Polymer striker fired pistols, fill in the blank... had better be reliable today. The manufacturing processes are refined to produce adequate products. In my day, I remember big thick pencils and big pink or Art Gum erasers used on paper with lines a 1/2 inch tall. Did and do they still meet the functional objective? Today some of us like a nice writing pen, say a Montblanc or Watches... Timex it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Uh no for me. Casio G Shock. I'm a watch poor. I see what your doing here. I applaud the creativity of UTUBr's. You do what you have to do on your journey. Everyone's got their own path to follow on learning about what excites them. I find it interesting views of trash vs. treasure. Lets face it in ANY industry there are quality products and companies. At the same time there are the wannabe's that are out to make a buck. Discernment. It is a tough path and learning curve for a lot of folks. Good Topic.
I have three pistols (9mm) because I am handicapped, I have one arm and hand working from a stroke and I don't buy cheap firearms because I have a wife and a dog that I protect, I have a 92x, PPQ and another Beretta.
It's no different than watches and mechanic tools. There are the Rolex and Snap-On customers and then Casio and HF buyers. Guns, tools.... they all work. I know a few "gun nuts" with an Staccatos and such and it's their hobby. But as you mentioned - Most gun owners shoot a few times (if any) a year and that's it. Good video!
Agreed on the AK thought process..........I love them, have many. Started back when they were reasonable and everywhere. I would absolutely HATE to be a new guy with the AK bug. Stuff has gotten crazy.......paying the same price for a used Saiga 74 or Vepr that I would pay for an HK 416/Mr556 or LMT? Hell no. They are great guns.....but from someone who has built them, had many over the years, if I had the choice I would go with a Knights or LMT for that money. I'm not chomping at the bit for one of those either lol.........but damn man. These prices have wrecked what used to be a really fun hobby and subculture within the gun community for the newbie AK nerd. I reall feel sorry for them....I do.
Well said. I completely agree. Some channels are out here basically saying if you don’t own an Arsenal or a Rifle Dynamics AK you ain’t sh!t. So people will look for alternatives and that’s when PSA and Century will start to look good for them.
I see the point in buying expensive handguns. It's difficult and/or expensive to make a cheap hangun an awesome gun. Glocks and Sigs are exceptions since everybody makes aftermarket parts for them. However, I see no point in buying expensive AR-15's. You can take a sub $500 AR15, replace it with premium parts, save a lot of money, and have a awsome rifle. If the gun has universal parts that I can upgrade, I buy cheap and upgrade parts as needed. If not, then I buy expensive guns.
I would argue that shooting 500 or a thousand a year the pistol or rifle may last a few life times because the heat required to wear out a barrel or the parts may not reach enough to wear them out. But I just wanted to post saying your videos are awesome.
If they could talk, maybe ninety percent of my odds and ends would say I'm a casual shooter, lol. We probably lean towards favorites. I think the casual shooter is a positive. They have a likely different mindset than the anti twoAer, and of course they can vote. For me, hunting season and the lower temps cut range time way back, but there might be a little predator calling, and spring varmint isn't that far off. Time for the little off season projects, and I made a resolution to bump up the dry fire practice. Lol, can't get enough of this stuff, enjoy your videos.
Montana entering the chat...same up here as Wyoming, though more active all over the state. You can reasonably assume that wherever you go, even church, a fair proportion will be packing. Obscure/nondescript properties that you see in the area or on the highway usually have a small storage shed - which holds thousands of rounds. An armed society is a polite society. 🇺🇲💪👍⛰️🌲🤠
Well said. Down here, "Armed Texas Style" is what we call somebody who owns 'just' a rifle, a pistol, & a shotgun. It's never mattered the brand or the round count, and there's nothing wrong with that! 🤠 👍👍
There's a lot of elitist snobbery or gatekeeper mentality in the gun world. I like quality firearms and "tactical" equipment just like everyone else, but the amount of money guys (especially younger guys on Reddit or Facebook) spend on body armor, night vision and other high speed stuff just so they can look cool online is ridiculous.
You mean what they lead people to believe that they bought.....
Depending on where someone lives. A nite vision monocular/binocular can be practical.
@@BillHunclebuncle "I'm a peeper" 🤣🤣🤣
I agree with you. Every hobby and venture has gatekeeping. The Firearms community is no different. My issue comes when we push people away because they are casuals or they don't pass some arbitrary purity test to be a gun owner. Happy New Year.
Exactly. Happy New Year to you sir 🤠
@mrtlsimon Like how some gun snob who lives and breathes just to shit on someone who says they own a couple Taurus pistols, then you find out that snob only owns a single Colt pistol and a Ruger 10/22? 🤣
I only own 3 guns now. I decided I’m a shooter and not a collector. I held on to 3 1911 pistols and sold all my other weapons. Then I used that money to buy an exorbitant amount of ammunition that I could hardly use in my life time. I bought all kinds of 1911 springs and replacement parts. That’s all. I’m just a shooter. I can’t afford to be a shooter and a collector. Also, it was EXTREMELY painful for me to sell my collection!
@christophermead9800 It all depends on what you're collecting. I have what my wife refers to as "A Small Arsenal," but I shoot em all and frequently. 30 handguns, a few old shotguns, and 2 rifles. I refuse to own safe queens and dust collectors. 1/3 of my guns were used when I got em, and even if it's only got one magazine run through it, I'm not spending much more than $300 on it. You can get in good with some local gun nuts like myself and trade em too. There's always a way to have a good selection and still be able to afford the ammo. Three 1911 pistols is cool, but you lack some spice! 😁
I agree with you on 99% of your comments, great discuss.
And a good example is the guys with other more important hobbies or a lot of people just can't not afford it, than they have other more important priorities in life.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinionos about it.
Regards from the Swiss Alps & Happy New Year 2025!
And a Happy New Year to you my friend. I love your country’s chocolate and watches 🤠
Very solid topic for discussion. I'd consider myself a casual shooter that goes to the range about 1-2 times per month, however, I am becoming a collector. I am on a bit of a tight budget and I have purchased quite a few inexpensive firearms overt the last few years. I have a Taurus G3C that I bought close to 3 years ago and I have about 1-2k rounds through with no major issues. I have a few rifles as well along with a Pioneer Arms AKM and it runs just fine for the few times per year I take it out to the range. I've also gathered enough ammo to last me for a few years. I sometimes cycle between hobbies and 2024 was definitely a good one for firearms.
Sometimes its better to have your peace than participate in GunTube!
It's good you stay grounded. Some people get way too caught up (and bent out of shape) over internet drama.
Our arsenal is very modest, we basically have what we feel we need, plus a few firearms used for fun at the range, and a few that get one range visit a year...having membership, we see the range every week, although our ammo consumption has dropped a fraction...as seniors I don't see us acquiring too many more firearms, and our ammo supply is decent...you are on point about the vast number of people who have bought one firearm and one box of ammo in the past 10 years, they Might fire the weapon once, declare okay, and hide it in a drawer...we cannot curse those folks...! in their frame of mind they have protection, and that feeling is All they want...they don't hunt, don't plink, don't expect to fight the government, don't carry...they just want to be left peacefully alone, and that weapon is their insurance...this is the USA, that's cool...!! it is so easy to fall into the belief that gazillions of gun owners have huge collections, reload, and can shoot the wings off a gnat at 1,000 yards...no, it is the other way around...once again, don't belittle the casual gun owners, simply because you are 'trained' (training is good, but not the end-all), or own a $2,000 handgun (their $400 handgun runs just fine, thank you), or know the correct terminology (magazine, not clip...!!)...there are zero gaurentees in any of this, period...
Good video yes I'm a gun doofus glad to be part of the crew keep the content coming Happy New Year sir! Epic Breitling sweet pick up.
And a Happy New Year to you sir🤠
I can appreciate both. I have polymer guns that cost 4 to 5 hundred dollars. I also have some 1911s ( my favorites) that range between 17 hundred to over 3 thousand. They all have their purpose.
Yep 🤠
Agree with you and your video. I am definitely in the non-casual portion of gun ownership, as are you. I don't really care if someone owns a Staccato, a Wilson, a Colt, or a Tisas bare bones model. If you have a collection of over 100 collectible firearms, or are a "casual" shooter, you are still one of us. What's really the issue is lack of involvement and participation in the 2A fight. Even among the "gun enthusiasts", there is a casual involvement in active participation in defending the 2nd Amendment. Many will spend thousands on guns and ammo, maybe even some training classes, but won't drop a measly 30-50 bucks to join a pro 2A organization. They will spend countless hours watching videos about guns, or posting on forums, but won't volunteer a few hours to get involved, as they are "too busy".
Great content as usual. Happy New Year to you and your family, and I look forward to watching you in 2025!!
Thanks for watching as always sir and a very Happy New Year to you and your family 🤠
When freinds and family come to me and ask what pistol to buy on a budget for casual self defense (100 rounds per year or less), I still suggest they buy a used glock or m&p for around $350. The $100 dollar increase over a sccy, high point, or Taurus is worth it. Also, please no tiny guns for the casual users. Nevertheless, they often come home with a turqouise LCP 380 saying "it's beautiful"!!
Exactly this. This is 100% dead on. 🤠
@tnsteel Maynardville here. Agreed SCCY are super sketch, DiamondBack too, but it's the nature of the tiny pistol.
Good vid! Buy what you can afford! Test its reliability! If you have to use it if that time ever comes…… you can trust it! Remember of the topic….. Ranger bass boats are the best!!!!!!
I don't ever shoot. I just traded for a Rossi 92 45lc and I probably won't shoot 20 rounds through it this year, 2025. I have quite a few guns, mostly old rifles made by Winchester and Marlin, a few semiautomatic pistols and a couple ar rifles. I'm just a regular guy that likes guns.
He’ll Yeah Brother 🤠
9mm, 38 revolver, 380 pocket pistol and shotgun. You, sir, are absolutely correct!
Exactly and they have probably served you very well over the years.
Beware the old man who owns just one rifle.
Yep 🤠
I agree with that. I used to be one of those guys, when I couldn’t afford better guns and more ammo.
Yep. Me too. 🤠
With the ammo being so expensive I try to get my sight in done at 50 rounds or less and I'm outta there, and that's with any caliber.
It's funny here in Wyoming where we enjoy relaxed gun laws that I don't meet a lot of people out shooting and practicing. Most seem to focus on hunting and have a pistol they keep somewhere, and maybe even have a good sized collection of firearms. U just don't see or hear a proportionally large number of people shooting outside of town. Yeah, population is low. But you can just drive 1 mile in any direction and have a "gun range" to yourself here.
Yep
I'm here in Wyoming-
I actually hear shooting about 5 out of 7 days a week. I love the sound of freedom.
@ hell yeah. There is nothing like the sound of freedom 🤠
I took the bait on a PSA gf5 think we talked about it on one of your videos. I sent it in to PSA they replaced trunnion, bolt, carrier and barrel. If I can get 10k out of it I’m cool with it. I wanted a beater tool and if there’s a bump in the night I’d rather lose my PSA compared to my vepr. PSA via email said the bolt was out of spec. I thought by now PSA being on the gen 5 would be somewhat on par with a WASR but who knows maybe PSA fixed the issues and it’ll run. Again I just wanted it as a beater gun and really to test PSA
Actually a really good topic of discussion, i feel ive mentioned it a time or two though unsure if Ive ever bothered making a dedicated video
Solid sub from me, One gun channel to another
Thanks man. I dig your channel too. Been watching for a while. 🤠
@wyominggunproject Solid!
Excellent video. Very valid points. Subbed..👍
Thanks man 🤠
Citizen eco drive here, have a few and feel no desire to expand the collection.
My wife would prefer I were a “casual”😂
That would take away from ‘her’ extra money that you deprived her from having, even if she never mentioned this fact. Have you no shame?
@gunsgonewilder5058 My wife knows that a safe full of handguns are like having a safe full of gold bars. They're easily traded, sold,and bundled for big deals. She also likes being able to choose a different carry option to match the mood just like me. 😁
Mine Too 🤣🤣🤣
😅i think many more people in the last 10 years own 7 to 10 guns. I know a number who fit this category.
You better get you some Keltech’s! Them things are da bees knees!!!! I have like 12! I trust my life with them!
Kel-Tech is da best 🤣
Interesting point of view. Black Polymer striker fired pistols, fill in the blank... had better be reliable today. The manufacturing processes are refined to produce adequate products. In my day, I remember big thick pencils and big pink or Art Gum erasers used on paper with lines a 1/2 inch tall. Did and do they still meet the functional objective? Today some of us like a nice writing pen, say a Montblanc or Watches... Timex it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Uh no for me. Casio G Shock. I'm a watch poor. I see what your doing here. I applaud the creativity of UTUBr's. You do what you have to do on your journey. Everyone's got their own path to follow on learning about what excites them. I find it interesting views of trash vs. treasure. Lets face it in ANY industry there are quality products and companies. At the same time there are the wannabe's that are out to make a buck. Discernment. It is a tough path and learning curve for a lot of folks. Good Topic.
Ok. Now you've got to wear the high-end watch out in the snow when shooting 500 rounds through your best AK.
🤣🤣🤣
I have three pistols (9mm) because I am handicapped, I have one arm and hand working from a stroke and I don't buy cheap firearms because I have a wife and a dog that I protect, I have a 92x, PPQ and another Beretta.
Some very solid choices on those pistols.
It's no different than watches and mechanic tools. There are the Rolex and Snap-On customers and then Casio and HF buyers. Guns, tools.... they all work. I know a few "gun nuts" with an Staccatos and such and it's their hobby. But as you mentioned - Most gun owners shoot a few times (if any) a year and that's it. Good video!
Exactly 👍🏻
Agreed on the AK thought process..........I love them, have many. Started back when they were reasonable and everywhere. I would absolutely HATE to be a new guy with the AK bug. Stuff has gotten crazy.......paying the same price for a used Saiga 74 or Vepr that I would pay for an HK 416/Mr556 or LMT? Hell no. They are great guns.....but from someone who has built them, had many over the years, if I had the choice I would go with a Knights or LMT for that money. I'm not chomping at the bit for one of those either lol.........but damn man. These prices have wrecked what used to be a really fun hobby and subculture within the gun community for the newbie AK nerd. I reall feel sorry for them....I do.
Well said. I completely agree. Some channels are out here basically saying if you don’t own an Arsenal or a Rifle Dynamics AK you ain’t sh!t. So people will look for alternatives and that’s when PSA and Century will start to look good for them.
I see the point in buying expensive handguns. It's difficult and/or expensive to make a cheap hangun an awesome gun. Glocks and Sigs are exceptions since everybody makes aftermarket parts for them. However, I see no point in buying expensive AR-15's. You can take a sub $500 AR15, replace it with premium parts, save a lot of money, and have a awsome rifle. If the gun has universal parts that I can upgrade, I buy cheap and upgrade parts as needed. If not, then I buy expensive guns.
I would argue that shooting 500 or a thousand a year the pistol or rifle may last a few life times because the heat required to wear out a barrel or the parts may not reach enough to wear them out. But I just wanted to post saying your videos are awesome.
I agree and thanks man
If they could talk, maybe ninety percent of my odds and ends would say I'm a casual shooter, lol. We probably lean towards favorites. I think the casual shooter is a positive. They have a likely different mindset than the anti twoAer, and of course they can vote.
For me, hunting season and the lower temps cut range time way back, but there might be a little predator calling, and spring varmint isn't that far off. Time for the little off season projects, and I made a resolution to bump up the dry fire practice. Lol, can't get enough of this stuff, enjoy your videos.
I own more than 30, and casual is my favorite dress! 😂
🤣
So, if you need another gun safe are you still a casual?😂
Definitely not 🤣
Sketchy guys wear brightening haha.
It’s true 🤣🤣🤣
Montana entering the chat...same up here as Wyoming, though more active all over the state. You can reasonably assume that wherever you go, even church, a fair proportion will be packing. Obscure/nondescript properties that you see in the area or on the highway usually have a small storage shed - which holds thousands of rounds. An armed society is a polite society. 🇺🇲💪👍⛰️🌲🤠