Not in my book they aren't!
Echo my sentiments, thanks.I understand what you're saying, and agree to a large extent, but I think we're talking apples and oranges a little bit.
Just because something is obsolete, doesn't mean it isn't still usable. The word "obsolete" I've noticed is controversial, and tends to bring about emotional reactions from some people (not directed at you Andy). I certainly don't mean it in any derogatory way. Even a flintlock is as deadly as it ever was, and I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of one.
For example, I was once talking to a collector and we were looking at a WWII jeep. I said something about them being obsolete and he took offense. No way, he said, they're still a great little vehicle, and good and useful as they ever were.
No argument there, but from a factual, practical, military perspective, the venerable old jeep is absolutely obsolete.
Obsolete: adjective 1. no longer produced or used; out of date
Fact- Front line bolt-action, infantry rifles are no longer produced or issued and used, by any major military force for their original purpose. By modern military standards, they are very much out of date. They are the very definition of obsolete, for that particular purpose. As much as I hate to say it, the same goes for flintlocks, cap-and-ball revolvers, and trapdoor Springfields, and any number of other firearms that I absolutely love to own and shoot. They're not obsolete for my purposes.
I once got into a similar disagreement by calling the M1 Garand obsolete. I have, well, more than one M1, and I'm a huge fan, but they are also absolutely, definitely obsolete for their original purpose. I still like them, and they're still a very effective, useful rifle, but the reality is that they are no longer produced or issued as a front line infantry rifle anywhere in the world in the 21st century. Why not? They're obsolete.
The 1911 is a little bit different. You would think it should be obsolete by now (and some Glock fans will insist that it is), but even by strict definition it is not. More 1911s are made now than ever. It's widely used not only by civilians, but it still has a presence in law enforcement in many places, and even a limited military role (I've been told). That's pretty impressive for a 110 year old design.
Modern bolt action hunting rifles, on the other hand, are absolutely not obsolete. They are widely produced and used for their intended purpose. Some may argue they're out of date, but that's pretty subjective, and you can't argue with production and usage. Some say that revolvers are obsolete. Well, maybe for military use, but otherwise heck no!
The word "obsolete" is pretty subjective in itself. You have to ask by what standard, and for what purpose? As Andy mentioned, for the Afghani hiding in a cave with his ratty WWI-era SMLE, that old rifle suits his needs for the moment and is quite useful. His cousin in the next village over is probably hammering out crude copies of it as we type!
Don't worry old mentality will keep that from happening. A semiauto can be just as accurate and people will still be saying its not accurate enough.
True. I think the term "obsolete" is often misunderstood. It doesn't mean useless, it only means no longer used for a specific purpose because there's something better.
Like saying hammers are obsolete for changing tires.
Yeah, once it's schit, it's chewed up, used up and dumped, there ain't much use for it.I love obsolete schitt.
All my schitt's obsolete.
Long as the wife says serviceableObsolete:
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It doesn't mean your gun is junk; it just means that it's not current military issue, to a modern army, anywhere in the world.
If a specialized bolt action rifle IS current issue, then by definition, that specialized bolt action rifle IS NOT obsolete. However, It's status as "not obsolete" does not affect your 1903 Springfield's status as "obsolete" for military service. It's not an insult, just a simple fact. The 1903 Springfield is still a great rifle, every bit as good as it ever was.
Shoot, I'm completely obsolete for military service, and I'm still pretty awesome! Right? Right??
