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It's interesting to me how the culture changes over time, not only national cultures, but group cultures, and sub-cultures within those cultures. What I've been pondering lately is just how "tactical" the firearm culture has become, with no sign of letting up.
Don't take me wrong; I'm not making any moral judgement about it. To each their own and that sort of thing. I certainly don't support increased gun control, and I have a "black rifle" or two (and even a Glock) myself. I'm also not a serious hunter, prepper, or "operator", so I'm just talking about casual hobby interest, not practical military, law enforcement, or survival use. I'm not a "Fudd".
Personally I was much more fascinated with ARs, AKs, and such 25 years ago. My tastes and interests have changes over the years. Now when I go to the range I'm more likely to grab the M1, 1894 Marlin, S&W 66, or some other obsolete blue-steel-and-walnut arm from last century or earlier, maybe even something that loads from the front. Again, nothing against more modern stuff; sometimes I grab the AR .300 Blackout.
What I'm getting at is how the culture (other than the Cowboy Action crowd) seems to have gone all "tactical", all the time. Everyone's a serious operator. Every gun is tactical, every gun shop is tactical, all the ammo and gear is tactical, all gun shop employees have tactical beards! Maybe I exaggerate a little, but sometimes I wonder if the word has lost its meaning. I groan a little every time I see an add for the latest tactical whatever...
Anyhow, no offense intended towards you all who love the tactical stuff. More power to you if that's your thing.
Don't take me wrong; I'm not making any moral judgement about it. To each their own and that sort of thing. I certainly don't support increased gun control, and I have a "black rifle" or two (and even a Glock) myself. I'm also not a serious hunter, prepper, or "operator", so I'm just talking about casual hobby interest, not practical military, law enforcement, or survival use. I'm not a "Fudd".
Personally I was much more fascinated with ARs, AKs, and such 25 years ago. My tastes and interests have changes over the years. Now when I go to the range I'm more likely to grab the M1, 1894 Marlin, S&W 66, or some other obsolete blue-steel-and-walnut arm from last century or earlier, maybe even something that loads from the front. Again, nothing against more modern stuff; sometimes I grab the AR .300 Blackout.
What I'm getting at is how the culture (other than the Cowboy Action crowd) seems to have gone all "tactical", all the time. Everyone's a serious operator. Every gun is tactical, every gun shop is tactical, all the ammo and gear is tactical, all gun shop employees have tactical beards! Maybe I exaggerate a little, but sometimes I wonder if the word has lost its meaning. I groan a little every time I see an add for the latest tactical whatever...
Anyhow, no offense intended towards you all who love the tactical stuff. More power to you if that's your thing.