Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Leaving for a While

To all,<P>It's time for me cool my participation in the forums. I started posting on Shooters in either May or June of 1997. I came the Campfire with the big migration (like a lemming). Periodically, flame wars start and the mix of posters changes. This will never change.<P>The rifle weight thread surprisingly turned into a heated discussion. Heated discussions are nothing new. Usually, the topics are: M-700 vs M-70, CRF vs Push Feed, Leupold vs German scopes, adequacy of the 243 for deer, adequacy of the 270 for elk, premium bullets vs conventional bullets, etc. These heated discussions usually arise when posters resort to using emotion and belittle other posters, whether directly or indirectly. The indirect approach is often used, because then the "attacker" can always say "I never called you a ______," while it's obvious to everyone that's what they meant.<P>What was surprising about the rifle weight discussion is the way a couple of guys tried to shut down my views. They immediately went after my credibility, called me names, etc. They would never even "agree to disagree." They just couldn't stand it that I had thought things through, had experience to back it up, but came to a different conclusion than they. They couldn't seem to see the difference between debating the topic logically and attacking my credibility emotionally. Well, you all saw it.<P>Now I am not opposed to an intense discussion, as long as it focuses on the topic. In fact, I like those discussions. I have often found that conventional wisdom is flat wrong, and I LOVE to debunk those myths. Many of you have seen me do this. I usually find myself DEFENDING something someone else has attacked. I also try to avoid criticizing another man's choice. I FULLY understand what works for one man doesn't always work for another.<P>I don't know what kind of guys Big Sky and Sitka are. They are probably fine gentlemen in their everyday lives, and maybe it's just me they have a problem with (which is okay). Regardless, their behavior toward me in that thread illustrated the worst kind of narrow-minded, emotional blindness. Their interaction with me represented everything I strive NOT to do. It was hard NOT to get drawn into responding in kind, and in fact, I wasn't entirely successful.<P>Now obviously, I am a big boy and can handle these kinds of posts just fine. The big question, is why should I? What can I possibly gain? I can only lose in these situations. "When you wrestle with a pig, both you and the pig get dirty but the pig enjoys it." I admit I've been the pig a few times myself.<P>My approach is this. I do not consider myself an expert. Although I started hunting 30 years ago and have harvested a few animals, I haven't had 30 years of continuous hunting experience, so I think of myself as a "sophomore" level hunter. I do have more shooting experience--probably call me a first semester "junior" there.<P>What I do well is simple: I keep track of the things I do. (You don't survive as a USAF pilot for 17+ years if you don't. Crud, you couldn't survive ONE year.) I take notes. I try things to see if conventional wisdom and/or what I have heard is correct. I compare my results with what others have done. I develop conclusions, and then pick what works best for ME. I'm also willing to share what I've found. <P>Now I AM NOT looking for sympathy, an apology, or even agreement from anyone. None of that is necessary or wanted. What's done is done. And I am ABSOLUTELY tired of defending myself. However, whether it's Big Sky and Sitka today, or AFP and E4E tomorrow, SOMEONE will always be the blowhard, the attacker, the ridiculer, the belittler. This will never end. <P>Let's face it, these topics we are so heatedly debating are minuscule when compared with the real issues of our life and time. People are going to Hell and happy about it. The Chinese are becoming an national security threat. The liberals want to force us into a socialist society and need to take away our guns to do so. The enviro-whackos believe trees and critters are more important than people, and kids are killing each other in our schools.<P>If I am going to get spun up and rip somebody's heart out, it needs to be over an issue that's worth it. Not something like my carrying a heavier rifle in the mountains. I love to talk to talk about hunting and shooting topics, but it will now be via e-mail. Drop me a line at painterbyta.attmil.ne.jp<P>Blaine

AFP,<P>You can always blame me for starting the thread in the first place as one individual did <P>You and I don't always agree on things - especially scopes but I don't recall you ever trying to jamb your opinion down my throat. You stated your opinions and facts as you gathered them and so did I, thats what makes it interesting. As far as these personal attacks, some people feel better about themselves for attacking others, they are "different" I guess. <P>Like yourself I enjoy a good debate - as long is it doesn't get personal. <P>Hopefully one day you will return to this campfire. I will be the first to buy you a cold one <P>I hope you like root beer as I don't drink or have any booze. <P>Be well, peace <P>Don <P>P.S. As I stated when I started the thread I also like a heavier rifle

AFP, I am sad about your departure. I do see your point, of course. I have enjoyed your posts a lot. Best wishes on your upcoming move -- I already have your email. When I need rifle advice, you are one of the first I'll ask, even if you do have a fetish for bores the size of my garden hose. Best wishes to your family.<P>Talus

Blaine, sorry to hear that you are checking out for a time. I guess those of us who do not live in Montana or Alaska and are simple "THEORISTS" will have to leave this site and find another. It's obvious that our lack of "experience" just cannot be tolerated among the noble and great MontAskan hunters whose superior skills must be obvious to all and for those of us that it is not obvious to, the great and mighty MontAskan hunters will certainly let us know of our lowly station among the hunting elite. Ohhh how I long for the great knowledge and experience that must come from living in "Big Sky's" country, or the challenge and experience and mighty lessons learned by hunting the legendary "Sitka Deer". Alas, I unfortunately live in a part of America where even our mountains must pale in comparison to the lowly foothills of the land of MontAska. But I guess I am stuck hunting here in Utah among the small, flat Wasatch mountains and unfortunately, I will never have the great knowledge and experience that can only come to those who hunt MontAska.

AFP,<P>Boy, I hadn't even read that thread, until you pointed it out here. That sure seemed ugly. <P>Anyhow, I guess you'll be able to concentrate on getting your family back to Texas now. Maybe you can stop back after your all settled in?<P>Take it easy! Keep the shiny side up, and the greasy side down! (At least until you trade flying "dumpsters" for a plane with a stick )<P>------------------<BR>Brian<BR><A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/bw_99835/" TARGET=_blank>The 416 Taylor WebPage!</A>

Blaine, <P>Thanks for your input, I consider your posts most enlightning. I'll drop you an e-mail on my 6.5mm project, I'm sure I will need help. <P>Its amazing to me that certain folks seem to have the uncanny ability to know exactly what is the right way and wrong way to perform some task. To me, right or wrong does not exist in these instances, but ones preference surely does. <P>Shoot well, live well and may the G-Forces be with you.<P>~rossi~

I, too, shall miss your imput. I've always enjoyed your posts. I really appreciate your taking the time to explain how you came to your conclusions. E

Blaine, give it some time and let it roll like water on a ducks back. I respect your opinion and knowledge. Some of these guys would argue about what equip should go in a backpack with a guy who climbed Mt Everest three times. We only have "hills" here in TN but if I ever go elk or sheep hunting it will be with my Ruger #1 in 30-06. It's what I like to shoot and carry. To show how "stupid" I am in some "experts" eyes, topped with a B&L 4200 I don't even KNOW what the damn thing weighs! It's my hunting rifle, if I want to hunt something, it goes with me. What a rookie, eh? Ha! May you always have a strong tailwind. Don't be gone long, Phil.

Blain,<P>I finally read through that last thread, and also was amazed. I know sitka dear, and he is opinionated, but that all seemed uncharicteristic. Perhaps I need to re-evaluate. Your post here makes extreemly good points. If it isn't fun, or usefull, time to move on. Please believe that not all alaskans are as 'sure' of themselves as that last thread seemed. I learned alot, but will continue to carry my r700 bdl with variable scope into the mountains, as often as I am able. I hope you are able to continue doing things your way also, happy trails.<P>John

J. Calhoun,<P>Shush, if you even hint that your rifle weighs more than six pounds and that you have the audacity to consider hunting with it, the real expert(just ask them)Alaskan hunters will run you out on a rail. For shame. LOL

Blaine: Sorry you're headed out, but I also appreciate your reasoning. Always enjoyed getting your thoughts. Hope you have time to stop back this way when you can. Warm regards, Rex

Well, Blaine, it's too bad that they drove you off. As you say, each to their own. We may (will) not always agree on everything, but that's ok. Unfortunately, not everybody realizes that. See you when you come back. Best wishes.

I'm sorry to see you go, even if you do prefer Remingtons.:d I hope you'll come back some time.

Blaine, I am also sorry to see a thread turn ugly like that one did. Thats the reason I avoid getting into ****ing contests, especially upwind. IMHO, people get too emotional about certain topics, inject a little self-righteousness into their opinions and become outraged when someone disagrees with them. Its unfortunate that things like this happen. Remember the knock-down, drag-em-outs on Sh**ter's? If I become embroiled in a no-win situation like that, its time to move on, whether its on to another thread or time to cool your heels awhile is a personal choice. Life is too short for uncivil discourse, particularly when its plainly unneccessary. So what if you or I want to carry a 30 LB bazooka around. Thats our business, we're not asking someone else to carry it for us, are we? I respect your decision, my friend. I also hope that nobody takes this post as a personal attack on them. Thats not the intention. The purpose is to ask people to think a little, lighten up & enjoy the moment and the camaraderie that this forum has to offer. badger.<P>------------------<BR>Gun control is good bullet placement.....<p>[This message has been edited by badger (edited May 12, 2001).]