Not a can of worms at all! And do understand what you're trying to say. I just think not all people look at things the same. And some can't reach for that summit, even if they wanted. So, everyone has their own motivations and goals in this. And their goals are sometimes tempered by what they can afford. Really, if we want to cut to the chase, available resources are what prohibits most from even trying to really get into this heavy. You personally know what it takes to get to the top. We can all dance around it, but the elephant in the room is money. It takes lots of it to reach a certain level. Ammo testing, component testing, travel fees, match fees and the component fees themselves. Then, add in the time involved.
You want to win when the lights are on? Wearing the big boy pants costs money. You think Morrell, Harper, Miller, Donovan etc shoot second hand guns? Do they gamble and buy two or three boxes of different lots of ammo to test. Then, save and buy a brick or two of what looks best for matches? Do they buy one barrel, have it put on and hope for the best? If it doesn't work, do they just keep it or find another barrel? To outsiders, this stuff probably never crosses their minds. But going to the matches, seeing these guys shoot and seeing how they approach this game, it opens your eyes. Nothing against them at all. They've got the resources to do this and they take advantage of them. Would be stupid on their part if they didn't. But you and I both know not everyone can do this. So, the average person saves, cuts corners in other aspects of their life and then does the best they can when they do go to a match. If that means they shoot factory guns, fine by me. As long as they understand what's happening, and don't get disappointed, it's a great thing IMHO. But I can't fault them for the guns they use, the reasons they're there or how they do. Most are just average people doing the best they can with what is available to them.
I like to shoot, period. Winning isn't the main goal in this to me. Do I like it when I do win? Yes, of course I do. But, what do I get when I win? The PSL has money involved. That's a motivator to most. But in all honesty, you win or do really well and you might get a trophy. Or, you might get a sheet of paper printed off saying you did great. Doubt many do this for the trophies, and know for sure most don't do it for a printed piece of paper. Why we do this is a personal thing. And everyone has their own reasons for being there at a match. If they don't match our reasons, who's to say they're wrong or we're right?
Anyway, we'll talk next time we shoot with one another. Hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving. Hope to see you do well at Slicks. Buster Blue and Hollywood will be there. I'm stuck in VA.
I could never call you snobby or infer a trip to the liquor cabinet for a post about supporting organised, sanctioned RFBR matches. ......Scott
Why not? Seriously doubt John has an issue with me. As much as we jab back and forth with one another, doubt he's curled up in the fetal position somewhere in a dark recess of an underground bunker. Matter of fact, he's probably thinking of some way to jab me back. Besides, he's a friend of Rhett's. And one thing Rhett is good at is burying the bodies. So, I know not to go too far over the line with either!
As far as the liquor cabinet...you've evidently never had the pleasure of sampling what he keeps in that cabinet.
Kenny