Firearms…. Religion?
The longer I am in and around firearms and the firearms industry the more questions I
have. Like most small children growing up my question is always why? Some of these
questions are explained or explainable, some are just wrong, and some are simply
theory. Sound Familiar? See where I am going? As most of us grow up we are taught
several things that in almost all cases are taught so we are better and will excel. This is
the first similarity to religion. Once again as children we are taught how to walk, talk
and act. I feel as firearms enthusiasts and professionals we are taught how to stand,
grip, and press a trigger. Now here arises the first conflict. Similar to religion there are
different lessons we learn but in most cases the results are very much the same. We
may stand a little different, hold or grip different, and even pull or press the trigger
different, but if the result from our lessons produce the same result . I think most
firearms people are both intelligent and inquisitive, if we were not, firearms would not
interest us. Once again I believe the same is true with religious or people of faith.
Most of us seek knowledge so we can become a better person and more proficient.
We inquire and learn to stimulate ourselves. We do not seek knowledge to impact
anyone in a negative manner. This again is a parallel with people of faith. I really
believe if we approached our colleagues in the firearms industry like most of the
mainstream religions approach each other, we could learn and grow. I believe we can
always absorb positive messages or skills when we are willing to listen and be open to
different styles. This is not to say I expect us to completely change, but accepting other
ideas as viable options is definitely advantageous.
Now with religion there are some radicals, and some spin off cults. Here we go again
,in the firearms industry we seem to have this too. There seems to be plenty of radical
views and interpretations of tried and true methods and styles. This group of people
differ in our industry just as they differ in people of faith. Mainstream theories that we
can all understand do not apply. Safety, reliability, common sense seem not to exist.
No matter how we explain or demonstrate that these tactics and theories are not
effective there is no feasible way to change their thought processes. Close minded
people do not continue to educate themselves, and generally will be left behind in the
long run. We all just hope that they do not reach impressionable minds who will follow
them.
In conclusion to my spin! People of faith generally accept the views of other religious
people. There are and will always be some heated disagreements when it comes to our
passions. We need to be open minded, try to understand things we may not
immediately understand and continue to educate ourselves. As we accept our
neighbors religious views, we should try to accept our colleagues methods and views on
our industry. I have learned many things over the years from people with different
views, and in some cases people with much less experience than myself. Thank you to
all that have formed me into the person I am presently, and to the instructors I have not
met yet thank you in advance. To those who flatter me by reading my words, my hope
for you is that you analyze any and all information that is presented to you. I hope that
you continue to learn and excel in safe effective firearms handling, and disregard
information that you consider cult like. I feel we all need to treat our friends in our
industry with the same respect we would extend to our neighbors religious beliefs. If at
anytime we feel someone will be hurt as a result of what our friends are doing , then and
only then is when we as passionate intelligent firearms enthusiasts should intervene.
Continue to learn, always respect the education and training of our colleagues in and
around our industry. Slow down and analyze styles and information, and form yourself
as a growing, learning firearms enthusiast.
