JCCummings made a real interesting point in his post about being distracted with a lot of unimportant stuff. How many new people get discouraged on shooting forums, because they don't think their equipment is not good enough, or they bewildered by all the chatter on BC's, velocites, etc?
How many "Newbie" posts does this site get where an individual wants to shoot F-Class, and they are immediately talking about getting a new gun, a barrel or Night Force scope before they start? They are talking about investing $1000 before they even know if they like it.
The next kind of post you see is someone talking about buying a BAT action, Kreiger barrel, and Jewell trigger, followed by a second post asking if he can drill and bore a torsion bar from a 63 Dodge into a barrel to save some money. It doesn't make sense.
Guys aplogize on line because all they can afford is a Tasco scope, or they are going to shoot F-Class when they have saved enough money for a $1200 scope. If the best you can afford is a Tasco scope, then buy a Tasco to start. Better scopes and equipment will come with time and experience. For the guy saving for the $1200 scope, buy a Tasco. If you can't really afford a $1200 scope, then don't do it. It most likely won't make you a better marksman anyways.
Gentleman, I don't have to tell you we are in the Second Great Depression. Many of you who are reading this post are worried about your job (if you have one) or your 401K. Time have changed, most people do not have the discretional cash to throw at their rifles anymore.
We are all going to have to learn to get along with what we have, and get realistic on what people can afford to do.
A "Newbie" is given better serviced if queried about what ear protection he is is using, shooting glass, and is his rifle sighted to start than worrying about 1 in 10 twist barrel VS. a 1 in 12.
Julian