Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to get a general consensus on History Channel's show Top Shot. How does everyone feel about televised dramatic shows like Top Shot & HBO'S Lock 'n' Load? I have noticed that a lot of television shooting shows created over the past few year as the interest in firearms and shooting sports have grown. In my opinion this was primarily due to Obama's stand against guns and the fear that at any time a law could be passed to take away more freedoms. Getting back to the shows what shows do you feel accurately represent the shooting community?

Top Shot is fun.

I think that the one about the Red Jacket builders in Louisiana is the worst thing possible for gun owners. Some of the guns shown are NFA, and not what the general public can own. This is just what the anti's are looking for. Politicians want the public to believe that these are the kind of guns coming off the street when they try to pass a ban. The show makes a great billboard for anti-gun propaganda. Reckless hillbillies with fully automatic shotguns and rifles enjoying wanton destruction they wreak with the custom weapons they build. While I'd love to join them in a shooting session , I can already see Shithead Schumer standing up showing clips from the show and declaring "something must be done to protect us".

I agree there is a sense of redneck in Sons of Gun. I don't think its as bad as you say. They do take time to explain things to people like terminology that people may not be aware of. I remember one episode where a guy wanted to buy a silenced shotgun(or rifle, i forget) and they explained it is an NFA item and needs to do paperwork that requires a 4 month wait. At least that shows people aren't just picking this stuff up like candy.

 

On the flip side though, I do see how a show like this would be fuel for anti-gun but only for those who have anti-gun tendencies anyway. For pro-gun and moderates, it probably wont exacerbate any feelings that aren't already there on the issue of guns.

 

I guess it all depends on which prism you watch the show in.

 

I will concur though that the shots of them going out into the open field and blowing stuff up may not be the best way to win the hearts and minds of the general public.

I don't think it had anything to due with Obama, I think more and more people are interested in guns and shooting so producers decided to create more shooting-related shows.

 

Top Shot and Sons of Guns are ok. I don't make sure I'm home to watch then, if they're on while I'm flicking through channels I will watch then but I would much rather watch gun shows on the Outdoors Channel such as Personal Defense, SWAT Magazine, Tactical Impact, etc.

Any publicity is good. It gets more people involved. More people started getting involved with firearms and sports such as USPSA after Top Shot, especially since a large majority of the contestants are involved with USPSA/IPSC/IDPA/Bianchi Cup, etc.

Any publicity is good. It gets more people involved. More people started getting involved with firearms and sports such as USPSA after Top Shot, especially since a large majority of the contestants are involved with USPSA/IPSC/IDPA/Bianchi Cup, etc.

 

 

I will second that.. media is the god of modern America, it is a direct stream into the minds of the American people.. take guns and couple them with reality TV and you have something that the average American is interested in.. the more average people see other average people handling/using guns.. the less mysterious they are.. the less mysterious something is the less people are afraid of it..

 

I was talking on chat earlier and said we should really open ranges up to the public.. maybe even offer a "basic" class for FREE.. get some food on hand.. show the average citizen that you are not some crazy militant loon..and more importantly have them realize that guns in themselves are not evil..

 

it would be a HUGE public relations boost for any range that does it, hopefully increasing membership.. get your local gun shop to donate ammo for the live fire portion.. think of all the free media advertising...

 

the whole process start to finish could be a few hours...

 

start with your normal safety orientation..

break for FREE lunch, with an open Q&A...

end lunch do a quick safety recap and then some live fire...

 

all in all it would not cost all that much to put together, and would net a TON of exposure for all of those involved... I am sure a bunch of us would help in any way.. I think that the event would be a success..

I will second that.. media is the god of modern America, it is a direct stream into the minds of the American people.. take guns and couple them with reality TV and you have something that the average American is interested in.. the more average people see other average people handling/using guns.. the less mysterious they are.. the less mysterious something is the less people are afraid of it..

 

I was talking on chat earlier and said we should really open ranges up to the public.. maybe even offer a "basic" class for FREE.. get some food on hand.. show the average citizen that you are not some crazy militant loon..and more importantly have them realize that guns in themselves are not evil..

 

it would be a HUGE public relations boost for any range that does it, hopefully increasing membership.. get your local gun shop to donate ammo for the live fire portion.. think of all the free media advertising...

 

the whole process start to finish could be a few hours...

 

start with your normal safety orientation..

break for FREE lunch, with an open Q&A...

end lunch do a quick safety recap and then some live fire...

 

all in all it would not cost all that much to put together, and would net a TON of exposure for all of those involved... I am sure a bunch of us would help in any way.. I think that the event would be a success..

 

I personally love the idea. I will personally donate 5000 rounds of 22 Long rifle ammo, 500 rounds of 9 mm ammo, and 1000 rounds 223. The only problem is the insurance and liability for the range running this event. Inviting the general public to come and shoot could invite the wrong type of person. Like a criminal or mentally unstable person who could not otherwise own or possess a firearm. If any range wants to put on this type of event I would certainly be willing to help.

I personally love the idea. I will personally donate 5000 rounds of 22 Long rifle ammo, 500 rounds of 9 mm ammo, and 1000 rounds 223. The only problem is the insurance and liability for the range running this event. Inviting the general public to come and shoot could invite the wrong type of person. Like a criminal or mentally unstable person who could not otherwise own or possess a firearm. If any range wants to put on this type of event I would certainly be willing to help.

 

 

actually.. some ranges allow the general public to come and shoot.. and other county ranges allow anyone to come and shoot providing they satisfy the safety course.. SO with that said.. take the county range for example.. your morning firearms discussion and orientation included the safety program to satisfy the liability issue.. just have it mirror the safety class you require prior to shooting..

 

my girlfriend who does NOT have any firearms licensing whatsoever goes to the county range...

she takes the range orientation and safety class ($35)

she is then permitted to shoot there because in the eyes of the range she has satisfied the safety instruction aspect of the range..

 

so mirroring this to any other member of the general public would be the same.. no increase in liability whatsoever... the ONLY difference is you are eating the $35 for the class fee.. but the increase of positive exposure for ALL involved (the range, the shooting community, any shop sponsors, etc..) would be well worth that minimal financial loss.. and honestly.. probably not even a real loss because the people you are looking to attract would not normally pay to join the range anyway.. you can't lose profit on someone who would never pay for your service.. lol

Any publicity is good. It gets more people involved. More people started getting involved with firearms and sports such as USPSA after Top Shot, especially since a large majority of the contestants are involved with USPSA/IPSC/IDPA/Bianchi Cup, etc.

+1

I don't think it's an accident that ever since the History Channel came around 10-15 years ago, and started showing programs about the history of guns and their inventors, the public perception of guns has become more favorable.

I was talking on chat earlier and said we should really open ranges up to the public.. maybe even offer a "basic" class for FREE.. get some food on hand.. show the average citizen that you are not some crazy militant loon..and more importantly have them realize that guns in themselves are not evil..

 

it would be a HUGE public relations boost for any range that does it, hopefully increasing membership.. get your local gun shop to donate ammo for the live fire portion.. think of all the free media advertising...

 

the whole process start to finish could be a few hours...

 

start with your normal safety orientation..

break for FREE lunch, with an open Q&A...

end lunch do a quick safety recap and then some live fire...

 

all in all it would not cost all that much to put together, and would net a TON of exposure for all of those involved... I am sure a bunch of us would help in any way.. I think that the event would be a success..

 

ANJRPC does this at Cherry Ridge. They have Women's Day at the Range and Family Day, you do not need to be a member on those days, there is no fee (although they ask for donations) and volunteers teach the new commers safety and how to shoot.

ANJRPC does this at Cherry Ridge. They have Women's Day at the Range and Family Day, you do not need to be a member on those days, there is no fee (although they ask for donations) and volunteers teach the new commers safety and how to shoot.

 

 

that is great and commendable.. they need to get some serious publicity.. we should be seeing that stuff on the news.. "local community organizers make effort to spread firearms safety" or something similar..

What you see on Sons of Guns is a lot like what goes on in many states in this country. Just because we live in NJ, and were afraid to even clean our guns outside on our porches for fear of offending or scaring someone, doesn't mean that's the way the rest of this country is. Were the freaks, not them.

I enjoy both Top Shot and Sons of Guns (no HBO, no Lock n Load). They do a good job on Top Shot of presenting the professional and "normal" (if you will) side of shooting and shooters. The high-speed camera work is top notch. I really wish we could recreate some of their sets at Range 14! Could do with less of the drama, but it's not bad compared to other 'reality' shows.

 

Sons of Guns is pure fun and makes me envious of the fun they have. Those calling it redneck, are you just going off the southern (actually mid-south) accent? Most of the people on the show come off as at least somewhat intelligent. I do wish they would explain more that most of their customers are law enforcement and not just someone off the street asking for a shotgun mounted under their M-16 (they sure like Saigas, don't they?)

 

Anyway, my 2 cents.

I watch Top Shot but could do without the drama. I like the competitions. The pool ball shoot seemed like a lot of fun, as did the Tommy Gun shoot. Last years final challenge was an excellent test of talent, speed and accuracy.

 

Sons of guns is very informative, and worth a watch just for the knowledge gained.

Thank you everyone for your outstanding responces! I was actually like of suprised to see how many people here watch Top Shot! Personally I want to like the show once they actually get shooting. With all the drama I feel that I am watching an MTV reality show at times. However, I did notice somee of the shots are so easy to make especially with high powered rifle while others simply take expert skills to make. In regard to vladtepes comment I think your idea is wonderful. I would really like more people to become educated in the area of shooting sports instead of everyone thinking evil media thoughts once they hear the word firearm. I think at the National Shooting Sports Foundation recently started a program like this called First Shots http://www.nssf.org/FirstShots/ you might want to check with this organization to get a program started in your area. I hope this helps!