Thread: Rifle and Optics Snobs

Originally Posted by 10-Ring

There seems to be a trend these days with many new hunters who think they,re going to shoot deer at say 600 meters with their .308 or similar powered cartridge and subsequently mount some huge Hubble type scope on it. Of course, the rifle is completely unbalanced and a liability to carry around. This big zoom scope idea is pushed by many retail sales personnel because big zoom scopes cost a lot more than a simple lightweight smaller fixed or lower magnification zoom scope. Long distance shooting is a skill that has to be mastered. Most newbies from.what I've seen, have no idea how far 600 meters actually is but they have convinced themselves that they are real hunters now and want other hunters to think they are hot shots. I suppose that could be a form of snobbery.

What you described is not quite "snobbery". More like "uninformed".

But one may say that insistence on shooting very long distances using under-powered scopes is also a form of snobbery

A 308 drops 3.2 meters at 600 meters. it requires 18.3 MOA or 5.3 Mil of adjustments. It is simply impossible to get that reliably on first short without a scope that has either reliable (and easy) dialing or accurate reticle marking. I hear people on the forum say they once shot a deer with a 3-9 or 4x fixed duplex no dial scope at 600 metres. I am sure it can be done but it definitely cannot be done consistently and reliably.

The most expensive part of hunting is time to do it. It is cheaper to spend 1K on an OK scope that get land you the hit at 600m than to waste the one trip of the year and miss that shot. To boast being able to afford to miss such shots is a much bigger flex.

Simple life philosophy, as you get older, own less but own better stuff

I use a Sako .22 I bought for $200 about 35 years ago and fitted a 4x40 Gold Crown to.


Not sure where that ranks me on the ‘snob scale’.

Originally Posted by Stag

Had the Nightforce and S&B scopes and figured they make better boat anchors. Use euro glass for clarity, and reliable dial function but at practical size (500grms)

Rifles are simple rem actions, but carbon stocks for weight.

Practical is what I want, been down the rabbit hole of long range rigs that weigh a ton.

When I see these big rigs with thumping scopes it reminds me they still have a bit to learn. Certainly not envious….walked that road before.

Also use swaro binos and Leica rangefinder, why? Because I spend 99% of my day behind them and frankly a $500 pair of binos do not compare.

PS I don’t own a piece of camo or hunter branded clothing��

What he said. I use swarovski glass scopes and binos . Both my deer rifles are tikka actions on carbon stocks - lightweight and extremely accurate. Apart from good boots , pack and sleeping bag i look like the homeless bum most of the time in the hills . Have even taken to cutting strips off clothing when ive run out of bog roll ! Camo is generally for duck shooting .

I tend to take the approach of: what's in my budget, what's readily available with good aftermarket parts support that meets the needs of what I'm after that almost any shop or Gunsmith can work on.

So for instance Leupold and Burris optics, with the exception of my 284win common calibres, Howa/weatherby/ remington rifles as examples.

Seems to do the trick for me so far!

I'm an Oceania suppressor snob, sometimes the suppressor is more expensive than the rifle it's on.

Originally Posted by Hermitage

I think it's near impossible not to have a perception of someone when you first meet them and make a stereotypical judgment on their seriousness and ability in hunting & shooting based on their equipment and appearance.

So due to this, is there a degree of snobbery involved in what rifle/optics combination hunters/shooters have?... ie Tikka/Sako/Coopers rifle with Zeiss scope, Swarvoski binoculars, and Leica rangefinder?

I suspect rifle and optic snobbery does exist in NZ. Those that buy the 'best/most expensive' so they can show they are 'better than' others? (I'm not sure how exactly, but maybe through financial class structure??). In this day and age of rampant consumerism, there's no doubting that what you own/wear/drive/use "says" something about you.

Or is there really no snobbery and NZers buy the best/most expensive rifle and optics they can afford only because they want top gear due to being passionate about the sport? If that's the case the snob value of the rifle and optics really wouldn't play any important consideration in the purchase.

So is there rifle and optic snobbery?
And what do your rifle and optics say about you .... or what do you hope they say about you?
... or even what do others rifles and optics say about them?

You can also be a reverse snob ...who just hunts with front stuffers or old milsurps with iron sights because he is a good (read: great, better) hunter than those who need to use expensive and snobbish (read: good quality) tools.

Snobbery in the end isn't about what tools you choose, it's about your attitude to other people.

Originally Posted by Moutere

This is the mindset I’ve encountered most often, usually leaves me wondering who the snob really is.

Agreed.

If I'm an extremely passionate golf player, who plays often, I'm going to buy the best set of clubs I can possibly afford. As I know this will most likely improve my game, but also the fun of researching into high-end equipment. Usually quality kit is a pleasure to use which enhances the experience.

I spend a shit tonne of money on rifles, optics, clothing etc. I'm passionate about this side of the sport, it's awesome. At the same time I hunt a significant amount throughout the year

Could I get away with a cheap and nasty 308 and a swanny? Yep sure could, but I don't have to. Far more experienced and successful hunters than I running classic old kit.

Life is for living, if you want that nice piece of kit go buy it. Especially of it enhances your Backcountry experience.

I never pass judgment on other peoples equipment, not since in the very early stages of my hunting career when I made fun of the state of a hunting mates old dunga of a rifle. Before the day was out I had eaten humble pie from the oven of shame cooked at gas mark ‘egg on my face’.

Anyone who would shoot a deer with the rifle I have, I wouldn't want to go hunting with.

This thread has made me realise that I have some deep down unconscious snobbery and bias and that I need to recognize my privilege and work on decolonising my gear.

I dont look up to, nor down on anyone who doesnt buy a Tikka...........I just look sideways at them and roll my eyes............






Just kidding..

Originally Posted by flock

Simple life philosophy, as you get older, own less but own better stuff

Massive typo !
Should read

"Simple life philosophy, as you get older, own vastly more and better stuff "

Oh but the smug feeling of a budget rifle that shoots tiny groups

Originally Posted by jackson21

Oh but the smug feeling of a budget rifle that shoots tiny groups

And is older than most of the hunters!