Gunwerks got a lot of people interested in long range shooting who otherwise wouldn't have. I think they have been very positive for the sport. I know a number of guys who got into it because of long range hunting shows. I have seen guys practising who never did before.Guys getting into reloading etc etc..
I am not suggesting it's all good but over all they have been a very positive influence on the sport( in my opinion).
This is the best case scenario.
I applaud the guys who went out and bought reloading gear, I commend the guys who are taking the time to learn and educate themselves on long range shooting and reloading and I ecnourage the guys that go to the local ranges or out to places where they can practice shooting at long range. I have introduced a few guys to long range shooting myself and would encourage anyone interested in the sport to give it a shot(no pun intended).
My issue is the marketing they are employing to turn the average hunter into a long range wizard just by purchasing a "1000 yards out of the box" rifle, rangefinder and windmeter. We are not talking punching paper here, we are talking killing animals. This needs to be done ethically and humanely and most guys that purchase these rifle will not learn to shoot, reload and practice enough to do this at those ranges. Quite the contrary actually, they are looking for a recipe or quick solution to being a long range killing machine at hunt camp.
I am all about these sports that involve longrange and precision shooting ie. F-class, BR, Sniper competitions... BUT Long range hunting is not something I would encourage the average hunter to do, especially when the average hunter thinks that 3 shots into a Tim Hortons coffee cup at 200 yards is good.