Tactical weapons question

Johnn Peterson

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Just a question, other than leo's and those in the military, it appears there are a lot of people out there that have and use tactical weapons. What do you do with them or use them for?
 
It's called marketing 101. Take any rifle you have, over engineer it, paint it black, hang #### off of it, get a guy in a "SWAT" t-shirt to do a write-up on it, and voila! You now have a tactical "weapon".

Furthermore, I hate the term "tactical weapon" as it implies intent. Ranking right up there is "tacticool". What assclown thinks of these things?
 
2bad4u2, I know what you mean by 'tacticool'. A while back someone was telling of modifications to a Marlin 1895GS to make it look 'tacticool'. I couldn't figure out that combination.:confused:
It's a curosity more than anything, and probably not for me. I was just wondering, when you deck out say an 870 with a dot scope, bayonet attachment and or a special flashlight mount, who would use a set-up like that, and for what?
 
Johnn Peterson said:
I was just wondering, when you deck out say an 870 with a dot scope, bayonet attachment and or a special flashlight mount, who would use a set-up like that, and for what?


[sarcasm] I hear ya! I wonder the same thing about people who own handguns. If you're not a cop, why would you need a handgun? For what? [/sarcasm]
 
Johnn Peterson said:
when you deck out say an 870 with a dot scope, bayonet attachment and or a special flashlight mount, who would use a set-up like that

I WOULD

Johnn Peterson said:
and for what?

FUN

Give it a try. You might find it fun too. I've never seen a shotgun like you describe, but if I did, I would certainly be interested in trying it out.
 
I was just wondering, when you deck out say an 870 with a dot scope, bayonet attachment and or a special flashlight mount, who would use a set-up like that, and for what?

Red dot's are great for target shooting, action competitions or hunting.

Flashlights, well lets just say they're very useful while camping at night. I had the opertunity to light up a black bear one night and was happy to see him run away instead of me stumbling around in the dark and maybe having to take a shot.

Bayonet, well to charge your target in a tac rifle match if you run out of ammo.

Really the best reason for all of this kit is: because I can.
 
Personally, I'm waiting for tactical toe nail clippers. Black anodized with a picatinny quick release "tactical" mount. Maybe Badger Ordnance, ARMS or TPS should look into this?
 
Declan said:
[sarcasm] I hear ya! I wonder the same thing about people who own handguns. If you're not a cop, why would you need a handgun? For what? [/sarcasm]
Sarcasm wasn't my intent. I see quite an interest in tactical type firearms and was wondering what, by who & where they're used. I'm asking because I don't know.
Are there combat type courses and competitions, other than for leo's & the military, where that type of equipment is used?
You've made mention of handguns. Most of my shooting with the ones I have these days is mainly plinking, some long range shooting and load testing. Hopefully, in a few years, I may get a chance to go on a Moose hunt in Alaska, using my .500 S&W. Previously, I never tried IPSC, or Cowboy Action shooting but did a lot in the way of bullseye, olympic and national match courses of fire, a little in the way of combat and silhouette shoots.
Perhaps, as you say, "I'm not a cop so why would I a handgun"? You're right. I'm not, and I probably don't 'need' them. Do I have them? Obviously yes. Do I use them? Again, yes.
 
BabySeal said:
I WOULD



FUN

Give it a try. You might find it fun too. I've never seen a shotgun like you describe, but if I did, I would certainly be interested in trying it out.
"Give it a try". I can't even find out where and how they're used, so I don't have a clue as to what I'd be trying.
 
People like them for the same reason that other people like thousand dollar hand-engraved walnut stocks - it looks cool.
 
There are "tactical" type matches. IPSC, IDPA as well as cowboy action and three gun matches can all be considered "tactical". The definition of tactical:

of or pertaining to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.

Would indicate that by being tactical one is striving for a faster more efficient means to complete a task or goal. In the action shooting sports, that goal is a faster time with better hits than the next guy. Hence the reasons for all the wizzy kit and gear that goes along with it.

Much of the "tactical" gear is more marketing than practicality. Plenty of shooters compete with basic equipment or limited amounts of high end gear and do very well.

Why would anyone want or need this type of kit? Simply put, this is still a free country so to each their own. I must also ask why anyone would need a vehicle that is capable of off road use when they live in the city. Perhaps the same reason why one would buy a car with a cooler in the glove box, a T.V. in the headrest or a vehicle who's top speed exceeds the local speed limit.... Because they can!

Often the stigma of "tactical" or "military/le gear" gets lumped in with crazies or "militant" types. These assumptions are based off many years of the government and the media preaching to the public the constant connection between the two. What most fail to comprehend or rationalize is the items in question and the source for which the information is coming from.

A thigh rig holster, a chest rig with hard armour plates or the latest red dot sight have nothing to do with LE, military, crime, gangs, crazies, or militants. They are what they are. A tool, a piece of equipment designed for a specific purpose. In what role you deploy these items is entirely up to the user. Take kevlar vests(soft body armour). It is now standard equipment for bull riders. It was designed to stop bullets, but it also works well at displacing energy when a bull steps on you or tries to gore you with his horns.

Pepper spray or OC was once only something a police officer had. Now you can buy the stuff under the name of "dog reppelent" or "bear spray". Based solely on the title of the product does the public accept its sale to the masses.

There are those who purchase equipment for the sole reason of having authentic kit. Some are avid military buffs and enjoy collecting, wearing and using authentic kit.

That being said, there are items that are of little if not zero use for the civilian shooter. Regardless of which discipline they participate. For example, the 37mm and 40mm grenade launchers. Ammo is practically non existant and there are no requirments to use these in any shooting sport. Do they look cool attached to your rifle...Yes they do. Are they worth the expense and added weight just to look "tacticool"??? Some say yes some say no. To each their own...

Try checking out the action shooting forum here on CGN. You shouldn't have any issues finding upcoming shoots or more in depth answers there.

TDC.
 
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It's like buying an Aston Martin even though the max speed limit is 100. :D

You'll probably never get to breach a door with your tactical shotgun but your ready if the chance every arose.

However you can take your "tactical" rifles/shotguns to "tactical" 3 gun matches.

They work better that the $50,000 engraved shotguns. BUT I did see a lever action shooter at one match beat us tactical rifle shooters (it held more ammo!!)
 
"...tactical weapons..." There's no such thing. It's a marketing buzz word only. Twenty years ago the buzz words were Law Enforcement Only. The assorted 'tactical' firearms etc are exactly the same as the non-tactical model, except for the finish.
It used to be that camouflage was for duck hunters. Now you can buy camouflage underwear.
"...Red dot's are great for target shooting..." No they aren't. The dot is far too big for serious target shooting.
Strategic has no colour, but it glows in the dark.
 
hmm my 870 has a folding stock, tactical light foregrip, extended mag, 20" ported rifled barrel with tritium rifle sights, what do I use it for? fishin, campin and any time I can carry it legally I do, why? cause I want to and I am not breaking any laws (so far) :canadaFlag:
 
Farmboy said:
It's like buying an Aston Martin even though the max speed limit is 100. :D

You'll probably never get to breach a door with your tactical shotgun but your ready if the chance every arose.

However you can take your "tactical" rifles/shotguns to "tactical" 3 gun matches.

They work better that the $50,000 engraved shotguns. BUT I did see a lever action shooter at one match beat us tactical rifle shooters (it held more ammo!!)
That's an aspect of info I'm looking for. What is a "tactical" 3 gun match??? What are the courses of fire? What firearms? Details?
 
Some courses are held by IPSC others are held by the clubs themselves or members who do alot of work to put them on.

Rules though will very, IPSC does not allow "tactical" gear to be worn and your only allowed to carry one firearm at a time.

Some clubs have big boy rules which means you can usually carry 2 to 3 firearms on you while you shoot a variety of targets.

It usually involves pistol, shotgun and carbine. The targets also vary alot as do the props which may include walls, doors, cars (plywood) etc.

These matches seem to be more popular, or just allowed by clubs, more out your way than here in Ontario.

As the guys have said check out the Events forum ;)
 
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