Viewpoints

It is an axiom in journalism that the customer is always wrong—which, of course, stands the customary business wisdom of 'the customer is always right' on its head. At least that's the way it is in most newspaper newsrooms I've been in, and it's even worse in the electronic media, which is much more of a beauty pageant than an episode of 'Jeopardy.' The derisive tone that 'the talent' takes when dealing with their readers, viewers, or users amazes me. Moreover, the journalistic gentry is often (usually) wrong, especially when it comes to guns and gun rights. They so misapprehend what the market really wants—facts piled upon more facts, and then some more facts—that they often go out of business.

I am in the market for an AR-15. I haven't shot an M16 since boot camp in Fort Polk, Louisiana, in 1974. I've been a cop for 25 years and never really wanted, or needed, a rifle during that time. Now that I'm semi-retired, I am looking and I need some straight talk and help. I want a good weapon, but there are so many manufacturers and options, I'm confused as hell. Because I was never in the war, I never experienced malfunctions. We always cleaned and over-lubed our Colts. My choice so far is a chrome-lined barrel, bore and bolt. Am I correct?

I am in the market for an AR-15. I haven't shot an M16 since boot camp in Fort Polk, Louisiana, in 1974. I've been a cop for 25 years and never really wanted, or needed, a rifle during that time. Now that I'm semi-retired, I am looking and I need some straight talk and help. I want a good weapon, but there are so many manufacturers and options, I'm confused as hell. Because I was never in the war, I never experienced malfunctions. We always cleaned and over-lubed our Colts. My choice so far is a chrome-lined barrel, bore and bolt. Am I correct?

(GunReports.com) -- New GunReports.com Videos: 1: Rendered in high-speed video, here’s what a 130-grain .308 Barnes Tipped TSX Lead free bullet looks like when shot into into 3' of ballistics gel. Then it's shot into a longer segment of gelatin. 2: This video shows you the contents of the Brownells DIY S&W J-Frame Revolver Upgrade Kit and how to install the parts. 3:GunReports.com's Kevin Winkle surveys new products at SHOT Show 2011. Here, National Sales Manager Brandon Williams with American Tactical Imports discusses aspects of the company's Filipino-originated 1911s.

(GunReports.com) -- “Express Yourself. Personalize your card with an image of your choice.” That is the claim made by Capital One for anyone who wants to have a personal photo put on a Capital One credit card. You can even design it yourself online with a photo you upload. But you can’t use a hunting photo. Capital One considers them unacceptable, the NRA-ILA reports.

GunReports.com aggregates important gun news of the week. Bookmark this page to check back often for new items added weekly, daily, or hourly, or on your Facebook page, search for 'GunReports.com' and click 'Like' to get the newsfeed pushed to your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

(GunReports.com) -- New GunReports.com Videos: 1: Dave Spaulding is back with more Ruger Tactical Carbine Tips. In this episode Spaulding shows you how to clear your carbine as fast as possible and get it back on target. 2: Gil Ash of OSP Shooting Schools explains why many shooters wrongly assume a bruised bicep is a gun fit problem when it is actually a gun mount problem. 3: This video of the Brownells DIY Remington 700 Trigger Replacement kit shows all the parts and tools you need to swap out the trigger of your 700 for one that offers a smoother, lighter pull and a precise, crisp break for more accurate shot placement.

GunReports.com aggregates important gun news of the week. Bookmark this page to check back often for new items added weekly, daily, or hourly, or on your Facebook page, search for 'GunReports.com' and click 'Like' to get the newsfeed pushed to your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

New GunReports.com Videos: 1: NSSF's Ryan Cleckner explains the measurement term 'milliradian' (mil) and how to use a mil-dot scope to measure the distance to your target at the range and in the field. 2: SureFire partnered with Desert Tactical Arms to host a four-day demonstration of tactical technology to industry professionals and members of the media. 3: What is Cowboy Fast Draw? In this episode Ruger looks at what is needed to participate in any one of the numerous Cowboy Fast Draw events that take place across the country.

(GunReports.com) -- From Neal Knox Associates and the FirearmsCoalition.org: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is seeking public comment on their recent 'study' on the importability of certain shotguns. It is critical that rights supporters express their objections to this 'study' and its pending implementation in no uncertain terms.

(GunReports.com) -- The NRA-ILA has noted that blaming America for Mexico’s problems has been something of a national pastime for Mexican politicians for many years.

A recent survey by the marketing firm Southwick Associates has announced the brands hunters and shooters purchased most frequently in 2010. This list has been compiled from the 41,923 internet-based surveys completed by hunters and target shooters who volunteered to participate last year.