Author Topic: What "Craze" are we currently in? (Read 2049 times)

mannyrock · « **on:** May 05, 2009, 09:50:23 AM »

Dear Guys,

I really like bolt guns, and it seems that the gun magazines (such as G&A) always get into very long crazes as to what are the best cartridges.

In looking back over the past 50 years, it looks to me like these have been the main ones:

Early 1960s to mid-1970s: The Magnum Craze

Mid-1970s to mid-1980s: The Everything 7mm is Superior Craze

Mid-1980s to mid-1990s: The Sizzlin Fast Cartridges in Any Caliber are Best Craze

Mid-1990s to 2002: The Classic Cartridges with Meduim Velocity Heavy Bullets Craze

So, what Craze have the gun rags gotten us whipped into now? What Craze are we currently in?

Here's my vote: The "Who Needs a Bolt Action? The .223 and 6.8 in the AR-15 are Do-All Rifles" Craze

Or maybe: The .45-70 is Really the New .30-06, So You Only Need a Lever-Gun Craze.

Just my thoughts, for fun.

Mannyrock

jneilson · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2009, 10:08:48 AM »

The .338 non-magnum or larger , 5lbs or less with a sub 20" barrel that is accurate past 800 yards craze.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2009, 10:18:03 AM »

I think we are in a COMBO Craze.
that there is a craze to get you on board in three different directions.

the first is the Big Bore mania with all the classic and modern african big five rounds and the modern makes of these rifles from the Ruger Single shot in 405 to the New Ruger Alaskan in 375 Ruger and the Hornady ctg company that is making all the special loads.

the second as you stated is the black rifle and all the different configurations and modular componets to turn your black rifle into an auto loading T/C encore. One reciever multiple uppers in multiple calibers to meet your needs from small game - Varmint- big game.

the third group is the new wonder rounds that so exactly what the old rounds do or did only in a new case both for bolt action rifles and for the AR's.

I think the AR group is to make the AR into a legitimate hunting / sporting rifle and get it out of the public view as that Assault rifle.

woods · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2009, 11:35:22 AM »

Just going by sales it may be stock pile ammo craze.

woods

cbourbeau32 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2009, 03:50:50 PM »

Quote from: woods on May 05, 2009, 11:35:22 AM

Just going by sales it may be stock pile ammo craze.

woods

That's the craze I am in. I felt I had better get some ammo/reloading supplies built up for what I have before adding new guns/calibers that I don't have any ammo for. Then if I still have "spending" money coming in I can buy a few new guns. Charlie

Swampman · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2009, 04:00:40 PM »

I'm in to the Retro-Rifle craze. For some reason I've become really interested in garish Weatherby styled rifles with raised cheek pieces & with line spacers.

I don't like ARs or any semi-auto. I do like the .45-70 and have since the early 1970s.

I don't like short magnums, nor any of the newer magnums.

jmayton · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2009, 04:04:23 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on May 05, 2009, 04:00:40 PM

I'm in to the Retro-Rifle craze. For some reason I've become really interested in garish Weatherby styled rifles with raised cheek pieces & with line spacers.

I don't like ARs or any semi-auto. I do like the .45-70 and have since the early 1970s.

I don't like short magnums, nor any of the newer magnums.

Thus sayeth the Lord.

I agree with the previous comments. We're in the Black Rifle craze which has expanded into the "I need everything labeled "Tactical"" phase.

mannyrock · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2009, 05:10:35 AM »

Jmayton,

I think you have hit on it. We are on a dual but related Craze track, fueled by both the arms makers and the gun rags:

Pump out as many ARs as possible, with every conceivable military attachment, in every conceivable variation, put black stocks on them, label them as "Tactical", and sell the heck out of them.

AND, Pump out as many ARs as possible, with somewhat longer barrels, put a green colored or camo patterned stock on them, label them as Deer Rifles and Varmint Rifles, and sell the heck out of them.

Why? Because these rifles go for $1,000 to $2,000 a whack, and the profit margins are probably double or triple what they can get from selling a quality bolt rifle at $600.

I have long argued that the market for quality bolt action rifles is totally and absolutely saturated. There are probably 10 used bolt action rifles at every gunshow, by quality makers in fine to excellent condition, at reasonable prices, for every guy who actually wants a rifle.

Regards,

Mannyrock

timothy · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2009, 04:38:24 AM »

I'd say this is the -It doesnt matter placement is everything- craze. With the coming of the internet every genre has thoroughly established its merits. In fact I dont think we'll see anymore crazes honestly. Too many smart guys would bebunk any myth or sales pitch that got too popular with pictures, data, and evidence to back it up. What used to take a lifetime of experience and experimentation can now be shown to a beginer in one thread after 5 minutes of looking. Good or bad I think thats the way it is today. So we all have our favorite rifle and cartidges but the one thing we all seem to agree on is placement these days.

burntmuch · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2009, 04:55:38 AM »

Im stuck in the 70s--80s craze. My newest is a rem model 7 in 7mm-08. But man I sure would like a 357 lever gun or maybe even a AR 15

MGMorden · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2009, 07:26:22 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on May 05, 2009, 04:00:40 PM

I'm in to the Retro-Rifle craze. For some reason I've become really interested in garish Weatherby styled rifles with raised cheek pieces & with line spacers.

I don't like ARs or any semi-auto. I do like the .45-70 and have since the early 1970s.

I don't like short magnums, nor any of the newer magnums.

I'm in a similar boat. Short-magnums do nothing for me. Semi-autos either (though I MIGHT buy a plain-jane AR15 soon just because I have a feeling they might be outlawed again soon). I've always pretty much steered towards older styled blued/wood rifles (I hesitate to say walnut specifically because personally if I can find maple or myrtle I prefer that even more).

Just trying to fill out variety at this point. On my wishlist I want to get one of the older BSA rifles, a Mossberg 800, a Remington 788, and a Marlin MR-7. I also have an Enfield P-17 action that I want to do something with eventually (it might wander it's way into becoming a 375 H&H). As for cartridges I'm looking to add a 35 Whelan, 375 H&H, 308 Win, 243 Win, and 7mm Rem Mag sometime soon. Getting another 6.5x55 would be nice too.

mauser98us · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2009, 12:52:50 PM »

Ive been in the anything Mauser craze since the late sixties.Been in the anything H&R craze for the last 7 years. This one is a real addiction and I dont know why. They are just cheap little rifles

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #12 on:** May 11, 2009, 12:55:29 PM »

we are in the buy what you think they will stop letting them make craze !

john keyes · « **Reply #13 on:** May 11, 2009, 01:45:36 PM »

the craze right now is the "hoard all the components you can buy up"

Swampman · « **Reply #14 on:** May 11, 2009, 02:02:08 PM »

We are in the buy what it will be very illegal to own soon craze. Go figure?

jro45 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2009, 03:00:33 AM »

I'm in the buy what you want Craze. If I can aford it.

Bart Solo · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2009, 05:01:53 AM »

I think the gun makers are working hard to turn the AR into a legitimate deer rifle. You can get an upper in 308 these days. If they are successful (and I believe they will be) in 60 years we might have the emergence of something called BASS (Bolt Action Shooters Society) where our very nostalgic great grandchildren pay homage to us long dead old timers by wearing "authentic" plaid shirts, deer stalker caps and blue jeans while they shoot steel targets with Remington 700 clones.

jmayton · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2009, 05:26:09 AM »

I think what is happening with the AR is what has happened with almost every military small arm throughout history. Most rifles are designed for military purposes (muskets, flintlocks, falling blocks, bolts, semis) but sportsman soon see the benefits of these same rifles for sporting purposes. The AR is the most versatile platform we have to date so it makes sense that it is fast becoming a sporting arm. You can get the AR15 platform in 204, 223, 6.8SPC, 7.62X39, and 6.5Grendel plus several wildcats. You can get the AR10 platform in .243, .260, .308, a couple of the WSM's and several wildcats. With that many caliber options, good ergonomics, great aftermarket support, and outstanding inherent accuracy (get a good barrel and any AR will shoot good...not so with many bolt guns) it was only a matter of time before it became the next craze. Hey, I like mine for hunting. . . check the avatar.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2009, 06:27:35 AM »

when ar's come out in a shotgun upper or true magnum uppers then it will rival truely versatile platforms .

jmayton · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2009, 07:41:36 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on May 12, 2009, 06:27:35 AM

truely versatile platforms .

Such as? The only one I can think of is a break action single shot (of which I have three). But they're still single shots, which is limiting it's versatility. Don't get me wrong, I like them, I just don't think they are as adaptable as the AR platform...true, they do have more caliber options. Something to certainly think about.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #20 on:** May 12, 2009, 07:45:39 AM »

that wasmy point !

Cheesehead · « **Reply #21 on:** May 12, 2009, 03:55:06 PM »

I am guilty of the AR craze. 6.8 SPC.

Cheese

Swampman · « **Reply #22 on:** May 12, 2009, 03:58:41 PM »

The AR is a fair varmint & battle rifle. Semi-automatic weapons are the reason we will be deprived of our 2nd Ammendment rights. We cannot police ourselves, so the government will do it for us.

timothy · « **Reply #23 on:** May 12, 2009, 04:32:09 PM »

Dont forget the ar30 and ar50's do they offer magnum performance?

Cheesehead · « **Reply #24 on:** May 12, 2009, 06:04:02 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on May 12, 2009, 03:58:41 PM

The AR is a fair varmint & battle rifle. Semi-automatic weapons are the reason we will be deprived of our 2nd Ammendment rights. We cannot police ourselves, so the government will do it for us.

Oh Oh, Looks like Swampman wants to dredge up and rehash this worn out favorite of his, I'm not playin.

Cheese

teamnelson · « **Reply #25 on:** May 12, 2009, 09:00:00 PM »

How bout the "junk on my rails cost more than my gun" craze. When S&W put an underlug rail on a wheelie I knew there was no turning back.

no guns here · « **Reply #26 on:** May 13, 2009, 12:05:00 AM »

Nope... not me... I ain't playin' that game either.

NGH

jro45 · « **Reply #27 on:** May 13, 2009, 02:11:51 AM »

I'd say we are in the gun Craze. Rifle,revolver, simi auto.

jmayton · « **Reply #28 on:** May 13, 2009, 03:13:41 AM »

TeamNelson. . .nice assesment.

nomosendero · « **Reply #29 on:** May 13, 2009, 04:09:12 PM »

"Crazes" are for the weak. Use what you like & who cares what others think of it.