"Maintain Situational Awareness"

[oldred]

How many of you folks are getting sick of hearing that? My wife and I were in Wallyworld today and as usual I stroll back to the sporting goods dept to check out the ammo, nope no 22 RF this time, and two customers and the guy behind the counter were discussing a Savage shotgun that was in the rack. Both of the armchair commandos along with the kid behind the counter were trying to be serious and they were trying to sound like tactical (another word that's getting kind of worn out) defense instructors, when we walked away my wife wanted to know what they were talking about. Then we stopped at the LGS to pickup some supplies for my son and there was the same conversation going on between two other guys, I bet between both places we heard "maintain situational awareness" a half dozen times, Lol!

This is not a rant or gripe and in no way intended to offend anyone, I actually find it comical and I just thought I would ask if anyone else sees any humor in this?

[s mac]

Is that the same thing as keeping your eye's peeled?

[skykingjohn]

no it means keep your head out of your a## and see what is going on around you

[Recluse]

It's gotten to the point that I just avoid gun stores whenever possible.

[starmac]

When guys around me get to talking tacticool, I ask if that happens to come in thutty thutty, and usually get some stupid reactions. lol

[Goatwhiskers]

I'm plumb sick of hearing about "tactical", "precision long range", and "magnums". Some fora that's the only topics available. Col. Jeff Cooper called it combat mindset, or you could just call it as skykingjohn did. GW

[alrighty]

I think they are funny , my only problem is trying to walk around the gun shops without busting out in laughter.
I think for the most part they will support pro gun candidates in elections so I just try to leave them alone.

[phonejack]

A couple of months ago I was at my gun range. I watched a stranger pull an AR 15 out a case . It must have its initial weight doubled with all of the extras clamped on it. Back up sights, light, mag pouches, really big scope, didn't have a bayonet on it though, all this on a M-4 look a like.
then I noticed his ball cap had " firearms instructor" on it. He was even wearing a matching T-shirt with the same words. With bi-pod attached I watchednhim shoot a 4" group @'50 yrds. He was not amused when I politely asked him what was wrong with his rifle.
Oh yeah, his hat and shirt had in small letters "MIDWAY USA"
buy yourself an outfit and be a -------- too !

[oldred]

But if he can manage to squeeze in a few "situational awareness"s and "maintain discipline at all times"s then maybe he thinks he truly is an instructor!

It really has reached the point of being just plain silly.

[country gent]

Even better is the guy that told me ( I was testing loads in an M!A for 1000 yd match coming up) that his AR in 223 would be better to use, That it was adopted due to more power and flatter tragectory that the M14 in 308. I hear it all and others at the club or shops also. Its hard to keep a straight face and not debbate with them. Theres no reasoning with that mindset. Ive seen the "cammandos with full camo shooting rifles at 50 yds that should be at 200 or better. One thinks his 338 lapua is at its best at 200 yds any farther is stretching it. Theres so many armchair experts out there that have read alot and not done anything to prove disprove what they read. Been told by these experts my cane makes me a "target", That its in now way any kind of usefull weapon. Give them time and they may figure it out eventually.

[BrassMagnet]

I believe in paying attention to what is going on around you. I don't care what you call it.

I have done the heavy rifle for many years. I just carried a 17 1/2 pound, or so, rifle through hunting season. I realized it is awesome for the long range watching for deer or elk anywhere thing. It sucks at sneaking through the woods. Too heavy to stay ready! I am now having phantasies about a M70 Featherweight in 7x57 with a 3x9 VXII!

I believe it is Gunsite that stresses a combat carbine must be light or you can't get it in action fast enough. I think I can understand that now!

[starmac]

WOW Brass. I have never been in the lightweight crowd, but I would start thinking about it if my rifle weighed in the neighborhood of 17 pounds. lol

[Gator 45/70]

Fill free to apply this as needed and when needed Gentlemen, Thanks'

[BrassMagnet]

WOW Brass. I have never been in the lightweight crowd, but I would start thinking about it if my rifle weighed in the neighborhood of 17 pounds. lol

I used to add a whole bunch of lead to them! Can you believe my first ten offhand were better than my second ten? Naaw, it couldn't have anything to do with getting tired!

[Blammer]

Brassmagnet.
I'm thinking you need a heavier gun so when you get excited you won't shake so bad and miss the close shots..

a bear story comes to mind...

so did these guys who were so keen on situational awareness notice you?

[BrassMagnet]

Fill free to apply this as needed and when needed Gentlemen, Thanks'

I like that.
I shoot a lot of high power and a lot of pistol competition. Neither requires carrying the firearm for miles!

[ohland]

It must have its initial weight doubled with all of the extras clamped on it. Back up sights, light, mag pouches, really big scope, didn't have a bayonet on it though, all this on a M-4 look a like.

Sounds like a re-run of "Geardo Island". Did he have a vertical forend on it? Should have had a SAW dump pouch as well. Gloves with the hard knuckles? Blackhawk boots?

After a few months of carrying around an M4/M68/BIS/PVS-4/Surefire, it does not trip my trigger. Nor did it.

[starmac]

Seems to me situational awareness was just a part of common sense we learned coming up, nothing a guy needed to talk about.

[BrassMagnet]

Brassmagnet.
I'm thinking you need a heavier gun so when you get excited you won't shake so bad and miss the close shots..

a bear story comes to mind...

so did these guys who were so keen on situational awareness notice you?

Bear was not "Situationally Aware."
I was not "Spare Ammo Aware!"
Bear won!

Photo time?

[ohland]

Seems to me situational awareness was just a part of common sense we learned coming up, nothing a guy needed to talk about.

Hmm, think of a tourist just passing through. Now think of a participant. Different levels of SA.

But then again, the zombie menace may turn out to be the next level of the Obola mutation.