I just read this interesting article from AmmoLand about the state of saturation of the AR market (H/T RomeoTangoBravo).
Granted, this isn’t the first article about the over-saturation of the AR market, but it is one of the more interesting, in that it actually talks about what AR makers could be offering that wouldn’t put the AR market to sleep. In fact, I like the suggestions offered, and I don’t even own an AR.
But what struck me most was the first line of the article:
Ho-hum. Yet another AR rifle is being introduced to the market place…. Seems like we are getting to the point where this is happening all the time, aren’t we?
It struck me, because this is the same thing I think every time I read about the latest and greatest bolt action hunting rifle, or $1000 scope. Heck, almost those exact words came in my mind the first time I heard about the Ruger Scout Rifle. I mean, forgive me Colonel Cooper, but a bolt action “tactical” rifle, in the 21st Century? Really?
I guess this confirms my membership in Gun Culture 2.0. I honestly have no interest in hunting rifles, or optics, or tactics. Yes, I realize there are men in Afghanistan right now who are using those rifles and tactics and optics. My brother is one. It’s just, I’m not there.
But hey, it’s a big world, and you’re welcome to your side. That’s also the reason our founding fathers put that amendment first. Knock yourself out.
Just don’t expect me to stay awake for it.
Fill Yer Hands 
"I mean, forgive me Colonel Cooper, but a bolt action "tactical" rifle, in the 21st Century?"Equipment is determined by the mission. In this case I think the mission can be stated as "One man alone for the rest of his life". It's not a "tactical" weapon, it's a survival tool. It is intended to kill things dead with a single shot. Things like a threatening bear.As a military rifle the AR assumes working in squads with full support. It is intended to neutralize a threat of human origin with fire power. It is intentionally underpowered to neutralize a bear.For what it's worth the Ruger Scout raises the number of scout rifles commercially available to: two. The raison d'etre of the Ruger is that it is less than half the price of the other. Whether this represents a commercial over saturation of the market for a such a niche item is an open matter of debate.
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I understand the reasoning behind the Scout rifle. My point wasn't to debate the need or the mission, but to illustrate the difference in thinking between someone who was handed down the history of shooting and hunting from their father or grandfather (Gun Culture 1.0 or the Old Gun Culture) from someone like me, who took up shooting by myself, as a means of self defense. I just don't think bolt action when I think of rifles, and more than I think revolvers or single action or external safeties when I think pistols.There is room for all of us in the great SHOT Show hallway of life. I just walk a different aisle than others.
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Interesting, I learned to shoot on converted Enfield rifles (.22) and despite carrying a C7 in the army or maybe because of it, I always return to the bolt action.Even though a semi auto is better suited for my issues. Though I almost ignore hunting rifles, the modern ones have no soul, if you know what I mean.
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