Here's a synopsis of a conversation I had last evening at St. Charles (in Elburn).
Mike and I were discussing shotguns (what else?) and how we'd like this one or that, but that the prices were just out of reach. I described how I shot some really nice guns at The Grand last summer. The sellers are very generous with loaners, shells, and free time on the practice field. I made the rounds and burned up almost 200 rounds "on the house" so to speak. Then, I didn't buy anything.
Mike mentioned that there was "just something" about owning and shooting one of the higher end gun that was difficult to describe. However, he suggested it was similar to driving a newly polished car versus when it was dirty. Same car. Same everything, except the dirt and polish. Another example that came to mind was how it feels to dress up in a tuxedo for a special occasion (same applies to fancy dresses - don't want to sleight the dress wearers). Still the same old dude under the clothes, but there is a feeling of importance or elegance that comes from the experience - the "clothes make the man", so to speak.
I think Mike was on to something. Yes, from a strictly economic standpoint, paying a lot for fancy wood, gold, engraving, and a top end case is irrational. But, from the perspective of the overall psyche, owning and shooting a FINE piece of hardware is an experience, an overall feeling that clearly trumps the economics.
I shot a Kolar, a Krieghoff, a Perazzi, and a Browning at the Grand. I returned twice to the Kolar "store" and talked. Of course, there was a deal and I walked away from it - mentally kicking myself on the drive home. I couldn't bring myself to make that kind of investment for a gun that was just a fancier version of ones that sold for a fifth of the price. I haven't forgotten the experience and I sometimes have beat myself up over the desire to own and shoot one of those beauties - making it mine and not just something I borrowed. Why, I'd ask myself in those dreaming moments.
After talking to Mike I have a better understanding of a nuanced topic. Therefore, it's true (at least for me). Quality often trumps mere utility. If that wasn't actually the case, I'd be content settling for things that just get the job done. There'd be no fancy backyard grilling stations, no Corvettes, no Rolex watches, and no top end firearms.
Now, what will I DO about all this?
Stepping down from the soapbox, I remain...
Larry Frieders |
Grandpa's Arms, Inc. |
http://www.grandpasarms.com |
340 Marshall Ave #100 | Aurora, IL 60506 |
Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm |
Office: 630.859.0333 Cell: 630.992.7513 FAX: 630.859.0114
Mike and I were discussing shotguns (what else?) and how we'd like this one or that, but that the prices were just out of reach. I described how I shot some really nice guns at The Grand last summer. The sellers are very generous with loaners, shells, and free time on the practice field. I made the rounds and burned up almost 200 rounds "on the house" so to speak. Then, I didn't buy anything.
Mike mentioned that there was "just something" about owning and shooting one of the higher end gun that was difficult to describe. However, he suggested it was similar to driving a newly polished car versus when it was dirty. Same car. Same everything, except the dirt and polish. Another example that came to mind was how it feels to dress up in a tuxedo for a special occasion (same applies to fancy dresses - don't want to sleight the dress wearers). Still the same old dude under the clothes, but there is a feeling of importance or elegance that comes from the experience - the "clothes make the man", so to speak.
I think Mike was on to something. Yes, from a strictly economic standpoint, paying a lot for fancy wood, gold, engraving, and a top end case is irrational. But, from the perspective of the overall psyche, owning and shooting a FINE piece of hardware is an experience, an overall feeling that clearly trumps the economics.
I shot a Kolar, a Krieghoff, a Perazzi, and a Browning at the Grand. I returned twice to the Kolar "store" and talked. Of course, there was a deal and I walked away from it - mentally kicking myself on the drive home. I couldn't bring myself to make that kind of investment for a gun that was just a fancier version of ones that sold for a fifth of the price. I haven't forgotten the experience and I sometimes have beat myself up over the desire to own and shoot one of those beauties - making it mine and not just something I borrowed. Why, I'd ask myself in those dreaming moments.
After talking to Mike I have a better understanding of a nuanced topic. Therefore, it's true (at least for me). Quality often trumps mere utility. If that wasn't actually the case, I'd be content settling for things that just get the job done. There'd be no fancy backyard grilling stations, no Corvettes, no Rolex watches, and no top end firearms.
Now, what will I DO about all this?
Stepping down from the soapbox, I remain...
Larry Frieders |
Grandpa's Arms, Inc. |
http://www.grandpasarms.com |
340 Marshall Ave #100 | Aurora, IL 60506 |
Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm |
Office: 630.859.0333 Cell: 630.992.7513 FAX: 630.859.0114