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This pretty much reflects my sentiments also. We're not talking about which light beer these guys prefer. We are talking about a product that amounts to life-and-death for certain professions. If these guys were to endorse a certain AR knowing that it's crap they could potentially lose all credibility as operators once the truth gets out.
Put another way...notice how none of them endorse DPMS.![]()
Any instructor/SME worth a damn would not risk their credibility by endorsing a weapon that didn't work. Recieving free gear and/or a paycheck to help promote a brand is a non-issue and does not affect the validity of the endorsement IMO. Same with competition shooters, no amount of free stuff is going to make them use inferior guns/gear/ammo that could cost them a match.
All said and done, you're gonna see guys predictably recommending BCM, DD, KAC, etc. It's not a coincidence there's no DPMS, Bushmaster, and so on on the list. Bottom line is you're gonna see recommendations for weapons everyone here already knows are good choices so I think it's a mostly moot discussion. What I do find more interesting though is how SME's set their rifle up (optic, sling, light, etc) as their rigs are typically a culmination of a lot of experience and trial-and-error, so I like to see what they run and hear their reasoning behind it.
Director of Business Development - Unity Tactical, LLC - Design and Validation for the tactical community.
www.unitytactical.com / www.facebook.com/unitytacticalllc
DPMS has indeed been recommended by some real meat eaters in the past. I contend that it's all about money. If the SME thinks that it will hurt them more than help due to association, they won't endorse it, because they would lose money. Otherwise, look at the money-trail. By money, I also mean "free stuff". If it goes *bang*, why NOT shoot out the free barrel?
I would agree in this case but still think it is important to note because when they do mention another company they don't have a financial relationship with it gives both companies and them more credibility. To me it comes across as hey this company I work with makes great products and so does this one I don't work with, I just want you the consumer to have a great product regardless of wether I make a cent or not.
I may ride a little fast and someday it may catch up and bite me in the ass but maybe not if I give it just a little more gas.
Die living
Many moons ago, some very well known instructors informed me that not all Tier 1 and 2 guys were "gun guys." Meaning, they know nothing about what makes a quality weapon. I initially rejected this notion, but over my many years to talking with this group of guys (some active duty, some retired, etc), it became painfully apparent that this statement was true.
In Mr. Howe's case, I believe that he wanted a rifle spec'd out a certain way and DPMS was one of the few companies that offered to make it (read setup with the rails, grips, stock, etc) that he liked.
C4
To everyone who has provided links so far thank you. I think this is really interesting. I'm not sure if it will amount to anything super meaningful but it is another data point to consider. I will edit the op with the new ones when I get back to my computer.
If you don't think this is a worthy discussion please feel free not to contribute. I'm not saying your opinion is worthless I just want to keep this thread on track. If you would like to discuss the merits of instructor endorsements start another thread. Again I'm not trying be or sound like a dick and I apologize if I come across that way I just don't want this thread spiraling out of control.
I may ride a little fast and someday it may catch up and bite me in the ass but maybe not if I give it just a little more gas.
Last edited by alvincullumyork; 10-08-14 at 11:38.
Die living
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