Please take this poll

[RRangel]

How important are opinions of those who have experience with a certain make and model firearm to you before you purchase it?

[CSACANNONEER]

I guess it depends on why I want it and where the other opinions are coming from. If it's the 20 year-old "expert" that fired the gun in question once, way back when he first started shooting (2 weeks ago) then, I can't take his advice seriously. If the advice comes from an unknown internet poster, I would have to evaluate everything that was said about the gun in question as well as look at his other posts and/or references. Then again, maybe it really doesn't matter. Take Ohsmilley for instance. He has been collecting cheap guns that have bad reputations. His reason can't be that he wants them for protection or compition purposes. I believe he just wants them. In which case, the opinions of others shouldn't have any bearing on his (or mine, or your) purchase. So, whatcha looking to get and why?

[deleted by PC police]

I'm like a kid in a candy store. I rarely go shopping for specific firearms, I just go see what's out there then call my neighbor in utah, sometimes after the fact to see what he thinks. So far the only thing he didn't know much about was my Turkish Mauser which I love and my Nagant.

[jakemccoy]

By the time I buy, I know a fair amount the firearm model and the specific firearm (if it's used). If I feel rushed at all, I pass up the deal. My first gun (Remington 870 Wingmaster) took a couple months of research. My second gun (Glock 27) took about a month. Now, I can usually get the research done in a couple weeks. I like to research, let the info marinade for a bit and then come back to the research later. The cool thing is that I have no desire to trade-in any of my guns. By researching, I save money in the long run and increase satisfaction.

[emc002]

Lots of internet research first.
Then borrow or rent it if available.
Then if as advertised, buy it used or new if I have to.
My only exception to these rules so far for me was my Kimber Ultra CDP II, and that's by far the best gun I've ever owned.

Relative to accessories, magazines, etc., I do a little internet research, but not as much as for guns.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

I don't do any research simply because I know what I want when I walk into a gun shop.....

[dustoff31]

I sort of draw a distinction between "research" and opinions. Unless it's a completely unbiased opinion. I'll listen to the opinion of an owner of a certain gun, but keep in mind that they generally have an ax to grind one way or the other.

On the other hand, the report of a competent reviewer in say a major gun publication, might be more enlightening. They have no investment in the gun, it's just another in a long line of reviews. Good or bad, they still get paid.

[jumbopanda]

So far I only own military guns (AKs, ARs, Mosins, Mauser, Mossberg) so research isn't really needed.

[GuyW]

What about, "I rely on 35 years of gun-culture experience"?

[Shane916]

Research is vital.

This is how people end up with Vulcans.

[jumbopanda]

Research is vital.

This is how people end up with Vulcans.

Alright fine, I did do some research when I bought my ARs, and no, I don't have any Vulcans.

[gcvt]

I think the only gun I didn't really research first was my 10/22. I knew I was just going to buy the standard cheapo model, so off to Big 5 I went. I did look at pictures of them online, but that was about all.

[RRangel]

Researching info is important. People should always watch out they don't get left buying a Hesse/Vulcan. Just doing a little research on the topic.

[liketoshoot]

I got lucky and made friends with the FFL, I'll ask him after I have researched the gun and think I want to buy it, on some of them he will order it and if I don't like it he just puts it in his showcase for sale.
A least he understands that if it does not feel right you won't shoot it.

[hybridatsun350]

I constantly research for my next purchase. Whether it be an upper for an AR or a trigger for a Rem. 700. You just can't learn too much! I hate buying something and then realizing later that it isn't exactly what I thought it was.