Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
1/28/2004 2:01:03 AM EDT
Another thread brought up this question.  I know my answer, I'm curious as to yours.

1. A gun is only as good as the sum of its parts

2. A gun is only as good as the shooter behind it
1/28/2004 2:13:25 AM EDT
[#1]
That's a hard one.  The MOST important part I think is #2.

For a good, kick your ass shoother, maybe #1 is better, but all in all, a Spec op with a BB gun would kick my ass, even though I am armed with an AR-15.

So to me, it is #2
1/28/2004 2:16:04 AM EDT
[#2]
Id say both, but with emphasis on #2. Even with a crappy gun, you'd think an experienced shooter should do better than the average joe.
1/28/2004 2:26:13 AM EDT
[#3]
It is #2, reason WW II the Liberator .45 cal
pistol was designed for the purpose of close range shooting to kill an opponent and take his
"Better" weapon.
The Liberator was made from stamped parts by
the General Motors Signal Lamp Division for
the total cost of about $1.50. The single shot
pistol took longer to load and had no rifling.
Thus #2 has been proven and field tested....
1/28/2004 4:38:01 AM EDT
[#4]
Well, now the poll works.
1/28/2004 5:03:03 AM EDT
[#5]
...sum of it's parts.

Why?

A gun is an inanimate object.  It's useless without an operator.

Therefore, the shooter is a part of the equation, and a part of the 'gun' if you will, for it do it's job.

So in essence, the gun is only as good as IT can perform based on mechanical and engineering limitations, AS WELL as the operator behind it and how well he is versed in said firearm.

Hope that makes sense, but that's how I see it.

E.
1/28/2004 11:40:27 AM EDT
[#6]
I wonder how often the "sum of it's parts" crew actually shoots...
1/28/2004 11:49:45 AM EDT
[#7]
only as good as the person pulling the trigger
1/28/2004 11:58:01 AM EDT
[#8]
A great shooter with a mediocre gun can outshoot a mediocre shooter with a great gun.  
1/28/2004 12:11:12 PM EDT
[#9]
Tough one. I say number one. Sum of all parts with the shooter being a "part" of the gun. I think there are too many factors involved in making a good shot than just the person, even though I think the larger percentage lies with the shooter. Hmmm, maybe I should have voted #2. Oh well...
1/28/2004 12:18:24 PM EDT
[#10]
I want one of those new DET-1 Kimbers... [:D]

I pick #2 as should everyone with clear thinking.
1/28/2004 12:54:18 PM EDT
[#11]
I picked #1.  The gun itself is as good as the sum of its parts.  If a crappy shooter owns a Sig P229, H&K USP, Glock 17, etc. does that mean the gun isn't any good?  No.  It means that the shooter isn't any good and his/her effectiveness with that weapon will be limited.  That has no bearing on how good or bad the gun is.  

Conversely, if a competition shooter is using a Raven .25 or Sigma .380 at the range, does that make those good guns?  No.  They're still junk.

Now if the poll was worded...

1. A gun is only as effective as the sum of its parts

2. A gun is only as effective as the shooter behind it

...I would vote for #2.  As worded by norman74, I stand by my vote for #1.
1/28/2004 1:34:36 PM EDT
[#12]
In the typical shooter's case, and this means a whole lotta people that think it doesn't apply to them, they are unable to take advantage of all the potential a given firearm has to offer.

So, for the typical shooter, 2)
1/28/2004 1:47:26 PM EDT
[#13]
Which is more accurate in what terms?

Saying "A gun is only as good as the sum of its parts." is exactly true when talking about reliability.

"A gun is only as good as the shooter behind it." only speaks to accuracy.
1/28/2004 3:59:44 PM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
A great shooter with a mediocre gun can outshoot a mediocre shooter with a great gun.  
View Quote


that's basically my thinking.
1/28/2004 4:01:46 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
I picked #1.  The gun itself is as good as the sum of its parts.  If a crappy shooter owns a Sig P229, H&K USP, Glock 17, etc. does that mean the gun isn't any good?  No.  It means that the shooter isn't any good and his/her effectiveness with that weapon will be limited.  That has no bearing on how good or bad the gun is.  

Conversely, if a competition shooter is using a Raven .25 or Sigma .380 at the range, does that make those good guns?  No.  They're still junk.

Now if the poll was worded...

1. A gun is only as effective as the sum of its parts

2. A gun is only as effective as the shooter behind it

...I would vote for #2.  As worded by norman74, I stand by my vote for #1.
View Quote


so now we're going to argue semantics? sheesh
It's clear from your alternate wordings you understand the spirit of the question.  I only used those phrases because they are exact quotes from another thread.