When I was getting back into shooting/hunting after a lenthy absence, I got a lot of information from Chuck's site. I found it refreshing when he'd give negative reviews of ANYTHING, given that one simply doesn't see that out of the print magazines. Granted, Chuck seems to have a hard-on against Tikka, while Rugers & Leupolds seem to make his [Daddy Part] rigid. Still, I think he offers more candor than anything I've read that comes in a mailbox or on a news stand.

I've seen several magazine articles where they'll talk about the 3"+ groups the test rifle shot, then say some BS about, "... and I'm positive the production rifles will consistently deliver the accuracy for which this brand is famed." Or they'll promote each & every "new" cartridge as the final breakthrough we've all been breathlessly waiting for, when there's really nothing that's filled a true need since the 1930's or so. At least Chuck calls 'em as he sees 'em. Now it seems thatChuck would never recommend a Remington over a Ruger, though I personally much prefer the latter. And Chuck refuses to put a Zeiss Conquest in even the same league as a VXIII, though most of the civilized world would disagree. Those are his opinions, & he's entitled to them. I can see his opinions, and his reasoning, and then go use my own eyes, hands, ears, and brain when I inspect a rifle, shotgun or scope, to see whether or not I agree with him.

People who've actually owned a bunch of rifles/scopes/shotguns, etc. are somewhat hard to find. That group gets far, far smaller when one asks who's actually used those tools, and/or then hunted with them. Then one has to ask about taking game with the weapons, & then what the performance of the weapon/bullet/broadhead actually was. Chuck's got more experience than the vast majority of the people around here, so I think that makes him a good starting point. I see nothing wrong with sending a link to his site to the first-time posters here who ask, "Is a .25'06 enough for ________?", or especially those who ask, "What's a .243?".

What I admire Chuck is that he's going about it in the most wonderful, and cruel, way possible: he puts it out there for the world to see on a subscription basis, and he's willing to let the marketplace be the judge of his knowledge, insight (or lack thereof), and opinions. If people cease to be willing to pay for his output, he'll have to take the site down. I haven't found many others who are willing to do the same.

I had a subscription for a while, and I used it. I'm not willing to sendhim any more $, though, because I don't get too much out of it. Actually, I tend to wander away from this and other such forums for a few months at a time, for exactly the same reason. But at least around here, I can find buyers for those guns of mine that have fallen out of favor!

FC