Well, GTA brothers and sisters, it looks as if we are the poor relations

[RedFeather]

Tom Gaylord, in a recent PA blog, stated how, when he was tired of all of the high tech, thumbhole, synthetic air guns (like what PA sells, LOL), he schleps over to the American Vintage Air Gun forum ("AVA") to glimpse the Golden Age of Air Rifles. (He then proceeded to illustrate his blog with pictures of engraved rimfires. Not ONE air gun, Mr. Pelleteer!) This prompted some comments by a new member of the AVA who rated the forums pretty much as follows:

"The AVA seems to be "the gentleman's airgun forum."

"...the Yellow seems too impersonal..."

"Dianawerks can be a bit crude and mean..." [We were having a VERY bad time of it 'debating' the Vortek kit when it was introduced. One poster, who shall remain unnamed but now works installing these, blew up into a hissy fit, etc.]

"...and the GTA seems to be more focused in on cheaper guns..."

Yes, no Tyrolean stocked guns here (except for Howie's customs).  I wonder, do the Gods have a forum up on Olympus? Would we ever be invited to join? Suppose not.  :emoticon:

[Big_Bill]

Well Red,

I think Tom is pretty much on target !

Many of our members are new to the hobby/ sport, and are just learning about air guns ! Those that continue will either buy air guns that are plinking and pest control, while others that really become addicted to air guns will purchase higher priced models that fit their desires !

To me, Tom's statement is a complement to the GTA ! We are one big family here, that almost everyone can come to enjoy there hobby. They can learn the basics of there air rifles, and then advance into the morecomplicated areas inside, if they choose. Here air gunners can post without fear of being ridiculed or ignored ! Everyone helps each other as much as they can, according to there experience and knowledge. Making the GTA the BEST Air Gun Forum on the Internet !!!!! And SUCH A GREAT PLACE TO BE !!!!!!

And if the worse thing that Tom can say about us is that we cater to lowerend air guns, HE should read all of our forums before making a statement !

Bill

[daveshoot]

You know, American Airgunner mentioned AG forums, and showed BB Pelleteer, GTA, and then the Yellow... in that order. So that was a nice plug.

This seems like the best forum to read up on Chinese, to be sure. I don't think that's all that's here, but it's nice that those of us who like to mess with cheaper guns (as well as nicer ones) have a place to hang. I have some decent guns now, but I'm sureit's only because of the informationavailable here that I waded into myQB57, theB26, WFH, and the other guns I have dared to disassemble. I made most of 'em better ;-)

I wish all the forums well. I only choose to look at a couple on a regularbasis. This one is the friendliest, for sure.

FWIWmy B26 does have a Tyrolean stock....

[Tn.Reb]

Well i am proud to be a poor relation!!!! lol,I have visited and read a lot of AG forum's. This is the one i joined my chinese AG's shoot very well and i enjoy them.
 Nuff said!!      


   THANK YOU GTA!!!!!!

[RedFeather]

They are from a new member over there. If you want to see the difference between forums, check out the Yellow's Gamo section. We must have ten posts to their one. And here, on the GTA, you can discuss ANY air gun and receive a response that is free from criticism.

[gamo2hammerli]

I think everyone here on GTA needs to buy a Daystate, Steyr, Feiwbrau, Theroben, Air Arms, BSA and/or FX etc. to raise our standards!!!

"Yes dear, that's my excuse to cough up another $3000.00 for a purty bb gun".  heh heh

[RedFeather]

I have a BSA already. And a couple of "antiques", too. I'm better than you....and you.....and especially YOU!

[Gene_SC]

That is pretty funny.. Yes the GTA is a good forum for the new air gunner. That was the main purpose of creating the GTA. But with that said we do not discriminate against different models of air guns. I personally think the GTA is pretty rounded. There is something here for everyone. We are multi functionaland diversified. I think most of the members will agree with that. We are not here to win a popularity contest but to enjoy the sport of air gunning no matter what kind of air gun one owners and learn about new guns and new ways to make them look nicer, shoot better and enjoy shooting what we have....

[Meann-Machine]

Ponder this Red Feather, if anything it seems as if the GTA leans a little bit towards "po' rifle snobs" who are a little bit anti-establishment, proud that they took that cheap a** Chinese and done worked her up to shot as good as or better than one of them fancy European guns. I think, run what you brung, or in this case shoot what ya got or what makes you happy. Regardless I find this forum tends to build more friendships and foster more comradery.

[VINNY]

Love you GTA family! The key word here is FAMILY!.

[Jerrycup]

My first air rifle was a Chinese, B-26. Inexpensive, and performs quite well. Dano recommended it here, and a chorus of others sent me to Mike Melick.
Now I also own a Czech CZ-634. Inexpensive, and is deadly accurate after a Gene tune. Peak Chick and others liked the Czech, and their recommendations were on the mark.
Tommy gave me a much "higher class" Walther LGR, and it is extremely accurate at 10M.

That Walther is a real piece of work, but I enjoy owning that CZ more than the others. I have always liked the idea of owning things that represent great value, and I think the BAM and CZ are high on that scale.
I would likely never have known about these values without reading here. I think others who follow these posts are looking for the same insight. I do think this site has a majority who aren't really interested in dealing with other posters for a profit. Here, you'll get good advice, and maybe even a good deal from other people who consider this hobby as a way to make friends rather than a profit.

[cactusrat]

A good reason to justify a new purty bb gun. But honey it’s for the forum!  :p

Mmmmmmm, which one on the list should I get. I have the AA already.  Mmmmm the Daystate, no a FX. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm a Theroben, no the Daystate.

I’ll get back to you guys later. :0

[djmyers]

Well I haven't been a member very long but I like this place. If somebody else thinks it slimming and dosent want to be onhere then so be it. I appreciate everything I've gotten help with from here and wouldent change a thing about this place.

[shadow]

GTA don't care what shooter your holding, B3 or a high dollar shooter. It's about the love of airguns and the family here that embraces it. Ed

[daveshoot]

Back on the original post... I posted on the American Vintage site once about my ancient Diana Model 20 (not the 60s one, but the little Weimar-era smoothbore) for info, and did not receive any responses at all.

I am not sulking, but if it had been here, someone woulda at least responded, "cool toy" or words to that effect. In fact, I did post on one of the German forums in my labored German, and received a much warmer response. I didn't get much info on the gun, however!

That reminds me, I have to try to fix and re-assemble that little toy some day....

Anyway, we all know gun sites of any kind get both spammed and harassed, so there's no harm in some of them getting a little "clubby". But GTA has been the most forgiving to those of us who aren't plugged in to the elite of the hobby.