You probably read the title and are wondering, “What uncivil war between competition shooters?” Well, over time, I and others have noticed an unfortunate pattern and never gave it much thought.

When I finally considered the implications, I realized the subject is indeed worth discussing. Sit back and welcome to the other side of the flames.

Today, we will be talking about the seemingly never-ending war of words (pi$ing match) between the various competition shooting disciplines and the impact they can have on us all.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a snowflake in need of a safe space, but when I see shooters going at each other like someone wearing a Trump shirt at a Bernie Sanders rally, that, in most people’s minds, is unacceptable.

I know we like to joke back and forth about the differences. There’s no harm in it, and it can be fun to razz people jokingly.

I love to give the sling shooters a hard time when it’s 90° out, and they have to wear leather shooting jackets. “Dude, those guys are a little bit ripe today.” Then there is the retort, “that’s a nice setup Mac. Does it pull the trigger for you too?” (Lol)

I don’t care who you are. That stuff is funny.

Then there is the real uncivil war between competition shooters. I have seen and personally experienced shooters going way beyond and getting downright hostile.

Do you want an example of what I am talking about?

Go into an online HPR shooting group and mentioned you are an F-Class shooter. (ask me how I know.)

Talk about a springboard for a competition shooting article.

I’ve even heard a couple of guys getting into a first fight. Wow, what a perfect display of uncivil war.

I sit back and look at the big picture; the question above occurs to me: “What the hell?” My wording was different, but keeping this article from being deleted by our Silicon Valley overlords. I will leave it at that.

Let’s get down to brass tacks. I’ve said this many times before, and I will repeat it:

“Every competition shooting sport presents its own unique set of challenges for the individual. None is better than the next.” There is a wide variety of firearms-related sports, of which the only similarity is that you have a gun, and it goes “bang.”

As representatives of the sport, we have enough of an image problem in the first place. We are always under pressure from the media, anti-gunners, and the like.

Hell, even teenagers who were eating Tide Pods last week are considered constitutional experts today. Along with the adults mentioned above, full support. That would be funny if it were not true. Let that sink in for a minute. Do you think we need to add more to an already full plate?

It all boils down to how you look at it. I support every shooting sport out there. I even attend matches of disciplines that I don’t specialize in. That way, I can watch, have fun, and spend the day with some cool people.

I will sometimes participate in those events, knowing full well I’m racing for last place.

I know some people are probably going to be upset over this article. Suppose you are upset over this write-up. Then it’s most likely about you.

Seriously, ponder this thought: Why try sinking the ship we are all passengers on? Do you want to burn everything to the ground so you can be the king of the ashes?

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