What’s happening to LRH?

What you are lamenting is exactly what happens to ANY forum that lasts any appreciable amount of time. The founders or early members come to resent newbies that come in, and often look down their noses at them. In reality, when these newbies are actually injecting new vibrancy to the forum, even if it seems they are asking "the same old questions," forgetting those questions are NEW to them. I currently consider myself at this point in time a "somewhat knowledgeable newbie" in the scheme of things here. I have not been doing the Long Range shooting or reloading for very long, but at this point I am surprised find I know a heck of a lot, and this forum contributed to that. And I find every article such as those on ladder tests or SD, helps refine those somewhat arcane subjects for me - it leads me to try "new-to-me" things, which I feel is a major part of the value of this forum. Thus I feel that I am also obligated to add information where I can, to help those that have newbie questions who are tying to improve their shooting or reloading skills. I read those inputs that interest me and pass over those I do not. When a manufacturer's advertising states, as Ruger did with the Ruger Precision Rifle, "1600 yards out of the box" they essentially ended the world of expensive custom or hand-made long range rifles. THAT allowed newbies to come into the arena and be competitive with the "old guys" on day one, and as this author notes, "take over" things from older hands who had to do it the hard way. Often there is irritation and even a little envy that the "new guys have is so easy." I appreciate the old hands input, and the new guys questions, because they both make me think about the topic, that leads to improvements in my own skills. I do not know it all, never will, but there is always the opportunity to learn. We were ALL new to this at one time, and IMHO should help others to achieve their goals without having to go through the "pain and agony" and shorten their journey.

The Ruger Precision in no way had anything to do with custom rifle builders business. There is no production rifle made in that price range that can compete with full high end customs. Do they shoot good, well sure but not that good.

LRH is the only shooting forum I visit every day. I would like to thank Len, and everyone else that takes the time to answer questions and post their personal experiences. I haven't posted much because 99% of you know more than I do. You have guided my purchases and saved me money and time. The wealth of information, and your generosity in sharing it, is amazing. Just trying to keep up with all the new technology, calibers and equipment is daunting. I'm pretty old school, 308, 30.06, 300WM, and 6.5x284. You have improved my shooting and hunting experiences. Thank you again.

Chase723 said:

First, I want to say that this is one of the best forums in the internet. It truly is a wealth of knowledge concerning all things long range shooting/hunting. I've been on here for quite awhile (~10 years) but recently I've noticed quite the change in the thread content and topics. Seems like the focus has been shifting more and more away from long range hunting/shooting to just simple general hunting and gun stuff...nothing really wrong with that but it seems to be driving the focus away from the prerogative of the site, and what drew me (and I'm sure others) here to begin with. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I want this site to remain the authority on long range hunting and continue to be the treasure trove that it is. Currently, however, I feel like we're really diluting the resource. Rant over.

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Shooters with the thirst for knowledge must come here. Long range shooters possess the skills more than any other. Many of us have made some great "long shots" but does not mean that we are long range shooters. This is where I come to learn. This is where I find the answers to questions no others can answer. And, I'm greatful. Being an American patriot and a staunch supporter of the 2nd amendment, one would think we should be welcomed.

I've been a member of this site for quite some time now. I have watched it grow and change. To be sure, it is constantly changing with awkward growth spurts and at times appearing to stall out.

I believe there is a learning curve to LRH. Back in early 2000, there was so much new info and equipment. I searched all over the internet before finding LRH. It was a treasure trove of info. IMO, today's learning curve has flattened out for some of us 'old timers'. I am now shooting more and typing less. I am still active on this site, but there are fewer topics that interest me. However, I still read the first line or two of most new posts and the responses. For the most part, I don't respond because the previous posters have provided the necessary information. If I see something that I believe to be in error, or a side of the topic that has not been addressed - I will chime in. But usually, the younger/newer crowd has got it covered.

Regarding Len and this site: I have actually met Len and had the opportunity to spend an afternoon shooting with him. While the shooting was fun, the conversation was what stayed with me. He talked about managing the site; where the industry was taking us; and other similar sites and the problems they were encountering. I can only imagine that his job was like herding kittens - an impossible task. Len was soft spoken and struck me as the consummate gentleman. I was left with the impression that Len was considerate, careful to weigh all options, and always looking towards the future. If someone gets banned, it is not for a single infraction. I believe that such actions are taken reluctantly and weighed against what is being lost against the greater good of the site. Overall, I still feel this site is true to itself and a more welcoming environment than almost anything else out there. My hat is off to Len.

Finally, my hat is off to each and every one of you for your willingness to share stories, gear reviews, knowledge, opinions, etc. Our continued success both for this site and our own capabilities continues to be with new members/shooters. I have no idea where we are headed, but the journey so far has been worth the effort.

300whisper said:

His game...bc he did one crappy mission in peace time, it's all of a sudden his game. Forums evolve to hopefully drown out cancer like that.

You can't be on snipers hide without someone pulling out a measuring tape.

I don't see anything "wrong" with LRH. I see a lot more talk about gear and sharing hunting stories then the two mixing. Len tries to keep it on track with his articles, but guys want to talk about what they want to talk about.

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I have competed in SHC and it was very well run and Frank was a very good host and is a very nice man. What he said is true and should be heeded. I didn't know that being a former usmc ss was such a bad thing? He still had the training, right? And that training is a lot better than what you get on the internet. I know he is critical of PRS type matches because they aren't true practical rifle type matches like his but who cares? It one man's opinion. I like all disciplines because a lot can be overlapped into hunting or vice versa. The SH forums can get a bit confrontational but to those I say "grow a pair"

Chase723 said:

First, I want to say that this is one of the best forums in the internet. It truly is a wealth of knowledge concerning all things long range shooting/hunting. I've been on here for quite awhile (~10 years) but recently I've noticed quite the change in the thread content and topics. Seems like the focus has been shifting more and more away from long range hunting/shooting to just simple general hunting and gun stuff...nothing really wrong with that but it seems to be driving the focus away from the prerogative of the site, and what drew me (and I'm sure others) here to begin with. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I want this site to remain the authority on long range hunting and continue to be the treasure trove that it is. Currently, however, I feel like we're really diluting the resource. Rant over.

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I think what you are seeing is the older LRH shooters have become more educated in the game of LRH and no longer need the assistance. but the younger members want/have to learn in order to become proficient in the skill and knowledge.

Most of the more experienced long range shooters will admit that they can still learn and want to help those that are interested in improving their shooting skills and range. Like most when I started shooting, I only knew that If I put a bullet in the rifle and pulled the trigger it went bang.

When a person thinks he/she knows everything, they are as good as they will ever get. After over 55 years of shooting matches, hunting, re loading and building firearms, I still learn something almost every day on this site.

There are threads that I am no longer interested in and those that I am, and I try to read everyone of the ones that I am interested in and the ones that I feel i can contribute to, that will help a new member. I have tried other sites that are very adversarial and most of the time has members that think they are the experts and know one else knows anything.

Thanks to Len, He keeps all of us and this site from going that way. In my opinion this is still the best site to be on and learn something new.

J E CUSTOM

I cannot say how much I appreciate this forum. I have been hanging around about 10 years. As a self taught, older female hunter, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this forum. I got great advice when looking for my first rifle, my first serious rifle scope, my rangefinder, my hunting pack (hard to find a well fitting one as a woman), even my first serious boots-Kenetrek Mountain Extremes purchased from the LRH store. As some have stated, many forums are uncomfortable places for a newcomer to shooting and especially to women. I have had so many people answer my questions. Top Gun 30-06, was one of the ones who helped me. Miss him as he knew pretty much everything (so he thought ). I asked lots of "dumb" questions. While I will never be a long range shooter, this forum has given me the tools to feel comfortable shooting 4-500 yards, an understanding of ballistics, and a knowledge of bullets that I could never learned anywhere else. I am very thankful for the way this forum is moderated. I know it is a stretch for some guys to keep their language PG, but so glad you guys manage it!

Chase723 said:

First, I want to say that this is one of the best forums in the internet. It truly is a wealth of knowledge concerning all things long range shooting/hunting. I've been on here for quite awhile (~10 years) but recently I've noticed quite the change in the thread content and topics. Seems like the focus has been shifting more and more away from long range hunting/shooting to just simple general hunting and gun stuff...nothing really wrong with that but it seems to be driving the focus away from the prerogative of the site, and what drew me (and I'm sure others) here to begin with. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I want this site to remain the authority on long range hunting and continue to be the treasure trove that it is. Currently, however, I feel like we're really diluting the resource. Rant over.

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I HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS FOREVER and get shouted down a bit for pointing it out
It's to the point I just read posts chuckle and don't engage unless its really about LRhunting

coyotezapper said:

I have competed in SHC and it was very well run and Frank was a very good host and is a very nice man. What he said is true and should be heeded. I didn't know that being a former usmc ss was such a bad thing? He still had the training, right? And that training is a lot better than what you get on the internet. I know he is critical of PRS type matches because they aren't true practical rifle type matches like his but who cares? It one man's opinion. I like all disciplines because a lot can be overlapped into hunting or vice versa. The SH forums can get a bit confrontational but to those I say "grow a pair"

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1. never said it's bad being former USMC.

2. Never met him, so my limited opinion is based on the Crassness of the forum. You're either an "operator" or "sniper" and that **** gets old.

3. I like his videos on YouTube, he's very knowledgeable. But I still do not like his forum. That's my opinion. It shouldn't influence you or anyone else.

4. I have a pair.

In my opinion, there is alot of non long range hunting material here but that is what the search option is for. The email notification let's you filter what you want to look at.
30 years ago a long shot was 300 yards, 20 years ago that got bumped to 600. Now with the knowledge of balistics, bullet make up, shot placement and gun and shooter capability kills come over 1000 yards.

This is one of the only forums I don't have to worry about a person razing me for shooting a deer at 1600 yards with a 338 lapua. This is the only forum where I can communicate with others that actually knows the bullet velocity and energy at their target for their bullet make up. This is the only form I can refer to for actual gunsmiths, bullet manufacturers post and replies for real time issues.

It's my number 1 go to site every chance I get.

This Forum LRH is the best tool that I have access to! Having been Reloading and shooting for some 50 years I have learned more in the years since I joined this forum than all the previous years. The knowledge that I have gained from LRH can not be found anywhere else. I am forever grateful to JE Custom, bigngreen and many others for sharing their knowledge with us. The great ones of this site have patiently guided us to be better at what we do. Not only have they improved my shooting and reloading skills but I now can share that knowledge with others and improve their skills as well. Thank you Len for the effort you put into making this site clean and a enjoyable place to learn what we are all passionate about. Together we are stronger.

coyotezapper said:

I have competed in SHC and it was very well run and Frank was a very good host and is a very nice man. What he said is true and should be heeded. I didn't know that being a former usmc ss was such a bad thing? He still had the training, right? And that training is a lot better than what you get on the internet. I know he is critical of PRS type matches because they aren't true practical rifle type matches like his but who cares? It one man's opinion. I like all disciplines because a lot can be overlapped into hunting or vice versa. The SH forums can get a bit confrontational but to those I say "grow a pair"

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On a serious note, I didn't know he was critical of PRS. I honestly thought he was the grandfather of it. Or did he start something similar and it evolved into PRS?

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