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Form over function?

Trebor657

Trebor657

Operator
Stopped in yesterday at a local gun shop to look at a couple of things. While there, a young guy came in and was looking for his first EDC....We got to talking and he asked me what I thought might be a good first weapon for him....I told him my thoughts and recommended a few different handguns that he may want to consider. I won't mention any specific maker or model here, but after handling one in particular, his comment was " I like the feel of this one but it's pretty ugly so there is no way I would ever carry it" and he moved on to some others....

That comment got me to thinking....that is not the first time I have seen or heard someone choose a weapon based on the look of it....I can't imagine making a choice based primarily on the look of the weapon....I am a researcher when it comes to choosing to considering a handgun purchase, but apparently not everyone primarily considers function, controls, sight picture, reliability etc. over the purely visual appeal of a weapon....Does the look have anything to do with my choice in a weapon? Maybe, but its far down my list when considering a firearm...Just curious, how much influence does the look of the weapon affect your choice for a handgun?
 
It depends. I wouldn't carry a great looking gun that wasn't reliable, accurate or suited to my needs, but I also probably wouldn't buy a gun that was accurate, reliable and suitable if it looked like crap when there are so many out there that check all the boxes. Looks definitely do have a part to play, but sacrificing function for form isn't happening for me.
 
Trebor657 said:
Stopped in yesterday at a local gun shop to look at a couple of things. While there, a young guy came in and was looking for his first EDC....We got to talking and he asked me what I thought might be a good first weapon for him....I told him my thoughts and recommended a few different handguns that he may want to consider. I won't mention any specific maker or model here, but after handling one in particular, his comment was " I like the feel of this one but it's pretty ugly so there is no way I would ever carry it" and he moved on to some others....

That comment got me to thinking....that is not the first time I have seen or heard someone choose a weapon based on the look of it....I can't imagine making a choice based primarily on the look of the weapon....I am a researcher when it comes to choosing to considering a handgun purchase, but apparently not everyone primarily considers function, controls, sight picture, reliability etc. over the purely visual appeal of a weapon....Does the look have anything to do with my choice in a weapon? Maybe, but its far down my list when considering a firearm...Just curious, how much influence does the look of the weapon affect your choice for a handgun?
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Looks are a massive factor when I buy a gun - obviously not the only factor, but I have been steered toward something many times because I really liked the way it looks. I believe guns are like airplanes, if they look good, they’re probably going to perform good. That doesn’t mean an ugly gun can’t perform well - looking at you Glock - but life’s too short to carry an eyesore.
 
While looks are a factor, they're pretty low on the list for me.

Definitely function first over fashion. I'd rather enjoy using it and have it perform.

BUT - there are a handful of cases where I just flat out really didn't like the look of a gun before.
That's very few and far between though.
 
SimonRL said:
Looks are a massive factor when I buy a gun - obviously not the only factor, but I have been steered toward something many times because I really liked the way it looks. I believe guns are like airplanes, if they look good, they’re probably going to perform good. That doesn’t mean an ugly gun can’t perform well - looking at you Glock - but life’s too short to carry an eyesore.
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I'm with you. Almost. While I hate the way a Glock feels in my hand, I really wish I didn't because I think they look awesome.
 
Blackmesa96 said:
Agreed, there are far too many guns that check both boxes. I suppose that Glock and Kel Tec may appeal to some, but I can't bring myself to part with that much money for anything so ugly.
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I laugh, because I say all the times, I don't hate Glocks, there arguably are very good pistols, they just don't appeal to me. If I'm going to spend money, its going to be on a pistol that appeals to me.
 
Can see both sides yes you want a gun that you like and are happy to carry,But when it hits the fan is your "like it it's pretty" going to save you or your loved ones?
Would have a gun that does the job than what looks nice after all you are carrying concealed so the only person potentially who will see it is the bad dude who doesn't care about looks,you need the best gun to contain the situation and shoot thier ass,looks mean nothing when potentially lives are on the line
 
Trebor657 said:
Stopped in yesterday at a local gun shop to look at a couple of things. While there, a young guy came in and was looking for his first EDC....We got to talking and he asked me what I thought might be a good first weapon for him....I told him my thoughts and recommended a few different handguns that he may want to consider. I won't mention any specific maker or model here, but after handling one in particular, his comment was " I like the feel of this one but it's pretty ugly so there is no way I would ever carry it" and he moved on to some others....

That comment got me to thinking....that is not the first time I have seen or heard someone choose a weapon based on the look of it....I can't imagine making a choice based primarily on the look of the weapon....I am a researcher when it comes to choosing to considering a handgun purchase, but apparently not everyone primarily considers function, controls, sight picture, reliability etc. over the purely visual appeal of a weapon....Does the look have anything to do with my choice in a weapon? Maybe, but its far down my list when considering a firearm...Just curious, how much influence does the look of the weapon affect your choice for a handgun?
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he reminds me of a R.U.B.

Rich....Urban...Biker..

you know, the ones that wear all the leather, chaps, fingerless gloves, and then trailers that expensive Hardly-Dependable, with his Escalade, to the biker meets..??

he's only gonna cover the EDC, why would looks matter..??

function, is way more important. which is why all my past motorbikes were Japanese.....they functioned, didn't leak oil, and didn't require a 3rd mortgage.

for the showcase cabinets at the house, then those purtty 1911's are show pieces to be admired.
 
Roadrunner said:
Can see both sides yes you want a gun that you like and are happy to carry,But when it hits the fan is your "like it it's pretty" going to save you or your loved ones?
Would have a gun that does the job than what looks nice after all you are carrying concealed so the only person potentially who will see it is the bad dude who doesn't care about looks,you need the best gun to contain the situation and shoot thier ass,looks mean nothing when potentially lives are on the line
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Yeah but you want to look cool when you whip it out.....style points are important...
 
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Old_Me said:
he reminds me of a R.U.B.

Rich....Urban...Biker..

you know, the ones that wear all the leather, chaps, fingerless gloves, and then trailers that expensive Hardly-Dependable, with his Escalade, to the biker meets..??

he's only gonna cover the EDC, why would looks matter..??

function, is way more important. which is why all my past motorbikes were Japanese.....they functioned, didn't leak oil, and didn't require a 3rd mortgage.

for the showcase cabinets at the house, then those purtty 1911's are show pieces to be admired.
Click to expand...
I agree if we're talking about motorcycles. With pistols you can certainly have your cake and eat it too.
 
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