Originally Posted by
sharps4590
As this is mostly opinion allow me to offer mine. First off I believe there is a difference between a "purist" and an "elitist". I consider myself a "purist" in several areas, muzzleloaders being one of them. There was an allusion to the "fly fisherman attitude". Well, that is another area I consider myself a purist. As definitions can become hazy it would seem an offer of my understanding of the two terms in order. To me a purist, in these regards, is one who makes a choice to do something in a particular manner and cares not what others do or what they think of the way he or she does things. An elitist would be the snob so many have mentioned. One who not only looks down their nose at what others do if those things differ from "their superior way" and is generally not bashful about expressing their opinions.
I am a purist. I like doing things the older ways. Heck, I even cut a cord or two of my firewood every year with a one man crosscut saw and am known to head for my woods with nothing but that saw and a double bit axe. Most of my muzzleloaders are flintlocks and none of them, percussion or flint, has ever seen a substitute or synthetic black powder, my fly rods are mostly vintage bamboo and I use a silk fly line on them, many of my cartridge firearms are pre-WWI German drillings, combination guns and double rifles chambered in cartridges that haven't seen the light of day in 100 years or more. Several of them are not Nitro proofed and have only seen black powder since I've owned them . I've invested a considerable amount of time, money and effort into learning about all the above and how to make them work successfully. All the above make me smile. Not dissimilar from my choice of music, big band from the 30's, 40's and early 50's.
Now, that's me. Do I consider myself superior to any? Good grief no! If it's legal and it makes you smile, go for it, I could care less other than to be glad for you. What does get my hackles up is when someone looks at what I'm shooting or fishing with and implies that "oh, you're one of those guys". Now how could they possibly know that simply by the equipment I use? I do resent that implication. To say such a thing puts them into the same category as those they accuse me of being, an elitist.
When it comes to entering a match of any kind. The rules are there. Abide by them or don't shoot. It's nothing to get your shorts in wad over or resent because they won't let you play your way. Everyone is subject to the same rules.
So there is my thoughts. I'm neither a snob nor an elitist but, I do take quite a bit of pride in being what I consider a "purist"...for my own satisfaction, not yours. If "you" are enjoying yourself doing your thing I am very glad for you.