What is an Expert?

An expert/ instructor is/has:

  • Total voters
    65
D

DocFox

New member
After a discussion with a friend, I got to wondering.... what makes someone an expert? What qualifies someone to instruct? I am curious to see what each of the board members think, and whether you are or consider yourselves as experts or instructors.
 
DocFox said:
What qualifies someone to instruct?
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Found here, this is how the NRA qualifies instructors:

To qualify as an NRA instructor, you must:

-Possess and demonstrate a solid background in firearm safety and shooting skills acquired through previous firearm training (such as completion of an NRA Basic Firearm Training Course) and/or previous shooting experience.

-Successfully complete the appropriate NRA instructor examination. Certified—90% or higher. Assistant—85% or higher. Apprentice—85% or higher

-Satisfactorily complete an NRA Instructor Training Course for the area of specialization you wish to teach (e.g., NRA Basic Shotgun Course), and receive the endorsement of the NRA Training Counselor conducting your training.

-Submit your application with appropriate certification fee. Membership in the National Rifle Association is strongly recommended.

This doesn't necessarily mean all NRA instructors are "experts".

"Expert" is going to be a little harder to define. It could be someone who always gets one hole groups? Or someone whos proficient in firearms history, mechanics...etc, etc...?

Sorry I think I posted this before your poll was set up.
 
I think you would need to define an expert in what? Marksmanship? Combat tacticts? Self defense? Fieldcraft? All of these would require different criteria to be "expert".
 
An expert in my opinion is someone who has a long background in the subject they are supposed to be an expert in but knows he/she does not know everything and is willing to learn, discuss, debate and explore all possibilities to areas of the subject that he/she is both confident in and those he/she would like to learn more about while possesing a personal drive to better himself and those around on the subject without imposing personal opinions with out clarification.
 
An expert might have all of those things listed... Or none.
But probably at least one or more.
NONE of the items listed will make someone an expert in firearms in and of themselves, BUT someone with only one of those items might certainly qualify as an expert of sorts...

Clear as mud? :p
 
I'm not really sure. I think it might be somewhat subjective to a few things. I mean, there are specialist who are considered experts in thier fileds. Say a small arms specialist, a highly trained sniper, an automatic weapons specialist. all considered to be experts in thier craft. I think personally an expert should not only have great shooting prowess but also have equal skill in the knowledge of firearms, safety and operation. That to me might be an "expert". Now at the range, I get alot of informal but personal instruction from the range master who is an ex Army Ranger and now teaches courses at the range. At 100yrds he can split a standard size buisiness card in half on edge. The skill has been validated. He also knows alot about firearms, safety and operation. He has helped me in a number of ways including stance/posture, breathing, target acquisition etc. Is he an "expert". To me yes, and obviously he has had well thought professional training with countless hours devoted. That however is my perception of an expert, others may have other views on what expert is.
 
They make me shoot in expert class at the bullseye matches so at least the NRA thinks I might be!:confused:
At least I have a card that says I am.


But....... that's a long ways from High Master!
 
100yrds he can split a standard size buisiness card in half on edge. The skill has been validated
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This would be difficult to the point of being beyond skill dependant, even with a top quality rifle. Most rifles I have shot can't shoot .01 MOA.
 
So far as I know, there is no certification for "Gun Expert". There are a lot of guys that have set themselves up as experts, and maybe some are. Frankly, I have my doubts.
Some even advertise their "expertise"on firearms BBS.
 
I don't know anyone who is an "expert".

I know several who are very good, and the uninitiated would think they were "experts".

However, they are still learning (a life-long activity) and consider themselves to be "serious students".

BEWARE of anyone who calls themselves an "expert".
 
Perhaps the only true "Experts" out there are the ones that have had to prove their skills and have survived. Everyone else is just a "Theoretical Expert".

For the purposes of this Poll, in my opinion, an expert is one who has training and experience in the field he is proclaimed to be an expert in. He/she should continually train and practice. An expert "Paper Puncher" may not due well in a tactical situation so more than "bullseye" training is necessary.

Whether Military or LEO is a good question. Both bring different skills to the arena. Different battlefields require different skills.

Something that has always bothered me is the opening question "What makes an Gun Expert". I question the qualifications of many of the "Certified Instructors" I have encountered. Too many are "Legends in their own minds".
I prefer to learn from those that have "Been there and Done that". It was their skill(s) that kept them alive and maybe I can learn enough of them to do the same for me if it ever becomes necessary.

Magazine writers and the like are not the ones I look to.
 
Even if it shoots .1 MOA or worse, if its a .40-.50 cal the margin of error is still dozens of times the thickness of the card.
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+1. When I was going to UK, there was a "Daniel Boone" range just south of Lexington. Ranges and trails were set up for ax throwing, knives, and muzzle loader only. One of the stages along the trail was a double bit ax stuck in a tree. Clay pigeons were placed on both sides of the out facing blade. The object was to hit the ax edge and split the bullet, and break both clays. With a .50 cal. maxi ball, it was a whole lot easier than it looked. You only need to shave a tiny bit of bullet to do it, and it was a great way to impress your non-shooting friends! :D
 
To be an expert, one should be trained, one must practice and one must have experience in the specific field that the person claims to be an expert. In addition, the person must have distinguished himself from the average member of his field.

You don't HAVE to have formal training but it helps.
You DO have to practice.
You DO have to have experience.
You MUST be GOOD.
 
I can't really say. I've been called a few titles because of my absolute passion for firearms, ballistics, and all things related to shooting. Some people have even called me an expert; on that I'm not sure. I still have WAY too much to learn. :)
 
"This would be difficult to the point of being beyond skill dependant, even with a top quality rifle. Most rifles I have shot can't shoot .01 MOA."


Well, I know I cant. Thats all that matters to me. But I think he aims for slightly off center. You cant' see that fine an edge dead on at 100trds I dont think. Maybe...
 
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