The Fine Line: Reliable Info vs. Risky Advice

As a young kid, I remember firearms lying around the shop in various stages—some partially assembled, while others could be described as a pile of random parts. I didn't understand it then, but this was all part of Dad's learning process. There was no Google or YouTube, so learning was limited to trial and error.

We live in a time when so much information is readily available that it's almost impossible to remember when we couldn't simply visit YouTube or an online forum to find the answer to our problem.

Although this access to information is helpful, it also has downsides.

There's no barrier to entry when it comes to offering "advice," and anybody can be an "expert." Unfortunately, this can be a safety issue when it comes to firearms. Rarely is this done intentionally. Their advice may have appeared to work in their situation, but they may not have adequately tested it.

I was reminded of this recently when a customer sent us an online video showing our parts for the Ruger® MKII/MKIII installed into a Ruger® MK IV™. The intent was to eliminate cost, which I understand; however, in this case, it would fail a safety check. At first glance, the sears for the two kits may look similar, but there are dimensional differences.

My advice isn't to stop learning through online forums, Google, or YouTube, as it benefits us all. I think back to how much time and expense Dad spent learning the only way available to him and realize how fortunate we have a different way. I encourage you to do your best and ask questions when the opinions you have seen conflict with a manufacturer's guidance.

We are continually adding new videos to our searchable video library. If you don't see what you are looking for, let us know, and we will do our best to add it.

Sincerely,