This is another one of those tropes you hear if you’ve spent any time on social media, especially in gun-oriented groups. The problem is that it’s a lazy, throwaway response that is either elitist and alienating or insufficiently detailed to give the subject of the comment an idea of how to improve.
Gun Snobbery for the Gram
The expression certainly has some validity because there are plenty of people out there playing Pokemon Gun. And they’re just interested in acquiring as many as possible, with little concern for actual performance. As long as it looks cool and gets likes on the Gram, that AAA light, Sightmark optic, and gun show laser all work just fine!
These people generally own multiple low-quality firearms for a total cost that’s the same as one with a more proven track record. This is generally accompanied by unnecessary cosmetic “upgrades” like color fill, gold barrels, etc.
This is what most people mean when they say, “Stop being poor.” Don’t buy three $200 guns with $50 accessories. Buy the best quality possible once.
The Only Option Available
Now, the other common usage for “stop being poor” is a little more myopic and less compassionate. It’s a refusal to acknowledge that there are instances where a firearm of sub-optimal quality may be the only option available due to either availability, immediacy of need, local restrictions, or budget.
Greg Ellifritz has a phenomenal article on this that I think is very relevant.
It’s easy for folks who live this every day to lose sight of what “normal” or “acceptable” is to the general population. Especially when they lack the technical knowledge to readily understand the value proposition associated with higher-dollar items.
The amusing part is that a lot of these same folks will drop $1,000 on a carry gun, $300 on a flashlight, and $500 on a custom knife and then balk at the idea of a $2,000 suit or wristwatch. Because “buy once, cry once” is relative, and everyone has some aspect of their life where “good enough” is acceptable.
Now, I’m not saying that you should compromise your defensive equipment for superficial trappings of luxury, but simply to put it into context.
If you don’t want to do a lot of research, go with the most overbuilt, duty-grade stuff you can get your hands on. That way, you’re virtually guaranteed not to do anything to it that it can’t handle.
For me personally, I don’t need equipment that was built to sustain the rigors of a HALO jump. I need something that can get knocked into door jambs, fall from tailgates, and bounce around in range bags.
