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Hi folks. the last two years I spent in the military involved academic training devices or "simulators" for the B-2 Stealth bomber program at Whiteman AFB Mo.
Ergonomics and more specifically checklist flow were key issues we addressed with the primary and subcontractors in the program. The concepts for the aircraft were the same as those for the training devices and both were in development at that time.
Whew. Okay, that's a little background. What does that have to do with guns? One thing I learned, and stressed to the engineers was the simple fact that ergonomics are critical to comfort, endurance and top level performance. Nobody knows this better than our nation's military. Look at the AR15. It isn't just a spacegun looking toy that out-futured its predecessors. It fits. The ammo is smaller and lighter. If it doesn't fit you, you can make it fit. A gun that fits works better...agreed?
When I was young, before safes became so popular and home invasion was nearly unheard of, i dreamed of a gun collection filling cabinets with fancy custom measured wood, each stock fitting me perfectly when shouldered. My traditional stocked Mini 14 seemed the better choice for an old fart like me.
Reality has set in at the age of 55. If I want my guns to fit, i can only afford plastic guns.
Luckily for me, I know the true value of ergonomics. I have come to grips with the fact that the fancy, beautiful collection belongs to people who have earned the funds to do that. Many of them also shoot impressively and I support all shooting or collecting of firearms! For me, give me adjustability.
I put on my deer hunting clothes this year and realized for the first time my mini won't work for that...not yet. Stock too long in the LOP for me in winter gear. My daughter has decided to remedy that for me. So off I go into the world of polymer and glass with my 5.56 "nonthreatening" mini 14. So much for that hunting rifle looking idea, but it is going to fit me in all scenarios soon.
Maybe when summer comes back around i'll slip on the wood stock and scare up a few yotes for old time's sake.
God Bless!
Ron
Ergonomics and more specifically checklist flow were key issues we addressed with the primary and subcontractors in the program. The concepts for the aircraft were the same as those for the training devices and both were in development at that time.
Whew. Okay, that's a little background. What does that have to do with guns? One thing I learned, and stressed to the engineers was the simple fact that ergonomics are critical to comfort, endurance and top level performance. Nobody knows this better than our nation's military. Look at the AR15. It isn't just a spacegun looking toy that out-futured its predecessors. It fits. The ammo is smaller and lighter. If it doesn't fit you, you can make it fit. A gun that fits works better...agreed?
When I was young, before safes became so popular and home invasion was nearly unheard of, i dreamed of a gun collection filling cabinets with fancy custom measured wood, each stock fitting me perfectly when shouldered. My traditional stocked Mini 14 seemed the better choice for an old fart like me.
Reality has set in at the age of 55. If I want my guns to fit, i can only afford plastic guns.
Luckily for me, I know the true value of ergonomics. I have come to grips with the fact that the fancy, beautiful collection belongs to people who have earned the funds to do that. Many of them also shoot impressively and I support all shooting or collecting of firearms! For me, give me adjustability.
I put on my deer hunting clothes this year and realized for the first time my mini won't work for that...not yet. Stock too long in the LOP for me in winter gear. My daughter has decided to remedy that for me. So off I go into the world of polymer and glass with my 5.56 "nonthreatening" mini 14. So much for that hunting rifle looking idea, but it is going to fit me in all scenarios soon.
Maybe when summer comes back around i'll slip on the wood stock and scare up a few yotes for old time's sake.
God Bless!
Ron
