Tiers of Gun Makes

Published on April 11, 2013
Duration: 7:35

This video introduces a tiered system for evaluating firearm makes, comparing them to car brands. It categorizes handguns, rifles (specifically AR-15s), and shotguns into Entry, Mid, High, and Custom tiers. The speaker recommends mid-tier firearms like Glock or Smith & Wesson M&P for beginners due to their balance of reliability and cost, while advising against complex platforms like the 1911 for new shooters.

Quick Summary

Firearms are categorized into tiers: Entry (budget), Mid-value (Glock, S&W M&P - recommended for beginners), High-end (Sig Sauer), and Custom (Wilson Combat). Mid-tier offers the best reliability for the price, while entry-level may have quality control issues. Avoid complex platforms like the 1911 for initial purchase.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Firearm Tier Concept Explained
  2. 02:06Handgun Tiers: Entry to Custom
  3. 04:22AR-15 Rifle Tiers
  4. 05:38Shotgun Tiers Breakdown
  5. 06:46Beginner Gun Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different tiers of firearm makes?

Firearms are often categorized into four tiers: Entry-level (budget-friendly, basic function), Mid-value (good balance of price, reliability, and features, like Glock or S&W M&P), High-end (premium materials, enhanced performance, like Sig Sauer), and Custom (bespoke, high-cost, often for competition or collectors).

Which handgun brands are considered mid-tier?

Mid-tier handgun brands generally offer a solid balance of reliability, features, and price. Examples include Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P series, Springfield XD, and Ruger. These are often recommended for new shooters.

What are the recommended AR-15 rifle tiers?

For AR-15 pattern rifles, entry-level includes brands like DPMS and Bushmaster. Mid-tier options are Stag Arms, Smith & Wesson, and Colt. High-end and semi-custom include Daniel Defense and Les Baer, with Noveske representing the custom tier.

Should beginners choose a 1911 pistol?

It is generally advised that beginners avoid the 1911 platform. While popular, they are mechanically more complex and require higher maintenance than modern striker-fired pistols like Glocks or M&Ps, making them less ideal for new owners.

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