Disgusted with History Channel's Top Shot

David LaPell · #1 07-31-2010, 10:01 PM

I had missed a couple of the previous episodes of this show so I tuned in tonight so I could watch the shooters on Top Shot use the Kentucky Rifle, being that I am a blackpowder nut and the first gun I ever shot was a Kentucky Rifle. What I saw instead was the worst soap opera **** and whining that I have ever seen. Of the hour long episode, more of the show was the bickering and whining about each other than actual shooting. I was really disappointed in the show, I was hoping for a good show,instead as it goes on it turns into more and more ****. I just wanted to see good shooting. I am really surprised to see guys like Garry James and other well known shooters involved in what is essentially just basically Big Brother with guns, bows, and knives.

chief38 · #2 07-31-2010, 10:08 PM

I too am tired of the program. It is less & less about shooting and more about a soap opera than I care to watch. It kind of reminds me of programs like American Chopper where the show has very little to do about the actual motorcycles being build and more about the interaction between the cast members. I watched 2 or 3 episodes of Top Shot and that was it for me. I also have to say that the shooters on the program do not really impress me as being all that proficient. They are OK, but nothing spectacular. Very disappointing show.

conn ak · #3 07-31-2010, 10:13 PM

As another member stated about the show in a previous thread, "...it's like pants full of poo."

rlsbee · #4 07-31-2010, 10:31 PM

Add me to the list of disappointed viewers. I guess the one 'good' thing is that it can only get better.

monet61 · #5 07-31-2010, 11:08 PM

My wife and I were really excited about the concept of this show. I have to say however, that I agree with the other posters. It has become a soap opera. That's too bad really, because I think some of the shooters could have been really entertaining to watch. Maybe it will get better if they bring it back.

Nightowl · #6 07-31-2010, 11:10 PM

I watched the first show. That was enough for me for the same reasons noted. It sounds like it has not improved.

Iggy · #7 07-31-2010, 11:11 PM

I lost interest in that show after about 10 minutes of the first episode.

Reminds me of the bachelorette and all those other reality felger karp shows.

MaximumLawman · #8 07-31-2010, 11:44 PM

I think the guy from Brokeback Mountain is gonna win. He's such an apparently ****** shot that I think he's been sandbagging. Nobody wants him eliminated because they all want to shoot against him for the big money. When that time comes, he's going to actually shoot like he's capable of and beat that woman. Also...I thought they all shot lousy with the Kentucky rifle. I thought those things were good out to several hundred yards. They couldn't even shoot well at a hundred and they're supposed to be top shooters?

kscardsfan · #9 07-31-2010, 11:59 PM

It's reality tv ya'll. Not to be rude, but what did you expect? lol. This ain't [I]To Kill a Mockingbird[I] or anything, its trash tv marketed on what is normally a good, respectable channel.

BE Mike · #10 08-01-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaximumLawman

I think the guy from Brokeback Mountain is gonna win. He's such an apparently ****** shot that I think he's been sandbagging. Nobody wants him eliminated because they all want to shoot against him for the big money. When that time comes, he's going to actually shoot like he's capable of and beat that woman. Also...I thought they all shot lousy with the Kentucky rifle. I thought those things were good out to several hundred yards. They couldn't even shoot well at a hundred and they're supposed to be top shooters?

I don't think the Kentucky rifle is a multi-hundred yard gun. Maybe some others, more experienced and knowledgeable can chime in, but I think it is only accurate out to a hundred or hundred and a half. There may be specialty black powder rifles that can shoot that far, but the Kentucky rifle isn't one of them. I'm no expert, but I do own and shoot a replica Kentucky long rifle.

Duke426 · #11 08-01-2010, 10:16 AM

I watched half an episode and couldn't stand any more. Soap opera is nothing I care to watch.

When I want to see the real "Top Shots" I put in the dvd's of Jerry Miculek, Bob Munden, Tom Knapp and Byron Ferguson.

RiverCity.45 · #12 08-01-2010, 10:21 AM

This seems to be the forumula that works with other "reality" shows (which have no resemblance to any reality that I know). What draws viewers' attention--the viewers they're trying to atttract--IS the interpersonal drama. It's why Survivor, BigBrother, and the Bachelor/Bachelorette are renewed each season. For gun enthusiasts, who just want to see good shooting, it's a major disapointment, 'case we could not care less about the relationship dynamics.

ladder13 · #13 08-01-2010, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightowl

I watched the first show. That was enough for me for the same reasons noted. It sounds like it has not improved.

+1

H Richard · #14 08-01-2010, 01:24 PM

In the first show when one of the "experts" couldn't hit a 12" bull at 100 yards with a Springfield from a rested position, I lost interest.

jimmyj · #15 08-01-2010, 02:23 PM

Hi:
"Top Shot" is my "Watch in Bed" TV Show while waiting for the sandman to come.
I enjoyed parts of last night's show like the rope shoot with the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle. The shooter that wanted to test the trigger pull and adjust the sights was a "Rifleman". The part about the kentucky rifle was a disappointment. I worked with a "Blackpowder Shooter" and watched him and his club members shoot. At a 100 yards these "Blackpowders" could hold their own with modern rifles.
Jimmy

rondo · #16 08-01-2010, 02:33 PM

I record the show on the DVR. Zip right threw the goofy parts and only watch about 10 minutes worth tops.

Major 2 · #17 08-01-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief38

I too am tired of the program. It is less & less about shooting and more about a soap opera than I care to watch. It kind of reminds me of programs like American Chopper where the show has very little to do about the actual motorcycles being build and more about the interaction between the cast members. I watched 2 or 3 episodes of Top Shot and that was it for me. I also have to say that the shooters on the program do not really impress me as being all that proficient. They are OK, but nothing spectacular. Very disappointing show.

Ditto..except I was bored 2/3 thru episode one

mkk41 · #18 08-01-2010, 03:32 PM

Yeah , the inter-personal BS is a bunch of shlock-TV , but I still watch it. I think any program that shows the recreational use of firearms in a positive can't be all bad.

raveneap · #19 08-01-2010, 04:04 PM

Watched the first couple of episodes and that was enough for me.

Smith357 · #20 08-01-2010, 04:23 PM

Another minus vote here. I was hoping for a shooting show with a bit of weapons history and got a drama show with a few short shooting scenes.

I would have arranged assorted matches and then compiled scores at the end. Today we're have a three position match with the M1, tomorrow a field target archery match, the next day is a 3 gun match, and sporting clays, Cowboy Action, et. et.

sipowicz · #21 08-01-2010, 05:36 PM

I stopped watching at the musket show because muskets bore me.

don95sml · #22 08-01-2010, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkk41

Yeah , the inter-personal BS is a bunch of shlock-TV , but I still watch it. I think any program that shows the recreational use of firearms in a positive can't be all bad.

I agree. Those who are complaining seem disappointed that the show doesn't conform to their preconceived idea of what the program would contain. If you only want to watch shooting, tune in the Outdoor Channel on Wednesday nights. Top Shot was obviously designed to appeal to the general public with little knowledge of weaponry and a very short attention span. The producers devised a pretty "hokey" formula that may disgust some gun enthusiasts, but plays pretty well to the general public and may at least encourage a more favorable opinion of firearm use.

gizamo · #23 08-01-2010, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sipowicz

I stopped watching at the musket show because muskets bore me.

Cute Pun Sip!

I watched the episode. Just sadly shook my head. Folks would get the impression that a Kentucky rifle is prone to failure to fire and not all that accurate.

It was discussed at my local gunclub. I challenged the winners of the last 3 gun event to take me on sharpshooting with their rifles against me and one of my Flintlocks. They've all seen me shoot these guns.

Not one taker....

randy g · #24 08-01-2010, 06:08 PM

More '' Reality'' T.V.

Vegetaman · #25 08-01-2010, 06:34 PM

I grew up with flintlock style guns, and find them highly reliable and accurate. I turned across one episode where someone had a WWII rifle (could've been an M1 Garand, a K98 Mauser, or a Mosin-Nagant), and he couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it. And I've seen some pretty ****** pistol shooting, too.

Top shot? More like overshot. And overhyped. Definitely a major thumbs down.

cballman · #26 08-01-2010, 11:57 PM

Looks like we finally got our wish. Next week will be a all out shooting competition. You lose your out. Supposed to be good.

mr.magnum · #27 08-02-2010, 12:19 AM

it's a stupid show, but i've watched this far. the thing that really burns me is that i watch and they play a commercial during the second half of the show,adverstising next week's episode. this commercial is usually right before the elimination cahallenge, but after you know who is competing in it. they always screw up by showing one of the two competitors from the challenge on the commercial, instantly giving the outcome away. stupid t.v.

scorvers · #28 08-02-2010, 03:56 AM

Don't want to watch, but do. Tickles me that Kelly has "survived". The boy is a fast learner. Kinda reminds me of me.......20 years ago.
They had some real "Tacti-tools" on the red team and all of them are gone now.

Moonman · #29 08-02-2010, 08:53 AM

Most of the whole show is weak.

BE Mike · #30 08-02-2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don95sml

I agree. Those who are complaining seem disappointed that the show doesn't conform to their preconceived idea of what the program would contain. If you only want to watch shooting, tune in the Outdoor Channel on Wednesday nights. Top Shot was obviously designed to appeal to the general public with little knowledge of weaponry and a very short attention span. The producers devised a pretty "hokey" formula that may disgust some gun enthusiasts, but plays pretty well to the general public and may at least encourage a more favorable opinion of firearm use.

I agree. People who aren't anti-gun, but aren't real gun people seem to enjoy the show. I think it shows guns being used in a safe and responsible way and helps our cause with the general public.

DeadAye · #31 08-02-2010, 01:04 PM

I really like the show, but watch it via TiVo (or whatever DirectV calls it) only. NO commercials and NO around the house BS - Just shooting.
Well till this week when it was just throwing and sling shots --- I guess they ran out of guns they can use in CA... Next week rocks & sticks?

Skeeziks · #32 08-02-2010, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadAye

- I guess they ran out of guns they can use in CA... Next week rocks & sticks?

Nope.... It's supposed to get good. Real guns; no more Blue team and Red team...mano e' mano. A real shootout.

Well...we will see.

george minze · #33 08-04-2010, 09:29 PM

Reality Shows are getting real boring,,,,I would much rather watch R. Lee shoot some neat stuff. I don't need a soap opera. we have one going on in Washington DC....And we voted those clowns in....and can't change channels.....

conn ak · #34 08-04-2010, 10:34 PM

+1000, give me R. Lee, a gun, and some watermelons any day over the soap opera gun ****.

Black_Sheep · #35 08-04-2010, 10:59 PM

I tried watching it a couple of times and ended up watching the inside of my eyelids instead. Not exactly "must see TV"...

rondo · #36 08-04-2010, 11:51 PM

Remember "Bowling for Dollars"? There should be something similar, were ordinary people get a chance to earn $ by shooting stuff. Miss the target, go home with nothing. Hit the target, keep the $ and go home or bet it all on the next shot.

galena · #37 08-05-2010, 10:34 AM

Big disappointment. Turned out like the Bachelor, but without all the half-dressed babes.

The Highlander · #38 08-06-2010, 02:45 PM

Anyone notice the ex-marines last name is "Palma?" Hummmm, seems that is a famous name around shooting circles. Why didn't they take some opportunity to do a little history while they were at it?

venomballistics · #39 08-06-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkk41

Yeah , the inter-personal BS is a bunch of shlock-TV , but I still watch it. I think any program that shows the recreational use of firearms in a positive can't be all bad.

while others agree I gotta throw a handful of scrap steel into this gear box.
Really ... do we want a pack of whining crybaby backstabbing finks representing us?
We are mostly honorable folks with deep rooted morals and a record of exemplary restraint and sound judgment.
Now we have a show that paints us as nitwits with guns in the public eye .... thats really helping us out

AkSaber · #40 08-06-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by george minze

Reality Shows are getting real boring,,,,I would much rather watch R. Lee shoot some neat stuff. I don't need a soap opera.

Amen! R. Lee has absolutely no patience for whiny prima donnas. All he wants to do is shoot the weapons and blow stuff up.

How can you not love the guy?

RABULL · #41 08-07-2010, 01:11 AM

Add me to the disappointed also.....I was looking forward to great shooting and have hear only excuses and whining instead.....No Thanks....