The bar for labeling one's self a firearm "expert" is stunningly low

Fake firearms experts lurk in many forums and newspaper editorial sections. Here's one in the form of a likely unemployable liberal arts graduate at the time* former US Army Reserve Intel analyst. Mr. Diamond feels his unimpeachable credentials provide great sway to his opinion. Unfortunately, his opinion is that the dictatorial (and often completely asinine) rules imposed on military personnel are proof US firearms laws are not restrictive enough for civilians.

I am sure his shooting resume is quite impressive. After all, the annual** break from shuffling papers at a desk can't be his only firearms experience. Right? He seems pretty confident!

In a way, the number of fake firearms experts is a good thing. This is a sign that firearms are still ubiquitous enough that it's normal for many people to be exposed to them. A small percentage of those people will convince themselves this exposure makes them an expert. A small percentage of those fakes will write absurd articles for media editorial sections.

I just wish they'd shut up already.

* Yes, this is super snarky. Sorry, everyone I knew from my time as an officer candidate (see, I am an "expert" too!) that ended up in Intel had unemployable degrees in the civilian world. Imperfect sample size, but my blog.

** I am not sure what it is for the Army, only the Navy.