Not that the Black Powder Maniac Shooter needs an apologist, but I think people are missing the point of the original post and the video. The following message is my opinion only.
Mark loves to shoot his black powder guns any time he can. He also likes to share his interest with others, and has videos of people who have never shot black powder previously, shooting with him, and who end up greatly enjoying it.
This video was in response to a “fan” request for him to duplicate a previous video, but with his GPR. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mark took the hyperbole statement that is often seen in guns for sale ads, “This gun is a tack-driver” and tried to suit actions to words and see if his GPR is a “tack-driver.” If you have never seen a BPMS video before, understand that Mark is funny and unabashedly excited when he gets a “hit.” (Maybe you should have been clued-in by the name: Black Powder MANIAC Shooter). This is not IdahoLewis carefully and methodically taking aim at a target on the other side of the state, AND HITTING IT! (full disclosure - I am a fan of Idaholewis’s videos and posts and greatly respect his knowledge and skill). Mark does things that many others don’t dare, and he does them with honesty and humor. If he chokes, he “chokes.” If he hits the target, he gets excited. Good, wholesome entertainment, but if it is not your “thing,” don’t watch, but also please don’t disparage him. That is not a very brotherly thing to do to a fellow black powder enthusiast, and Mark is definitely that.
I am not a black powder expert, and honestly, haven’t been able to get out and shoot any of my rifles in many months, but I still handle them (and buy more accessories) and read posts on this and two sister black powder forums, on a daily basis. I check YouTube most nights to see if there is a new BPMS video, or something from duelist1954, or the NMLRA channel, or to see if Bob McBride has done anything new on BlackPowderTV (we miss your videos, Bob, and I hope you are doing well), or a new and astounding video from Idaho Lewis, or search for something about any of the rifles I own, etc. (additional full disclosure - I am also a fan of all the aforementioned black powder aficionados). One thing I can say about all of these gentlemen is that I have learned valuable information, tips and tricks from every one of them. I also learn new things all of the time from knowledgeable folks here on the forum. Mark may seem “silly” to some of you, but he actually shares interesting and often helpful info. He has inspired me to try a few things (as have the others). I have nothing but respect and admiration for someone who travels about and gives of his time to spread the love of Black Powder shooting to the world.
Even if he is a “maniac”
Thank you for your time, and apologies for the long address.
‘Poet