Advertising! Almost all the gun rags and ads talk about the long shot. I find it amazing people buy all the latest magnums but can't even hit the 30" 300yrd gong out at the range. But almost always start talking about shooting antelope at 600 plus yards.

For a lot of guys hunting is just an excuse to get out of the house and drink beer.

A friend of mine baits these guys at out at the range into telling him how great a shot they are and how wonderful their $1k or more rifle is. After they puff themselves up he will go back to his bench and start ringing the gong with a open sighted rifle of some sort usually a 30-30 since most people know what it is. He is a competitive Hi-Power rifle shooter and has won his share of matches.

The looks on their faces is priceless.

I'll just stay with my underpowered .50 cal muzzle loader and obsolete 30-06.
The longest shot I've ever taken is maybe 150 yards.