How gun magazines write articles...

[Steelharp]

LOL! But, I guess there is a measure of truth to that, too... herewith, an excerpt from a reply from a gunzine editor to a question I asked about reviews... edited to remove names only...
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As far as those "We never got a gun we didn't love" reviews, I can speak for many magazines, since I used to write for most of 'em. For certain big name mainstream gun magazines (Quck, what name comes to mind first?), there is a very definite corporate policy that non-advertisers don't get features. Period. And you don't say ANYTHING bad, ever.

My policy is that we often put guns on the cover where we'll never see any advertising from the maker. The (EDIT) and virtually any custom gun are classic examples. And as far as saying bad things, we do indeed. I poked (EDIT) in the eye pretty hard not long ago. But, if we get a gun that's crud, we simply don't review it. If it ain't in (EDIT MAGAZINE) there's a reason! I've found it doesn't serve much good to feature a gun and then simply say what a piece of trash it is. Why waste the space? Better to feature something of quality.
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So... there ya go...

 

[LiquidTension]

Haha, thanks for the laugh

 

[griz]

That is blatant Tactical Destroyer bashing. Shame on you for tarnishing the reputation of a pistol that personifies perfection. Next thing you know you will be saying that a $2500 tactical pistol should be accurate and reliable without breaking it in with 400 rounds!

 

[4v50 Gary]

Mercy Preacherman! That's the best "spin" I've read yet. Thank you.

 

[ajax]

Thats just beautiful. I havn't laughed like that in a long time.

 

[meef]

Hey! I love my Tactical Destroyer. I keep it (all of the pieces) in a box in my gun safe. And you just don't know how much money I've saved not having to buy a bunch of holsters for it.

You're all just a bunch of gun snobs who don't appreciate a nice, low-cost firearm.

My next acquisition will be a Hi-Point, I think.

 

[trailgator]

Just too dam funny!!!! Places like this have almost eliminated my need for gun magazines. If I only had internet access in my bathroom, I could cancel my subscription to Shooting Times.

 

[ArmandTanzarian]

Hey! I love my Tactical Destroyer. I keep it (all of the pieces) in a box in my gun safe. And you just don't know how much money I've saved not having to buy a bunch of holsters for it.

I especially like "engineered to produce a cone of fire", a much-valued feature of special forces, as a spin for unrifled barrel made from pipe.

 

[eagle10]

The article does not say if it comes with 'da switch' so it can fire full auto

 

[22-rimfire]

Never met a gun I didn't like (as long as it is safe). That one doesn't sound safe. In fact, it sounds like a bunch of bull. I believe most of the gun writers have a bit more integrity than suggested.

 

[Zen21Tao]

ROFLMAO

Still sounds better made than an AK.

 

[.45FMJoe]

I seriously just had a great time reading that. I laughed very hard, my co-worker came over to read it and he had a great laugh too.

 

[BerettaNut92]

What? No 'utterly reliable' and 'one ragged hole at 3 yards'?

 

[oweno]

"...based on the classic <fill_in_blank> design..."

"...handled <x> rounds of mixed ammo with nary a bobble..."

"...outstanding for personal protection for properly credentialed individuals..."

"...proper ear and eye protection..."

"...Ransom Rest..."

"...proven design..."

"...although it was windy at the range..."

 

[Wayne D]

I was unable to measure the trigger pull because my fish scale tops out at 32 pounds.

 

[Tom Servo]

Preach, you owe me a new keyboard

 

[bobaloo]

Thanks, that WAS funny!

I can tell you that I used to own a manufacturing company, non-gun, and spent a couple of grand a month advertising in trade magazines. I told the editor it was time for a review, he agreed and told me to call the old-timer who did all their reviews.

I called him and told him what was going on and started to make arrangements to ship the product to him (it was large and bulky). He interrupted me and said "kid, I'm too old to fool with that crap, just send me some nice pictures and I'll take care of the article."

Needless to say I don't pay much attention to magazine reviews any more.

 

[nelson133]

That's why the only magazine I pay any attention to is Gun Tests because they don't take any advertising and do say negative things about firearms that don't meet their standards.