BluesBear
member
Lone Star, I applaud you for injecting a breath of fresh air.
Gun Mag Ad Ultimate Prostitution
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MrPink
Member
The only gun mags I subscribe to anymore are Small Arms Review great military and NFA articles) and American Handgunner (great gun porn).
Oh, I also get the American Rifleman with my NRA membership. That magazine is much improved the last few years.
The rest of the gun mags I usually thumb through at the newsstand. I'll buy an occasional Guns or Gunworld if the topic interests me. I think the last mag I bought was the special on the 1911 by Guns and Ammo.
Otherwise I find the writing to be boorish and repetitive.
Oh, I also get the American Rifleman with my NRA membership. That magazine is much improved the last few years.
The rest of the gun mags I usually thumb through at the newsstand. I'll buy an occasional Guns or Gunworld if the topic interests me. I think the last mag I bought was the special on the 1911 by Guns and Ammo.
Otherwise I find the writing to be boorish and repetitive.
OEF_VET
Member
You're suppose to buy those rags? I thought they were for reading while the better half was shopping!
cheygriz
member
Cratz,
I agree about Ross Seyfried. It's a shame that there can't be more like him.
Also agree about Libourel and Thomas. But I would add Taylor, Cooper, Wilson and a few other to the banned list.
I agree about Ross Seyfried. It's a shame that there can't be more like him.
Also agree about Libourel and Thomas. But I would add Taylor, Cooper, Wilson and a few other to the banned list.
sturmruger
Member
I have always read all of the gun mags I can get my hands on. Mostly because I am young(26) and want to learn as much as possible about firearms. The downside to most gun rags is they tend to be about new guns. I would love to read some reviews of older gun. How about a C&R magazine wouldn't that be cool. I don't remember which magazine it was, but one of the big gun mags had a article on the new .45 Highpoint!!! It was at that point that it really dawned on me how the magazine business works. I felt bad for the author I am sure that wasn't on his lists of guns he wanted to review.
As far as car mags go the only one to read is Car and Driver. They always offer the good with the bad and have no qualms about ripping into detroits latest screwup. I don't read Motortrend. They will compare 5 midsize sedans and not pick a favorite from the bunch. They are too wishy washy and I hate that. Wouldn't it be cool if gun mags started doing comparison tests and then picked a favorite from the bunch.
As far as car mags go the only one to read is Car and Driver. They always offer the good with the bad and have no qualms about ripping into detroits latest screwup. I don't read Motortrend. They will compare 5 midsize sedans and not pick a favorite from the bunch. They are too wishy washy and I hate that. Wouldn't it be cool if gun mags started doing comparison tests and then picked a favorite from the bunch.
Smoke
Member
Speaking of gun rags...
Not to drift ot far off here, but...
Why, when doing a writeup of any particular handgun, there is always an action shot of the "Author" shooting the gun? It always seems to they try to catch the action immediately after the rtound is fired and the author is holding the weapon, arms bent, and the muzzle pointed up in the air at 45 degrees. As if that new Uber tactical .38 is a recoil beast.
I've watched a lot of shooters, and put my share of rounds down range and never had a gun recoil on me like that....or do they think it "looks cool"
Thats why I hate gun rags.
Smoke
Not to drift ot far off here, but...
Why, when doing a writeup of any particular handgun, there is always an action shot of the "Author" shooting the gun? It always seems to they try to catch the action immediately after the rtound is fired and the author is holding the weapon, arms bent, and the muzzle pointed up in the air at 45 degrees. As if that new Uber tactical .38 is a recoil beast.
I've watched a lot of shooters, and put my share of rounds down range and never had a gun recoil on me like that....or do they think it "looks cool"
Thats why I hate gun rags.
Smoke
Jayman
Member
I was wondering if I was the only person feeling that way. Awerbuck's back column has meandered more and more toward the esoteric/zen/contemplate the tactics sort of thing, and less and less toward simple tactics/theories/ideologies. His most recent article on flashlights even wandered off in that direction too, much to my chagrin. It was still worthwhile, but required me to READ it heavily and try to figure out *** he was saying a few times.
OTOH, Awerbuck's actual live in-person training is exceptionally no-nonsense. I don't know why his writing style has drifted into its most recent incarnation.
atek3
Member
I was in a class with Chuck Taylor and he was basically explaining how the article works. In the review of your companies' firearm, if you buy a little ad you get one or two black and white pictures in the article, a bigger ad some color pictures, the biggest add, they will give you a multi-page color spread advocating the virtues of your endall and be all of tactical(or practical or concealable) wondergun. Chuck will totally admit that writing for gun rags is basically prostitution, but it is easy prostitution that pays well, so if you can swing it...more power to ya.
atek3
atek3
I bought CH June 2004 because Ed Lovette mentions the STRASBOURG TESTS. See page 106. My life wouldn't be complete without its reference.
After vomiting, I threw away all my copies of Lovette's books. His reputation is now in the dumpster.
The model on page 7 ain't bad ..........
After vomiting, I threw away all my copies of Lovette's books. His reputation is now in the dumpster.
The model on page 7 ain't bad ..........
The American Rifleman fluxuates along with NRA Membership Membership. Ranking among magazines seems to hold steady in the 50s from the top range. The three NRA publications- American Rifleman, American Hunter and First Freedom have total paid circulations of 2,998,926.
Guns and Ammo has lost about 100,000 readers in the past several years. At one time, it had 597,000 subscribers and ranked about 120. Now the rankings is 179 out of 200. Other gun magazines have half or less readership than Diabetes Forecast, People in Espanol, Elle Girl and Bicyling.
It appears that as far as keeping the lines of communication open for the gun culture, the NRA is the only game in town. All three magazines have the political and industry news with American Hunter and First Freedom having articles specific to hunting and activism. the NRAILA website provides instant tracking of political happenings.
I'm not sure how big an impact the internet is having but it is really nice to be able to find out about important legislation as it happens. A few years ago, you had to wait a couple of months for the Gun Magazines to catch up or just guess what had happened by what the news papers and tv reported. ( They crowed when an anti-gun law passed and said nothing when it failed.}
Guns and Ammo has lost about 100,000 readers in the past several years. At one time, it had 597,000 subscribers and ranked about 120. Now the rankings is 179 out of 200. Other gun magazines have half or less readership than Diabetes Forecast, People in Espanol, Elle Girl and Bicyling.
It appears that as far as keeping the lines of communication open for the gun culture, the NRA is the only game in town. All three magazines have the political and industry news with American Hunter and First Freedom having articles specific to hunting and activism. the NRAILA website provides instant tracking of political happenings.
I'm not sure how big an impact the internet is having but it is really nice to be able to find out about important legislation as it happens. A few years ago, you had to wait a couple of months for the Gun Magazines to catch up or just guess what had happened by what the news papers and tv reported. ( They crowed when an anti-gun law passed and said nothing when it failed.}
Battlespace
Member
I still love to read the articles in "Fur, Fish and Game." The gun rags are just that - rags and not worth the $$$$ spent on them. Head for THR for gun "stuff" or Free Republic or Liberty Press for politics.
clubsoda22
member
I stopped my gun mag subscriptions because i can only stand to read about so many different variations of the 1911 platform.
I think the high road should have its own bi-monthly. 6 issues a year, no adds. Of course, the subscription will be a bit pricey if we're lacking ads, but i think people would pay. People on the board could donate articles and all the money that doesn't go to publishing would go to an RKBA fund.
I think the high road should have its own bi-monthly. 6 issues a year, no adds. Of course, the subscription will be a bit pricey if we're lacking ads, but i think people would pay. People on the board could donate articles and all the money that doesn't go to publishing would go to an RKBA fund.
Jayman
Member
It could still have ads. SWAT mag has 'em. If the article makes something sound "less than amazing," well I guess the vendor should've delivered a better product. I think lots of people buy gun rags and don't read the text anyways, they just look at the pretty pictures, so even if you put in an article savaging product X, but right next to it you have a big glossy ad of product X being used in high speed/low drag/ninjistical fashion, there'll still be people running out to get it. (Behold the power of imagery on the male mind.)
Problems though...
1. You'll need somebody to edit this thing, plus you'll need contributors.
2. Writers don't get paid a lot, but they'll soak up some of the monies going into this thing.
3. When all's said and done, I don't know how much money you'd have left over to donate to RKBA.
Most magazines make money solely from ad revenues. You just don't make money from subs. Subs are basically only good when it comes to tracking circulation, which you then, in turn use to make your advertisers pay more.
That said, let's see, you could get Oleg to do the photography, he's good at that...
I'll even contribute an occasional article here and there. I think I'd gear my writing more towards the basics instead of the ultimate tacticality. (We'll leave that to Skunk.)
Who the heck would be editor-in-chief? That'd be a full time PLUS job...
Don Gwinn
Moderator Emeritus
The biggest problem is that there's zero interest among staff or ownership in doing something like that. If you want the closest thing to a THR/TFL magazine, I recommend SWAT. THR staff maintain its website, write articles, and do layout and photography. Former TFL staff edit the copy, write articles, take pictures, and serve as Editor and Publisher.
It has ads, but it also pulls no punches. Since I've been subscribed, I've seen Benelli shotguns and the Argonaut AR-15 grip adapter for shotguns (subscribers only, not on the newsstands yet) panned. I also saw a comparison between the AR-15 and the Mini-14 that admitted that there was very little difference in practical terms.
It has ads, but it also pulls no punches. Since I've been subscribed, I've seen Benelli shotguns and the Argonaut AR-15 grip adapter for shotguns (subscribers only, not on the newsstands yet) panned. I also saw a comparison between the AR-15 and the Mini-14 that admitted that there was very little difference in practical terms.
Guns_and_Labs
Member
Well, I must admit -- I like them all. But I'm honest with myself, it's mostly about eye candy and gunsmith envy. I don't bother with Combat Handguns much, since the paper's so cheap and the pictures bad. But GUNS and AMERICAN HANDGUNNER are downright beautiful. RIFLE and HANDLOADER are sometimes interestly different. But I wouldn't ever take their advice without corroboration.
George Hill
Member
Ditto SWAT.
And about Leroy Thompson... I think that guy is the cat's meow when it comes to gun writers. He reviews hardware no one else gets to play with... like French SMG's and all that.
Him and Taffin are two of my favorite gun writers. And I don't see Taffin getting on his knees for any gun maker.
SWAT needs to get Taffin on board. I know Clint Smith has been doing a lot of Cowboy stuff, but it would help if he was a cowboy.
And about Leroy Thompson... I think that guy is the cat's meow when it comes to gun writers. He reviews hardware no one else gets to play with... like French SMG's and all that.
Him and Taffin are two of my favorite gun writers. And I don't see Taffin getting on his knees for any gun maker.
SWAT needs to get Taffin on board. I know Clint Smith has been doing a lot of Cowboy stuff, but it would help if he was a cowboy.
I could do w/out the ATV and pick-up stories in Am Rifleman, G&A, etc. Otherwise I like Am. Rifleman, and G&A on occasion.
Stopped subscribing to Gun Tests; too many mistakes and plain old ignorance in their reviews. They're always breaking stuff and having it fall apart, too. Clearly, it's time for some better-trained chimps to run the testing program.
CH often has a coupla interesting articles, but otherwise uninteresting. And the Walt Rauch-Joe Venezia thing - it's creeping me out; are they conjoined or something?
Nice pics in Am Handgunner, but too many of them are of fancy-schmancy Liberace-looking plated/engraved stuff that'd look more at home in one of Saddam's bathrooms or jammed in Elvis' jumpsuit waistband than in a self-respecting gun collection. Their constant touting of their non-PC content ("ooh, I know, let's inserts a coupla swear words") and unbiased product assessments are both laughable and tiresome. Best parts are the regular columns; I read those at the rack.
I like SWAT, wish it had a diff name.
Stopped subscribing to Gun Tests; too many mistakes and plain old ignorance in their reviews. They're always breaking stuff and having it fall apart, too. Clearly, it's time for some better-trained chimps to run the testing program.
CH often has a coupla interesting articles, but otherwise uninteresting. And the Walt Rauch-Joe Venezia thing - it's creeping me out; are they conjoined or something?
Nice pics in Am Handgunner, but too many of them are of fancy-schmancy Liberace-looking plated/engraved stuff that'd look more at home in one of Saddam's bathrooms or jammed in Elvis' jumpsuit waistband than in a self-respecting gun collection. Their constant touting of their non-PC content ("ooh, I know, let's inserts a coupla swear words") and unbiased product assessments are both laughable and tiresome. Best parts are the regular columns; I read those at the rack.
I like SWAT, wish it had a diff name.
El Cid
Member
I've been reading gun mags for over 35 years and have lots of articles I tore out in the 1960's and 70's. S. Skelton, Bill Jordan, Keith and others could entertain as well as write.
I also have most of the mags HANDGUN TESTS, PISTOLERO, and others published in the 1980's.
Today's mags can not hold a candle to the old ones in entertainment value.
Are the stories true or not? In one hunting mag the author writes of setting in a tree stand with his super duper bow and easton arrow outfit. Along comes the first deer of the season, he raises his belchfire mag rifle and one shot nails it. So which was it? Bow or gun season?
I now only take American Rifleman and Gun Week. Others have small articles surrounded by large advertisements.
And don't get me started on Gun Week's articles by Waldo Lydeker(Dean Speir) as they soon became nothing but filler till he was gone.
I also have most of the mags HANDGUN TESTS, PISTOLERO, and others published in the 1980's.
Today's mags can not hold a candle to the old ones in entertainment value.
Are the stories true or not? In one hunting mag the author writes of setting in a tree stand with his super duper bow and easton arrow outfit. Along comes the first deer of the season, he raises his belchfire mag rifle and one shot nails it. So which was it? Bow or gun season?
I now only take American Rifleman and Gun Week. Others have small articles surrounded by large advertisements.
And don't get me started on Gun Week's articles by Waldo Lydeker(Dean Speir) as they soon became nothing but filler till he was gone.
artherd
member
I like Special Weapons for Law Enforcement.
Had a pretty good honest review of the Armalite AR-30 vs Sig Blaser in .338LM. Basically admited that, while there are minor ergonomic differences, both are good precision rifles that shoot similar groups. And one costs 2-3x more.
Both of the failings of both designs were pretty throughly addressed. (questionably reliable straight pull in the R-93, and mags that wiggle and make some noise, as well as a bolt that isn't terribly well supported when open, in the AR-30.)
This is from an AR-30 owner, I think they found everything wrong with that gun (ie, not damned much, but some things.)
Also found out about TW-25B *spray* from these guys. The stuff actually works, and works damned well.
Had a pretty good honest review of the Armalite AR-30 vs Sig Blaser in .338LM. Basically admited that, while there are minor ergonomic differences, both are good precision rifles that shoot similar groups. And one costs 2-3x more.
Both of the failings of both designs were pretty throughly addressed. (questionably reliable straight pull in the R-93, and mags that wiggle and make some noise, as well as a bolt that isn't terribly well supported when open, in the AR-30.)
This is from an AR-30 owner, I think they found everything wrong with that gun (ie, not damned much, but some things.)
Also found out about TW-25B *spray* from these guys. The stuff actually works, and works damned well.
I buy gun and hunting magazines on occasion simply to keep up-to-date about what's new on the market. I don't always have time to read every post on The High Road and the magazines give me an idea of what's new. I then go back to places like The High Road and wait for someone to talk about their personal experience. Then I decide to buy or not to buy depending on my budget. I don't mind being an advertisement target. I'm just incredibly cynical about most things that need advertising to sell themselves. Most great high-dollar products sell themselves by reputation and word-of-mouth. It's still nice to see the pretty pictures.
general
Member
Here is what I do like...
I got a years worth of AH and Guns on a CD rom.. wish you could buy them at the end of the year like that for a discount ... say 19.95 for the entire year on CD.
I got a years worth of AH and Guns on a CD rom.. wish you could buy them at the end of the year like that for a discount ... say 19.95 for the entire year on CD.
I used to subscribe to American Handgunner, and long story short, then I grew up. It's definitely got some of the most beautiful photography anywhere, and I like John Taffin's articles (but *** does he always post in ALL CAPS on sixguns.com?) but I got sick of the tactical preaching. The letters to the editors and responses look like Mad Magazine, and I've absolutely had it up to here with magazines that tell me I'm a tactical "wannabe" because I don't have a necklace made out of ears.
Guns & Ammo just kind of lost it's appeal for me as well, although I miss Cooper's commentaries. American Rifleman has improved vastly, I'd say. In the eighties it used to be very lousy indeed, but it's picked up steam again. Since I finally paid off the easy pay life membership, I'm happy to see it going strong.
The only one I still actually pay for is The Backwoodsman, because it's always interesting, and very reader interactive, kind of like THR in a slow bi-montly way. I'm definitely biased toward the thrilling days of yesteryear.
Guns & Ammo just kind of lost it's appeal for me as well, although I miss Cooper's commentaries. American Rifleman has improved vastly, I'd say. In the eighties it used to be very lousy indeed, but it's picked up steam again. Since I finally paid off the easy pay life membership, I'm happy to see it going strong.
The only one I still actually pay for is The Backwoodsman, because it's always interesting, and very reader interactive, kind of like THR in a slow bi-montly way. I'm definitely biased toward the thrilling days of yesteryear.
You know something? People seem to always have the idea that older is better. There was no time like the old days.
But, I'll tell you this: By the time Jeff Cooper, et al came around they were a far cry from an Elmer Keith, Chas Askins, Jr., or a Jack O'Connor. I got rid of the magazine subscriptions back when JC was in his heyday. So, it's all relative. You may come to the conclusion years from now that Leroy Thompson or Chuck Taylor was pretty good by comparison to the then current crop of bozos.
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