Gun Writers Discussion

[Baddog0302]

Gun writers & politicians , a comparison
They do what ever it takes to keep doing what they do. We all know about politicians, but how about gun writers ? Have you ever read a bad firearms review ?? One reason being, if they told the truth ie, the sights , well point of impact is 6 to 10" high at any distance. Replacement sights ?? well the front dove tail slot is cut to take S&W MP sights, and the rear, well , it was cut for Glock rear sight and the advertising calls them Match grade sights. OH, and "Match Trigger" well if feels like dragging a sack of potatoes up some stairs.
How long do you think he would be receiving firearms if he wrote the truth about them ??

 

[gotcha]

I remember a magazine back in the late 70's maybe early 80's that really lambasted poorly designed firearms. I clearly remember an article entitled: FIELD TEST, H & K vp-7 turd................. Only saw one copy of the magazine. I can't imagine why

 

[hogpatrol]

Gun rags and car rags aren't even good to, well you know what I'm trying to say.

 

[Milo 2.0]

This funny stuff, but Bingo. Don't forget the usefulness of the latest wildcat that mirrors something that's been in circulation for 50 yrs that is way easier to work with.

 

[JBT47]

Recently read a gun writer's article on 6 Creedmoor and how all the PRS guys are using it in their AR10 platforms for PRS matches...ill informed to say the least.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

Agreed, plus 1!

There was one that was not advertiser driven. Precision Shooting Magazine under David Brennan's stewardship. They did not do much product review of firearms.
Bench Rest focused, and reviews of nifty accuracy stuff. Imagine a magazine that put out a swimsuit issue, like SI? All middle aged white guys in swimsuits holding BR rifles...?

 

[Milo 2.0]

Agreed, plus 1!

There was one that was not advertiser driven. Precision Shooting Magazine under David Brennan's stewardship. They did not do much product review of firearms.
Bench Rest focused, and reviews of nifty accuracy stuff. Imagine a magazine that put out a swimsuit issue, like SI? All middle aged white guys in swimsuits holding BR rifles...?

First it would be disgusting, if scantily clothed, but it would be dubbed racist as all get out, form of white supremacy.
LOL

 

[jamesdmock]

Be careful with "generalizations"! There are many gun writers who fit the description you stated, but there are those like Boyd Allen who do not "sell out" their principles for a story. There are many products tested that do not measure up and the would-be writer simply informs the manufacturer of what they found. One never sees a review of these products, but the maker is advised of what was found. I wrote for PS Magazine for 10 years and Dave Brennan made it clear that we were not to destroy a company with faint praise, but likewise we were not allowed to lie about what we found. James Mock

 

[Milo 2.0]

Be careful with "generalizations"! There are many gun writers who fit the description you stated, but there are those like Boyd Allen who do not "sell out" their principles for a story. There are many products tested that do not measure up and the would-be writer simply informs the manufacturer of what they found. One never sees a review of these products, but the maker is advised of what was found. I wrote for PS Magazine for 10 years and Dave Brennan made it clear that we were not to destroy a company with faint praise, but likewise we were not allowed to lie about what we found. James Mock

I'm not going to disparage anything you said, but at some point we all realize where or who butters our bread. From publishers down to writers, being brutally honest about most things would have to result in some sort of earnings loss, just my opinion.

 

[Grimstod]

From many of the big magazines there is plenty of BS. I also noticed that many have absolutely no knowledge of what makes a gun accurate.

 

[Barlow]

The only reason I get Field and Stream is to read Dave Petzal. I don't always agree with him, but you don't have to wonder about what he thinks. Besides he's pretty damn funny. Barlow

 

[Milo 2.0]

The only reason I get Field and Stream is to read Dave Petzal. I don't always agree with him, but you don't have to wonder about what he thinks. Besides he's pretty damn funny. Barlow

Today, I cannot even stand to thumb through one of the big 3. F&S, OL, or SA in a doctors office, rather stare at the ceiling.

 

[Barlow]

Today, I cannot even stand to thumb through one of the big 3. F&S, OL, or SA in a doctors office, rather stare at the ceiling.

A few issues back a guy who said he was 18 years old and had given some guy gun advise. He wanted to know if Petzal agreed with him, to which Dave replied; "you're 18, don't give gun advise". It was funny to me because I have a 17 year old nephew the same way. Barlow

 

[Milo 2.0]

A few issues back a guy who said he was 18 years old and had given some guy gun advise. He wanted to know if Petzal agreed with him, to which Dave replied; "you're 18, don't give gun advise". It was funny to me because I have a 17 year old nephew the same way. Barlow

Yes, downright funny, I do believe words close to it come from my mouth at times. But make no mistake, someone needs to inform "Dave" to get used to it.

 

[Knotwild]

Gun magazines are like any other magazine - some are there to get your fee to read it. However, some, like Rifle and Handloader Magazine have some interesting articles. Rifle Magazine just had an article about a home made barrel tuner and the results. When people like John Barnsness and Mike Venturio write, I usually get interested - they write well and you can actually learn something.

 

[Knotwild]

Today, I cannot even stand to thumb through one of the big 3. F&S, OL, or SA in a doctors office, rather stare at the ceiling.

You don't even like to look at the pictures?

 

[Milo 2.0]

You don't even like to look at the pictures?

Yes and no, pictures usually end up costing me money.

 

[hogpatrol]

I don't care if they writer is as honest as the Pope, EVERY written article has a bias. The trick is to see which way the bias is running.

 

[snert]

which bias are you biased by, right?

 

[MS50]

While in wildlife management school during the mid 70's, I took an elective on outdoor writing. One of the guest speakers was a semi-retired outdoor writer. His purpose was to provide insight into an employment alternative for the majority of us who would not find employment in the field. He admitted that he had published over 100 fishing articles in major magazines such as Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, etc, without ever seeing the water. Stock photos apparently came in handy.