Gun Tests Magazine - Opinions Please

[Abraham]

Anyone here read it?

If so, how much credibility do they have?

Thanks

[AEA]

I've never seen it. But, by the name of it, I would assume that it is a rag that gets it's money from the Gun Manufacturers and will promote/praise whatever is next in line for them even if it is not a "truthful" report.

[Abraham]

AEA ,

They claim to be a type of "Consumer Reports" that is, they don't accept any ads or freebies of ANY kind.

Thus, they 'should' be objective in their findings.

But, who knows...?

[AEA]

OK,

If that is the case and they do not have any Gun Manufacturer's Advertisements,
you may actually get a fairly unbiased report from them from time to time.....

[Rex B]

There are no gun ads.
They really do try to be object, and they mostly succeed.
I enjoy the magazine, and mostly find it useful
Occasionally their methods are inconsistent, and they almost never tell you at what distance their groups are produced.
Sometimes the guns they choose to compare don't seem to have much in common with each other.

But they do test some interesting guns, and their writing style is casual, does not sound like a slick ad piece.

I consider it interesting if a bit unprofessional. I just renewed my subscription.

[jimlongley]

When they first started I did subscribe, but when I cut back on subscriptions after being laid off in 2001, they were one of the first to go. They seemed fair and unbiased, but I don't recall any advertising content except that there were no guns. The reason they were on the cancel list is because it wasn't information that I was using, interested in , yes, but not essential to my life at reduced pay.

[gemini]

I think the only credible reviews are those just like Consumer Reports. The reviewer buys the gun
straight from a dealers stock. Not a "special" gun sent direct from the factory. I realize some reviews
are done prior to the official release date of new models. I don't put much faith in those type of reviews.

[frazzled]

http://www.gun-tests.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I find it excellent and have bought firearms as a result of their recommendations (or not acquired). Its a no nonsense mag with an online database of all reviews. In contrast to many magazines they are pretty critical of the items they are reviewing. I've used its database several times as a resource for other shooting looking at reviews for different specific firearms or types.

There's no bull. its just firearm reviews. No glowing ads, pics, or other fluffery nonsense.

[gemini]

Sounds like Consumer Report type testing. No ads. Subscription supported. From their own site:

..."Only GUN TESTS evaluates today's most talked about handguns, rifles, shotguns and shooting accessories with utter, ruthless impartiality…so you always know what's worth buying before you buy it.

Subscriber-supported, GUN TESTS accepts no commercial advertising. Unlike most major gun magazines, we're free to tell the truth no matter which deep pocket manufacturer it might upset. Readers know GUN TESTS' ratings and recommendations are always full, fair and unfettered.

With our rigorous comparison testing, GUN TESTS separates the good from the bad......"


Sorry to cut & paste but thought it might be helpful to others.
Thanks for the link frazzled.

[rgoldy]

I subscribed several years ago, and then cancelled because I was disappointed in the quality of the writing and editing as well as the trend that had appeared in the editorial side of the magazine (inside front cover). I recently re-subscribed and thus far have been satisfied with the content. The tests are a bit inconsistent in standards, but by and large it appears to be trying to be in the vein of consumer reports. It does do tests on what I would consider more "consumer" guns than most of the other gun mags. Writing has improved, editing still is a bit weak, but I think that given what appears to be a semi-shoestring operation it is worth the money.

[frazzled]

Don't forget it appears Texas based (or at least many of their range tests occur in the Houston area).

[Mike1951]

I subscribed for one year back in the early days. I recall them trashing a Kahr K-40, or maybe it was a K-9. I bought it in spite of their findings and have never regretted my decision.

I'm sure they occasionally get something right, but since then I consider everything they write to be suspect.

[barres]

I used to be a subscriber, and I liked their rag, but I let my subscription lapse for economic reasons years ago. The thing to remember about Gun Tests, is that they buy a firearm or accessory off the shelf to test. This means that, just like us, they're susceptible to getting an occasional lemon. They never seemed very good about admitting that fact, and they never seem to let go of a bad review. They'll comment on it seemingly forever, without giving the manufacturer a chance to make things right (since the reviewed items are bought new, they have a warranty).