Really annoyed with gun reviewers

[Kevin]

I find myself wanting a new revolver. I haven’t bought a gun since last year! I know, I know, I’m very sorry…

But in looking around at what’s available online. (I’ve given up on gun stores.) and then going to some review to see the size and weight etc.

I find the reviewers are just idiots.

One guy on YouTube insisted on doing his interview in a dirty tee shirt a couple sizes too small. Another wore this ski mask in the summertime at the range. Why do a review of you don’t want to show your face?

Another writer just now actually used the phrase like a knife through so and so. (He named a famous celebrity.) Funny? Not to me. I quit reading.

And then they all use the same phrases. “That being said.” Or “guns are just tools like a hammer.” On and on…. So tiring to read.

All I want to know are the facts, how much does the gun weigh, how big is it, what is the frame made of, can you replace the grips etc.

I suppose gun magazines are the same? I haven’t read any in a few years.

 

[Mobuck]

I used to read all the 'gun magazines' cover to cover. Then it began to appear that all the writers had bunched up and picked their catch phrases from the same book. Sounds like similar stuff going on with online writers.
Another observation: some folks are just slobs regardless of other factors. I have no problem with a 'tuber' wearing logo stuff since that often buys his Cheerios but do it neatly. Any 'tuber dude' who dresses like a wanna be SEAL operator or an Islamic terrorist isn't on my playlist. Matter of fact: most topics I watch relate to predator hunting--I just want to see what tactics work for them.

 

[GunnyGene]

It's all just marketing. Getting you to buy something they're selling. Even the manufacturers web sites only give you the very basic info they think will get you to buy one of their products. Bring out the hot chicks shooting their latest boom stick and so on.

 

[jimbo1096]

Got to narrow down your search parameters. There alot of dumb-a** people that think they are the hot stuff just because they figured out how to run a cell phone and post on the internet. I've switched off more than I've watched but there are some that are helpful. Just got to weed them out. There is a dislike button on some of them I think.
What do you want. I'll bet someone on here might actually have it to tell you what you want to know.

 

[Kevin]

I agree about the same catch phrases. They must hear something and think it sounds good and then copy it for their own use.

What do you want. I'll bet someone on here might actually have it to tell you what you want to know.

I haven't narrowed down my search enough to know what I'm looking for. But yes, I'm sure you're right, I bet between everyone here, there is probably a good chance someone has a particular gun. :)

 

[RoninPA]

When was the last time anyone here read a firearm evaluation in a gun magazine that wasn't a "glowing" or just a plain jane report of thr gun? Bad reviews will not sell advertising. I don't, never have, watch You Tube firearms evaluations, I have no idea what the evaluators background or expertise is so why waste my time.

I'll go to gun shows, the East Coast Gathering and other places and talk to the guys I know and hang around with. They know a lot of other folks who own guns and get info from the real world. There have been times at a gun range when someone has something that piques my interest, I'll talk to the owner/shooter about it.

 

[contender]

I understand your rant Kevin. I'll make an assumption. You are trying to find out facts by just using the internet,, right? Well, why not start with the manufacturers website? Most of them give the Specs on all their products. That's a start.
Next,, get on Forums like this,, AND get out & visit gun shows, or several gun shops to actually see & handle models that you have an interest in.
I get a few gun magazines,, (NRA magazines, American Handgunner & Handloader.) And as noted,, you won't find hardly any negative slant on any product in them because as said; Poor reports do not sell advertising.
BUT,,, gun magazines can offer a little insight into certain models too. You just have to read between the lines & such.

Just like what Ron mentioned,, at my Gathering,, we do try & shoot all kinds of guns. And as I've promised,, you give me a list of guns you'd like to try & I'll see about having one for you to play with.

 

[Kevin]

Contender:
Thanks, and yes, I’m definitely taking you up on that offer.

All of you guys are correct. Thanks for the feedback. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one fed up with the poor content on YouTube and such places.

 

[KIR]

If you want the stats on a firearm, go to the manufactuer's web site and look up the model in question.

 

[wolfsong]

I usually do three things when contemplating getting a new gun: 1. Read the manufacturer's data straight from their source. 2. Talk with folks (customers and staff) at the LGS. 3. Come here to the forum and talk to y'all.

 

[Kevin]

Thanks, and yes you guys are correct. For example Ruger has pictures and stats for each gun.

What they don’t have are pictures of it in someone’s hand so I can visualize how big it is. A straight picture of a gun with a white background doesn’t have is anything for reference about size. Ya know?

 

[gunzo]

Don't give up on gun shops. I've got to think that a place like Dallas or near, has at least a few good ones with a big inventory, knowledgeable, helpful & patient staff. Taking the time to find one or more could be rewarding. You might just have to work to find them.
OTOH, I too find many of the youtubers to be totally annoying, knowing full well where you're coming from on that subject. Many are total waste of time. The thing here is, a person must have a certain amount of knowledge on a subject to know if a vid is valid or not. I think they are best avoided for the most part unless.... "the presenter has some credibility" And that's a loaded statement as all are trying to sell something whether it be themselves or a product. Not necessarily a bad thing, just something to keep in mind.

 

[Dave P.]

I know I'm stating the painfully obvious here but it's the internet and everybody gets to do it.
Why do you want a new gun? As in what do you see it being used for that whatever you have isn't
satisfying or capable. Thinking big bore hand cannon like a custom SW500 or smaller .22 rimfire just
to play with. New high end custom to just take out and fondle it once and a while then hide it in the safe,
or something to take camping and leave laying in the tackle box....???
You gotta have a vision... Kevin goes on a African handgun elephant hunt, or Kevin stalks the mighty squirrel
at the bird feeder.
Narrow it down and give us something to work with, we'll be glad to spend your money for you.
Oh, back on topic, you're right gun reviews mostly suck.

 

[NH Rugerman]

Thanks, and yes you guys are correct. For example Ruger has pictures and stats for each gun.

What they don’t have are pictures of it in someone’s hand so I can visualize how big it is. A straight picture of a gun with a white background doesn’t have is anything for reference about size. Ya know?

Ruger has quite a few videos on their website, usually of someone shooting the firearm, or cleaning it, you may find that helpful as well.

Good luck…

 

[hittman]

I’ve often been amazed and/or disappointed that so many put faith in the opinion of someone paid to give it.

 

[Kevin]

Don't give up on gun shops. I've got to think that a place like Dallas or near, has at least a few good ones with a big inventory, knowledgeable, helpful & patient staff

You're right. There are some good gun stores around. Several of them have been pushed out by the larger big box stores. Sheeles came to town a couple years ago. And there are two Bass Pro Shops and two Cabelas (if you count Ft. Worth.) If you throw in Academy Sports, it just doesn't leave much for the smaller independent stores.

The very best gun shop I've seen is GAT Guns back in Illinois in Dundee. They had a super nice selection, and not just black poly guns.

 

[Cholo]

I prefer to just Google "Colt Anaconda reviews and articles" and read articles as opposed to a useless video. They'll review it alright, and it always seems rosy.

I was licking my chops over the new Anaconda until I read the reviews. "It has a 6# single action trigger pull, but it feels much lighter". 6# trigger pull? I don't have a single revolver with anything near a 6# pull. That fell under--you've got to be kidding me!

"The accuracy was pretty good with all the loads we tested." Do you know what the 25 yd. accuracy averaged in 8 or so articles? 2 1/2"! That's horrendous accuracy for a $1,500 revolver.

My point is that, yes, gun writers paint rosy pictures, but they usually answer my questions one way or another. In the case of the Anaconda they were telling me the trigger pull was excessive and the accuracy was miserable.

I get the same 3 magazines as contender and have found American Handgunner and Handloader to be very good.

 

[ammo dave]

How about Hickock45?

 

[jimbo1096]

Try hickok45 on youtube

ammo dave beat me to it!

 

[irishjack]

I have heard that if a gun writer gets a gun to review that is a real dog that the gun magazine will pay him for his time but not run the review article for fear of offending a gun company that advertises in the magazine.

 

[steveodtw]

How about Hickock45?

Like all of us, Hickock45 has his biases. But he'll tell you that. He also will tell you what he's not crazy about, what's just OK. He'll also tell you he's not a hunter when evaluating hunting arms, and not military. Just realize when he's commenting on grip comfort that he has gigantic hands.

My least favorite gun reviewers phrase is "Everything you need, and nothing you don't."

 

[BearBiologist]

All of them are bought and paid for and are just showing loyalty to their employers!

 

[Gopher]

How about Hickock45?

I'm also a fan of Honest Outlaw.

 

[Cal30 1906]

How about Hickock45?

Hickhock 45 is awesome to watch and gives a great honest review. Have you seen his review on the Hi-point? Funny as hell!!

 

[peachhead]

Yes, some reviews are not worth the time and effort. But that's not always the case. I've done a few YouTube reviews and they are basically just "unboxing, field strip, and general opinion" videos. I always try to make the point that anything you see is something that's come through my shop either for sale or to be worked on, and nothing was sent to me for free. The downside is, I can't shoot any of it, unless I decide to keep it or sell it as used, so I'm a bit limited.
Why do I do these? Because I have also thought that most gun writers now slant towards the more positive side, because they don't want to stop getting stuff for free.

 

[KS25-06]

I have been reading gun and hunting magazines since I was 9 years old. 76 now. My favorite gripe is the guy that says I have fired thousands of rounds in such and such caliber. My question is when does he have time to do this? What with all the hunts, picture taking, writing articles, etc.. etc. when do they have time to shoot so much? As you can guess, I have liked the older writers like Keith, O'Conner, Page, Hagel, Skelton, Jorden, etc. Two of the best of todays bunch are Boddington and Tappin in my opinion.

 

[turd]

Try Gun-Tests.com. No advertising.

 

[deac45]

I'll watch the gun review videos but skip the ones that are just an unboxing show and tell...I can get that on the manufacture's web site. What I want to see is a review after shooting several hundred or thousand rounds. Tell what it has been like with this gun for the past six months or year.

 

[gramps]

I have some guns, I have sold some I wish I had kept. Contender lets me shoot his RUGER .480 Super Blackhawk, now that puts a smile on my face! I had the hots for one, but practically, I don’t have the cash, and not a need. Sigh! April of 2024 I will have paid off my ex wife’s house, and I get to keep that $1,000/month. I will reevaluate then!

 

[badge851]

I like Paul Harrell, Hickock45, & Honest Outlaw. As for Gun magazines, I only subscribe to and read one. That one is Gun Tests. With it, you get an honest evaluation as they accept no advertising. I'm very pleased with Gun Tests.