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This is actually a huge brouhaha over on another board, with many posters blaming gun writers for not being honest.
Here are the facts: Gun magazines are in business to make money. Virtually all of the money comes from advertising (subscriptions pay for the postage, that's all). The advertising base for the shooting industry is microscopic compared to the auto ndustry, for example. So no gun mag can afford to alienate a big advertiser.
That being the case, if a writer says "Brand X's new WonderWidget is junk," do you think that article will ever see the light of day? Nope. So neither the magazine NOR the writers can change things.
You can, however, read between the lines. If a product never gets reviewed, never gets a mention by a writer, even if the product is advertised, a smart reader should realize WHY. (To spell it out to less-than-smart readers, "If you can't say something good...")
Do gun mags push the latest thing? Hell, yes. If you looked at one at the newsstand and it featured nothing but the Savage 99, Marlin Model 60, the 7x57 Mauser cartridge and a "Me and Joe went Huntin'" piece - would you buy it? Hell, no.
American shooters are addicted to the newest, shiniest, fastest or biggest. Is it the magazine's fault that that's what you want to read about? Nope. Their job is to give you what you want so you'll buy their magazine.
Sorry if this sounds like a rant, but that other thread on the other board just set me off. You guys are MUCH more understanding and smart.
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