|
As a gun writer myself, it always rankles me to read these not-so-vague insinuations about these reviews.
I have only done one gun review, so I know a bit about the process without being suspect - I hope. Here's the scoop.
Staff writers get writing assignments. They may not have any say in what topics or guns they are assigned. Often, they have the review gun for as little as a week before it has to go to another writer (or magazine). Much of the time, there is no possibility of buying it for that reason. I can't say whether such guns are cherry-picked, but writers find enough things to nitpick that I doubt it.
Freelance writers have to request review guns, often being put on a waiting list to get one - if ever. They also may have to quickly return a gun to the maker or forward it to somebody else. Shipping is at the writer's expense, as are FFL transfer fees and legal checks. If the gun can be purchased, it is typically about 20% off the MSRP - and the same gun in a retail store might be LESS than the writer's "discount."
Finally, 99% of all the writers I know are the most honest and straight-up people you'd care to meet. Yes, there have been exceptions, but darn few and they don't last long in the business. Hedging the truth does not pay off in the long term - especially when you put your words in print for all to see - and essentially forever. Think about that.
|