Gun Tests Magazine - Research, what's that?

[MurrayNevada]

I love my new R9S and still love my Kel-Tec P-3AT.  Gun Tests recently reviewed the P-3AT and again failed to properly research a pistol prior to review. Below is the link discussing the Gun Test results:

http://www.ktrange.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=2436

I wish they would be more careful as I like the format of the magazine.

[BillinPittsburgh]

Gun Tests used to be a great publication, but the number of mistakes I have seen lately really causes me to question whether it is worth paying the rather expensive subscription price.

In a recent issue, they criticized a Kimber pistol as not having a sufficiently raised pad on the back of the grip safety to ensure that it is depressed when the thumb rides the grip safety.  I have put many thousand rounds through the Kimber that is presently on my right hip, most using this hold, and can assure you that it does in fact have a raised pad on the grip safety.  However, rather than having a distinctive bump at the end of the safety, the bump blends in with the rest of the safety, and forms a smooth curve all the way up to the tang.  It sticks out of the grip frame just as much as any grip safety with a distinctive bump.  In fact, future 1911's I may purchase having the "bump" will probably have the grip safety replaced with one like Kimber now uses.

[R9SCarry]

Hi Murray - seems a while since ''seeing'' you.

I took the Gun Tests for a year but failed to renew because of seeing somewhat the same thing ... seemingly poor or inadequate research plus - the cost did not seem to justify the publication anyways.

At my time of life, whilst I am in no way a ''know-it-all'' I do have a good idea of what I want in my collection and for the most part this is not anything that is new on the market.

With the latter category tho I find I do best asking around and observing other's comments ... as well as taking perhaps three reviews in order to get some ''feel''.  My R9 #1 was in many respects bought ''sight unseen'' but was influenced as a decision on the extensive thread we had going on THR when Blackhawk first got his.

I have way too many magazines anyways - never seem to catch up on reading.  Latest Guns & Ammo just came - I ain't read the last one yet fully!!

[MurrayNevada]

It has been awhile OG, I've had a very hectic past six months.  

Their Rohrbaugh article made me begin to wonder if they were testing the same pistol that I was carrying.  Since then I have been reading it with a more careful eye.  Have seen other mistakes but was surprised that they were not even aware of the parts of the P-3AT they tested.  You would think they would at least read the manual.  And don't they field strip the pistols they test.  For crying out loud; how could they think there was a slide-stop?

[Fud]

Read Gun Tests for the facts and ignore their opinions & conclusions -- that's what I do!

[BillinPittsburgh]

Problem is, an increasing percentage of the facts are wrong.  It is one thing to have a different opinion - I doubt any 2 people here agree on everything - but to:

1)  Get the weight of the P3AT totally wrong,

2)  Mistakenly characterize the grip safety on the Kimber;

3)  Say that a S&W auto had a titanium frame when in fact it is aluminum alloy,

4)  Fail to realize that the P3AT was designed without a slide stop, and

5)  State that Cor-Bon ammo in .32NAA caliber is loaded to an unsafe pressure level when in fact it is not.

6-?)  Make the numerous mistakes they made in the Rohrbaugh article.

Makes me wonder what else they get wrong that we don't catch, which is why I cancelled my subscription.

I'll give them a buy on their demonstrably ridiculous comparison photo and caption with the R9 compared to the 1911, saying the 1911 was more useful.  It is an opinion based on experience totally different from my own.

Gun Tests used to be a very good publication, often being the only publication to point out problems with certain guns that my own experience with these guns proved to be correct.  I don't know what has happened lately.

[RJ HEDLEY]

I agree with Bill.

[Richard S]

I'm with Bill and RJ on this.

RS

[BillinPittsburgh]

Whatever Gun Tests caught seems to be going around . . .

Just got my latest issue of Handguns - usually one of the better publications.  It contained a picture with a caption describing the gun being shot by the pictured shooter as a .25 NAA.  Problem is, the gun was a revolver!

 

[Jim]

I am also dissapointed with "Gun Tests"  I was excited when I first subscribed, however, I believe they continue to slide...  I won't be renewing my subscription!!  Jim

[Fud]

...  3)  Say that a S&W auto had a titanium frame when in fact it is aluminum alloy,

Was this the review they did on the 4040PD?

[Ratzo]

To: Fudster

Where did you see the Article on the 4040PD, I have one and would like to obtain all the Info I can on the Gun?

Would Appreciate and Info you have.

[Fud]

Sorry for the late reply.

The S&W 4040PD was reviewed in the June 2004 issue of GUN TESTS on pages 5, 8 & 9 and received a "Conditional Buy" rating due to it's high price and the fact that it lacked a hammer spur. Personally, I think the fact that it lacks a hammer spur is a good thing and one of the things that I like about the gun.

The gun was also reviewed in the February 2004 issue of GUNS & AMMO pn pages 72-77 and received a very favorable report.

I would offer to scan those articles in and mail them to you but I am having technical difficulties with my scanner / PC connection.

By the way, how do you like your's? My only complaint is that it doesn't come in stainless steel or blackened stainless.

[Ratzo]

Thanks fudster:

!st the 4040PD is a great gun, when you Hold the gun it Becomes Part of your Arm (Great grip). Just a Well Made Gun.

I also Speak the same of the R-9s, another Well made Gun.

Both shoot Great and on Target, I say and will keep on saying, (You get what you Pay for).

I want to see if I can get a Back Copy of Gun test Just to keep with the Gun, would you by chance have a Phone number for the Magazine, I have checked a couple of stores but they do not carry it.

I carry both Guns (Not at the same Time) and I feel secure knowing that the R-9s and the 4040PD are Both Quality Guns
and would be there when needed.

Thanks for your Reply