How much do you trust gun reviews online?

[Woofy]

I read a lot of online reviews before buying but I’m always a little skeptical. How much trust do you put in online gun reviews and what makes one credible to you?

 

[LDB]

Well, if it's by Skeeter Skelton or Jack O'Connor or someone equally well known and respected I put a lot of trust in it. If it's by Fred Jones or Steve Washington or Linda Miller or most any other then I count it as one person's opinion and nothing more.

 

[Kp321]

Unfortunately, some testers these days can be swayed by the advertising dollars. I see rave reviews of guns I personally know to be a POS. Not calling any names but I trust some publications more than others.

 

[TexasGopher]

I know he isn't really popular with some, but Honest Outlaw seems to call them like he sees them. His review of the Hi Point AR was brutal. James Reeves and Garandthumb's style may not be to your liking, but I enjoy them. Hickok45 does what he does. About the only thing he really badmouths is anything Taurus. He doesn't come straight out and say it, but you get his drift.

 

[Shane]

I look at reviews to find common issues, not to believe every claim. When a bunch of people mention the same problem or good point, I listen. I usually ignore single over-the-top good or bad reviews.

 

[Mike6158]

Not at all if it's on YouTube.

 

[Davek42]

I watch gun reviews with an open mind. If I’m interested in something new or different I will check out out on line on YouTube. But I may watch 5-10-15 videos before I make up my mind.
I work in a gun shop for almost 20 years off and on. There’s a Lot of EXPERTS out there…So they say. YouTube brought them out of the woodwork. Guns are like most anything you buy in life, you get what you pay for. A Taurus is a 199.oo for a reason. It a low end gun. A ford Pinto was 3000.oo for a reason. S&W and Colts and other more expensive guns have more hand work and quality control.
You can shoot a cheap well. Most gun issue are caused by the shooter lack of how to shoot a gun or shooting a gun they cannot control and plain inexperience. Some guns you need to learn how to shoot them.
For me I buy the best gun I can afford at the time. I have bought and sold and have owned a lot of guns over the years 2-300. Most of mine were used, most better quality.
I have only had a few that did not do what they’ll what I wanted them to do.
Just my 2 cents