Do you use online firearm reviews?

SrA Kevin Ridenhour — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:00:28 -0400

When researching a potential new firearm purchase, do you base your decision solely off of online reviews?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 6:08 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:08:24 -0400

I like going to a range that has various handguns that I am interested in to give them a try.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Oct 26 at 2015 6:10 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:10:39 -0400

The last one I bought was for my wife. We went to a gun show to find models that felt comfortable in her hand. I then did online research to see reviews of some of those models and eliminated several based on that. I ultimately went with a Ruger model because I have had excellent experience with two other Ruger pistols.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 26 at 2015 6:11 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:11:10 -0400

No. I go try them and see whatever's for me

Response by SrA Kevin Ridenhour made Oct 26 at 2015 6:21 PM

SrA Kevin Ridenhour — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 18:21:02 -0400

The reason I ask, as I explained in a reply below, is because I've had hands on experience with certain weapons, liked them, and then when I go look at reviews, they're either mediocre, or straight up putting the weapons down. An example was the UTS-15 I had a chance to handle.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Oct 26 at 2015 7:31 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 19:31:09 -0400

Shooter preference is most important to me however, I do take those online reviews into consideration with the understanding that some opinions could be skewed based on who provided the survey (a H&K guy making a review on a Sig...). Once again, biggest impact to me is shooters preference.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 26 at 2015 7:32 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 19:32:15 -0400

Online reviews are good for one thing; demonstrating the writer's bias. Many times they buy into the urban legends. A recent one of the "taste great, less filling" argument was Glock haters vs. lovers. Glock angles their grip different than the rest of the industry and you'll either like it more than Springfield or not. I like both but the Glock is full sized for a specific use.
The other thing will be in purpose and function. I'd be surprised if one or two brands would meet all of them. For carry, you're looking for certain features that work for you best. For concealed carry, another set. I love my Springfield xDS in 45 and my Sig P938 Equinox. But what I'd really like is a Sig P938 in striker fired configuration like the xDS. Would that make a difference in reality? Not really, but I'd like it. Less to do when you're pulling it out of the pocket holster.

Most pundits don't really deal with differences that make much of a difference. So whatever winds your clock, feels right, shoots right, and you'd stake your life on??? Buy it.

Response by SPC Tony Fewell made Oct 26 at 2015 7:32 PM

SPC Tony Fewell — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 19:32:56 -0400

I will research it on line, read reviews from some of the gun and shooting magazines, as well talk the the folks at my local gun shop I frequent and see what they have to say about it.

Response by PO2 Wesley Wilson made Oct 26 at 2015 9:40 PM

PO2 Wesley Wilson — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 21:40:50 -0400

SrA Kevin Ridenhour No I never base a firearm purchase solely on online reviews. Many factors play into a gun purchase.

I will give an example, I am a big guy, I have big hands, My favorite handgun is a 1911, it fits me. My girlfriend on the other hand loves her Walther PPKS, to me its a very nice gun but does not feel right.

I also carry a Keltec p-11 as well as a keltec P-3at. I am proficient with both but my gun of choice remains the 1911. I dont carry it often because its a large gun and not easy to conceal.

Based on what I have just said I gave my opinion but they may or may not apply to you. Go to a range, and shoot several guns. Go to gun shows and stores and try to find what fits you. Even after you purchase the gun shoot it until you know its functions without looking at it. Shoot several types of ammo, find what works best.

Learn how to clean the weapon, I cannot tell you how many times I have fixed a hand gun who's only problem was lack of cleaning.

I am a collector, I have the C&R ffl and have helped many people find their first weapon. Hand Guns are like a tool, pick the best one for the task it will be used for.

Be safe, take the classes and put in the time to become proficient.

Response by MSgt Niclas Svensson made Oct 26 at 2015 11:40 PM

MSgt Niclas Svensson — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 23:40:01 -0400

Solely? No. I do use online reviews as part of my process though. In most cases though, I make an effort to actually fire said weapon before purchasing one.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 11:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 23:42:44 -0400

I go to gun forums and do a search on a particular firearm to see what actual gun owners have to say. You learn how to filter out the bullshit after a while. Gun reviews, especially in gun magazines are way to biased if the gun manufacturer also happens to advertise with that magazine.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 7:19 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 07:19:59 -0400

read them ... watch them ... but at the end, draw your own conclusion. :)

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Oct 27 at 2015 8:14 AM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 08:14:17 -0400

They are more of an added piece of information to keep in the beck of my mind. Depending on who wrote the review, say a civilian with little experience or need of the combat capability of a SIG may write that the firearm is a little less safe. A view that I absolutely do not agree with. It really is how the firearm feels to you personally. A long gun has to "want" to set into my shoulder the same as a hand gun has to "want" to fit in my hand. What I so pay attention to in those reviews is performance (accuracy, feed and reloading) and make up, did it feel cheap or quality made.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 27 at 2015 9:03 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 09:03:01 -0400

Solely? No never, but use online reviews to help form an initial opinion or interest in a new gun, yes. My preference is to shoot before buying, but in cases of an established platform like my Savage 110BA in 338LAPUA, it was a no brainer I would have a quality gun.