I know people like to rag on how gun writers are shills for various gun companies, but as a sometime gun writer, I've got to set the record straight there. Never had a gun company give me a dime for reviewing any gun. It is standard practice in the industry to offer us new guns at pretty attractive prices, but that's the extent of it. Maybe other guys are getting perks I'm not, but not from the other gun writers I've spoken with . . .
I have had gun companies invite me (along with other writers) to shoots to test out new products, etc. The ones I've worked with all seem interested in our honest feedback--good and bad--about their guns. Sometimes they even listen to us and make some changes.
All the critics here ought to try being a gun writer. I can assure you it's the way to fame and enormous fortune . . . not.