Gun Digest Media is an American publisher specializing in firearms, shooting, ammunition reloading and concealed carry magazines and books. Its publications include Gun Digest Magazine, GunDigest.com, and the Gun Digest Annual. The brand was founded in 1944 with the release of its annual book, making Gun Digest one of the oldest firearms-specific publishers in the nation. Gun Digest is a sister publication to
RECOIL
Recoil (often called knockback, kickback or simply kick) is the rearward thrust generated when a gun is being discharged. In technical terms, the recoil is a result of conservation of momentum, for according to Newton's third law the force requ ...
,
RECOIL Offgrid, RECOIL Carnivore, and
Blade Magazine.
History
The brand was founded by Follett Publishing Co., a former book publisher in Chicago, which recognized a gap in the post-war firearms publishing market. The inaugural Gun Digest annual provided comprehensive information and reviews on firearms, establishing itself as a trusted resource for firearm enthusiasts.
Gun Digest underwent significant transformations over the years. It was acquired by
Krause Publications
Krause Publications is an American publisher of hobby magazines and books. The company was started by Chester L. Krause (19232016) in 1952 and published '' Numismatic News''.
In the coin collecting community the company is best known for its ...
in 1994, leading to its relocation to Iola, Wisconsin. Krause Publications was later purchased by
F.W. Media in 2002, and eventually, Caribou Media acquired Gun Digest in 2018. The publisher is now based in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Books
The Gun Digest annual has featured articles by renowned writers such as
Jack O'Connor, Major
Charles Askins, Col.
Jeff Cooper
John Dean "Jeff" Cooper (May 10, 1920 – September 25, 2006) was a United States Marine Corps officer and firearms instructor. He is the creator of the " modern technique" of handgun shooting, and an expert on the use and history of small ...
,
Craig Boddington, Wayne van Zwoll, and others, making it a cornerstone of gun journalism. The annual volume is renowned for its comprehensive firearms reviews, manufacturer listings, and current firearm values guide.
John T. Amber served as the longest-running editor of Gun Digest from 1951 to 1979. Since 1962, the publication has presented the annual John T. Amber Literary Award for outstanding gun writing of the year. Phil Massaro
assumed the role of Editor-in-Chief in January 2020.
Gun Digest Media is a prolific publisher of firearms books, specializing in gun values, gunsmithing, concealed carry, self-defense legal aspects, and specific firearm types such as the
AR-15,
.22 rimfire, and
shotgun
A shotgun (also known as a scattergun, peppergun, or historically as a fowling piece) is a long gun, long-barreled firearm designed to shoot a straight-walled cartridge (firearms), cartridge known as a shotshell, which discharges numerous small ...
s. Notable titles include
Massad Ayoob’s ''Deadly Force'' and the industry-leading ''Standard Catalog of Firearms'' for illustrated gun value guides. Notible Gun Digest book authors have included
Massad Ayoob, Dan Shideler,
Bill Loëb and
Patrick Sweeney.
Magazine And Website
In 1982, Gun Digest expanded its offerings by purchasing the Gun List, a monthly tabloid-style periodical that provided extensive listings of gun shows and collector resources. In 2006, the Gun List evolved into Gun Digest Magazine. While the publication maintained a comprehensive list of gun shows and collectors’ resources, it broadened its focus to include firearms journalism. The magazine expanded its sections to feature in-depth gun reviews, ammunition reloading instruction, and shooting instruction.
Gun Digest launched GunDigest.com in 2001, providing a widely used online resource for shooting and firearms enthusiasts. The website offers a wealth of information, including product reviews, expert advice, and the latest news in the firearms community. The company also manages the GunValues.GunDigest.com, a subscription-based gun price resource.
References
External links
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{{F W Media
Business magazines published in the United States
Biweekly magazines published in the United States
Firearm books
Firearms magazines
Magazines established in 2006
Magazines published in Wisconsin