Gun Digest

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Overview

Gun Digest is a publisher specializing in firearms, shooting, ammunition reloading, and concealed carry content through magazines, books, and websites. It produces Gun Digest Magazine, GunDigest.com, and the annual Gun Digest book, serving firearm enthusiasts with reviews, news, and resources. The company operates as a marketplace for firearms buyers and sellers via its magazine and maintains online tools like GunValues.GunDigest.com for pricing information.

History

Founded in 1944 by Follett Publishing Co. in Chicago with the first Gun Digest annual book. Acquired by Krause Publications in 1994 and relocated to Iola, Wisconsin; Krause was bought by F+W Media in 2002. Evolved Gun List into Gun Digest Magazine in 2006 and launched GunDigest.com in 2001. Acquired by Caribou Media in 2018 and now based in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Product Lines

Product LinePositioningPrice Range
Gun Digest MagazineFirearms marketplace and reviews publication$20 - $50/year subscription
Gun Digest AnnualComprehensive yearly firearms reference book$30 - $40
Gun Digest BooksSpecialized firearms and shooting guides$15 - $60
GunDigest.com PremiumOnline firearms news and resources$20 - $50/year
GunValues.GunDigest.comSubscription gun pricing database$30 - $60/year

Manufacturing

As a publisher, Gun Digest does not manufacture physical products but produces printed magazines and books likely through third-party commercial printers in the United States. Digital content is developed in-house.

Notable Products

  • Gun Digest Magazine - All-advertising marketplace for new, used, and antique firearms with reviews and gun show listings.
  • Gun Digest Annual - Annual reference book with firearms information, reviews, and industry data since 1944.
  • Gun Digest Books - Series of books on firearms, reloading, shooting, and concealed carry.
  • GunDigest.com - Website offering gun reviews, news, expert advice, and firearms training resources.
  • GunValues.GunDigest.com - Subscription service providing gun price data and valuation tools.

Reputation

Gun Digest is regarded as a longstanding and trusted resource among firearm enthusiasts for its historical annuals and comprehensive coverage. Professionals value its marketplace function and pricing tools. Some note a shift from editorial depth to advertising focus after magazine evolutions, but it remains a key industry staple.

Sources (7)
  1. https://www.zoominfo.com/c/gun-digest/347485187
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_Digest
  3. https://gundigest.com/about
  4. https://sdi.edu/2016/07/29/sdi-partners-with-gun-digest-for-student-publication-opportunity/
  5. https://www.magazineline.com/gun-digest-the-magazine
  6. https://muckrack.com/media-outlet/gundigest
  7. https://gundigest.com