I have just taken the Rossi “review” offline. This is the first review in the history of TFB that has been retracted. As the editor I take full responsibility for it. I forgot to proof read it before it went live and if I had I would have cancelled its publication.

The author decided to criticize minor cosmetic problems with the rifle. The fact is companies cannot afford to send a brand new rifle to each reviewer. This gun in particular looked like it had been beat up by a previous gun writer. As far as I know it was fully functional.

It is my job to inform you, our readership, be fair and honest about manufacturers and develop our writers. I take pride in our reviews which are both honest, we don’t hide faults, but also fair, we don’t do hatchet jobs, pursue personal vendettas or let bias get in the way of spreading the truth.  I let all of you down, our readers, the manufacturer and even the writer himself by publishing it. I apologize.

I will ensure this does not happen again.

Addendum: I wish I did not have to say this, but since it was brought up in the comments, I only discussed this issue with my assistant/writer Phil White, the company had nothing to do with me taking the review down. It was entirely my decision and nobody put pressure on me to do so.