Field & Stream is in the magazine business. I saw the side blurb, too. It seemed like Petzal was basing his opinion on what someone at the trap range was telling him. Free guns at the range to be used by anyone and everyone; shoot a round or two or three and return it to the rack for the next shooter. I wasn't there, but I'm thinking maintenance would probably have been non-existant.
FWIW; The same "Top 50 List" also implied pre-New York Kimbers weren't much good. That's in direct contrast to what the RFC'ers report.
Another poster in this thread reports good luck for thiry years with his 1400. I believe I'd follow his lead. Keep it clean and enjoy it.
