Review Policy

At BlueSheepdog, we are committed to providing thorough reviews of firearms and other gear relevant to law enforcement officers and concerned citizens. Our goal is to equip our readers with the information they need to make informed decisions on potentially life-saving tools.

We recommend that you always check multiple sources to gain a complete understanding of a product. Our view will likely be different than other reviewers. As current and former law enforcement officers, all of the contributors on the site are men and women who rely on gear in the worst possible circumstances. Consequently, we often test gear harder and take a harsher view on product shortcomings.

Our Principles

1. Honesty and Integrity
   • All reviews reflect our genuine opinions and experiences.
   • We disclose potential conflicts of interest, including when product samples are provided by the manufacturers.
2. Hands-On Testing
   • Every product we review is something that has been in our hands and we tested.
   • Our evaluations focus on how the product performs in scenarios that reflect its intended use in law enforcement or self-defense.
3. Transparency
   • We clearly explain how we test each product and how the product performed.
   • If a product fails to meet our expectations but generally performs as intended, we detail the issues and provide constructive feedback for potential improvements.
   • If a product appears to have a manufacturing defect or other substantial issue, we attempt to give the company an opportunity to respond prior to publication. We will note the problem(s) in the review along with what action(s) the company took to fix the issue.
4. Expert Insight
   • Our reviewers are current or former law enforcement professionals with firsthand experience in patrol, training, SWAT, investigations, and other specialized areas.
   • This expertise ensures our reviews are grounded in practical knowledge and real-world application.

Our Process

1. Product Selection
   • Products reviewed on BlueSheepdog are chosen based on their relevance to our audience, including tools and gear for law enforcement, personal defense, and tactical applications.
2. Product Submission
   • While many of the products reviewed are purchased by the author or BlueSheepdog through normal retail outlets, gear can be submitted by manufacturers for review under the following conditions:
     • products will typically be evaluated over a period of 30-90 days
     • we do not guarantee that any product review will be published
     • product ownership is transferred to the author or BlueSheepdog unless otherwise specified prior to shipping the product
     • manufacturers agree that any products sent on a loan basis may be damaged or destroyed during testing
     • any products returned to the manufacturer will be at the expense of the manufacturer
3. Testing and Evaluation
   • Products are tested in a variety of environments and situations.
   • We consider factors such as ease of use, build quality, functionality and value for money.
4. Disclosure of Relationships
   • We disclose any products provided to us by manufacturers as well as the presence of affiliate links.
   • If we have a financial relationship with a product or company, it will be clearly stated.

Affiliate Links and Compensation

BlueSheepdog participates in affiliate programs to help fund our operations. If you purchase a product through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our reviews or recommendations.

Feedback and Updates

We value feedback from our readers and encourage open dialogue in the comments section of our reviews. If you have a question or concern about a product we’ve reviewed, please let us know.

Additionally, we periodically update our review policy. Older reviews will be updated to reflect the current policy in a timely manner. Also, reviews may be updated to reflect new information, product updates, or changes in performance.

Commitment to Independence

BlueSheepdog is part of a family owned, small business. Our primary commitment is to our readers, not to manufacturers or advertisers. We pledge to always prioritize your trust by delivering reviews that are honest, unbiased and actionable.

Thank you for trusting BlueSheepdog as your source for reliable reviews and information. If you have any questions about our review policy, please contact us directly at https://www.bluesheepdog.com/contact-bluesheepdog/.