Every gun we test receives a letter grade according to theGun Testsjudgement criteria. The grades are broken down as follows.
| GUN TESTS GRADE A |
| A gun with this rating functions perfectly, shoots accurately, and exhibits comfortable, easy use for its owner. We may prefer one gun over others based on its unusual accuracy, superior performance, unusual features, or nice cosmetics. We recognize such a gun for these traits without regard to its cost. |
| GUN TESTS GRADE B |
| We give this ranking to a gun that functions appropriately for its category, but which might not do as well in major areas as an A-ranked gun. |
| GUN TESTS GRADE C |
| We may have reservations about some aspect of a gun’s performance or pricing. We express those reservations so the reader can balance our concerns with his or her needs. |
| GUN TESTS GRADE D |
| Some aspect of a gun’s performance — in particular, safety, function, or accuracy — doesn’t meet our standards and isn’t easily resolved. |
| GUN TESTS GRADE F |
| Some aspect of a gun’s performance is dangerous, inappropriate for the category, or is likely to fail. |
