There was a famous Lutheran pastor, Martin Niemöller, who spoke about a situation that seems similar, at least in my mind, in the years following the Holocaust. I don't mean to make light of his point, but maybe some of you have missed it and might find it interesting. His remarks have been paraphrased countless times since then, and it goes something like this: "First they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the socialist and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionists. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me." With some minor alterations we have: First they came for the giant sellers. With new laws that seemed draconian at the time, they forced Sears and Roebuck stop selling guns in 1968 and I didn't speak out because there were still lots of gun shops. Then they came for the little sellers, the small sellers who couldn’t afford to comply with the all the rules and regulations of state, local and federal governments. I didn't speak out when both Republican and Democrat administrations closed thousands of small shops because the shop I used remained open. Then they used public pressure to force the remaining large public sellers like Walmart to stop selling guns and ammunition because it wasn't politically correct, but I didn't speak out because I didn't shop there. They they forced many of the remaining gun sellers to close with law suits and the high cost of mandatory insurance, but I didn't speak out because my local gun shop was still open. Then they closed guns stores in dozens of states with tyrannical state laws that effectively destroyed their businesses, but I didn't speak out because that only happened in other states. Then they closed down the kitchen table and garage dealers who did transfers because they didn't have a retail location or didn't pay the proper sales taxes, but I didn't speak out because I didn’t do business with them. Then one day I went to the door of my local gun shop and it was closed. It didn't matter if I spoke out, there was no one left to hear me. Just for thoughts.
"Permanently Closed"
- Thread starter TarDevil
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It is tough to.make a go of any small business. The vast majority of small businesses of all types fail within a few years of opening.
Tell me about it!
We're still not in the black (we're currently showing a profit), but when state and county agencies are involved you can at least triple their estimated costs of compliance. It'll take us another year to eat those expenditures.
Then there's the government reps who show up at the door ready ready to shut you down and issue warrants. I'm anal about keeping notes... those two got sent out the door tails between their legs.
The regulatory world of gun shops must be a maze of land mines.
rb288
Member
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- Jun 12, 2012
- Messages
- 192
I went through a period where I bought most of my guns online and had them delivered through my LGS.
Recently, they went through a period of low income and had to "re-organize".
I talked to them to see if they could match my online prices, they couldn't.
But, their prices were only $50, or so, more, so I just absorbed that cost in and bought from them.
Apparently, others have also, because they are now, finally, doing ok and expect to stay viable.
Lesson learned... pay a little more to buy from your LGS and help keep them open.
It will benefit everyone in the long run.
Recently, they went through a period of low income and had to "re-organize".
I talked to them to see if they could match my online prices, they couldn't.
But, their prices were only $50, or so, more, so I just absorbed that cost in and bought from them.
Apparently, others have also, because they are now, finally, doing ok and expect to stay viable.
Lesson learned... pay a little more to buy from your LGS and help keep them open.
It will benefit everyone in the long run.
I go into Cabelas and Bass Pro all the time; I look at their inventory but usually never purchase as their prices are quite high. In turn, I don’t think that they call me names because their prices are high, I know that their prices are high and I do not buy. I did not know that some LGS stores have a name they call me if I know that their prices are high and I do not purchase from them - I did not know that.
There are those who have been in or close to a small business and know it is often hand-to-mouth, and many who have no idea of all it takes to keep a small scale retail business going. The latter group are more likely to be folks who will check things out at the LGS and buy them online. They consider this to be shrewd, but they assign no value to the LGS, its employees and contributions to the community. I do. But a part of the equation is that my role must be appreciated also.
In an era of constant change, I value and respect the efforts of my LGS and pawn shop, and I try to help them. They in turn try to stock stuff I am interested in and help to educate me when requested. It's a symbiotic relationship that I value highly. If we don't both do our part, this good thing must end.
In an era of constant change, I value and respect the efforts of my LGS and pawn shop, and I try to help them. They in turn try to stock stuff I am interested in and help to educate me when requested. It's a symbiotic relationship that I value highly. If we don't both do our part, this good thing must end.
danez71
Member
Yep. And realize that the people behind the counter are their friends, neighbors, and family members and not just some bit or byte floating in the cloud with out a heart or soul.
danez71
Member
And they probably put businesses out of business when they opened and deliberately sold things at a loss in order to put those existing businesses out if business.
theotherwaldo
Member
Well, they're still building lots of Walmarts, Academys and such around here.
This is the shopping hub for most of north-east Mexico... .
This is the shopping hub for most of north-east Mexico... .
IJustLikeGuns
member
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- Feb 8, 2020
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- 15
Depends on your state I guess. Where I live there’s a strong “hunter’s culture” so there’s always at least 3 gun shops within a 30 mile radius.
Virginia Jim
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- Oct 24, 2017
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- 359
Three closed here in SW Virginia within 50 miles from me, but two were due to health reasons.
Paragraphs are free. Please feel free to use as many as you want.
jmohme
Member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2014
- Messages
- 469
This is why I always try to buy from our local gun shop.
He really does a good job of keeping his prices in line and offered a substantial discount for cash instead of plastic.
I could probably save a few bucks shopping online, but when I have a problem, Gunbroker is not going to provide the assistance my LGS will.
GBExpat
Member
Thank you!
I never try to read such unformatted monolithic blocks of text. Hurts my eyes.
redneck2
Member
That there is funny stuff
Two in two months!
I've seen a few come and go. We currently have one I'm surprised is still open. Used for more than new, new selection is not what people want, bad service, minimal accessories, and quick to say "just go order it online" when you want something they don't have. One I won't miss was the one Mall Ninja outfitter, complete with the fake SWAT/Navy SEAL behind the counter bragging to other fake SWAT/Navy SEALS on the other side and ignoring customers. One I went into told me they only had what they had, and would not special order, didn't care to carry reloading or cleaning. Most also advertise a "gunsmith" they don't have. We had one open just south of the Canadian border a few years ago I really like, and when I brought in a broken 1911 that needed machine work, they had no problem. Lots of reloading at the usual markups, and accessories. I think they'll stick around.
JTHunter
Member
Last year, the IL-ANNOY General Assembly past new regs on gun stores that basically duplicate the same things that the BATFE does from the federal level. I have read posts in Illinois Carry that states some in the northern part of the state have closed but I am unaware of any in the area near St. Louis that have closed because of these regulations.
This is Governor J. B. Pritzker. Now you know why many of us refer to him as "Jabba". The only difference between Jabba the Hutt (Star Wars) and J.B. is that J.B. has legs.
This is Governor J. B. Pritzker. Now you know why many of us refer to him as "Jabba". The only difference between Jabba the Hutt (Star Wars) and J.B. is that J.B. has legs.
Obturation
Member
I have no less than 8 gun stores within 20 miles, maybe more, only one of them I buy guns from. Although I have bought from the others of course. The best store has 95% of all their guns out for handling (tethered to the wall for handguns , nontethered long guns), you don't need a salesman to see each one, you can take your time and look at everything. Huge selection of new and used and always very good prices. 2 years ago I got a super redhawk new for $300 under msrp - $80 cheaper than any internet price I could find & the year before that I got a Henry new for $200 - 250 under msrp and they had enough of them I had my pick of 4 of the same gun. I won't buy guns I can't handle, the actual gun- not the same make and model. Never bought an internet gun, doubt I ever will unless it's something rare and returns are possible if it's goofy.
Obturation
Member
It has to do with extra paperwork but I don't think it's taken effect yet or hasn't passed. Old jb is a piece of work, generally seems to be floating through without getting much done, which is good (except no good is being done either). Illinois is a strange state to say the least.Last year, the IL-ANNOY General Assembly past new regs on gun stores that basically duplicate the same things that the BATFE does from the federal level. I have read posts in Illinois Carry that states some in the northern part of the state have closed but I am unaware of any in the area near St. Louis that have closed because of these regulations.
View attachment 891507
This is Governor J. B. Pritzker. Now you know why many of us refer to him as "Jabba". The only difference between Jabba the Hutt (Star Wars) and J.B. is that J.B. has legs.
Zaydok Allen
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- Feb 12, 2011
- Messages
- 13,274
I had a small little gun shop two blocks from my house for a few years. Two retired gents opened it up as a source of retirement income. They were great fun to talk to, and I had them handle all my transfers. I never did buy a gun from them as they just didn't carry what I was looking for, but I always did my transfers there.
Unfortunately one of the owners developed brain cancer and passed away pretty quickly. That really sucked, because we would always BS about older revolvers when I came in. He was a nice guy.
Then his partner was pretty much overwhelmed by the business. I actually thought about offering to buy in as a partner and help him keep it open, but the time suck would have severely impeded my full time career, and become impossible. Unfortunately my employer also has rules against employees taking a second job if it hampers work getting done, which this would have. So I couldn't do it. I was really tempted to try and just cut out of my career and go into the FFL business full time. I don't think it would've worked for me in my location.
It's a real shame they closed down. Now some stupid trail outfitter/outdoor store is going in there to cater to users of a state operated recreation trail that goes past it. Another tourist business...…………….
Unfortunately one of the owners developed brain cancer and passed away pretty quickly. That really sucked, because we would always BS about older revolvers when I came in. He was a nice guy.
Then his partner was pretty much overwhelmed by the business. I actually thought about offering to buy in as a partner and help him keep it open, but the time suck would have severely impeded my full time career, and become impossible. Unfortunately my employer also has rules against employees taking a second job if it hampers work getting done, which this would have. So I couldn't do it. I was really tempted to try and just cut out of my career and go into the FFL business full time. I don't think it would've worked for me in my location.
It's a real shame they closed down. Now some stupid trail outfitter/outdoor store is going in there to cater to users of a state operated recreation trail that goes past it. Another tourist business...…………….
whughett
Member
If your a prospective gun shop owner wannabe visit and observe an up and running shop. In the Rhode Island area there are several, D&L in Warwick and Bullseye in Woonsocket. Both have been around for decades both have not only large gun inventories but just about all the accouterments and Ammo. D&L stocks bulk Ammo in enormous quantities.
Just a plug for my little home state.
Just a plug for my little home state.
vito
Member
Each of us has to decide how much it is worth to us to keep a local small gun shop in business. Although there are several locally owned gun shops in my area, the one that I frequented most often closed for awhile, then reopened when a family member of the original owner decided to give it another try. I bought a new handgun from him, trading in one that I no longer wanted but knowingly getting a very poor deal out of it. I was willing to do this in part for the convenience, and in part as a way of helping the new owner get a good start in the business. I just want him to be around when I need a place to go to get a firearm repaired or modified, and if no one buys his guns he won't be around for long.
All of this reminds me of the motorcycle business. More and more dealers are disappearing, and not just because the whole sport seems to be aging out of existence. A big part seems to be that too many folks are shopping online and the dealers can't make enough profit just on bike sales and service to stay in business. When I bought two new helmets for my wife and myself I bought them at the dealer where I bought my bike, even though I probably could have saved a few bucks by buying online. But to have the chance to hold the item in my hands, try it on, etc., as well as knowing I am helping him keep the doors open, made it worth the extra cost.
All of this reminds me of the motorcycle business. More and more dealers are disappearing, and not just because the whole sport seems to be aging out of existence. A big part seems to be that too many folks are shopping online and the dealers can't make enough profit just on bike sales and service to stay in business. When I bought two new helmets for my wife and myself I bought them at the dealer where I bought my bike, even though I probably could have saved a few bucks by buying online. But to have the chance to hold the item in my hands, try it on, etc., as well as knowing I am helping him keep the doors open, made it worth the extra cost.
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