Stealthfixr
Member
Hello fellow New Mexicans! I am going to be in Albuquerque later this week and was looking for the best gun store to go and visit. Please PM, email, or post your favorite gun stores in that area. Thanks!
Mark
Mark
Albuquerque NM Gun Stores?
- Thread starter Stealthfixr
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Sistema1927
Member
In no particular order:
Shooter's Den on San Mateo
Precision Arms, Absolute Sporting Goods, and Charlie's Sporting Goods, all on Menaul
Ron Petersons on Central
Los Ranchos on 4th Street
Shooter's Den on San Mateo
Precision Arms, Absolute Sporting Goods, and Charlie's Sporting Goods, all on Menaul
Ron Petersons on Central
Los Ranchos on 4th Street
Monkeyleg
Member.
Every time this question comes up, I worry that some THR members are going to think that I'm just shamelessly promoting my site.
Well, I am promoting it, but with as much discretion as I can muster.
Anyway, one shop I've talked to is Caliber's in Albuquerque. Pretty much the only shop in the state with a good public indoor range. The owner is really a great guy. In fact, we spent an hour and a half just talking guns, dealer-direct plans that are rip-offs, and gun politics yesterday.
Here's the info on Caliber's: http://www.gunshopfinder.com/bytownresults.asp?ID=4092
From what I gathered from my talk with the owner, Don, it sounds like they're really geared more toward pistol shooters.
Mark, if you do happen to stop in at Caliber's, I'd be interested to hear your opinions, just for my own notes.
Thanks.
Well, I am promoting it, but with as much discretion as I can muster.
Anyway, one shop I've talked to is Caliber's in Albuquerque. Pretty much the only shop in the state with a good public indoor range. The owner is really a great guy. In fact, we spent an hour and a half just talking guns, dealer-direct plans that are rip-offs, and gun politics yesterday.
Here's the info on Caliber's: http://www.gunshopfinder.com/bytownresults.asp?ID=4092
From what I gathered from my talk with the owner, Don, it sounds like they're really geared more toward pistol shooters.
Mark, if you do happen to stop in at Caliber's, I'd be interested to hear your opinions, just for my own notes.
Thanks.
Stealthfixr
Member
Monkeyleg, I did not know about your website! But, it is just what I was looking for. I will be going to Calibers later today, and I'll try to get a couple digital pictures. Thanks!
Mark
Mark
I nominate Shooters Den first, second and third place. Good folks to deal with, if they don't have it they will order it. Precision has an interesting selection, if overpriced, and the folks behind the counter tend to be a bit uninspired. Ron's is okay if you collect old collectables and love to wheel n deal. Absolute, well, their selection is limited, but you might get lucky. If you have more money than you know what to do with and like overpriced "sporting purposes only" stuff then Charlie's is the place to go. Val has mellowed somewhat and smiles when she bends over customers now.
As far as Calibers is concerned, yeah the owner is OK, sure you can shoot there, but wow is that parking lot usually empty!
I know, I should be a bit more charitable, it is a difficult business to be in, but it does not take much competition to run with ANY of the shops in town. When that big chain Sportsmen of the Universe or whoever they are comes in later this year things will get very interesting. If you want, shoot me an email (pferrar45_at_hotmail.com) and maybe we can meet. Have fun!
As far as Calibers is concerned, yeah the owner is OK, sure you can shoot there, but wow is that parking lot usually empty! I know, I should be a bit more charitable, it is a difficult business to be in, but it does not take much competition to run with ANY of the shops in town. When that big chain Sportsmen of the Universe or whoever they are comes in later this year things will get very interesting. If you want, shoot me an email (pferrar45_at_hotmail.com) and maybe we can meet. Have fun!
Sistema1927
Member
NMShooter,
My experience mirrors yours.
I don't think I have ever purchased a single firearm from Charlie's, but it is kind of fun to rummage through all the other stuff. Besides, the gunsmith (another Charlie) is pretty decent and I have never paid the ticket price for any weapon at Ron Peterson's, and have always been able to get the price down. I purchased one pistol at Absolute, a very nice vintage 1980 S&W 37 as a decent price, but they normally dont' have anything I am interested in. I purchase quite a bit at Shooter's Den, both weapons and ammunition. I bought one gun at Los Ranchos, but I really feel that the old curmudgeons consider customers to be a bother.
I have only been in Calibers once, and since I am not much for indoor shooting (give me Zia any day), I didn't see what the attraction was.
My experience mirrors yours.
I don't think I have ever purchased a single firearm from Charlie's, but it is kind of fun to rummage through all the other stuff. Besides, the gunsmith (another Charlie) is pretty decent and I have never paid the ticket price for any weapon at Ron Peterson's, and have always been able to get the price down. I purchased one pistol at Absolute, a very nice vintage 1980 S&W 37 as a decent price, but they normally dont' have anything I am interested in. I purchase quite a bit at Shooter's Den, both weapons and ammunition. I bought one gun at Los Ranchos, but I really feel that the old curmudgeons consider customers to be a bother.
I have only been in Calibers once, and since I am not much for indoor shooting (give me Zia any day), I didn't see what the attraction was.
Monkeyleg
Member.
NMshooter, thanks for the opinions on the shops. I was really shocked to find that there's only one or maybe just two shops in NM that have indoor ranges. In Arizona, where the climate is similar, there are far more. Up here in Wisconsin there's a whole bunch of shops that have range facilities similar to Caliber's.
If it's 110 degrees outside, I'd want to think about heading indoors, same as when it's 5 degrees below zero here.
So what's the deal with no indoor ranges? I know that land prices in Albuquerque are high, but that high?
I have to call Charlie's son back in a few days, so your input on that shop helps me.
Sistema1927, your description of Los Ranchos pretty much mirrors the reception I got on the phone. It's gotten to the point where, when making these calls to get shops to subscribe, I can usually tell within a few seconds whether the owner will be receptive to the site or not. The ones who sound pleasant and courteous go for it, while the ones who are gruff or rude don't.
If it's 110 degrees outside, I'd want to think about heading indoors, same as when it's 5 degrees below zero here.
So what's the deal with no indoor ranges? I know that land prices in Albuquerque are high, but that high?
I have to call Charlie's son back in a few days, so your input on that shop helps me.
Sistema1927, your description of Los Ranchos pretty much mirrors the reception I got on the phone. It's gotten to the point where, when making these calls to get shops to subscribe, I can usually tell within a few seconds whether the owner will be receptive to the site or not. The ones who sound pleasant and courteous go for it, while the ones who are gruff or rude don't.
Erich
Member
Monkeyleg,
Contrary to popular understanding, the climate here is very different from southern AZ (where all the people are). ABQ sits between 4900 and 6000 feet above sea level - it's a lot cooler. It'll sneak over 100° F a few times a year (but it's a dry heat . . .), but it's generally a whole lot more tolerable than PHX or TUC. The wind is the big PITA hereabouts. Other than that, it's fairly pleasant most of the time.
We don't have saguaro cactuses, either!
FWIW, I'd say Peterson's has the biggest selection and the most turnover of product, Charlie's (owned by the brother of Sen. Pete Dominici) has more "high-line" rifles, Precision is more for the 1911/cowboy/AR/GSC-crowd, Shooter's Den has a nice selection and attitude (and good ammo prices), the store at Calibers doesn't have a whole lot, Los Ranchos is the old "sitting around the potbellied stove telling lies about a crusty gun while smoking and listening to old country music" type of place, and Absolute is for the guy who just has to have the latest, blackest Sig/Glock/Walther (at 100% retail price).
They're all worth killing some time in. None of them compare to the heyday of the shop that I used to manage in days of your: J. Bland & Son's Guns, Gifts & Gadgets (first on Wyoming - when I was there - and later where Precision is now). Jim Bland knew guns, and he knew how to keep them flowing through. Everything from $20k trap guns to tons of Springfield '03s to cop trade-ins to black rifles to collectible old lever actions that walked in off the Rez. And every kind of bizarre, interesting collectible pistol. [Sigh.] Peterson's gets the same sort of stuff in now, but it's not as nicely displayed, and - while some of the staff is very knowledgeable (ask for Dirk, the manager) - they don't always know what it is.
Anyway, if I wanted to see one store in the ABQ, I'd hit Ron Peterson's.
Contrary to popular understanding, the climate here is very different from southern AZ (where all the people are). ABQ sits between 4900 and 6000 feet above sea level - it's a lot cooler. It'll sneak over 100° F a few times a year (but it's a dry heat . . .), but it's generally a whole lot more tolerable than PHX or TUC. The wind is the big PITA hereabouts. Other than that, it's fairly pleasant most of the time.
We don't have saguaro cactuses, either!
FWIW, I'd say Peterson's has the biggest selection and the most turnover of product, Charlie's (owned by the brother of Sen. Pete Dominici) has more "high-line" rifles, Precision is more for the 1911/cowboy/AR/GSC-crowd, Shooter's Den has a nice selection and attitude (and good ammo prices), the store at Calibers doesn't have a whole lot, Los Ranchos is the old "sitting around the potbellied stove telling lies about a crusty gun while smoking and listening to old country music" type of place, and Absolute is for the guy who just has to have the latest, blackest Sig/Glock/Walther (at 100% retail price).
They're all worth killing some time in. None of them compare to the heyday of the shop that I used to manage in days of your: J. Bland & Son's Guns, Gifts & Gadgets (first on Wyoming - when I was there - and later where Precision is now). Jim Bland knew guns, and he knew how to keep them flowing through. Everything from $20k trap guns to tons of Springfield '03s to cop trade-ins to black rifles to collectible old lever actions that walked in off the Rez. And every kind of bizarre, interesting collectible pistol. [Sigh.] Peterson's gets the same sort of stuff in now, but it's not as nicely displayed, and - while some of the staff is very knowledgeable (ask for Dirk, the manager) - they don't always know what it is.
Anyway, if I wanted to see one store in the ABQ, I'd hit Ron Peterson's.
I don't know about the others here, but I have a couple of outdoor spots to go shoot. I like having 600+ yards to send stuff downrange in. And a hot range, with most of the shooters at least 100 yards away. And yes, it is a dry heat, you don't sweat like elsewhere, it mostly evaporates. Canteens, or bottled water, are not fashion accessories here, but required equipment. So are sunglasses. Yep, Los Ranchos is definitely as mentioned. Like another place that went out of business, The Gunnery. I heard another NRA sponsored 1000 yd range was going to be built outside of Tucumcari, but have no recent info about it.
And a hot range, with most of the shooters at least 100 yards away. And yes, it is a dry heat, you don't sweat like elsewhere, it mostly evaporates. Canteens, or bottled water, are not fashion accessories here, but required equipment. So are sunglasses. Yep, Los Ranchos is definitely as mentioned. Like another place that went out of business, The Gunnery. I heard another NRA sponsored 1000 yd range was going to be built outside of Tucumcari, but have no recent info about it.grislyatoms
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I shoot at Calibers when I am too lazy to drive to Zia or if I don't have enough time or it's too hot / cold. All the guys there are easygoing and helpful. I have even had them do some minor repairs for me while I wait (tightening grip screws, dislodging a stuck case). They will even leave the brass for me to sweep up! Prices are a little high, but I don't mind spending some money there to keep the range open. Selection is kind of sparse.
Absolute is pretty good, I have gotten a few freebies and throw ins there. It's sort of on my way home from work so I buy my powder and primers there. Prices a little high there, too.
Charlie's is a cool place. Since I go fishing quite a bit and am interested in turkey hunting it's sort of a "one stop shop" for me, although I hate driving there. Have not purchased much there, so I can't comment on the prices. They have racks and racks of long arms and a pretty decent selection of handguns.
Los Ranchos is by far the closest to my home. The "sitting around the potbellied stove telling lies about a crusty gun while smoking and listening to old country music" comment about Los Ranchos is dead on, although with the exception of the first time I went I have always been treated well there.
Absolute is pretty good, I have gotten a few freebies and throw ins there. It's sort of on my way home from work so I buy my powder and primers there. Prices a little high there, too.
Charlie's is a cool place. Since I go fishing quite a bit and am interested in turkey hunting it's sort of a "one stop shop" for me, although I hate driving there. Have not purchased much there, so I can't comment on the prices. They have racks and racks of long arms and a pretty decent selection of handguns.
Los Ranchos is by far the closest to my home. The "sitting around the potbellied stove telling lies about a crusty gun while smoking and listening to old country music" comment about Los Ranchos is dead on, although with the exception of the first time I went I have always been treated well there.
Desert Dog
Member
My favorite shop is Los Ranchos. Once the guys there get to know you it is just like everyone says... a place to chew the fat and get a pretty good deal on a firearm. They are all upstanding and good people even if they are a little standoffish at first. Kurt is one heck of a gunsmith too. he showed me a 1911 longslide .45 Super he built last year, and I was IMPRESSED. Definitely a "must go to" shop.
A close second is Ron Peterson's. You can find deals there almost everyday, and they have one heck of a antique gun selection. They have a decent selection of reloader stuff too.
Precision Arms is also a decent shop although their selection has dropped of considerably after their "reorg" (they used to be call Gadgets Gifts and Guns).
Caliber's is a nice place to go shoot pistol indoors... they are owned by Peterson's
Charlie's... Those folks are way out of their tree as far as prices go. They don't deal much either. Most guns in there are MSRP... They probably have the best selection however...
One place no one has mentioned yet and for good reason: August Arms in Rio Rancho. This place may be the only class III dealer in the area, but it is a DUMP. They are also quite rude to you anytime you are there. I have gone in there a couple of times to look around, and have left everytime not buying a thing...
As far as ranges are concerned, the new Del Norte gun club is supposed to have the 1000 yd. range built soon. It is quite a drive out there though and if you don't know where you are going, it is EASY to get lost...
Del Norte Gun Club
As far as gun purchases go, you cannot beat the prices at Bear Enterprises. The owner of the home-bound shop is my best friend and he will give you the best price. Unfortunately, he doe not take plastic...
A close second is Ron Peterson's. You can find deals there almost everyday, and they have one heck of a antique gun selection. They have a decent selection of reloader stuff too.
Precision Arms is also a decent shop although their selection has dropped of considerably after their "reorg" (they used to be call Gadgets Gifts and Guns).
Caliber's is a nice place to go shoot pistol indoors... they are owned by Peterson's
Charlie's... Those folks are way out of their tree as far as prices go. They don't deal much either. Most guns in there are MSRP...
They probably have the best selection however...One place no one has mentioned yet and for good reason: August Arms in Rio Rancho. This place may be the only class III dealer in the area, but it is a DUMP. They are also quite rude to you anytime you are there. I have gone in there a couple of times to look around, and have left everytime not buying a thing...
As far as ranges are concerned, the new Del Norte gun club is supposed to have the 1000 yd. range built soon. It is quite a drive out there though and if you don't know where you are going, it is EASY to get lost...
Del Norte Gun Club
As far as gun purchases go, you cannot beat the prices at Bear Enterprises. The owner of the home-bound shop is my best friend and he will give you the best price. Unfortunately, he doe not take plastic...
Erich
Member
Just FYI, Ron Peterson hasn't run the shop inside Calibers for over a year now. That store is in no way related to Peterson's.
Stealthfixr
Member
Went to Calibers ...
Last Thursday I spent 2 hours at Calibers and spent a little time on their indoor range after browsing their wares. The gun store end of things is a little sparse, but stocked with some good brand items (picked up some M-Pro 7). There is not a massive ammo selection, and not very much there in the way of holsters and such. However, the store is laid out nicely and easy to navigate.
The indoor range is good overall. The lighting is a little poor and below what I've come to expect, that I took that as a chance to practice my dim light shooting. However, the ventilation is good, but the air conditioning okay to fair. There are actually two different parts to the range, one that appears to be used for classes and such, the other for general shooting. So, there's lots of room to shoot.
There are several classes offered there, such as "Defensive Handgun Techniques", "Ladies Introduction to Handguns", "Youth Intro to Firearms", "Private Lessons" and CCW for NM. The classes and range fees seem on the high end of things I've seen in the past, such as $299 for the CCW class. Range fees were $14.65 per day, which included one target.
All in all, worth the checkout and a good place to shoot in northern NM when conditions warrant indoor conditions (which is not terribly often, IMHO). Thanks for the tip, it was a great way to spend the afternoon!
Mark
Last Thursday I spent 2 hours at Calibers and spent a little time on their indoor range after browsing their wares. The gun store end of things is a little sparse, but stocked with some good brand items (picked up some M-Pro 7). There is not a massive ammo selection, and not very much there in the way of holsters and such. However, the store is laid out nicely and easy to navigate.
The indoor range is good overall. The lighting is a little poor and below what I've come to expect, that I took that as a chance to practice my dim light shooting. However, the ventilation is good, but the air conditioning okay to fair. There are actually two different parts to the range, one that appears to be used for classes and such, the other for general shooting. So, there's lots of room to shoot.
There are several classes offered there, such as "Defensive Handgun Techniques", "Ladies Introduction to Handguns", "Youth Intro to Firearms", "Private Lessons" and CCW for NM. The classes and range fees seem on the high end of things I've seen in the past, such as $299 for the CCW class. Range fees were $14.65 per day, which included one target.
All in all, worth the checkout and a good place to shoot in northern NM when conditions warrant indoor conditions (which is not terribly often, IMHO). Thanks for the tip, it was a great way to spend the afternoon!
Mark
Stealthfixr
Member
Picture did not attach--here it is
Here's a picture of Calibers from the outside--easy to find, by the way.
Here's a picture of Calibers from the outside--easy to find, by the way.
Monkeyleg
Member.
Thanks for the input, Stealthfixr. One thing I'm trying to do with the site is get a feeling for what the shop is like before writing the description about it. There's a gazillion shops out there that say they carry every brand, but I know all too often they're just talking about the brands and models they can get from their distributors. The number of shops who actually have a good selection (and by good, I mean at least hundreds) in stock are few.
Unfortunately, there just aren't many shops with ranges that have good lighting and good air. The lighting part is easy, but the air is expensive. A shop here in Milwaukee just spent $30,000 on air-conditioning the range. And that's on top of the almost $500,000 they spent on air recirculation systems to get into EPA compliance.
In most towns, adding a range will cost at least a million dollars. I was surprised to find, from talking to shop owners there, that adding a range in Albuqurque is more like a two million dollar investment, because the city is "land-locked."
I guess us "Cheeseheads" have become spoiled when it comes to indoor ranges. Every shop within 5 to 50 miles from Milwaukee has an indoor range, something that's really nice when the temps are below zero.
Unfortunately, there just aren't many shops with ranges that have good lighting and good air. The lighting part is easy, but the air is expensive. A shop here in Milwaukee just spent $30,000 on air-conditioning the range. And that's on top of the almost $500,000 they spent on air recirculation systems to get into EPA compliance.
In most towns, adding a range will cost at least a million dollars. I was surprised to find, from talking to shop owners there, that adding a range in Albuqurque is more like a two million dollar investment, because the city is "land-locked."
I guess us "Cheeseheads" have become spoiled when it comes to indoor ranges. Every shop within 5 to 50 miles from Milwaukee has an indoor range, something that's really nice when the temps are below zero.
Desert Dog
Member
Almost all of our ranges are outside, which is fine 85% of the time here due to the mild climate...
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