At what point would you not buy locally?

[jrdolall]

I purchased a handgun last week from Gunbrokers for just this reason. I had been shopping around for a gun for my oldest daughter to carry and had decided on either a Ruger or S&W in .38. She wanted the laser grips which was fine by me but we all know it adds $200+ to the gun. I found one at a local shop for $699 which seemed a bit high so I looked on Gunbrokers and found the exact same model for $569, shipping included. I took the listing to the LGS and first they said it must be used. Nope, NIB. Different model S&W? Nope same exact model with Crimson Trace Laser Grips. He suggested I buy it online because his cost on the gun was over $600. He wanted $35 for a transfer and another local guy charges $20. Bottom line I paid a total of $589 for what would have cost me $750 to buy from the LGS. I would MUCH prefer buying locally but I don't see the advantage of paying an extra $150. He will probably still get my ammo purchases but he lost out on $600 in sales this time.

 

[Ignition Override]

Most of the time it is not a choice.
There are so few choices of milsurp rifle types in shops, or mostly sporterized examples (if any are seen) at gun shows, that an Enfield or FR8 must often be bought at GB or hours away.

And nobody sells CMP Garands which you can trust, other than the CMP or an authentic friend. Past buyers easily could have replaced an internal part (or used the wrong ammo-commercial), and if not, simply jacked up the price.

My only preferred gun shops are "Allens", in Clarkesville TN, and "The Ammo Depot", in Caddo Mills TX (by I-35, 30 min. n.e. of Dallas/Rockwall), a long way from home. Interesting, good selections are in both.

There was an Enfield #4 Mark 1/(3?) version at Guns And Ammo (Memphis) for many months, but the list price for the type seemed a bit delusional, because most milsurp people would never expect classics to be in that store on Summer Ave. They only have about two classic rifles at a time.

 

[crracer_712]

I typically buy at gun shows, mostly because they are there to view and fondle and the selection is such that a typical LGS couldn't compete with that immediate kind of selection. Other stuff that I know I want, I'll order from the LGS, if its something I have patience to wait on and/or I don't have a gun show coming up.

Then there is the latest situation. I was looking for a TALO version of a particular gun, my LGS's supplier doesn't offer them. If his supplier doesn't offer or have them in stock, he has no issues with a person buying online and using him for the transfer. I just did order my first pistol online and am having him to the transfer.

 

[mortablunt]

I buy based on legality and opportunity. Source and locality are not major concerns unless being in another state or country.

 

[benEzra]

I buy locally from a dealer who does transfers. I've bought one gun new from him (which he special-ordered for me) and have done two or three transfers of used guns (one from CDNN, one from a private party in another state). He's also sold a couple of collectibles for me on consignment (via Gunbroker) so I could afford a couple of those purchases.

It's not either-or; I'm supporting my local shop either way.

 

[X-Rap]

Never bought a gun online in my life and doubt I will, I buy exclusively from LGS's and Pawn Shops or FTF or Gun Shows. Yet to find an online gun for less overall cost than I can get in person.
I also concur with those who have pointed out their disagreement with those who try to buy on the cheap for a few % off storefront local business and then come in and demand service on that sale.
I have never been the guy who buys parts for my car on the cheap and then shows up at the local garage and wants them to install it and thats the analogy I draw with asking an FFL to handle your purchases but never buy merchandise from him.

 

[Dnaltrop]

I picked my Schofield replica up from Gunbroker for $80-100 less (after shipping) than local prices at the time.

One of the only things I've purchased in life that's gone UP in value afterwards . I'm halfway tempted to sell it and take the profit, but I love the little thing.

Shooter's Supply has had cheaper prices, or very close to Bud's (after shipping costs) on nearly every gun I've asked about. I just have to have the patience while they get it shipped in. (I'm good at patience )

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

When I either can't get it, or the price difference warrants it.

 

[exiledtoIA]

Normally at my LGS. However I have used Gunbroker and had it shipped to the LGS. They were the ones who showed me Gunbroker. I was looking for a specific gun in an unusual caliber. Nobody local had one on hand and didn't think they could get one in a reasonable amount of time. I went back to Mike to have him try and get it. He starts tapping away on the computer and mumbling to himself, then his partner says "Have you looked on Gunbroker". So we did. Sure enough, they had it so we ordered it. 5 days later I owned it ( probably would have been sooner, but we ordered on a Friday afternoon ). I asked them about how the felt about it - their answer was that they would rather have some of my money than none of it. They are good guys so I check with them first. I'll pay a bit more if they have something I want on hand and order it otherwise.

 

[trex1310]

I will buy locally as long as they have or can get what I want. When
the last lgs goes over to the Rambo side (only black rifles, tactical
handguns, asian knives and other Rambo crap) I will go elsewhere.
I'm not going to quibble over $50 and I like to touch what I'm buying.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

There are two extremes here. One is the sleezy salesman who happens to sell guns and tells you everything except the items in stock are crap. The other is a picky customer who thinks they are entitled to be treated like a royalty, haggle on everything, fondle everything, and buy it online to save $5.

I'm lucky enough to live by Rainier Arms which is a well-respected vendor of AR and parts online. The majority of their sales are therefore online because very few local tire kickers are looking to pony up for a Noveske and they exclusively carry higher end AR-style rifles. The staff is fantastic and no BS. Prices are good, enough to be competitive online. They'll try to price match and if they can't, they'll usually offer LE pricing as a happy compromise. Never had a complaint. As far as other gunshops around...its a crapshoot.

 

[Delford]

I've checked prices continually and always figure that with transfer & shipping the cost on anything I've been interested in can be matched at one of my LGSs. I'm fortunate to have a major player in Hyatt's who is online and has a bustlng business at their brick & mortar store. When the NRA convention was here they offered free shuttle service to the convention center, saving $6-10 in downtown parking (although I'm sure they recovered that many times over in sales). I notice their online sales are a little cheaper so when it comes time I'll buy online and pick it up there in person. I was there last week and a young salesman spent maybe 25 minutes with my friends & I and showed us quite a few guns and was courteous and friendly. They have a great selection of used guns. They also are host site for a very good CC class every month. I do check prices at Bass Pro (even higher) and LGSs in adjacent counties (where the sales tax is less by .25 - .50%). I bought my first autoloader from Hyatt (used LNIB) but my 2nd purchase was in the adjacent county because they ordered it and delivered it for way less. They are a low overhead operation but not a pawn shop. I guess it depends on what specific long gun or pistol you want whether your best price is big LGS, small LGS or online. YMMV

 

[TonyDedo]

I buy almost all my guns locally, mostly because Massachusetts has an insane approved gun roster which makes FFL transfers from out of state a pain in the ass.

Otherwise, I buy almost everything online.

I reload most of my ammunition, and none of the LGSs near me reliably stock reloading components. For those calibers I don't reload (mainly .22LR), the local shops can't even come close to competing on price. And none of the local shops have a decent supply or knowledge of parts or accessories - I have to use my C&R discount at Midway or Brownells.

The only thing I use the local shop for is cleaning supplies and the occasional odd box of ammo. But even that's difficult, because all the local shops keep such crappy house (only one shop within 4 hours is open on Sunday).

 

[Detritus]

Since I do not consider my own workplace, (sports and outdoors chain store) to be "local", at this tme I don't buy locally.

there are only two readily accessible "gun shops" in my area (ie without driving to houston) the older one, well I could write a whole rant on the many reasons I will no longer cast my shadow on that doorstep. the new one I might one day buy from but i've yet to come across anything they have/can get for me as far as guns that I can not effectively get below their cost. I DO buy as many of my reloading supplies from them as i can though.

 

[Black Butte]

Supporting local businesses and actually seeing and holding what you are intending to purchase has its appeal. If, however, local prices exceed Internet prices by more than $30-40 (including transfer fee), I'd start to give serious consideration to taking the more economical path.

 

[asia331]

I prefer to buy locally supporting the tradesmen in my community that support me and my lifestyle choices; building lasting relationships and having a local "go to guy" who will back up the products he sells.

At what point would I not buy locally? When that relationship is a one way street as indicated for example by unreasonably high prices, poor customer service or unfriendly manners.

 

[FROGO207]

I am lucky there are a dozen LGS within an hours drive from me. They run the gambit from just insane to best buddy with a gun-shop type of atmosphere. There are a couple that WANT my business and are willing to meet me at a reasonable middle ground. I will ask them what their best deal is with a particular firearm and make my decision when they respond having already looked at what my cost would be on line. They will mostly match the online price if not outright be lower. I like this and they know I am good for a couple firearms purchases a month on average when I am working full time. So they do tend out to me.

 

[BobTheTomato]

I have found that most of the time there is not that much money to be saved by the time you pay for shipping and a transfer fee for the gun. I do agree that sometimes buy online is the best option since it can be very hard to find the exact model you want. I have also found that buying from local shops at a gun show is a good option. I just don't have much time between work, school, and family to drive out to gun shops to try to find what I want.

 

[thump_rrr]

I use a global approach.
I live in a large Canadian city so there are a few gun shops but not many.
Within an hours drive there are only 3 that sell reloading equipment and restricted firearms such as handguns and black rifles etc. so we want them to stay open.

Some shops have much lower prices on specific items such as primers so I will always buy my primers from them.
Another has a massive assortment of rifle bullets so I will buy from them.
The third has unbeatable prices on powder and almost anything I need for reloading so I buy from them.

I now have satisfied myself that I have done my part in supporting all of my local shops.

When it comes to firearms purchases or expensive add ons if I can save more than $50 or 20% I'll get it elsewhere.

For a $50.00 savings on a $2000.00 gun purchase I won't bother but for the same $50.00 savings on a $200 stock I will.

 

[montanaoffroader]

Currently, we have only 2 truly local shops to choose from. There was a third, but the owner has passed away and the business is currently in limbo. Of the 2 remaining, one is ok about FFL transfers, charging a reasonable fee and only asking that you give them first crack at your business for items they normally carry (mainly black rifles and accessories). The other shop doesn't care for transfers, charging nearly double the going rate and flat out refusing transfers from places like Bud's or Cheaper than Dirt.

We also have WalMart, Scheels, Big Bear Sports and Big R selling guns. So there is no shortage of places to buy 'local' and I have yet to purchase a gun online.

I am not opposed to buying online, just haven't had reason to do so yet. I would buy online if it was the only place to find what I want, or if the local price is more than about 15% higher (after shipping and transfer fees). So far that hasn't happened. I don't mind paying a bit of a premium for personal service and the opportunity to check out a gun before laying out my cash.

 

[kozak6]

I remember one local shop I went to.

His gun prices were somewhat higher than they should have been, but his ammo prices were what got me. For some of the absolute cheapest milsurp ammo there ever was, he was charging maybe 5X the going rate.

As far as I am concerned, he can go pound sand. Reportedly, he was also a key player in the whole Fast and Furious fiasco.

 

[Panzercat]

Hey, don't be afraid to ask him to come down a bit. Be polite about it and assure your LGS you'd rather buy from him than not. Most of the time they'll at least appreciate the consideration. You can get a 'yes' or a polite 'no' for whatever reason. If they're pissy about it, you're probably better off buying online or somewhere else anyway.

To answer the topic question, I tend to only go online for harder to obtain firearms that I know I have a snowflakes chance in hell of getting at a local gun store.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I guess I would pay a little more, within reason. The problem is, I'm a cheapskate. If something is $30 more, I'm like, "Man, I could get the dies for that."

I'm fortunate though. I have several good local stores within an hour's drive, so most of the time they can come very close to the online prices.

 

[Geno]

I buy local until prices are beyond 10% difference, or until the selection or quality simply are not there. But for me to not buy local, and to get both good selection and good prices, I have to drive from SE Michigan to Clare, MI for Jay's Sporting Goods (about 2.5 hours). Knowing the distance of the drive, JJ always has knocked the price down to a point that it is worth my drive. Then again, for me, it is also a matter of loyalty to Jay's. I have done business with them for about 30 years. Good folks; always nice to visit them.

Geno

 

[gym]

No one is giving me any breaks in my life, just because I am local. I buy where I get what I want at the best price period, We do it with cars, food, lawn mowers, and anything else. I used amazon.com at least 15 times this month. Not just for gun parts, "which I buy a lot of" but flashlights, vitamins etc, a comparable vitamin and protein powder in GNC was close to $400.00 for 2 Supplaments and protein powder, and a cleanser for 1 month. I got it on Amazon, "same thing" for under $100.00. Same with rails red dots, and all my stuff for my AR. why would I give away money to an ungrateful store owner who never even shakes hands or says hello, let alone calls you back with a price on expensive rifles scopes etc. We have some real unfriendly know it all gun shops here, flame away, but if the guy doesn't say hello shen you walk in,and just walks away form everyone, then he can go out of business, as he shouldn't be in business in the first place.
My job is not to put his welfare ahead of mine. He is supposed to make me feel that he has an interest in helping me, as I spend money every time I go into a gun store, even if it's just for ammo. Some of these guys just don't care if you buy or not.I don't ask a lot of stupid questions or touch things, i I see something I am interested I expect the guy to make some effort to try and enlighten me to some of the good characteristics of the weapon, not leave me standing there and go in the back and watch TV.We have ourselves to blame for part of what we are going through, when I take my car in for an oil change and 4 guys are playing cards, and not one says , "can I help you"?, there is something very wrong. I ask hey can you do an oil change on my wifes passat. Answer is well I don't like german cars, let me think about it. No one is in the store. Finally he does it, and then tells me why German cars suck. Another genius, will I ever go back, hell no.You have to work for peoples business, it's not a right.