InkEd
Member
Yeah, I like my LGS. Prices are competive with the Internet. Have an incredible selection and I can leave with it the same day.
Do you like your local gun shop?
- Thread starter Dryft
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RimfireChris
Member
I really love mine. Good prices and a willingness to answer questions go a long way. They usually do pretty good on trades as well.
How close is local?
Living in central delaware there isnt a gunshop in the state farther away than an hour maybe an hour and a half
the few shops up north have the typical "wont speak to you" attitude with the exception of one called xring so i like them
middle of the state only gets you three dealers two with the buy it or get out mentality with one of those two being a law enforcment supply shop that does business with the general public... i dont know why they do because anyone who goes in there without a badge gets treated like they shouldnt be on the same planet let alone in HIS shop
the third dealer also has a range and very nice people who will be honest and answer any questions they can I have seen a few people that work there that seem a big gruff but usualy they warm up to you if you dont start giggling at ARs and talking about some video game you saw that "m16" in
shooters choice is the best there (and the closest to my home as well)
the lower slower part of delaware opens up a few different "sports shops" which means they mostly sell fishing poles and have no clue about the gun cases in there shop or why they are there or whats in them other than the owners pricetags are firm
the actual gun shops are few and far between but the ones know usually have grumpy salesman that give you the death stare untill you leave
there is one shop that has a great inventory but the salespeople are so offputting i stay out of there completly
there is one little shop that has excellent customer service but limited in stock inventory and that was branchys he was great cause anything you want he would try and find you a fair price and works with you any way he can
so yeah in the longrun most of the shops here arent worth the time unless your doing ffl transfers on the cheap but a few that can have my money
Living in central delaware there isnt a gunshop in the state farther away than an hour maybe an hour and a half
the few shops up north have the typical "wont speak to you" attitude with the exception of one called xring so i like them
middle of the state only gets you three dealers two with the buy it or get out mentality with one of those two being a law enforcment supply shop that does business with the general public... i dont know why they do because anyone who goes in there without a badge gets treated like they shouldnt be on the same planet let alone in HIS shop
the third dealer also has a range and very nice people who will be honest and answer any questions they can I have seen a few people that work there that seem a big gruff but usualy they warm up to you if you dont start giggling at ARs and talking about some video game you saw that "m16" in
shooters choice is the best there (and the closest to my home as well)
the lower slower part of delaware opens up a few different "sports shops" which means they mostly sell fishing poles and have no clue about the gun cases in there shop or why they are there or whats in them other than the owners pricetags are firm
the actual gun shops are few and far between but the ones know usually have grumpy salesman that give you the death stare untill you leave
there is one shop that has a great inventory but the salespeople are so offputting i stay out of there completly
there is one little shop that has excellent customer service but limited in stock inventory and that was branchys he was great cause anything you want he would try and find you a fair price and works with you any way he can
so yeah in the longrun most of the shops here arent worth the time unless your doing ffl transfers on the cheap but a few that can have my money
There were 3 in Ohio that I really liked (Vance's, Blackwing, and New Albany Gun Club), but I don't live in Ohio any more.
I haven't found a shop in SC that impresses me yet, but I haven't been to Palmetto State Armory or Shooter's Choice yet, either. I expect that one or both of them will fit the bill nicely.
R
I haven't found a shop in SC that impresses me yet, but I haven't been to Palmetto State Armory or Shooter's Choice yet, either. I expect that one or both of them will fit the bill nicely.
R
Sulaco
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- 784
Off the top of my head, I can think of 6 local gun shops within driving distance of my house or office. I like all of them except one. It's probably the busiest and does the most business, but they aren't real "personal". It's not the sort of place where you are going to have much luck ordering something, for instance.
But really, I'd prefer to buy from an individual anyway, so it doesn't really matter what the stores are like to me. My ammo comes from one store which deals mostly with law enforcement and so I get a good deal. Otherwise, I order what I need.
But really, I'd prefer to buy from an individual anyway, so it doesn't really matter what the stores are like to me. My ammo comes from one store which deals mostly with law enforcement and so I get a good deal. Otherwise, I order what I need.
buck460XVR
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- Feb 6, 2007
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- 10,093
If you lived that close I can't believe you never made it to Moe's. It been a famous landmark to gun lovers for over a century.
Yep........we ride 54 from BRF to Winona quite a bit on the bike. There's a good place for grub in North Bend and plenty of places to stop for a attitude adjustment. Then there's the infamous "Mindoro Cut".
The Mindoro Cut
Arkansas Paul
Member
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=508334
Here's what I think of a local shop, and "old" guys.
Don't get me wrong, all of them aren't good, but there are two within an hour's drive that I absolutely love.
Here's what I think of a local shop, and "old" guys.
Don't get me wrong, all of them aren't good, but there are two within an hour's drive that I absolutely love.
Arkansas - thanks for that link, I by no means wanted to give the impression that I was put off by them being "old"! Frankly, I see all the time and have dinner at least once a week with my grandfather, an old Navy man, and I start looking forward to the next one as I'm pulling out of the driveway.
That man knows more than I ever will, even if I were to live to be a hundred fifty years old.
That man knows more than I ever will, even if I were to live to be a hundred fifty years old.
northwoods99
Member
Hey Dryft,
I have a great local gun shop up here in Medway, Maine. Barry at Two River canoe is a great guy and treats me good. He has sold me 10 rifle in the last 2 years, and the prices were right. I have also had good luck at a little shop Bob's in Matawamkeag, he has a lot of use guns and reloading equipment. There is another place in China called Wildwoods, he is a little high on prices but some times you can get a deal.
I have a great local gun shop up here in Medway, Maine. Barry at Two River canoe is a great guy and treats me good. He has sold me 10 rifle in the last 2 years, and the prices were right. I have also had good luck at a little shop Bob's in Matawamkeag, he has a lot of use guns and reloading equipment. There is another place in China called Wildwoods, he is a little high on prices but some times you can get a deal.
There's one I like and another I avoid, if possible. The good one is friendly and attentive. Their prices on most things are fairly decent. Only problem is they no longer do FFL transfers.
The bad is snobbish, sky-high prices, but they will do FFL transfers.
Can't always get what you want, right?
The bad is snobbish, sky-high prices, but they will do FFL transfers.
Can't always get what you want, right?
DAP90
Member
MachIVshooter said:
The Gander Mt deserves to go. They won’t be missed. The Bass Pro up the road is always a zoo. Once the novelty of going there wore off I can’t think of a good reason to go back. Too crowded, too expensive and despite being huge, somehow I can never find what I’m looking for.
I’ve been to most gun stores in Denver but somehow have never been in the Firing Line. I’ll have to remedy that.
I live across town and have five within 20 minutes of me and only one worth going to. Another is OK, I want to shop there, but he’s just too expensive and has a very limited selection.
Yes,
I almost went into a limited partnership with mine. I like the entire culture. I find gun owners to be Generally intelligent, able to discuss things without bias and nice folks . I also like to help people make informed decisions as to what they need and don't need. Many are concerned about leaving a gun in the house and things of that nature, if they have small children". Just informing them of the various methods of rendering the weapon inoperative seems to help sell a gun to an otherwise concerned parent. They "gun stores" are not all the same as we know. Some don't give you the time of day, but just like any other business, it's part business, and part personality. If you talk to folks in the way that you like to be spoken to, you open the door to selling them something. It may not be today, but when they decide to buy, chances are they will come to you for that purchase.
I almost went into a limited partnership with mine. I like the entire culture. I find gun owners to be Generally intelligent, able to discuss things without bias and nice folks . I also like to help people make informed decisions as to what they need and don't need. Many are concerned about leaving a gun in the house and things of that nature, if they have small children". Just informing them of the various methods of rendering the weapon inoperative seems to help sell a gun to an otherwise concerned parent. They "gun stores" are not all the same as we know. Some don't give you the time of day, but just like any other business, it's part business, and part personality. If you talk to folks in the way that you like to be spoken to, you open the door to selling them something. It may not be today, but when they decide to buy, chances are they will come to you for that purchase.
rellascout
member
Of the 5 shops I have been in that are within a 15 mile radius of my home I like 1 out of 6.
2 are pawn shop type sellers with limited overpriced inventory.
One is well stocked but sells guns for MSRP or higher.
1 has no inventory charges $30 for transfers from other FFLs only and if you ask him to order something you pay upfront and he charges you MSRP.
The last guy is my go to guy. He is just starting up. Does local shows and has a small shop. $10 transfers. He has limited inventory but is willing to order things at a fair price and sells things reasonably. He is ex-military and a younger guy.
The local market has been dominated for a longtime by the well stocked overpriced vendor. Too many people do not know any better and simply pay what they ask because they have it in stock. I have found over the years that in smaller areas the "local FFL" has enjoyed a virtual monoloply and has developed a take it or leave it attitude.
When I lived in VA I had a great transfer dealer who charged me $15 and then just down the road was Greentop which is great store, even if they are a little over priced on some items.
2 are pawn shop type sellers with limited overpriced inventory.
One is well stocked but sells guns for MSRP or higher.
1 has no inventory charges $30 for transfers from other FFLs only and if you ask him to order something you pay upfront and he charges you MSRP.
The last guy is my go to guy. He is just starting up. Does local shows and has a small shop. $10 transfers. He has limited inventory but is willing to order things at a fair price and sells things reasonably. He is ex-military and a younger guy.
The local market has been dominated for a longtime by the well stocked overpriced vendor. Too many people do not know any better and simply pay what they ask because they have it in stock. I have found over the years that in smaller areas the "local FFL" has enjoyed a virtual monoloply and has developed a take it or leave it attitude.
When I lived in VA I had a great transfer dealer who charged me $15 and then just down the road was Greentop which is great store, even if they are a little over priced on some items.
hermannr
Member
I live in the boonies, but we do have a couple FFLs within 40 miles or so. One only handles new high end stuff, the other only used weapons.
The guy that sells only used, will order for you, and his prices are very reasonable. He sells his ammo cheaper than Wal-mart does for the same stuff and will give you a price break for large quantities. He also has a lot of reloading supplies, black powder all kinds of stuff. $20 transfers. Really nice and easy to work with. Very small shop. This is where I take most of my business.
The guy that sells the high end new stuff has average pricing, not super good, not really bad. He has a lot of ammo, but very little reloading stuff. $35 transfers. I don't know who he sells all that expensive stuff to, but he has been in business for years. Nice guy if he has is what you want, but he really doesn't like to special order.
The guy that sells only used, will order for you, and his prices are very reasonable. He sells his ammo cheaper than Wal-mart does for the same stuff and will give you a price break for large quantities. He also has a lot of reloading supplies, black powder all kinds of stuff. $20 transfers. Really nice and easy to work with. Very small shop. This is where I take most of my business.
The guy that sells the high end new stuff has average pricing, not super good, not really bad. He has a lot of ammo, but very little reloading stuff. $35 transfers. I don't know who he sells all that expensive stuff to, but he has been in business for years. Nice guy if he has is what you want, but he really doesn't like to special order.
Snowbandit
Member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2007
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- 314
I have three in my area. One with odd hours that you almost have to call ahead and make an appointment. That doesn't work well when I want to browse. One shop with a moronic owner who, last time I was in there whined because I was getting fingerprints on his guns. I was looking for a used .22 rifle but left immediately when he started fussing and drove 90 miles to big box store and got a better deal. I'll never darken his door again. The third has limited inventory with high prices but I have bought a couple of guns from him. Probably won't do it anymore though. I'm tired of getting shafted and don't really need any more guns anyway. Everything else I can get on the internet much more reasonably. None of these are businesses anyway, just hobby shops.
The one where I used to live wasn't very good. They sold me a WASR-10 and the guy was a total jerk, but I was a young Marine and wanted an AK-47. I had a problem with one of the magazines, and this place is SUPPOSED to be a gunsmith too, and after I took the mag back twice I finally gave up and just busted it apart myself. I noticed there was a dent inside where the follower kept getting stuck, so I just took a hammer and whacked the follower to dent it to go over the mag dent and the mag has worked fine ever since.
The shop by where I live now is pretty good, got me a CZ-82 from CTD for the exact price they had it listed for online. They have changed owners since then, but the guy who works the counter is still the same so not sure what real difference there is now. It's kind of funny because the store shares one of those steel buildings with a shop that carves headstones. Every time I go in I'm the only customer and it makes me a little sad. The guy working there is really nice but I'm afraid they won't do enough business to stay open.
As for the local pawnshops... I can relate to the guy who said his thought used guns were worth more than new ones. Besides, they all have a sleazy feel to them.
The shop by where I live now is pretty good, got me a CZ-82 from CTD for the exact price they had it listed for online. They have changed owners since then, but the guy who works the counter is still the same so not sure what real difference there is now. It's kind of funny because the store shares one of those steel buildings with a shop that carves headstones. Every time I go in I'm the only customer and it makes me a little sad. The guy working there is really nice but I'm afraid they won't do enough business to stay open.
As for the local pawnshops... I can relate to the guy who said his thought used guns were worth more than new ones. Besides, they all have a sleazy feel to them.
Mac2
Member
I don't like mine at all. Very impersonal and when I go in, they look at you as what do you want? I have bought one rifle there (Rem 700) and have been in several times. I asked for #11 percussion caps. Not in stock and seasonal. I asked could he get some, he wrote my name down and put me down for 500, have not gotten a call. (been in several times since) no caps. It's been 3 months. Asked about small pistol primers (he had large only) and was told when he gets enough interest to order enough he can make a profit, he'll do so. Didn't know when that would be. Asked about bulk handgun bullets, nope, don't carry them. Asked about real black powder, don't carry it due to storage regulations. Only shop in town. Had a better experience at the pawn shop where I bought a used pistol.
I would like to buy local, and support local business, but this place sucks. I do a whole lot better from the computer, and the UPS guy has a personality.
I would like to buy local, and support local business, but this place sucks. I do a whole lot better from the computer, and the UPS guy has a personality.
Ruger GP100 fan
Member
I am very fortunate in that I have a lgs where I can buy almost anything having to do with reloading. What's more,the owner is an absolute wealth of shooting and reloading knowledge and as soon as he came to understand that I am serious about learning,he eagerly shares his knowledge with me. I could not ask for a better situation and in return I buy most of my supplies from him,though I honestly don't think he's the kind of guy that would treat me any different if I didn't. I am lucky,in deed.
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CajunBass
Member
I'm glad to hear someone else say that. Any gun store that can't compete with a Wal-Mart, of all things, doesn't deserve to be in business.
My favorite gun store is sandwiched right between two Wal-Marts and has a Gander Mountain right across the street. There is a Bass Pro Shops up the road a stop light or two. Plus another gun store 10-12 miles away. You darn near have to take a number at the gun counter most days.
I drive sixty miles one way to shop there. Most everything you see me post a picture of, came from there. Yea. I like them.
magnumman44
Member
My local gun shop is a fantastic places with very good prices, and very competent staff who actually know guns. I rarely deal anywhere else.
DammitBoy
Member
My small town has two decent sized medium shops with good service and two small shops, one of which has good service, the other has outstanding service. I consider myself very lucky and try to spread my money around to them all.
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