Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
I thought I just did-----and I'm the one spending my hard earned dollar.
Support Your Local Gunstore!
- Thread starter Husker1911
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Husker1911
Member
BeenGlockin', stop into South roads, check us out.
Control Group
Member
You wouldn't happen to be talking about a pleasant little shop on 84th south of Lincoln, would you, Monkeyleg? If you are, I have to say Pete did the best job of introducing a newbie to handguns I could possibly have asked for, up to and including being more than personable. I'm not much of a people person, but he put me at ease faster than I would have believed.
As I think about it, I should make a point of stopping in at their range this week. Since area rates went to $15/hr, I've been driving out to Waukesha - I've been bringing guests on my dime, and I'm not exactly rolling in dough. But I'm going to be going out solo at least once this week, and they deserve my business.
There are a few gunstores in my area. One has nice people and good service, but charge sky-high prices. Another has good prices, but the manager is such an arrogant jerk I refuse to buy anything from him.
Then there's the store I keep going to. Their prices aren't the lowest, but they're fair and they treat me pretty well. I had a bad experience with one of their sales people, but overlooked it because all the others, especially the manager, have been really nice and try to be helpful. The manager also did a real good job explaining the actual implications of the AWB to the news. I was amazed to see the local news report actual truth regarding the ban.
The thing that really impressed me was my wife's report. She'd gone there to get me some ammo as a stocking stuffer for Christmas, and they helped her and treated her with respect despite her lack of knowledge regarding firearms. Treating my wife well goes a long way towards gaining my business.
Then there's the store I keep going to. Their prices aren't the lowest, but they're fair and they treat me pretty well. I had a bad experience with one of their sales people, but overlooked it because all the others, especially the manager, have been really nice and try to be helpful. The manager also did a real good job explaining the actual implications of the AWB to the news. I was amazed to see the local news report actual truth regarding the ban.
The thing that really impressed me was my wife's report. She'd gone there to get me some ammo as a stocking stuffer for Christmas, and they helped her and treated her with respect despite her lack of knowledge regarding firearms. Treating my wife well goes a long way towards gaining my business.
This story impresses me more than the other one. As a customer, I hate to make someone stay past closing myself, but I guess if I left off $1,800, I'd feel a little better about it.
At lunch today, I asked myself if I should go to the gun store or Sports Authority to look for some stuff. I went to the gun store, and once again, items behind counter + employees having their own conversation = me spending my money somewhere else.
It's an empirical question. It all depends on the shop.
I have bought guns from decent shops at good prices. However, many of the local stores here are full of rude, gun store commandos. Some of the big stores are also. Some tables at the show - same dudes.
Have a good attitude and price - I'm yours. I might even spend a touch more $10-20 for attitude. I will not spend $100 more though.
I could list good and bad at stores, shows, big stores - It's about equal who has good folk and bad.
My last gun was from a private store - nice people. However, the next gun I want they have for $840. The big store has for $740.
I have bought guns from decent shops at good prices. However, many of the local stores here are full of rude, gun store commandos. Some of the big stores are also. Some tables at the show - same dudes.
Have a good attitude and price - I'm yours. I might even spend a touch more $10-20 for attitude. I will not spend $100 more though.
I could list good and bad at stores, shows, big stores - It's about equal who has good folk and bad.
My last gun was from a private store - nice people. However, the next gun I want they have for $840. The big store has for $740.
Eskimo Jim
Member
Husker,
I visit some gun shops and do my shopping there whenthey have what I want at a fair price.
Firearms I typically buy from shops rather than a box store 'cause the gun shop has what I want.
Ammunition range stuff I buy at a box store because a gun shop just doesn't price it competatively
Self defense/specialty hunting ammo comes from the gun store 'cause no one else has it
Accessories come from online, catalog or local shop depending on who has what I want at a fair price.
-Jim
I visit some gun shops and do my shopping there whenthey have what I want at a fair price.
Firearms I typically buy from shops rather than a box store 'cause the gun shop has what I want.
Ammunition range stuff I buy at a box store because a gun shop just doesn't price it competatively
Self defense/specialty hunting ammo comes from the gun store 'cause no one else has it
Accessories come from online, catalog or local shop depending on who has what I want at a fair price.
-Jim
I tend to support my local shop...on the weapons that they carry
I also buy ammo there
Both are very competitively priced and I value being able to see the weapon.
On things that they don't carry, I go elsewhere...
They get most of my money...but in the end, they have to compete for my business...just like everyone else
I also buy ammo there
Both are very competitively priced and I value being able to see the weapon.
On things that they don't carry, I go elsewhere...
They get most of my money...but in the end, they have to compete for my business...just like everyone else
Monkeyleg
Member.
Control Group, that's the place. And, yeah, $15 an hour is a lot. Both the Shooters Shop and Badger went to $15 after the insurance companies raised rates on the ranges. But Kevin (Shooters Shop owner) has spent a fortune on that range. I really notice the difference if I blow my nose after shooting, compared to other indoor ranges.
Omaha-BeenGlockin: "Don't sell what Wal-Mart sells."
Exactly. I talk to hundreds of gun shop owners, and the ones I think are going to make it are the ones who distance themselves from the discount stores. The Shooters Shop now buys 25% of all the pistols that Ed Brown makes, and the other stuff they have in their store you won't find at Wal-Mart or any other discount store.
A store in the middle of nowhere can't do a big business selling Ed Browns, but there's other ways to distinguish themselves: 90 day same-as-cash layaways, 90 day in-store warranty, free scope mounting/bore sighting, coffee and donuts, etc. There's a couple of rural stores on my site whose owners have set up an outdoor range that's free for their customers to use.
When I had my photo studio, I put every possible little extra in there I could think of. Pool table, video games, television, ten-speaker 400-watt stereo system, fruit bowls in the morning and beer in the afternoon...you get the idea.
Husker1911: check your private messages, please.
Omaha-BeenGlockin: "Don't sell what Wal-Mart sells."
Exactly. I talk to hundreds of gun shop owners, and the ones I think are going to make it are the ones who distance themselves from the discount stores. The Shooters Shop now buys 25% of all the pistols that Ed Brown makes, and the other stuff they have in their store you won't find at Wal-Mart or any other discount store.
A store in the middle of nowhere can't do a big business selling Ed Browns, but there's other ways to distinguish themselves: 90 day same-as-cash layaways, 90 day in-store warranty, free scope mounting/bore sighting, coffee and donuts, etc. There's a couple of rural stores on my site whose owners have set up an outdoor range that's free for their customers to use.
When I had my photo studio, I put every possible little extra in there I could think of. Pool table, video games, television, ten-speaker 400-watt stereo system, fruit bowls in the morning and beer in the afternoon...you get the idea.
Husker1911: check your private messages, please.
Shane333 wrote:
I am blessed in that there are a lot of good gun stores nearby.
Shane333's quote about sums it up for me. A store that treats my wife well is a store I'm looking to make a purchase at. Ignore my wife or treat her poorly & I wouldn't p!ss on you if you were on fire.
If you're local to DFW, I'll give you my impression of any of the shops I have experience with.
I am blessed in that there are a lot of good gun stores nearby.
Shane333's quote about sums it up for me. A store that treats my wife well is a store I'm looking to make a purchase at. Ignore my wife or treat her poorly & I wouldn't p!ss on you if you were on fire.
If you're local to DFW, I'll give you my impression of any of the shops I have experience with.
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
I would support my local gun shop if they didn't charge through the nose. Sure, they can do a few specialty things, but generally speaking, I don't need those specialty things. I need to buy guns and ammo and for what they charge, I couldn't shoot much.
I do give a good bit of business to a store in the next county and have purchased several guns there, but because of the price, not because of specialty offering, of which I don't know if they have any.
In order to support my local gun store, it has to support me. They fall short in that regard.
I do give a good bit of business to a store in the next county and have purchased several guns there, but because of the price, not because of specialty offering, of which I don't know if they have any.
In order to support my local gun store, it has to support me. They fall short in that regard.
EVIL5LITER
Member
I'm lucky enough to live in a city where there are about 15 or 20 "local" gunshops, and my local Walmart and Academy both have very knowledgeable people behind the gun counter at all times.
I buy my ammo at WallyWorld and Academy. All of my gun purchases have been through the little guys.
I buy my ammo at WallyWorld and Academy. All of my gun purchases have been through the little guys.
I don't support gun stores because I am in the age group that they don't support. I am young and tend to research what I want on the internet. I knew what I wanted and went in there I saw a salesman in my age bracket and asked him to help me. I explained to him that I knew what I wanted and that it would be the easiest sale he has ever made. I told him what gun I wanted and he brought it out, I checked it over. It was a "ghetto" gun store, I think he expected me to put 25% down but I paid in full. Wisconsin has 48 hour wait. I go in two days later and look for the young guy who sold me the gun to pick it up from. Well I stand around while the employees talked about the last guys who just were on the range. I sat for 10 minutes, alone at the counter. They were more interested in their jokes then assisting me.
I walk around the store, while I am looking at holsters I hear the guy say, "Can I help you?" and I don't pay attention thinking he is talking to another customer. I look over and he says it again. I am 40 feet from the counter and he yells to me like I am supose to run over and be happy to be served. I tell him I am here to pick up my weapon and never went back.
The other range/store decided that 15 dollars an hour for range fees is reasonable(and treated me like some punk because I didn't know which of the 4 doors went to the range). There is one place that impressed me, but it is far away. I go there to shoot at the range and buy targets from him. I buy ammo at outdoor chain stores because I actually get good service. On the internet I could beat every price but I like good service.
In todays world, a gun shop cannot afford to treat anyone poorly. I will bad mouth the shop that treated me bad to anyone who will listen. I will tell everyone who is even thinking of buying a gun to go to the shop I like.
I walk around the store, while I am looking at holsters I hear the guy say, "Can I help you?" and I don't pay attention thinking he is talking to another customer. I look over and he says it again. I am 40 feet from the counter and he yells to me like I am supose to run over and be happy to be served. I tell him I am here to pick up my weapon and never went back.
The other range/store decided that 15 dollars an hour for range fees is reasonable(and treated me like some punk because I didn't know which of the 4 doors went to the range). There is one place that impressed me, but it is far away. I go there to shoot at the range and buy targets from him. I buy ammo at outdoor chain stores because I actually get good service. On the internet I could beat every price but I like good service.
In todays world, a gun shop cannot afford to treat anyone poorly. I will bad mouth the shop that treated me bad to anyone who will listen. I will tell everyone who is even thinking of buying a gun to go to the shop I like.
Monkeyleg
Member.
Bill2k1, would you please email me or PM me with the names of the stores you're talking about?
I try to provide a service to the shop owners I know, not just the ones on my site. One of my services is to let them know when they have a dissastified customer. Believe me, business owners want to know when somebody isn't happy. Bad news always gets more attention than good.
I won't reveal your name or anything else about you.
And, yeah, $15 an hour is a lot for range time. Don't blame it on Kevin or Mitch or Wally, though. Not many years back (ten, maybe more), there were several gun stores in Milwaukee, and most had ranges.
Thank former Mayor Norquist (who also shut down the process of getting Form 4's signed for Class III weapons), interim Mayor Marvin Pratt, and current Mayor Tom Barrett. All three anti-gun to the core.
Thanks to liberal pinheads like these, it's easier for a convicted prostitute or coke dealer to run girls or drugs out of a licensed tavern than it is for a store to sell guns.
I try to provide a service to the shop owners I know, not just the ones on my site. One of my services is to let them know when they have a dissastified customer. Believe me, business owners want to know when somebody isn't happy. Bad news always gets more attention than good.
I won't reveal your name or anything else about you.
And, yeah, $15 an hour is a lot for range time. Don't blame it on Kevin or Mitch or Wally, though. Not many years back (ten, maybe more), there were several gun stores in Milwaukee, and most had ranges.
Thank former Mayor Norquist (who also shut down the process of getting Form 4's signed for Class III weapons), interim Mayor Marvin Pratt, and current Mayor Tom Barrett. All three anti-gun to the core.
Thanks to liberal pinheads like these, it's easier for a convicted prostitute or coke dealer to run girls or drugs out of a licensed tavern than it is for a store to sell guns.
Lease a building, buy air handling equipment, get permits, buy target and shooting bay equipment, pay the heat and light bills, buy insurance, pay business taxes, hire employees and of course we expect any gun ever manufactured available as a rental so you'd better get one or two of each and a big safe to keep them in at night.....and then we'll see if $15 still seems high for an hour.
I'll be the first to say that half the gun stores I've been in I've never gone back to because they are just plain unpleasant places....but let's be realistic about what it costs to be in business.
I'll be the first to say that half the gun stores I've been in I've never gone back to because they are just plain unpleasant places....but let's be realistic about what it costs to be in business.
Control Group
Member
logical: I understand everything you just said, but when you can drive an extra 30 minutes to pay $8.75 an hour for an indoor range, $15 does seem a bit high. I'm not saying - and I don't think Bill2k1 is saying - that $15 is, somehow, objectively too high for what we want to do. But it is demonstrably high compared to another range in the area.
Of course, the $15, as Monkeyleg pointed out, is due to King John (who I'm sure is fitting in real well down in Chicago) and his successors' complete gun unfriendliness. It's not that I blame the stores, it's just that when I bring a couple guests on my dime, it's the difference between $26.25 and $45. Now, is $45 a reasonable fee to pay? Sure. It's not that I feel like I'm getting ripped off, it just cuts down on how often I can do it. So when I can get by for less than $30, I do.
All that being said, when I go to the range by myself, I'll pay the extra $6 to support a shop that's always done right by me and is trying to stay solvent in a pretty unfriendly climate. But I can certainly understand if someone just says they'd rather pay $8.75 than $15 for an hour on the range.
Of course, the $15, as Monkeyleg pointed out, is due to King John (who I'm sure is fitting in real well down in Chicago) and his successors' complete gun unfriendliness. It's not that I blame the stores, it's just that when I bring a couple guests on my dime, it's the difference between $26.25 and $45. Now, is $45 a reasonable fee to pay? Sure. It's not that I feel like I'm getting ripped off, it just cuts down on how often I can do it. So when I can get by for less than $30, I do.
All that being said, when I go to the range by myself, I'll pay the extra $6 to support a shop that's always done right by me and is trying to stay solvent in a pretty unfriendly climate. But I can certainly understand if someone just says they'd rather pay $8.75 than $15 for an hour on the range.
I guess, but if that 30 minutes one way is 30 miles, I'll spend $9.00 in gas for my truck and an hour of my time to save $6.25 in range fees.
I'm not suggesting anybody pay more than they have to. I'm just disputing the suggestion that $15 is unreasonable. Chances are, the $8.75 guy is either not making money on the range if he really isolated his costs....or he has long since paid off the equipment.
I'm not suggesting anybody pay more than they have to. I'm just disputing the suggestion that $15 is unreasonable. Chances are, the $8.75 guy is either not making money on the range if he really isolated his costs....or he has long since paid off the equipment.
Control Group
Member
In that case, I agree. $15 is not, in itself, unreasonable. I say this because, if the only places I could shoot charged $15, then that's what I'd pay. The only reason $15 seems high is because it went up from $10 and $8 (depending on which range you went to) on March 1st of this year, and I can still get by for $8.75 if I get outside the city.
Sort of like when gas went from $1.10 to $2.05 in the course of a few months. $2.05 seemed pretty high (though still "reasonable," since we all kept buying it, after all) back then.
Sort of like when gas went from $1.10 to $2.05 in the course of a few months. $2.05 seemed pretty high (though still "reasonable," since we all kept buying it, after all) back then.
Logical makes a good point. Taking into account the overhead, $15/hour does seem reasonable. My only problem is that I usually only need 1/2 hour. My local range has great people, but someone decided that you can't rent the range by half hour intervals.
Yes, I'm poor and usually don't have a ton of ammo to burn. In 1/2 hour I'm finished shooting and ready to go home. If I had more money, I'd love to give my local gun stores and gun ranges more patronage.
Yes, I'm poor and usually don't have a ton of ammo to burn. In 1/2 hour I'm finished shooting and ready to go home. If I had more money, I'd love to give my local gun stores and gun ranges more patronage.
This is the type of thing that will make me not support my local gun shop--it just happened to me:
dropped $900 at gun shop for a gun, some accessories for it, and scope base and rings for another gun which had also been purchased there within the month prior
I get asked if I would like the scope mounted...well ok, sure!
To my shock, a $15 charge was added to my final bill for THAT
Uhhh....take it off!!
dropped $900 at gun shop for a gun, some accessories for it, and scope base and rings for another gun which had also been purchased there within the month prior
I get asked if I would like the scope mounted...well ok, sure!
To my shock, a $15 charge was added to my final bill for THAT
Uhhh....take it off!!
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logical: control group said it, I am not going to pay 15 dollars an hour when I can drive for almost the same ammount of time and shoot for 8.75. When I go to shoot I go with other people and that afternoon could easily get to 100 bucks for 3 of us to shoot, saving 6 bucks for 3 people is a big savings in my eyes. 6 bucks savings means I shoot twice as often then if I were to shoot at the 15 dollar ranges.
I am trying to find a local club to join, that way I will only have to go to indoor ranges when winter comes around.
I am trying to find a local club to join, that way I will only have to go to indoor ranges when winter comes around.
Monkeyleg
Member.
Bill2K1, if you're looking for a club to join, I suggest you check out Schultz Rod and Gun Club. It's only $45 a year plus five hours of work (meetings count as work).
If $15 an hour seems like a lot, I just put a Connecticut shop on my site today that charges $12 per half hour and $22 per hour.
If $15 an hour seems like a lot, I just put a Connecticut shop on my site today that charges $12 per half hour and $22 per hour.
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