Where do you buy guns from?

[ScrapMetalSlug]

It seems like every couple of days there is a new thread saying gun shows suck, and guns shops suck. Which makes me wonder, where is left to buy guns? I am curious, how many members only buy guns from gun shops (local store or big box store), gun shows, private sales, or a mix of all three.

 

[Nomad]

I have bought from each of the above. I really like to support the local shops when I can. I have found the least expensive way, if you know what you want, is to buy through Gun Genie. Of course if you need to hold it, touch it see it that can be a problem.

 

[Captains1911]

Not all gun stores are created equal. Luckily there are a few in my area with both knowledgeable and courteous staff. Nevertheless, if I can get a considerably better deal online, whether it be gunbroker or an online retailer, I will go that route. I never buy guns from shows or large retail chains.

 

[TwoWheelFiend]

I have only bought from LGS. I have 2 great local ones i've been going into since i was about 6 years old. Know everyone and a good friend of mine works at one so i get pretty good deals on guns. And they can usually find me anything i want.

 

[Mikey Idaho]

Lucky enough to have 4 or 5 great local gun shops in town with competitive prices and awesome customer service. Feel much better supporting them than an online site or large chain store with an uneducated staff.

 

[Tinpig]

Mainly local gun shops, sometimes Civilian Marksmanship Program, occasionally face-to-face transactions, seldom gun shows. I mainly buy old guns so I need to see what I'm buying although that's not necessary with CMP.
I do like to help keep local gun shops going, so even if some owners are jerks, if they have a gun I want in good condition at a reasonable price I'll buy it. I'm looking for guns, not friends.

Tinpig

 

[Inebriated]

Let's see...
Hyatt's (most NC folks should know about them... love or hate), Dick's, Gun Shows (which is basically local vendors), and then online, but I rarely find places online that can beat local shops once shipping/FFL is in the picture.

 

[o Unforgiven o]

I have only ever bought guns online. To the best of my knowledge there simply are no LGS within a reasonable distance from me that actually stock any new guns besides WalMart.

 

[doc2rn]

I used to buy from local LGS, then I moved. Now I will only buy from F2F with a person, and usually only for a good deal.

 

[Josh45]

I bought a few online. Most of them I bought from my LGS tho. I like my LGS, Good prices and good attitude.

I have never done F2F before and I haven't went to a gun show in about 2-3 years...

 

[chris in va]

Depends on where the deal is. I've bought used from the classifieds section out of state, or when that fails there's a shop/distributor about 30 minutes from my house that usually has what I'm looking for. I always look for used first.

 

[OneLiveRound]

I've purchased 2 from an online retailer , 1 from a member of another forum I'm on and 1 from a local shop but the majority have been trades or purchases with family and friends.

 

[Deus Machina]

I've bought one online, had a shop order one, but usually I just keep a vague idea in mind and see what the local shops or gun show have along those lines within a budget.

Not only do I like to support the locals, I enjoy the instant satisfaction.

 

[valnar]

I tend to like the older guns so I usually purchase online. It helps that I've been using eBay for 12+ years so I've become accustomed to trusting strangers before I ever hit Gunbroker for the first time. My LGS usually only has new items, or if they have used, it wasn't what I was looking for.

I also use a local FFL that works out of his house. $20 per gun, period.

 

[Legionnaire]

I buy used guns. LGS, FTF, online forums, online auctions, occasional gun shows. I am most opportunistic at this stage of my life.

 

[ZCORR Jay]

Usually a mix between LGS and big box stores like Gander MT. It really depends on the model I'm looking for then pricing and service.

Usually get ammo online though.

 

[rellascout]

I buy from all sorts of sources. Mainstream stuff can be a deal at the big box guys. LGS often has good used items or they get my transfer business.

I buy a lot of my stuff used from auction sites or, classifieds or out of state dealers like Dans Ammo or Wild West Guns.

I have found that most smaller LGS simply do not have the selection or the pricing to match what I can find using the internet.

 

[JohnBT]

Not counting purchases from friends and relatives, I mostly buy from local gun stores because I like to see the gun I'm buying - no two are the same. And I've bought a few at gun shows, but not many because I prefer buying used guns from people I know. It took me 15 or 20 years to get my uncle to sell me his Rem 541-S. Be patient, have cash.

In the past 50-some years I've purchased a Nylon 76 from an auction site to give to my uncle; a new Cooper Custom Classic .22 from Whitakers in KY to give to my father; and a 40-year-old P210 a few months ago from Top Gun Supply for me. I think that's it, but I'm still drinking my morning coffee.

John

 

[DAP90]

Mostly from LGS’s and big retail chains. I’ve bought a single gun online after my favorite LGS wasn’t able to get it.

I’ve never bought from a gun show or face to face transaction. I’ve only ever been to a single gun show and probably wouldn’t go again unless I was having a very slow weekend. I’ve looked at some FTF guns but never actually bought one.

Not that it matters anymore. I’ve entered to win the NRA 21 gun salute and after I win those 21 guns I’ll be so busy buying accessories, ammo and spending time shooting them all I won’t have the time or money to look at any new guns.

 

[JoeMal]

I buy my guns online

 

[matt 7mm]

i have bought most from local gun shops.had three good ones within 10 miles but two of them closed in the last couple of years.the last gun shop doesnt have a huge selection but they are good about ordering what you want if they can locate it.the couple that runs it is in their late 70's and dont do the computer thing but they told me if i wanted to buy something off gun broker they would handle the transfer for 25$.

 

[mgmorden]

I buy locally, though usually more often from pawn shops than actual gun shops (though ironically, the last gun I bought was bought from a traditional gun shop - just found a good deal). I also order online quite a bit as well - straight to my door when my C&R allows it or to a local transfer guy for guns that aren't C&R eligible.

Basically, I seek out the best price on my purchases. If that's local, I shop local - if it's online, I'll buy online. Price (and quality of goods) is my primary motivation.

 

[robb01]

I try to buy locally, but sometimes there is a good deal that I can't pass up online.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Maverick 88, LGS
Savage 64, Gander Mtn.
Mosin Nagant M91/30, Gander Mtn. (later sold)
Mosin Nagant M-44, Online C&R collector, transferred to LGS
Traditions Buckskinner, gift (later sold)
Arisaka Type 38, gift
Hi Point 995TS, Dunham's (later sold)
Hi Point JHP .45, LGS (being sold)
S&W 469, LGS
Ever Best 20 ga. LGS
H&R Tamer .410, LGS
Norinco SKS, LGS

 

[Paris]

I stay out of B&M gun shops for the most part - they are like car dealers. Go in for one thing, they try and sell you something else. No thanks.

I just buy online now. I find the gun I want and buy it. Point, click, wait for phone call from FFL for pickup. Low stress.

I even buy my ammo online. I have a hard time finding anyone who can compete with luckygunner and the like. B&M gun shop prices on guns and ammo are inflated anyway, usually because the people going in are novices and don't know what things should cost.