[Guyon]

Finally found this elusive creature. Didn't think that it existed. Most of the time, I've been treated like a leper because I wasn't a part of the known buying crowd.

However, recently I visited a store in which I was treated with respect and friendliness. I can honestly say that I'll spend my money there, even if it's a little more than gun show or internet prices.

[BluesBear]

Friendly shops used to be the norm, but sadly now they're the exception.

[Leatherneck]

So Guyon, are you going to share your secret with us? :confused:

TC
TFL Survivor

[TarpleyG]

Yeah, spit it out so we can recommend the place to others...

GT

[uglymofo]

Well, dunno what store Guyon's talking about, but for me, that store would be Big Buck Sports in Hattiesburg, MS. Their prices are just okay, but the service is stellar, and so's the conduct. I've bought my components there, and even bought several boxes of FGM 175's @ $24/box :what: just because of their conduct.

For instance, my first time in the store, I was dirty and dressed pretty shabbily, having just taken a lunch break from tearing out a wall in my garage and also painting a door (it was my second day in the state, and I was "exploring the city" having just discovered this store while driving by). Even given the way I looked, the first thing out of the salesman's mouth was,"Can I hand you something to look at?" (Yo, Skunk, guess what I asked for, being a refugee from the PRK?? the AR-15 carbine, of course :p I turned it down--no carbon fiber:scrutiny: :D ).

Then there's the local store here in San Jose, where I can't even get the owner to order ammo and a reloading press for me. I've asked twice, offering 50% down (he said "that's not necessary"), but it's never showed up in 2 trips back there. I've not been back since.

[MikeJ]

I recently posted a thread on some very nice shops in the Prescott, Arizona area and there are several nice ones in the Phoenix area as well. In fact, I've noticed an improvement in customer relations over the last year or so with most of them. The point that I want to bring up is that whether we like it or not or want to admit to it, firearms enthusiasts do a lot of window shopping, myself included. I don't do it with clothes, cars or anything else that I can think of but show me a gun store and my car automatically turns in to the parking lot.:D Because of people like myself and I imagine quite a few others, gun stores get an inordinate amount of browsers compared to other retail shops. I'm certain that after a while sales people simply get tired of pulling out gun after gun for someone to fondle that has no intention of buying. I'm not making a value judgement about this, if it is good or bad, just stating why I think gun shop sales people sometimes come across as indifferent. Then again, with what most gun stores pay employees it is a wonder they can hire anyone worth their salt.

[Tamara]

I'm certain that after a while sales people simply get tired of pulling out gun after gun for someone to fondle that has no intention of buying. I'm not making a value judgement about this, if it is good or bad, just stating why I think gun shop sales people sometimes come across as indifferent. Then again, with what most gun stores pay employees it is a wonder they can hire anyone worth their salt.

The only ones of us worth our salt are the ones working there because we like pulling out guns to fondle with no intention of buying.

"I don't mean to be taking up your time, ma'am."
"You're not taking up my time. This is why I'm here; otherwise all this junk would just be in a big vending machine with a credit card slot on the front." :D

[Evil_Ed]

For me it is "Ammo Attic" in Melbourne, Florida. The folks are friendly and the service is great. I've seen them go the extra mile for their customers many times and if you are a regular they are real good about remembering your name and what your gun preferences are (always happy to show you the latest "toy" that falls into your range of interest).

[Guyon]

Oh, I don't mind sharing at all. Name of the place is Middle Tennessee Guns and Ammo. It's a new business that is in Smyrna, TN. Stop in. Angela and Lehman would be happy to see you. They just took care of an FFL transfer for me, and it was the easiest transaction I've experienced.

[TallPine]

Yeah, Tamara - and you never know which one of those lookers is going to just whip out his wallet and buy.:)

And every gun sold is one more that the feral govt has to worry about when they want to take away our liberty.:D

I enjoyed nearly all of the customers when I worked at a gun counter. It was the store owners that I couldn't stand. I was once just finishing the sale of an AR-15 ($1K) when I got chewed out for not being at the clothing counter at the same time. :fire:

I quit one morning (had another job:)) and never again set foot in their store. I still am not on speaking terms with those people. They have lost out on thousands of dollars of business from me now that I have a better income. I could have bought appliances and firearms from them but went to Billings instead. I will drive fifty miles to buy a nail rather than from them.

[glockten]

Guyon,

Is that the shop formerly known as Middle Tennessee Guns & Ammo, next to the barbecue place?

[DorGunR]

For people in Maryland.
A super friendly gun store is.....
Scotts Guns on Thelma Ave in Glen Burnie MD.
Best gun store I've ever been in........and the ammount of money I've spent there is considerable.:)

[MikeJ]

Tamara , I certainly don't mean any disrespect to you or anyone else that works in a gun shop. I know of several sales people that are absolutely great. And you are so correct in stating that the only ones worth your salt are the ones that truly enjoy their work. Funny thing but that is how it seems in every line of work, the good ones enjoy what they do and take pride in the way they do it. I happen to be in the field of education and can attest to that. Best regards, Mike

[Slimjim]

PA people. Reddings hardware in gettysburg, and taylors trading post in biglersville are both real friendly shops.

MD: Brownstone trading post here in westminster is a nice shop. Also RA Browns gunsmith shop is real friendly also. Theres not that many gun shops left in westminster anymore.

Anyway, ill keep going back to a shop i like. And if your shop sucks, i wont be back, if your mean or anything. I'll also go back to a shop thats kinda high in prices instead of a chain store.

[Mulliga]

They're all friendly...after you buy a gun from them.

Hell, I got good service from WAL-MART since I know every single person in the gun / sporting goods section...

[Bob F.]

Southeast West Virginia (let's see, left out north): Dove's Guns in Princeton and Flat Top Arms in Beckley. Precision Weapons just moved and I haven't been in their new place yet. On Target in Princeton mostly does gun shows but seem pretty nice and sorta specialize in AR's, CCW handguns and the like.

[Tamara]

...you'll find me at Randy's.

Another longtime TFL/THR member just landed a sales gig at one of the other Big Three local gun shoppes, but I'll let him make his own announcement.

We're both pretty friendly. :cool:

[riverdog]

The shops I frequent most know me by name when I walk in. They're so friendly, I got a hug at the gunshow this past weekend :) Maybe I go there too much, but I know their names too. Even if I'm not there to buy, they pull guns out just to talk about them. They pull out their carry guns just to show me what they're proud of today. I love it when they pull a 1911, but one guy actually carries an SA revolver in .45Colt. It's his cowboy rig and it's what he shoots best. Apparently he's very good with it, but it doesn't leave leather -- it's a pain to load and unload just to show somebody.

I try to be a good customer; I'm looking for deals but at the same time I don't try to talk a reasonable price lower. One of my goals is to keep these guys in business, so I don't even think about shopping at Wally World. Nobody knows me at WW.

[MurrayNevada]

Forty something years ago when, I was a young kid, there was a gun store on Long Island, New York called Nimrods. The owner, a guy named Pete Brooks (I still remember his name after all this time) would let me hang around the store. He would allow me to handle the different firearms and I learned much from listening to the "old" guys. I have not seen that kind of atmosphere in a gunstore in a long time.

Too many gunstores today act as if they are doing you a favor when they deal with you. Many seem to get annoyed if you want to spend more that a minute examining a firearm you are interested in purchasing. At the old place Pete would usually field strip a firearm for a perspective customer to help demonstrate the quality of it. I can't imagine a gunstore employee doing that today, even if he knew how to field strip it.

I find the level of knowledge exhibited by many gun store employees to be sorely lacking and this does not stop them from displaying an air of superiority. Recently I asked such an employee if they carried Federal EFMJ ammunition. He asked, "what's that?. I replied that it was expanding full metal jacket ammunition. He shouted out to a fellow employee, with a smirk, "This guy is looking for full metal jacket that will expand." They both laughed and I left. They will no longer get my business. Thus is life.

[redbone]

Popguns in Indianapolis is a nice, friendly place with a family atmosphere, and knowledgeable employees.

I've had some good experiences at other stores as well, like a few times when I was shopping with my sons and pointed out a "different" firearm (such as a P7M8) and was explaining how it works, when an employee would get the gun out and let us handle it, knowing I wasn't buying. But, that's the kind of place I go back when I am ready to buy. Once at Pops, my son asked about different Glock model numbers and what made them different, and darned if they didn't get nearly every Glock out of the case and showed the differences along with a detailed explanation.

Of course, I've been in some stores that were way different... but not too many around here.

RBH

[Guyon]

glockten: I'm an idiot. Thanks for the correction. Post edited to reflect the correct name of the business. It is between Smyrna and Murfreesboro, and it is the one by the BBQ joint. I almost ate there when I went to pick up my rifle.

Not formerly known as, but CURRENTLY known as "Middle Tennessee Guns and Ammo." My apologies to the proprietors. How in the world did I get "Murfreesboro Guns and Ammo" in my head?

Guess "Old-Timers" is setting in a bit early for me. Now, what are these stringy things in my shoes?

[Marko Kloos]

Another longtime TFL/THR member just landed a sales gig at one of the other Big Three local gun shoppes, but I'll let him make his own announcement.

(raises hand)

That'd be me.

Y'all can come and say "hi" at Craig's Firearms Supply and Police Distributors in Knoxville, down on Chapman Highway. I can be found behind the counter on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-6, and Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays from 2-6.

I'm reasonably friendly. :)

[Justin]

I'll second a good experience at Pop Guns in Indianapolis. Many moons ago while shopping for a rifle, I stopped in there on a whim. The guys behind the counter were courteous and helpful.

Also, for Colorado Springs I have to give a shoutout to Specialty Sports and Supply. Professionally laid out store, easily one of the biggest shops I've ever been in, and most of the people who work there know what's what, and are quite helpful.

[Thrash1982]

I've had a bit different experience with Pop Guns in Indy. The few times that I was there while shopping around town for the best price on a Beretta 96 I got the impression that they felt I was an annoyance and not worthy of their time. When I was about ready to buy my Beretta I went back to Pop Guns and was talking with one of the employees who asked me if I was buying it for carry or just for fun, I told him both. He then proceeded to attempt to talk me out of buying it because it was too large. Now I agree it is a large gun but it is far from impossible to conceal. I have read many posts from people on this board and on berettaforum that conceal full size 9x series guns, and have done it myself many times with no trouble. Other than that I have no complaints about the store. Clean, well organized store with a great selection and a very nice indoor range. And due to the indoor range I was able to pick up a bag of 1000 rounds of once fired .40 S&W for a little over $10. As for friendly employees I prefer Plainfield Shooting Supplies. The first time I went into their store I stood and talked with a couple of the employees for about an hour. Ended up buying my Beretta from them because it also turns out that they had a better price than Pop Guns (plus they have reloading supplies :)).

The only store I refuse to go into is Don's Guns. I asked one employee there if he knew where in town I could find reloading supplies (before I knew about the Plainfield store) and he sort of gave me a blank stare and asked why in the world I would want to reload. After explaining to him my reasons (mainly because it's cheaper) he said something along the lines of "my time is too valuable." Ok, fine, that's your decision. Then he says that if he were to reload he would want to make his own bullets. I explain to him that some people do this and end up with him saying that he wants to make his own bullets out of mercury filled teflon. At which point I shook my head and walked out of the store vowing never to return. Oh yeah, and their prices are rediculous to.

For my shooting needs it's either Plainfield Shooting Supplies or Pop Guns.

[cordex]

Plainfield Shooter's Supply is pretty good. Nice selection, pretty friendly people, reasonable prices. As long as you're in the area, check out Premier Arms in Brownsburg. I went there for the first time last night with Kcustom45. We went in right before they closed, but they never rushed us. Their prices are reasonable (and better on powder than Plainfield Shooter's Supply) and they're very willing to order things that they don't have. The owner said he is planning on expanding his reloading stock since A to Z is on hiatus (A to Z is a great reloading supply store, if they ever come back).

And for you folks in Putnam, there's always Star's Guns. If you can find it, it is this tiny little store with some really decent prices and a very entertaining owner.

In fact, the only bad experience I've had with a gun store was with one up north in Boone county. The guy at the counter was something of a jerk, and a little hazy on firearms laws. From what I understand, though, he only got the job because he was a friend of the owner, and the owner is a pretty nice guy when he's around. Still, that put me off.

[yayarx7]

The only place around here worth going to is Andy's Arms, I also only have only good things to say about Gunmaster in Plano. My favorite place to go has to be The Bullet Trap, also in Plano, if only because they also have a great indoor range.

[El Tejon]

I've purchased several guns from Pop's on the northwest side. Always been friendly to me. Like the new store on the Southeast side. Lots of hardwood, very foofoo.:D

Les Wolfe at Lafayette Guns and Gear is a great guy. Has put up with me since I started buying guns there when it was Schuizi's downtown.

I've only had a problem with one store--Hill Country Arms in Kerrville, Texas on 16 near I-10. Walked in because TR recommended it. Saw a rifle I liked and wanted to purchase it, whipped out my copy of Les's Class 1 and inquired as to payment and shipping arrangements.

It was as if I had asked for his eye teeth.:uhoh: He started his diatribe before I could get a word in.

I cut him off, pulled out the "fun money" and announced that I'd take my bidness elsewhere turned on my heel and left. Guy must have had a long day, fight with wife, didn't like my accent, or something. Too bad, still have not found another rifle like that one.:(

cordex, Premier Arms, huh? Where's that in B-burg? I'm down in Brownsburg a lot (MPFreeman lives there) and Uncle Kirk has been known to impulse buy a gun or two.:D

[cordex]

cordex, Premier Arms, huh? Where's that in B-burg? I'm down in Brownsburg a lot (MPFreeman lives there) and Uncle Kirk has been known to impulse buy a gun or two.
Kirk,
The address is 417 East Main Street.

As you know (but others might not) Main street == 136

I've got to warn you, it is a bit hard to spot from the road.

Don't know where you'd be coming from, but I'd hit it going north on 267, turning east onto 136. From 267 you go past the first light. After that light slow down (but I don't have to tell you to slow down, do I? ;)) and start looking south for the turn off. I hear that when there isn't snow piled up, there's a little sign, but as it is now you just have to look for a small tan (I think) building set back a bit. They're also Class III, if you need such a service so far south of home.