Why buy from the gun store?

where you going to order it from? i don't think you can order directly from springfield. in addition, you'll need a FFL to do the transfer for you.

Nothing wrong with your logic. If you can find a good price online, you can have it shipped to a local FFL holder. They'll usually charge you $20-$30 for the transfer. You will also save sales tax if you are in a different state than the seller. Gunbroker has a search function to find FFL's in your area.

They'll usually charge you $20-$30 for the transfer.

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Since the Obama panic buying started its up to $75 standard price for a transfer anywhere around here in eastern NY.

hexidismal said:

Since the Obama panic buying started its up to $75 standard price for a transfer anywhere around here in eastern NY.

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Wow! There are several in the CO Springs area that do it for $20. I'm picking up 2 rifles this afternoon from a guy who just raised his price from $15 to $20.

How about asking the dealer how much they would charge to order the one you want. Most will give a very good discount if you use them for the whole process, like 10% over cost.

I buy nothing I can't hold and examine. If I buy from my dealer and needs warranty He ships for me free. I rather do my buying from a dealer. I never buy on line or from those over priced chain stores . Just the way I am I get good service and pay a reasonable price. I have done business with same shop for several years. I support local shops not those in another state or a large chain that could care less about me.

I must echo Michael T's post. If at all possible, I want to handle a firearm before I decide to buy it. I have seen too many with flaws, new and pre-owned. Saving $100-$200 is false economy if the weapon arrives with a gritty trigger and handling marks, a loose slide-to-frame fit, a ding in the muzzle, a hammer that won't fall, or, if a revolver, poor lock-up and timing issues. I have seen these flaws in various NEW firearms over the years, especially new S&W revolvers.

Ordering a custom firearm, or something not normally stocked at a dealer, of course, means having to trust the maker. But for a stock weapon, I want to examine it first.

I want to handle and really look at a big purchase before commiting. Plus my dealer is very good and in tight with Sig, Glock, and H&K. So if you need something they usualy know who to talk to in the company. (They had the VP of Sig in their shop a few months ago.)


When I spend $250 on a Tokarev I'm not to worried and will take a shot on Gunbroker, for a $1,500 1911 not so much.

Personally, I'm a price shopper. But feel the twinge of loyalty when it comes to firearms stores because...well...without them here in MA we'd be pretty screwed. So keeping them in business is a must-do. Getting gouged however, is not.

I would agree that going to the store and asking if they would order it and consider it in the price is a good place to start.

I had AWESOME luck ordering a Mossberg 500 Talo special edition from my local guy. He ordered it and charged me $340. WAY below most basic 500's off the shelf. If they are a good shop they will take care of you cuz they know you could go elsewhere.

Handling it before buying it is a key consideration too...ask them their policy if it comes in and you "don't want it". Could happen...

Why not start at your local retail gun shops and handle a few pistols to see how they feel and how you like the features? Then get the asking price and comparison-shop online by using google.

Depending where you live, the cost of a local FFL, shipping, taxes, you may find that you may or may-not be saving much money.

If it's just a few bucks difference, why not help to keep your local retail store in business? They are helping you out by letting you see the selections.

If it is a significant difference, then go with an online dealer.

I have two local stores that are always as low as the online prices (Bud's and stores like that) or they will match. I also enjoy browsing and BS'ing with the folks in the store. The main store I buy from is about the size of my living room so it is real small business and I like supporting local small businesses. I also have someone to go to if I have any issues. Also, MSRP's from manufacturers are almost always high.

Example: Ruger says MSRP is $364 for the LCP. Local stores sell them for $269.99 with the pink or "Raspberry" version on sale for $249.99 at a local store. Ruger has a LCR's MSRP at $525, local stores have them at $400.

I think it totally depends on the store in question. If your local store is staffed by people who know what they are talking about, aren't arrogant or full of ****, have decent and competitive prices, and are willing to provide customer service beyond what you'd get with an online buy and a FFL transfer, then I'd say go with the local guy.

Unfortunately, these modest requirements rule out many of the stores in my area. For those in the San Antonio area, without naming names, there is a certain centrally located, family owned store that has fallen from grace in the past several years. This store used to have good prices, friendly staff, and a great open atmosphere. I've bought and sold several guns here in the past. But after not buying a new gun in a few years and kinda dropping out of the hobby beyond staying proficient with my CCWs at the range, about 9 months ago I got back into shooting all my guns pretty regularly and keeping up on the gun world so to speak. My two visits to this San Antonio store that shall remain nameless in the past few months have been very unpleasant. All the people I used to deal with are gone for the most part, replaced by ******bags who have this "I don't need your business, I don't really want your business, and I'm doing you a favor just by talking to you" attitude. Never mind the fact that I've bought several guns here before, traded a few, and sold a few on consignment...I'm a 26 year old guy and these people just pegged me as someone who isn't a buyer, and treated me accordingly. Add to that all of their new inventory is staggeringly overpriced, sometimes AT msrp or just $50 below, and they're unwilling to budge or give an inch.

This store and ones like it don't deserve my business or yours. It's kind of sad because when a formerly great locally-owned business that you and your family has traded with for decades totally changes for the worse/goes down the tubes, you have to vote with your feet. Luckily there are several great dealers at the gun show that have great stock and great prices, and they're here every month so if issues crop up they'll generally help you out. Also there's a great store in Austin that I can go to if I feel like making the drive.

Vote with you wallet and don't give your money to anyone who doesn't treat you fairly and with respect.

The FFL I use can get some pretty good deals from the manufacturers. He got me a good deal on a S&W 686p when I couldn't find a reasonably priced one locally or on any of the online dealers sites. I found him through GunBrokers "Find a FFL" function and have used his services several times. He runs his business out of his house so he's not associated with any of the local merchants.

I used to shop exclusively with "local shops".

You can find an FFL near you through the links on gunbroker.com or Buds, and actually shop the transfer fees. If you were to join a local pistol/rifle club some of them actually have a "transfer FFL guy" who will do it for $5 or less.

The local Gander Mt. guys got me one day; in the used pistol case were 2 identical pistols priced almost $300 apart. I asked them to pull them both out and let's compare them to figure out the price variance. There was no difference that I could see, and they could not find it either;identical. They laughed, shrugged, and put the pistols back in the case. Every month or so I swing through there for entertainment, that's it.

Order from Buds, etc., and save $$$.

Order from Buds, etc., and save $$$.

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for the most part, if you can find a FFL who doesn't charge a high transfer fee, you'll always save money by just ordering from bud's. you save sales tax this way as well, so it would be hard for a gun store to compete.

All the gun stores around the Seattle area completely rape you on new firearms. But I can get $30 transfers so thats what I do. I wish they'd get the hint because they do a ton of transfers. I'm sure they could get more money if they were selling the guns themselves.

matai said:

All the gun stores around the Seattle area completely rape you on new firearms. But I can get $30 transfers so thats what I do. I wish they'd get the hint because they do a ton of transfers. I'm sure they could get more money if they were selling the guns themselves.

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I have a general comment on the thread, but since I'm shopping in the same area as you, I'll leverage your statement.

I've been on a buying spree lately, and in general, I _REALLY_ do want to put some money through my local stores, but when the difference in price is equal to the cost of the break-in ammo... It's hard to do.

I've been a Bud's customer since I started shooting, and I have that local $30 transfer guy as well. But, I've decided that in my next purchase (probs tomorrow) I'll actually be buying the gun FROM the shop that does the $30 transfers. It's gonna cost me an extra $60 but I'll also gain a bit of "oh hey man!" from the shop. I think it's important since it makes the next batch of 3 transfers in 4 days a bit easier on my conscious, and does put some $$$ into the local hands.

I bet you can broker a deal with your local shops.

"Oh ... would you take $$$? for that one?

NMGonzo said:

I bet you can broker a deal with your local shops.

"Oh ... would you take $$$? for that one?

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Agreed, and that's what the plan is tomorrow.

My better half is itching for a ____ (no need to start a "oh those suck!" side discussion). There's one in the shop, and I'm pretty sure it's been there for a bit. It's pricey enough that I'll be walking in with cash as leverage. In these times, an all-cash deal on old stock talks... I'm hoping that they'll be listening.

I purchased guns on line in the past but these days I like to touch, examine and ask questions. I treat low pressure sales people with courtesy and I spend my money with people that are polite and treat me like a human.

Usually it's the smaller shops that treat you like a customer ought to be... and you generally pay a bit more for that.... but I think everyone wins.

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midiwall said:

Agreed, and that's what the plan is tomorrow.

My better half is itching for a ____ (no need to start a "oh those suck!" side discussion). There's one in the shop, and I'm pretty sure it's been there for a bit. It's pricey enough that I'll be walking in with cash as leverage. In these times, an all-cash deal on old stock talks... I'm hoping that they'll be listening.

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They should.

There is a lot of people on different levels of retail with old stock selling for what they have into it or less ... if they want to survive.

Happy hunting!