What bothers you most about brick and mortar gun stores?
- Thread starter Teachu2
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
One place in particular has a couple of young guys working there that know more about my business then I do.
I went in once to look at the then new SIG P-238 they had just received.
And I had the money in my pocket to buy it, and intended too.
But the store clerk-jerk insisted I didn't want a SIG.
I wanted a Glock, as it would be simpler for an old man like me to operate!
Needless to say, I told him where he could put his Glock, and his opinion of my gun needs.
rc
I went in once to look at the then new SIG P-238 they had just received.
And I had the money in my pocket to buy it, and intended too.
But the store clerk-jerk insisted I didn't want a SIG.
I wanted a Glock, as it would be simpler for an old man like me to operate!
Needless to say, I told him where he could put his Glock, and his opinion of my gun needs.
rc
SleazyRider
Member
Uninformed, unhelpful, "take it or leave it" attitude. My particular LGS---hopefully not yours---attempts to make up for their poor business practices by inflated prices. They are what drives me to Internet sales.
I voted NONE. None of the things you've listed apply to my favorite LGS. They're expanding, knowledgable, and they remember my name even when I haven't been there in months. I certainly hope my LGS isn't the exception, if it is I feel sorry for you guys.
Captcurt
Member
Two out of four is still batting 500.
I have two local stores that are very good bordering on great. The small one doesn't have as much inventory as the large one, but the prices decent and they are very helpful. The larger store has good everything and has distributors that are able and willing to supply them with hard to get items. There are two more stores that I will never walk into again. Sales staff are surly, prices suck, and one owner is downright rude. I came very close to pulling him over the counter one time. If his helper wasn't a karate instructor I would have.
I have two local stores that are very good bordering on great. The small one doesn't have as much inventory as the large one, but the prices decent and they are very helpful. The larger store has good everything and has distributors that are able and willing to supply them with hard to get items. There are two more stores that I will never walk into again. Sales staff are surly, prices suck, and one owner is downright rude. I came very close to pulling him over the counter one time. If his helper wasn't a karate instructor I would have.
My LGS is Florida Gun Exchange. They've always treated me well and for the most part their prices are in line with online. I've done price matching with no problem. They have a very large stock and keep a nice store.
Their transfer fees are above average. But, they are in the business of selling guns, not transferring someone else's sale.
Their transfer fees are above average. But, they are in the business of selling guns, not transferring someone else's sale.
Steel Horse Rider
Member
I don't think I have experienced any of the problems you listed, but then I am a regular customer for guns, ammo, reloading supplies, cleaning supplies, and targets so I guess I am what you would call a "special customer" because I do get offered a discount on some items (I don't ask for one because I think their prices are already fair) and I can touch, fondle, and otherwise examine things before I slap down my money to buy.
Are you going to do a similar poll on what folks dislike about buying online?
Are you going to do a similar poll on what folks dislike about buying online?
Schwing
Member
I have to go with cologuy's thoughts. My LGS is impactguns in Ogden. It has very knowledgeable staff, a nice range, decent pricing and they warranty every firearm they sell for life. I have had them do repairs twice with zero hoops to jump through.
stonecutter2
Member
I've made a habit of stopping in at the LGS more often, looking for ammo or reloading supplies. I've been finding a little more friendly treatment lately. Although, I did just do a transfer - because they didn't have anything Sig in stock, let alone the model I wanted.
Price is a big factor in purchases (not the only factor, I know), and internet wins on that front because of your ability to weed out the high priced places, pay shipping and do a transfer.
I found my P238 with shipping included and was happy.
I think a LGS has a really tough deck stacked against them, but there will probably always be those who just "want it now."
Price is a big factor in purchases (not the only factor, I know), and internet wins on that front because of your ability to weed out the high priced places, pay shipping and do a transfer.
I found my P238 with shipping included and was happy.
I think a LGS has a really tough deck stacked against them, but there will probably always be those who just "want it now."
chicharrones
needs more ammo
What bothers me the most?
Having to drive there.
Having to drive there.
Bullnettles
Member
Have a small LGS that's less than a year old, but I buy everything I can through them. Excellent service, and great group of guys.
Are you going to do a similar poll on what folks dislike about buying online?
That one is already up and running - you sly ol' dog, you!
Comrade Mike
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Poor customer service, over inflated prices and elitist "I know better than you do" attitudes. Which is why I switched to buying online.
gamestalker
member
For me, it is a combination of elements that get under my skin.
For example, I walk into one LGS and the same powder I just bought down the street is $10+ more per lb.. The same bullets are $5 - $7 more.
Then when I ask for a certain powder, the clerk asks me what I'm loading with it, then tells me no, that won't work and starts to put it back. This happened yet again in the same store, in which I asked for IMR-7828 and the clerk said all we have is the SSC, it can't be used in the same application as standard cut 7828, and then actually tried to stop me from buying it, say what?
Same store as above, I asked the clerk if they had any IMR-4350, he goes in back and comes back with H4350. I pointed out the mistake, and he says it's the same thing as IMR. I just shook my head and told him I'll wait until IMR is available.
Then there is the H110 / 296 thing. Same store, and he tries telling me that H110 isn't the same as 296, cause I ask for either one of the two. He says, you know they are two completely different powders, with different burn rates, right?
Then they try to convince me to just use standard primers for my 296 / H110 loads, instead of the magnum primers I asked for.
I go through this garbage every single time I shop in that place. They always try to police my reloading component purchases.
GS
For example, I walk into one LGS and the same powder I just bought down the street is $10+ more per lb.. The same bullets are $5 - $7 more.
Then when I ask for a certain powder, the clerk asks me what I'm loading with it, then tells me no, that won't work and starts to put it back. This happened yet again in the same store, in which I asked for IMR-7828 and the clerk said all we have is the SSC, it can't be used in the same application as standard cut 7828, and then actually tried to stop me from buying it, say what?
Same store as above, I asked the clerk if they had any IMR-4350, he goes in back and comes back with H4350. I pointed out the mistake, and he says it's the same thing as IMR. I just shook my head and told him I'll wait until IMR is available.
Then there is the H110 / 296 thing. Same store, and he tries telling me that H110 isn't the same as 296, cause I ask for either one of the two. He says, you know they are two completely different powders, with different burn rates, right?
Then they try to convince me to just use standard primers for my 296 / H110 loads, instead of the magnum primers I asked for.
I go through this garbage every single time I shop in that place. They always try to police my reloading component purchases.
GS
Next time tell him you are blowing up stumps, Magnum stumps.....
Swing
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^. I think a lot of people are in this boat. To comply with the law with respect to transfers is the only reason why I do any business with local dealers (Title I through a FFL, Title II transfers through a FFL/SOT). I wouldn't ever set foot in a LGS again if said requirement didn't exist.
orionengnr
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The fact that they always seem to have something that I want.
And if they don't, they're happy to order it for me.
And if they don't, they're happy to order it for me.
250 Savage
Member
For me it's sales tax. It's much less expensive to pay for shipping and a 4473 than it is to pay close to 10% on the price of a (usually more expensive) firearm. Ammo is a lot cheaper, the tax not so bad.
cowtownup
Member
I have always elected to save a few dollars by buying online instead of building a relationship with a particular LGS. For example I just bought a Vortex HST scope.. Price at LGS was $610 out the door, however I got it from a colonial armory out of TN for $550 shipped... That $60 savings afforded me a set of Burris Sig Z rings. I don't feel so bad, I buy most of my powder from them... LOL
toivo
Member
I voted "sky-high prices."
In theory I'd like to support brick-and-mortar stores, but when I recently went into one of the larger local establishments and saw Federal Automatch .22LR in 325 bulk packs for $39.99, I had to question that support. That's more than 10¢ a round for bulk ammo. The same ammo is half that price in big box stores and online. That's an unacceptable difference to me.
In theory I'd like to support brick-and-mortar stores, but when I recently went into one of the larger local establishments and saw Federal Automatch .22LR in 325 bulk packs for $39.99, I had to question that support. That's more than 10¢ a round for bulk ammo. The same ammo is half that price in big box stores and online. That's an unacceptable difference to me.
Mosin Bubba
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My LGS has some good guys, but their prices range from a bit high to just plain stupid. I like them, and I much prefer to buy guns in person. But if he is selling a gun for 30-40% more than it's going for online, screw it, I'm going to Bud's.
The owner is also a gunsmith, and runs his operation for that in the same building. If I need some advice, I will drop by there and ask, and buy a few boxes of ammo to try and make it worth his while.
The owner is also a gunsmith, and runs his operation for that in the same building. If I need some advice, I will drop by there and ask, and buy a few boxes of ammo to try and make it worth his while.
matrem
Member
I'm glad to have several within an hours drive, and I understand that it'd be awful hard for them to price match the folks with almost no overhead, and I don't even expect them to.
A problem I've detected in "gun counter guy" since the seventies, and it's gotten far worse in the last few years:
Unless I frequent that store and they know me, some of them seem to act as experts in all firearm subjects, when they clearly are not.
I can imagine that most of them deal with all kinds of self proclaimed"experts" as well, but dang it, don't assume I'm a novice & need your advice unless I ask for it. Just might end up embarrassing for you.
Couple months back, watched my brother grab his filled out paper work & walk away from a $1300 shotgun sitting on the counter, the guy didn't know when to close his mouth.
A problem I've detected in "gun counter guy" since the seventies, and it's gotten far worse in the last few years:
Unless I frequent that store and they know me, some of them seem to act as experts in all firearm subjects, when they clearly are not.
I can imagine that most of them deal with all kinds of self proclaimed"experts" as well, but dang it, don't assume I'm a novice & need your advice unless I ask for it. Just might end up embarrassing for you.
Couple months back, watched my brother grab his filled out paper work & walk away from a $1300 shotgun sitting on the counter, the guy didn't know when to close his mouth.
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