Do you like your gun shop so much that you almost "feel bad" buying elsewhere?

[zxcvbob]

Don't feel guilty at all ordering stuff online or driving 50 miles to Cabelas. But I like the local gun shop enough that I take them all my gunsmithing business, and I usually buy a *little* of their overpriced stuff whenever I go in. A box of .223 ammo, 100 primers, a handful of Garand clips, etc -- especially if anything is on the clearance table.

 

[orionengnr]

Buying merchandise is business. The LGS is in the business to make money. Don't make the mistake of thinking they think of you as their "friend." They think of you as profit.

Your LGS has no idea how to run a business.

My LGS is friendly, available and accommodating. Want to buy elsewhere and have them do the transfer? No problem--$20 and it's done. (I only do this when buying a used gun unavailable locally).

Want them to order something and not rip you off? No problem.

Want to just stop by, say "hi" and look at some things and walk out without buying anything? No problem.

People like that ensure that I will keep coming back, and I heve for the last eight years, and will continue doing so.

If you are in North Texas, pm me and I will share.

Best, Rich

 

[threefortyduster]

Pretty much. My preferred LGS is excellent. The people are friendly, the owner was nice to me when he was a customer of mine at an auto parts store in college (very rare that a customer was friendly), and he always gets me good prices. There is one other store I go to locally, but they are usually pretty high on their prices, but also have excellent service.

If I want a handgun, I'm usually at the first, long gun, usually the second. They tend to carry more long guns in stock and I feel bad just fondling and not buying there.

Plus, it would make me a hypocrite as every day I'm out saying buy local, buy American made if possible, support small business, etc to anyone who will listen to me if I then ran out and bought guns online.

 

[PUNISHER56]

Not at all !!!!!

 

[bikerdoc]

Been doing business with my LGS since 96. Good people. So good he gave me a P/T job when I retired.

 

[knockonit]

I have at least three or four I frequent regularly and purchase, occassionally I get to find a new upstart, sometimes the first purchase is the best, then it seems they go down hill, service and attitude. I"d suspect most are a little bamboozled by the economy and the availability of some of the products, sign of the times.

Still will purchase a good deal, no matter where.

 

[boatmanschneider]

Yes, I always check our local gun shop in the back of the grocery/hardware store.

They alway have the lowest prices. If it is not in stock or not available there for some reason I will go elsewhere.

 

[Archie]

I'm pretty loyal

There are two sort of local gun shops where I buy practically all my guns.

One is in town. He's a member of the local gun club, so he gives members a small discount. He has a fair stock of what sells locally, but I'm a collector so he is very gracious about accepting transfers for a small fee. He helps me out and therefore I try to keep him in business - or I won't have a place to accept transfers. I buy cleaning supplies and reloading components from him. On the odd occasion I want a new gun, he'll order it for me and the final price will be about as good as I'm going to get.

The other place is up the road about thirty miles. They're a pawn shop and new gun shop, so they have a rather broad selection, including older guns of the sort I seek. They are friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are not bargain basement, but not scalping, either.

I also buy at gun shows. Here in the Heartland, one can do that sort of thing.

But as far as gun shops go, I stay pretty loyal to the two close shops who take care of me.

 

[Infidel4life11]

I do feel bad the shop I buy my guns at also lets me work there, they treat me like family and give me everything at cost or less.

 

[Smokin Gator]

I shot a lot when I was a kid and teenager, plinking and hunting. Hadn't shot much as an adult. About 15 years ago I decided I missed shooting and wanted something around for some protection. I decided what I wanted. The first place I went to, no one else in the store, acted like it was too much trouble to get what I wanted. Same with the second place, didn't seem to eager to take my money. The third shop I went to, the gun shop manager listened to me, looked in a couple of his books and gave me an out the door price and said he'd have the gun there in a couple of days. I got the gun and most of the other guns I've bought have been through them.

I still usually will check with them first, but if I see what I want somewhere else I will get it there. Mark