Gun shops, South Bend IN to Chicago IL

[Herb Fredricksen]

I'm getting off an Amtrak train in South Bend Monday morning 11/17, meeting my sister there and driving her car west to Chicago, then returning on Thursday, Nov 20. I'd like to visit any good gun shops along the way, especially any that would have milsurps or C&R's.

I might be able to cross into the lower edge of Michigan, too. When I make the trip entirely by car I get well into Michigan from east to west. When I take the train it cuts down wear and tear but it limits my mobility to float around the entire route and take side trips north and south.

If you can recommend any stops along the way please do.

Thanks, Herb Fredricksen

 

[Moondancer]

Good 'Un in Mishawaka

You'd have to backtrack just a bit, but Midwest Gun Exchange on Lincolnway in Mishawaka is a good one. They handle Class III and have a good selection of handguns as well. Also knive if you're into that. (If you don't see a knife that you'd like, ask. They may have it in back.)

Can't say that I've ever bought much there, but the guys are friendly and the selection is great. Just don't go on a gunshow weekend as their inventory is pretty much gone!

 

[El Tejon]

What Moon said. I usually see them at the big shows in Indy, but have been to the store up north in Mishawaka. Nice place. Check it out.

What's that big place in Lake County???

 

[boo586]

Favorite gun shop in Northwest Indiana

Hello all,

As a proud alumni of Valparaiso University that grew up with a bunch of hillbillies in Southwest Michigan the best gun shop in Valparaiso is Fetla's located just south of US Route 30 on State Road 2 on the south side of Valparaiso. Fetla's Trading Post is the only place that I know that one can buy a $3,000.00 overunder shotgun, a case of beer and Ramin (SP) noodles and femine hygeine products in the SAME aisle. I know that they have quite a few C&R rifles and a lot of handguns.

They have a little bit of everything in Fetla's. It is unorganized and looks like a flea market sometimes, but it is one neat place to go.

Boo586

Blythe's on the north side of Valparaiso is a good shop with an indoor range. Do not know about the C&R's there though.

 

[Matt1911]

Lake county?

Well let's see....
There's Jim Shema's(off of us 30,north on broadway,just past 61st intersection on your right)Not the cheapest place around,but not outa line by anymeans. Jim's a good guy,honest,nice selection,lots of reloading gear.

We have Fetla's in Valpo,(south on rt 2,just off us 30)a weird little "flea market"type shop,although the new owner are doing lots to re-new the store.Lots of stock,price tag prices are way outa line,but i've gotten REAL good deals "dickering" with them,they seem to like the "haggling".Not just guns,they have everything from boats to zippers.worth a giggle.

In Crown point we have P&M sports(on the square),a struggling little ma&pa shop,but good deals,and he's getting bigger all the time.I've known Chuck since high school,he's a good guy,and won't do you wrong.

There is Gander mountain in the mall on us 30,If it ain't on sale,it's over priced,but when they have it on sale,you can't beat it!

If you have the time to head south about 30 mins.(i-65 to 14,main drag ,near wal-mart)check out Jerry's gun shop.Lots of selection,prices lower than anybodys,and the personality of a box of kleenx!Jerrys a stange ol' bird,won't speak unless spoken to,then only in the shortest possible manner,but well worth the trip.

Rangemasters off of 49 in chesterton was WAY overpriced the one time i was there.....

We have a LOTS of gun shops in Lake county,Blythes in Griffith,and Valpo(haven't been there in years)Westforths in Merriville(been there once,nice shop,need to get back)are a few others,plus there more if you look.
Avoid the Pawn shops,most charge more than new, for used up crud,

Be sure to check out the gun show at Lake county fair grounds,(they have one at least once a month,i think it's this weekend...)It's almost all guns,very little jerky,always worth politely asking"can we do better on this?..."

 

[Herb Fredricksen]

Report: Gun Shops; South bend to Chicago

Hi THR'ers,

Thanks for the leads to Midwestern, Shema and Fetla. I did my best and hit them all.

Hi Moondancer and El Tejon. Monday, 11/17 on the way in.
Midwestern in Mishawaka, IN, will be on my list of places to visit again. Very big inventory and enough C&R to be of interest. They had a nice FN Browning Baby .25 for $289, a good price but slightly outside my modest budget at that moment. With four days to kill I was hoping to luck into some better bargain before leaving. The salesman I talked with knew my area and was friendly to my purpose.

Hi boo586. Thursday, 11/20, on the way out.
I stopped at Shema's after leaving my cousin's home in Shererville, IN. Small shop, very friendly, but no current C&R's. A policeman customer gave me directions to Fetla's farther down the road.

Hi Matt1911. Thursday, 11/20
Fetla's was a treat in general, big shop, big inventory of modern handguns and long guns but again no current C&R's and no expectations of any future C&R's, its just not their field. I ran out of time and couldn't try the other places you mentioned. Maybe next time.

Your personal leads were most useful. I got more from them then I did from other searches.

Herb Fredricksen

 

[Moondancer]

Happy to be of help. FWIW, my bro and I are headed to Ft. Wayne on Sunday for an annual gun show. He's been to lots of gun shows, I've never been (and I'm the one that got him interested in guns to begin with!)

Anyway, for anyone that may know, I've got a LCH here in Indiana. Will they let me carry in this particular show or not?

 

[El Tejon]

INTO the show? Unlikely.

 

[Herb Fredricksen]

Gun Show tips

Hey Moondancer,

You'll be like a kid in a candy store. Fantasize before you go!

Wear good shoes, you may traipse the aisles for hours!

Take a pad or 3x5's to note what you might like to look at again and where its located.

Work the floor in some order you can remember, ie., clockwise, or all N/S then E/W. If it its a big show you'll see lots to look at again before deciding and you'll most likely forget where you saw it.

Collect business cards of dealers or partsmen you may want to contact later.

If you do C&R or antiques its a good idea to take a price book inside in a shoulder bag or leave it in the car if you need to check prices. Your bag will be checked so keep it clean.

If you need parts, mags, holsters, etc., make detailed lists or take the gun along. You'll have to check it through the door, unloaded, empty chamber, no ammo in pockets, etc., and they'll tie wrap it for security. Same with your carry gun, no loaded firearms go into shows, at least in my area.

Bring cash, check book, credit card and ID's, you may want to buy, like it or not. ;-)

Enjoy! Wish I was there. Herb Fredricksen

 

[redneck2]

I work a little at Blythe's in Valpo part-time. Usually their prices are about the lowest around. Also, the staff are all hard core shooters. If you want to try something out they have an indoor range and will rent any used handgun on the rack. Try before you buy

Fetla's used to be real good...as described above, like the Army/Navy surplus of old. They've cleaned it up a lot and ruined the atmosphere. Looks more like a Big Lots now. Also, they think everyone is there to steal something. I've heard employees say "I'll watch this one...you take that one" . Some of the counter people in firearms know little or nothing.

there's a Gander Mountain at the mall in Merrillville at I-65 & US 30 that has good guys at the counter and a good selection. Tons of other outdoor stuff. Well worth the time.

Jim Shema is a good guy Limited inventory. Stocking Dillon dealer that has lots of parts and accessories