How much loyalty do you feel you owe Your Gunshop
None.
I have three home owned and owner operated gunstores in my town.
Shop #1- Owner's wife decided to lecture me on why customers cannot request a used gun be field stripped for examination prior to purchase. Having purchased multiple guns at their place, as well as accessories, I knew this was not their policy. I did have enough sense to choose my battles. I took my business elsewhere. I prefer not to be lectured like a child by anyone, regardless of the reason. I hated to quit their business, as they have a great selection of used and custom Colts, as well as a lot of older S&W wheelguns, but I guess I'm just a hardheaded curmudgeon. After two years, I occasionally feel the urge to stop as I drive by, but I refuse.
Shop #2- Again, multiple gun purchases, and a member of their range. I ordered a several guns and had them do transfers for me at $25 a pop. Then, I decided to order two guns and save on shipping and transfer costs since I wanted both guns. They came in the same box. I picked them up at the same taime. I filled out one yellow sheet. I paid $50, the total of two transfer fees. I have not bought another gun from them, or done another transfer through them. I still use their indoor range, although I now buy my ammo a Wal-Mart, unless Wal-Mart does not carry what I want. They still try to sell me guns, and I kindly remind them of the time I questioned a $50 fee for a single phone call. Yes, I know they had to fill out a multiple purchase sheet, and make an additional log entry. So what? did they want my business or not?
Shop #3- They just don't seem to carry much of what I want. 15 different Glocks, 10 different Sigs and 20 different Rugers don't do much for me. Oh, they have the latest information on Colt going out of business though.
Lately, my gun money has been going to two pawn shops who see the gun business as secondary to their loan business. They price by the Blue Book, and know how to judge the condition of a gun. They don't mind if I want to field strip a semi-auto pistol, do March's checkout on a revolver, or transfer two guns at once. I don't even dicker prices with them. I have also met a couple of well heeled gunnies shopping there. Go figure..... So far, this year, they have sent me home with eight "new to me" guns.
Matt Payne, I agree with you wholeheartedly.