How you know you found a good gun shop

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I went back for the first time in about 6 months on a busy Saturday morning.
Owners son asked me "how you like those .223 hk magazines.
(I bought 10 of 'em 6 months before and he remembered.)
Stated "I am very happy with 'em", and glanced around to see everyone
smiling at me, who was just barely in the door.:)
Cousin and I are going tomorrow.
 
My personal opinion is a gunshop goes from "there" to "good" when the owner pulls something out from behind/under the counter that isn't really marked for sale, but he/she's squirreled away for just the right person, and then when asked states a price both parties know is low.
 
I've seen this happen but when it is the counter help doing it time and time again with the in crown and their friends and relatives it causes me not to go to that store anymore or as often. Means that stores loses my occasional new gun purchases and ammo and accesories and such.

No need to as my main focus is on used handguns at god prices. Why go if the shelves are bare of them?
 
Sometimes my gunshop guy charges me for transfers. Sometimes he doesn't. When he does, its $10.00.
 
They actually pay attention to you, and don't just sit behind the counter talking with one another.

They're helpful, and even if they don't know as much on one subject, are willing to weigh in intelligently.

They are willing to put things right.

Their prices aren't too terribly high. I'll spend more to support a business I like, but not twice as much.
 
I've got a local shop that I went into, a few years back, that must have had a busy day, but absolutely ignored me. My wife asked to see a Ruger, and was told that they "were busy." I swore I'd never come back, but I managed to about a year ago. They were helpful, and I told the guy that this was much appreciated, as I felt snubbed from last time. He told me "if you ever have a gripe about this shop, tell me, and I'll fix it." I have been shopping there almost exclusively since. Bob's Gun Shop, Norfolk, VA.
 
Vances in Columbus is good. They are kind of big for to know everyone by name, but they recognize you. They'll let you look at as many as you like, and all of the guys are gun crazy like me.:D They know what they are talking about. Its fun to go there. It pays off for them 2. I have bought 2 guns there this year, a gun cabinet, and ammo. (The latest was a Mossberg 500 Home defense with the hand guard, optional pistol grip (Has the standard stoch also). :neener:
 
When theres a few stools down form the counter,he encourges you to loiter and they give you christmas cards.
 
I shop first at Trinity Lane gun shop in Nashville Tn. because the owner is a great guy: he gave me a good deal on a pistol and is polite and actually appreciates my business. Nor is he the usual know-it-all smart a.., besides, he used to be a member of THR. He actually has a sense of humor. I recommend him very highly.
 
I was in a shop in 1998 in Washington state while on vacation and was BS ing with the owner when a long time customer came in and asked about building a special gun for his first grandson out of a very nice Mauser action. the smith listened to the guys want list and then told him if he wanted a special gun he should come in after 5 pm and build it himself, I thought the guy was going to cry. I saw the gun a few months later and the guy had built a very nice rifle with the smiths help.
 
The first time I went to the shop I frequent, the owner was with a customer that had just purchased an AR from him, showing him how to strip it, clean it, and lube it.

When I got my rifle transfered there, I mentioned in passing that I'd be saving my brass so I could start reloading when I rented a house this August. He offered to let me use his (very nice) reloading setup any time I'd like.

He's let several members of the Purdue Rifle/Pistol Club reload on with his equipment, and has been very generous with his Class III goodies, though I've yet to go to the range with him to shoot one.
 
Wow! Around here, a good shop is one that hasn't been rude or dishonest with me and who's prices are at least not OVER MSRP! For that, I have to drive over an hour. Most of the shops near me are quite sorry.
 
It's like any other retail establishment. When you find a place with good service, support them. If bad service, move on.

I've found a good one, too, so I can relate. Knowledgeable folks, good conversation. No really great deals, but nothing too overpriced, either. I'd sooner patronize a good local place with average prices than save a buck and send my money out of the neighborhood.
 
It was a reloading shop, not a gun shop, but one day I needed some gas checks real bad and they didn't have any in stock. The owner went in back and grabbed me a couple of hundred out of his own personal loading box and gave them to me. And I don't think he did it to generate future business. He was just being a fellow shooter and a nice guy.
 
BelllevilleShootingRange004.jpg
Overall, this shop does a good job. Huge inventory and open every day. It's a good thing to support your local guy, so they are there when you need them. Plus they conduct many classes, including conceal carry.
 
1) When they charge $10-15 for transfers
2) When you have a signed copy of their license to expedite out of state shopping :D
3) When everybody knows your name:)
4) When you drop lots of money in their coffers:uhoh:
 
A good gunshop has employees that remember you. Never really felt a name was important, but they remember and sometimes show you guns that have just appeared and are not for sale yet because they know you may be interested.

A good gunshop sells at fair prices and knows their product line. I don't expect them to give me a gun at cost nor do I expect them to throw in ammunition or accessories for free.

A hat might be nice though. :)
 
1. They are knowledgeable but can admit when they are not.

2. If they are out of stock they will order it for you

3. No sales pitches or high pressure selling

4. They will gladly do outside transfers for a reasonable fee.
 
Very Lucky...

You are lucky to find a gun shop/FFL holder that has such a + business. :D

TRUE STORY:
In the winter of 2004, I went to a local gun shop to ask about a Ruger GP-100 4" barrel revolver that was listed on the firearms website; www.gunsamerica.com , BY THE SHOP. I asked for the point of contact that was listed in the post by name. The shop's employees at first try to DENY that they had made the post and the listed employee claimed he did not know anything about it. I explained what was listed in detail then he says; "Oh yeah, yeah I did put that Ruger listing on the website for that price." I was hot! :fire:

I'd had so many disputes and poor service that I do not go into the gun stores/sporting goods departments unless it's related to a FFL type deal.

A few places I have gone in over the years were good. The local Bass Pro Shop firearms/gear dept is squared away, ;), but overall I'd say many US gun shops/employees are lacking many business/customer service skills. :(
RS
 
The gunshop I buy from is pretty cool. The owner will throw in a free box of ammo every now and then. Also I like the fact that he allows me to handle and examine the guns throughly before purchasing.
 
Dmxx

That's the man, ex-LEO and he's well informed. His training is very apparent. I hadn't seen those before...Thanks
 
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