I had to stand in line to buy a pistol today!

Status
Not open for further replies.
G

George Dickel

Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2002
Messages
1,138
Location
Florida
Went to the LGS today and they were selling guns like there were no more to be had and this was at 12:00 noon. When you make your selection from the display they go to the storage area and pull one from stock. Then you go to a counter where they do the paperwork, background check and take your money. There are 3 stations where you do everything. All the stations were full of buyers and people standing in line, me included. They were selling hand guns, shotguns and some rifles. Stock was running low with some totally depleted. There were no defensive style shotguns on display as they apparently had to sell them, the only shotguns left were long barrel hunting guns.
I bought a S&W M&P 9 full size and it was the last one except for the display gun.
 
I was in my LGS last Saturday, there was a blonde older lady that was being helped and happened to overhear the entire conversation.
It consisted of her saying “I want to buy a handgun and bring it home today, I don’t care what bullets it shoots, I just want to take it home today”.
Needless to say, it was very busy in the store.
 
To quote the adage: “a conservative is just a liberal who has been mugged”. While I believe rule-of-law in the US is very robust, many who haven’t been keen on self reliance for their own defense are apparently rethinking the idea amid discussions of police defunding.

One of the mottos I live by (tongue-in-cheek) is: panic early! beat the rush!
 
We are in a crappy situation right now but I like to watch the chaos. This is a small segment of history we're watching.

Ammo seems to be selling out again too. SGammo was selling 1000rnd cases at what seemed to be too high of a price. They are now sold out of all target 9mm.
 
Hangingrock said:
Wait six or so months to a year, there will be never or little used handguns bought by panic buyers at bargain prices in firearms dealer inventories.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure that will hold true this time. I think a lot of folks think this could be the beginning of the new norm and may hold on to them. I have a few that I thought about selling.I really don't need the money but in the near future someone may very well need the gun.
 
Last edited:
Hangingrock said:
Wait six or so months to a year, there will be never or little used handguns bought by panic buyers at bargain prices in firearms dealer inventories.
Click to expand...

I’d preface that with ‘Depending on who wins the presidential election’ . The last gun I bought from my LGS was over email. At the time Covid was in full swing and stay at home orders and business restrictions were just being issued.

LGS took my order. Accepted payment over the phone for a new, special order Ruger RSI and made arrangements with a local pawnshop to do the background check and issue me the weapon.

LGS called me when it came in and I went to pawnshop. I believe this arrangement was done as such because it allowed the LGS (2-3 mbr staff) to focus on taking orders and ordering and moving inventory while the pawn shop with more folks behind the counter did the paperwork and received the proceeds from the background check.

I was in and out of the pawn shop in less than 15 -20 minutes max. That was 13 April. No doubt the recent civil unrest has pushed many individuals angst buttons contributing to the bull rush our LGS’s are now experiencing.
 
Last edited:
As bad as things are here in Chicago, they've taken a turn for the worse. As one of our alderman so eloquently put it, it's a sh-t show. Just when the lines at LGS' returned somewhat to normal at a couple of the LGS' I've talked to we're back to waiting an hour or more just to get into the store. I called one yesterday looking for a specific AR15 and the person I spoke with was completely frazzled, told me they don't have time to talk on the phone and that I'd have to come in if I wanted to talk to them. This is a LGS which normally has outstanding service. Our suburb was targeted for riots last Tuesday and we fortunately escaped with little to no damage or violence. Another protest is scheduled for 4:00 today and I'm hoping for the same results. The change I see is that while crime is everywhere, staying out of a few areas in Chicago kept you safer. Not completely safe as that doesn't exist, but safer. Protests, riots and looting happenening all over our area have served as a wake up call for many people, with the resulting rush to buy guns.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/chicago-officials-looting-riots
 
When Fear becomes a reality.

I have been working on all my guns. Trying to update springs etc. Getting Bug Out guns together. Inventorying ammo and buying as much as I can on a regular basis on top on what I already have. Trying to keep my shooting skills up with 22.cals and preserving the 9mm.380,38 and 357. Fortunately have a boat load of 12 ga Buckshot. Never once wanted a AR. Carried one in the Army shot it well, but cannot hunt with them where I live but times are different. The AR takes on a different meaning. Also buying more mags for all my guns. Not sure if this is the best time to buy a new Pistol. Long lines, and delays on top of having to shoot ammo supplies.
Right now the Bad guys seem to be winning and It is my belief they are just getting warmed up.
 
Last edited:
The liberals want to defund police so people are buying guns so they don't have to call their neighbor (who own's guns)to come protect them. The liberals have stepped right in their mess. They have no insight.

I have what I need. Not necessarily what I want. I don't buy guns anymore unless every thing is lined up right.
 
Last edited:
In Pocatello, Idaho, you're more likely to see a longer line for the state liquor store - which is right next door to Sportsman's Warehouse.;)
I was in one of my favorite gunstores ("Hux's" in Chubbuck, Idaho) last week too. There wasn't any line. One guy was sitting at the table in the middle of the store filling out the paperwork for a gun, and there were two or three locals standing around shooting the bull (as usual), but that's about all. I didn't find a holster for my Glock 44 though. Darn it!:(
 
Glad have firearms and ammo bought past few months bad thing not able to shoot any.LGS here set up a drive through window
 
Howland937 said:
It's beyond me how so many people who had been in non-panic mode suddenly panic now. You'd think all the people prone to panic buying woulda somehow made their way to a gun shop before now.
Click to expand...

Seeing shops and cars being burned down and all kind of puts a little extra fear in you compared to other panic situations. I mean Covid got some folks to buy, but that was more from a precautionary standpoint. With the looting going on, more folk are seeing the need for self protection.
 
The indoor range I belong to ( I must use ranges now as I no longer have land to shoot on). Has sold out all of its ccw classes for the next 2 months. It is advertising it is adding 2 more both for late June. To tell the truth I'm afraid to go to that range right now. How many new gun owners are going to teach themselves to shoot. I am worried of getting shot. The range is monitored well but one mistake can happen very quickly. I wish it was like the old days when I could walk out my front door and go shooting. Things have changed and I can no longer do any thing like that.
 
I don't think they'll be tons of never used guns in the market any time soon.

A difference this time is that it wasn't only in LA city, NYC, Chicago etc. 100s if not 1000s of cities that had never had rioting before got a taste.

Millions of people can't say anymore "that only happens in LA and NYC".
 
Our best LGS has three display cases that will hold 20-25 handguns each. Plus they usually have more in a safe in the back room. Today at least half were gone. No AR's. ammo at a premium and limited. ATF is so overloaded that they had a folder full of delays. I did grab an absolutely gorgeous Custom Husqvarna 300 WM with a 3X9 Vari-XII. I'll try to get some pictures posted later.
 
Been ready for years.:D:evil::p. Bring it on Skippy!

Like the man said up thread, 6 to 12 month and there will be bargains galore!I

I Work p/t in a lgs. No lines but busy with newbies and panickers. ( and some of them are really stupid)
One wanted a gun and bullets that would only wound, not kill. I threw him the F out.The ones I enjoy help are old ladies that live alone and want protection. Boss gives a senior discount and an hour free range instruction.( Don't tell him, I use much more than a hour and my ladies are confident and competent when they leave):neener:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

I
  • Locked
Bare shelves here, how about there?
2
Replies
43
Views
2K
ridgerunner1965
R
I
  • Locked
Any Sign of the Craze slowing?
2
Replies
37
Views
2K
4thHorseman
4
Warp
  • Locked
A gun store observation/some thoughts
Replies
17
Views
1K
dsm
D
montanaoffroader
  • Locked
Went to the gun show this weekend........
Replies
6
Views
893
montanaoffroader
montanaoffroader
1
  • Locked
Have gun people stopped buying?
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Replies
179
Views
10K
theotherwaldo
theotherwaldo
Back
Top