Local gun shop support

[DWS1117]

With all the different options available to consumers today, how many of you still do most of youy gun and gun related merchandise buying at your local gun shop?

The internet is convenient, and sometimes better deals can be found online. But, most of the time I will spend a little more to support my local gun shops. The local stores serve an important function that just can't be had online. I feel that if it helps to keep then in business then so much the better.

I don't know what I would without my weekly (or more) trip to the gun store. The local store has so much more to offer, and these, at least for me, are worth the sometimes slightly higher prices. Sure you may find a slightly better deal at Gun Broker, but will you also get the conversation? Will you meet and get to be friends with the sellers or other customers on guns america?

 

[Jim K]

I agree one thousand percent. I can see saving bucks with the C&R license and on-line buys, but if the gun shops go out of business, we are all hurting.

The ones I patronize are all very good, even though each one is different. There are lots of advantages to building good relations with dealers, including getting transfers for little or even nothing.

As an example, I recall being in a shop looking over my new prize when a young man neither of us had ever seen before came in with a wise-a** attitude. After telling the dealer his stuff was overpriced (it wasn't), he bragged that he never bought anything from a dealer, as they were all crooks. He then told the dealer he had ordered a gun on e-bay, and demanded that the dealer send a copy of his license to the seller. The dealer looked at me, looked at the guy, and blandly said he didn't handle that kind of transaction. The young man raged that the dealer had to handle HIS shipment, ranted about calling BATF, the BBB, and his congressman, and stormed out the door, yelling and cursing.

After we finished laughing, I asked how much the dealer wanted to handle my transaction, and was told nothing.

Jim

 

[Lone_Gunman]

All the gun stores around me are either run by buttholes, rednecks, idiots, or some combination thereof.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Went to the local gunshop to buy steel shot. They didn't have any. So, I went to one that is closer to my home. It's closed.

 

[SASS#23149]

I shop my local guy all the time.Partly because it's a road trip with goodies involved.
It is very hard to save much buying online when you factor in shipping,and if you don't factor it in you're fooling yourself.There is no such thing as "free shipping".It's in there.
In a time-crunch I'll go to wal-mart for my powder bit If I can I'll make the twenty minut run to the gun shop and enjoy the experience.

 

[DWS1117]

There just isn't a such thing as a quick trip to the gun store. If I have to "run to the gun store for something" the wife knows that I will be there until they close and kick me and the other vagrants out.

 

[Sheslinger]

We try to patronize local shops but the hard decision is when you start getting in $800 plus price range, with internet being $100-150 cheaper that local shops and saving you sales tax, which is 9.75% here. Even shipping and transfer fees can't come close to making it worthwhile to buy locally.

We still break down and buy locally once in a while, though. Ammo is all bought locally, it's just expensive stuff that really sends us looking on the net.

 

[DWS1117]

Sheslinger

I'd have to agree with you about some of the more pricey items. Heck even the owner of my favorite shop will sometimes point out a deal online when he finds one, even though he my have the same exact item sitting right under your nose on his self. It is reason such as that that will always keep me comming through the doors of his shop.

Now is my wife and budget will just let me get some of the $900+ guns...

 

[cstreu1026]

The things I have looked for or bought are all priced roughly the same locally as they are on the net. I can see there being an advantage to online shopping if you are looking for something rare or really pricey but for low to medium range stuff its just isn't worth. Now that doesn't mean I don't browse online hoping to find out some killer deal.

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Last week I went to a local shop to see if they had anything new.

They had 2 50 BMG's on the counter and we started talking about the ban (this is California). The salesgirl, and I mean salesGIRL appoved of the ban. She said the 50 could shoot a plane out of the sky.

Then a salesman (and I use the term "man" loosely) said he could see the point of the ban.

Anyway, I went into a second amendment rant, yada, yada, yada, and left.

One reason I hesitate to patronize some of the local places is because they are run by people who, if they weren't working there, would have a job which included the phrase, "Would you like fries with that?"

For what it's worth, there is a store about a 30 minute drive that I have begun shopping. The people are knowledgeable about guns and polite, too. That's unusual here on the left coast.

 

[JohnBT]

I buy locally if they have it - and they usually do. I'm just too picky to order a gun and trust to luck that I'll like the way it's put together and finished.

John

 

[Fastlane]

I am in the market for a Glock 34. The local gun shop has them for $680.00 and it is a 30 minute drive. TopGlock has them for $ 545.00 plus $15.00 for shipping. My FLL cost is $20.00 for a total of $ 580.00. there is no range or gunsmith at the gun shop and very little support. Is it worth $ 100.00 to me to support them?

 

[GEM]

The industry press is always full of how the local stores have little idea of customer service and marketing. Near me, one store went out of business. Good - they were arrogant thieves.

Another big store is the same way.

There is one decent store. Might pay $20 more on a $500 gun but they were pleasant.

Around here, the shows have the best deals. If one table is run by a butt, go to the next.

Guess what - gun store clerk - you ain't as knowledgeable or a tough as you act.

 

[FPrice]

I support my local gun store since my FFL's market segment fits what I like. I have gotten some pretty good deals on rifles and pistols, plus he is good about trying to sell things I need to part with. However, I do shop the internet and other guns stores for special items such as ammo, parts, etc.

 

[mtnbkr]

I'd like to support my local shop more, but they just don't carry the stuff I buy on a regular basis. I buy 1-2 guns a year, but I spend more money on reloading components/equipment, parts, and accessories. They can order any of that, but why bother when I can order it just as well myself (for roughly the same price.

That said, I do buy from them when they have what I want, even if it means spending a few dollars more. They're a great group of people and truly service oriented.

Chris

 

[gigmike]

In my area there are a couple shops that I go out of my way to support. Admittedly I don't buy a ton of stuff, but they provide great information and I'd rather they stay in business. Just support those businesses that support you...

 

[41mag]

As was mentioned several times before,freight adds up so a couple of bucks on a box of .44 is a no-brainer(Couldn't we shorten no-brainer?Maybe use "zombie" instead?Hmm.)Anyways,I like to shop on the 'net & take the info to my local shop.If it costs a little more & I have to wait a bit longer then it's fine w/me.Doing this CAN garner you a funny look the first time from a dealer though.He wondered why I didn't just order it online?I asked who he rather I gave my $$$ to.That was that.
If I want it yesterday then I'll overnight it & pay the long dollar.

 

[White Horseradish]

Well, if I find a local shop awash in cheap milsurps, they would likely get my business. Otherwise, while local gunshops are a good place to hang out, I can't afford to support them.

 

[Reno]

The place I like is quite a ways away, and isn't a standard storefront-type store. Small place, visit to the store by appointment only, but great, extremely helpful folks, with very fair prices.

 

[beemerb]

When I find a good shop I stick with them. Screw me over once and don't make it right I am gone.
Anybody coming through the Kingman AZ area stop at "on target".It is a little hard to find but you will treated right and they are friendly people.Prices are right too.
Bob

 

[sm]

dbl tap

 

[sm]

Granted I'm not shooting or buying like I once did.
The Two folks I used to buy the most from , one died , the other retired .
Still I prefer to deal locally. Sometimes they actually "suggest" I go to Sports Academy - either they cannot beat the price - or- something they don't want to handle.

What I and others did/ do before the Internet became such a medium- a group of us would have the Local Fellow do a group buy. We all saved by buying in quanity , and the shipping worked out better.

Example , I had a Pallet each of Shot, powder and Wads delivered to my Garage....wifey wasn't real happy , but the Dealer and the rest of us were. Another time Five us us wanted the same shotgun and the same handgun. So dealer needed Stock, better price at the Dozen price....wifey asked what I was gonna do on my day off, told her 24 guns came in....that went over real well...

I still use my Local guy for most stuff, easier for me, split shipping with other folks, and I'm spoiled - he will check everthing out and adjust , tweak, smooth, whatever - before I show up. " Hey your gun likes this load for that and this one for that other purpose".

Been known to hear " while I was shooting your new gun - some fellows were out here and shot it too , and I sold 3 more...so you are gonna get a better deal than originally thought".

 

[bpisler]

Now i've got a reason to go to kingman!!!