[email protected]
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If you were to stock a new store, what would be must have handguns? This is what my wife and I are in processes of doing.
Carl
Carl
New retail store. what to stock?
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glock
Springfield xd
Smith and wesson J frame revolver
rock island armory 1911, or auto ordinance 1911, or springfield armory 1911.
Some kind of walther-ish 380 that resembles the PPK
A few 22LR target plinkers.
And finally, a few high dollar eye candy pieces for lookin at, not really for regular sales. everyone likes to be dazzled by some fancy stuff before coming back down to earth and facing the reality of a limited buget. For the eye candy, go with something like a wildey, or desert eagle or S&W 500. Then maybe some rare antiques also. And a small assortment of used cop guns at decent prices for the poor people.
Springfield xd
Smith and wesson J frame revolver
rock island armory 1911, or auto ordinance 1911, or springfield armory 1911.
Some kind of walther-ish 380 that resembles the PPK
A few 22LR target plinkers.
And finally, a few high dollar eye candy pieces for lookin at, not really for regular sales. everyone likes to be dazzled by some fancy stuff before coming back down to earth and facing the reality of a limited buget. For the eye candy, go with something like a wildey, or desert eagle or S&W 500. Then maybe some rare antiques also. And a small assortment of used cop guns at decent prices for the poor people.
ZeSpectre
Member
Reloading supplies.
Expensive SD and high performance bullets for reloading AND el-cheapo crap for reloading your practice/plinking ammo.
In terms of the guns themselves...have some CZ on hand (and parts like mags and so forth)
Expensive SD and high performance bullets for reloading AND el-cheapo crap for reloading your practice/plinking ammo.
In terms of the guns themselves...have some CZ on hand (and parts like mags and so forth)
tinygnat219
Member
Very few hunting rifles. Sorry, I have seen WAY too many of these sitting on the shelves for YEARS collecting dust.
I'd stock what sells: Glocks, XDs, Hi-Points, ARs, or if it's a hunting rifle, a hunting rifle.
I'd also try to have a little bit for every shooting game from CAS to .22 Bullseye.
I'd stock what sells: Glocks, XDs, Hi-Points, ARs, or if it's a hunting rifle, a hunting rifle.
I'd also try to have a little bit for every shooting game from CAS to .22 Bullseye.
neededausername
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Ruger Mark III, and Ruger Mark III 22/45, it's what I bought from my local dealer, and every time I go in to buy ammo or just window shop he has a different one on display because the last one sold. Inexpensive, high quality, and perfect for people like me who are just learning to shoot handguns.
earplug
Member
Find out what type of local competion is avalable. Stock stuff they use.
Be competitive in ordering FFL stuff.
Find a local range and make a deal with them, guns don't sell if there isn't a ready range to use.
Be competitive in ordering FFL stuff.
Find a local range and make a deal with them, guns don't sell if there isn't a ready range to use.
doc2rn
Member
Ruger & Buckmark .22s
GP 100 and S&W mod 10s
XDs and FNPs
GLOCK 9s and Colt .45s
Galco Leather and Blackhawk Kydex
I would keep it simple to start. Nothing exotic.
An at hand gunsmith
GP 100 and S&W mod 10s
XDs and FNPs
GLOCK 9s and Colt .45s
Galco Leather and Blackhawk Kydex
I would keep it simple to start. Nothing exotic.
An at hand gunsmith
GunNut
Member
Glock, SA XD & 1911, HK, Sig, Ruger, S&W, Kimber, Colt, Kel-tec & Seecamp should be a good start.
As money permits, Ed Brown, Les Baer, STI, etc.
As money permits, Ed Brown, Les Baer, STI, etc.
Kenneth Lew
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- Jan 26, 2003
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- 534
Spend some time working at another local gun shop/range to gain some experience before venturing into something I assume you are starting out of the blue. Examine the local markets to determine that sells where you are at rather than listen to the net.
Quoheleth
Member
To the OP:
I applaud your courage for planning to open a small business and go it yourself. I don't know where you are located or what your community or competition is like. I am NOT a small businessman, so take this for what it's worth.
I have two small LGS within 20 miles of me. One is - literally - a cop shop. She caters to police officers and her stock is mostly combat-style guns: XD, Glock, Ruger, Smith, a few Tarus, Beretta, and a couple other major players, all in the $450-800 range, pocket guns (j-frame, Kel-tek, etc.), and other personal defense stuff. She has identified her target and she stocks to please. She has one or two single-action revolvers, one or two larger DA revolvers, a couple .22 plinkers, but those are obviously 2nd tier in her sales. She stocks a little hunting ammo, but LOTS of personal defense ammo: brands, calibers, and "flavors." She does not trade; all new sales. In her cabinet are probably 50 or 60 pistols, 90% autos. She has about 20 or so long guns, a few of which are few hunting rifles (mostly Savage & Mossberg) but most are "black" - shotguns, ARs, and a couple "niche" guns - FN, Saiga, etc. There is also a lot of other LEO apparel & supplies (cuffs, batons, etc.) Her business isn't exactly booming, but it is steady...there are always people in & out.
The other is a "good ol' boy" hangout. He has about a dozen or so new handguns, almost all are "low" end of the price scale (not necessarily quality!)- taurus, Rossi, and Rock Island. Might have an XD, Glock, or Smith or two, but not much more. He trades and sells used, but even his used is...well, USED! Long guns are not much better, both in quantity and quality. I stop by when I am in the area, but I don't make a special trip there. Ammo choices are slim as are parts. There are a couple good ol' boys who hang out, but customers are pretty few. He does a little gunsmithing - the kind of stuff you & I do for our own guns - for folks who don't care to do it themselves: cleaning, scope mounting, etc. I hate to say it, but I don't know how long he'll be open...
The first store is in a small pass-through town; the second in a good-sized town. Why does the one do well and the other just exist? My guess is it has a very precise market and has targeted that market as its goal. She does a little "side" stuff to cater to the locals who need something (including a Hi-Point or two), but she has not lost sight of her goal.
So, that's my 2 cents...find your target and stick to it. Don't try to be all things to all people - unless your community truly is gun shop-less. In which case, start with Target Group A with a tease towaard Group B and then add a second focus later.
Good luck! Hope it works for you!!!
Q
I applaud your courage for planning to open a small business and go it yourself. I don't know where you are located or what your community or competition is like. I am NOT a small businessman, so take this for what it's worth.
I have two small LGS within 20 miles of me. One is - literally - a cop shop. She caters to police officers and her stock is mostly combat-style guns: XD, Glock, Ruger, Smith, a few Tarus, Beretta, and a couple other major players, all in the $450-800 range, pocket guns (j-frame, Kel-tek, etc.), and other personal defense stuff. She has identified her target and she stocks to please. She has one or two single-action revolvers, one or two larger DA revolvers, a couple .22 plinkers, but those are obviously 2nd tier in her sales. She stocks a little hunting ammo, but LOTS of personal defense ammo: brands, calibers, and "flavors." She does not trade; all new sales. In her cabinet are probably 50 or 60 pistols, 90% autos. She has about 20 or so long guns, a few of which are few hunting rifles (mostly Savage & Mossberg) but most are "black" - shotguns, ARs, and a couple "niche" guns - FN, Saiga, etc. There is also a lot of other LEO apparel & supplies (cuffs, batons, etc.) Her business isn't exactly booming, but it is steady...there are always people in & out.
The other is a "good ol' boy" hangout. He has about a dozen or so new handguns, almost all are "low" end of the price scale (not necessarily quality!)- taurus, Rossi, and Rock Island. Might have an XD, Glock, or Smith or two, but not much more. He trades and sells used, but even his used is...well, USED! Long guns are not much better, both in quantity and quality. I stop by when I am in the area, but I don't make a special trip there. Ammo choices are slim as are parts. There are a couple good ol' boys who hang out, but customers are pretty few. He does a little gunsmithing - the kind of stuff you & I do for our own guns - for folks who don't care to do it themselves: cleaning, scope mounting, etc. I hate to say it, but I don't know how long he'll be open...
The first store is in a small pass-through town; the second in a good-sized town. Why does the one do well and the other just exist? My guess is it has a very precise market and has targeted that market as its goal. She does a little "side" stuff to cater to the locals who need something (including a Hi-Point or two), but she has not lost sight of her goal.
So, that's my 2 cents...find your target and stick to it. Don't try to be all things to all people - unless your community truly is gun shop-less. In which case, start with Target Group A with a tease towaard Group B and then add a second focus later.
Good luck! Hope it works for you!!!
Q
Focus on handguns, ARs, AKs, and tactical stuff. The local Wal-Mart, Dicks, etc. don't sell these types of guns so you won't have to compete with a bilion dollar corporation for the lowest price. Selling used guns on consignment is a great way to fill your shelves at no cost to you. The 15% commission is also going to be more profit than what you would make on a new gun. Don't bother selling the mass market guns like Remington 870 Express, Ruger 10/22, Marlin 336 because the chain stores can sell these models for a lower retail price than you will be able to buy them wholesale.
Drgong
Member
BTW, a new BHP is a good inexpensive "Wow" gun 
Glocks and XDs sell well.
1911s, ranging from the Rock Islands to say a Kimber or two
Some "mouse" guns, the new Ruger is a hot seller right now.
In revolvers have some J-frame types and a lady smith at least, also add some bigger revolvers if that is what sells.
each area is not the same, and you will quickly find out what sells and not, but Glocks, XDs, and 1911s are almost always good sellers, and I know that BHP are good lookers as well.
Glocks and XDs sell well.
1911s, ranging from the Rock Islands to say a Kimber or two
Some "mouse" guns, the new Ruger is a hot seller right now.
In revolvers have some J-frame types and a lady smith at least, also add some bigger revolvers if that is what sells.
each area is not the same, and you will quickly find out what sells and not, but Glocks, XDs, and 1911s are almost always good sellers, and I know that BHP are good lookers as well.
Quoheleth,
Oddly enough, not being LEO myself, I still like the first store much better. While they might not have the hunting items I might need, they have a good selection of quality product and the accessories for them. Police supply houses tend to do well because there is normally only one or two per major area (except in the big cities). The in and out is great for most customers who know what they want and simply need a place to transact it.
I might like shopping at Gander Mtn, but it takes close to an hour to get in and out, while it seems to take 15 minutes elsewhere. Gander Mtn is like 4 miles away, while every other store is 15-20 miles away. Gander Mtn. has a lot of hunting supplies, none of which are of interest to me. But each store picks its niche and goes with it.
Oddly enough, not being LEO myself, I still like the first store much better. While they might not have the hunting items I might need, they have a good selection of quality product and the accessories for them. Police supply houses tend to do well because there is normally only one or two per major area (except in the big cities). The in and out is great for most customers who know what they want and simply need a place to transact it.
I might like shopping at Gander Mtn, but it takes close to an hour to get in and out, while it seems to take 15 minutes elsewhere. Gander Mtn is like 4 miles away, while every other store is 15-20 miles away. Gander Mtn. has a lot of hunting supplies, none of which are of interest to me. But each store picks its niche and goes with it.
Norinco982lover
Member
XD's
Bersa .380 and thunder9mm(don't think anyone mentioned those)
Remington 870's/mossberg 500's and their accessories
Some sort of cheap ammo as well as the good stuff
RIA 1911's in different sizes
As many CZ's as you can get
Bersa .380 and thunder9mm(don't think anyone mentioned those)
Remington 870's/mossberg 500's and their accessories
Some sort of cheap ammo as well as the good stuff
RIA 1911's in different sizes
As many CZ's as you can get
Joey_the_Wolf
Member
There's a severe lack of Beretta in this topic
However, I'd make sure that the usual suspects (Glocks, Sigs, S&W, 1911s, etc) are covered, and then focus on .22s and other target shooting handguns. Maybe stock up on Rugers, CZs, Makarovs, EAAs and the like, as well as make sure that I carry a large assortment of used handguns sold at a reasonable price. As a broke college student, I can assure you that not everyone can afford to pay $600+ for a good pistol.
However, I'd make sure that the usual suspects (Glocks, Sigs, S&W, 1911s, etc) are covered, and then focus on .22s and other target shooting handguns. Maybe stock up on Rugers, CZs, Makarovs, EAAs and the like, as well as make sure that I carry a large assortment of used handguns sold at a reasonable price. As a broke college student, I can assure you that not everyone can afford to pay $600+ for a good pistol.
[email protected]
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- 23
Thanks everyone. Keep the ideas coming please, I value the knowledge of this boards members greatly. I don't have to " go on line". I want all the input I can get so I do "survive". I'm of the opinion that great insight is learned by listening. Thanks Again
Big Boomer
Member
Remember the key to having a business.
1. You must sell what people want/need or think they do.
2. You must make $$$ on it! (this should be number 1.)
You have to not only pay the bills, but also pay yourself for working in there too. Leases, insurance, stock, shipping, payroll can be a nightmare.
1. You must sell what people want/need or think they do.
2. You must make $$$ on it! (this should be number 1.)
You have to not only pay the bills, but also pay yourself for working in there too. Leases, insurance, stock, shipping, payroll can be a nightmare.
Supertac45
Member
What state to start with?
oneounceload
member
Glock, Kimber, S&W, H&K, Sig, Kahr, Keltec, Seecamp, Walther, SA, Para, RIA, Taurus, NAA
mouseguns to full size target guns and sizes in between....
reloading supplies and machines, bullets primers, etc.
don't forget shotguns and their supplies
I'm sure black rifles would work to supplement
All of the accessories like holsters, cases
and on and on...
good luck
mouseguns to full size target guns and sizes in between....
reloading supplies and machines, bullets primers, etc.
don't forget shotguns and their supplies
I'm sure black rifles would work to supplement
All of the accessories like holsters, cases
and on and on...
good luck
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