No wonder gun stores go out of business

[Deanimator]

My first "firearm" (a Commission '88 cut down to short rifle length) was purchased through the mail. Up until I moved to Ohio, all of the rest were purchased at small local stores in Kentucky or Illinois. After that, most were purchased face to face or at gun shows (Take that AHSA!). My last few guns were purchased over the internet via an FFL holder in my club.

If I had the money (and the job to obtain it), I'd buy from Dick's or Pro Arms, both in Cuyahoga Falls. I consider them the only really GOOD gun stores in the entire Cleveland/Akron/Canton area.

 

[Kindrox]

Which internet gun sales places sell guns at cost?

In my business (not gun related) I've seen internet based people sell close to cost. They are the folks who arn't getting any web traffic, though, and I suppose are trying to trade price for traffic.

If they made sales, they would have to raise their prices to make working their business worthwhile.

So selling at cost happens, but only for people trying to get going.

 

[a1abdj]

Let's assume that everybody starts buying guns online and everybody stops buying from the local gun shop. The local gun shop then goes out of business. Where is the internet dealer going to ship your new gun?

 

[gym]

I saw a Kimber from one online store yesterday, in stock, the 3 inch cdp crimson trace,laser and night sights, for either $991 or 995, that's $300 more than my local dealer wanted, and that was no tax. "out of state". Buds wanted 1045 if I remember right. It makes a gun that was out of my price range, closer to being in my price range. Now if I didn't have to replace my brake pads last week, it would be in the air now.

 

[duns]

Let's assume that everybody starts buying guns online and everybody stops buying from the local gun shop. The local gun shop then goes out of business. Where is the internet dealer going to ship your new gun?

Of the three guns I have bought, one was shipped to a pawn shop and two others to an attorney.

 

[D Boone]

Guns sent to an attorney? Is he an FFL also? I struggle with this all the time. I can't pay 600+ for a stock saiga or 500+ for a wasr. I just picked up a mosquito from a gunshow for 329, the same gun in the shop was 419. To me thats a significant savings, I can't bring myself to haggle every time I want to buy a gun. That being said, I will buy some things from him, and transfer others.

 

[budiceman]

Of the three guns I have bought, one was shipped to a pawn shop and two others to an attorney.

My attorney does not have an FFL. Our local pawn shop quit doing transfers because people try to get around the system!

 

[PX15]

mxl:

Yep, I'd say $500.00 for a new LCP is a bit stout....

I bought a new Ruger LCP last Friday for $275.00.


I guess the phrase "reasonable profit" does not compute for the store you visited?

Best Wishes,

jesse

 

[NMGonzo]

It's all about wants ... you wants it you pays your money.

I should be rather well armed with the RIA, but I have 4 other handguns ... because I want not because i need.

A year ago I was adequatelly armed with the P6.

I spent a couple of grand on used guns to see what I shoot better and like better .. .that is all.

 

[The Tennessean]

mxl:

Yep, I'd say $500.00 for a new LCP is a bit stout....

I bought a new Ruger LCP last Friday for $275.00.


I guess the phrase "reasonable profit" does not compute for the store you visited?

Best Wishes,

jesse

Obviously the market in the area is supporting the prices or they would be lower/out of business. Why do you care how much money the gun store makes on a sale? What's reasonable to you is obviously different from the store owner.

It's the same type of reasoning that questions why people need guns. Why do you need that gun? Why do you need that amount of profit? Why do you need your own car? Etc, etc.

 

[EdLaver]

High prices are pretty common at all the gun shops I go to. I never buy from them but I will go to handle a new gun or buy ammo. Most of my purchases are from shows and the internet.

 

[Willfully Armed]

Brick an mortar establishments have a little more overhead than the internet.

That may be
BUT
P3ats are $245 new here, LCP's-$300.

Our local pawn shop quit doing transfers because people try to get around the system!

and how does a transfer allow anyone anymore of an opportunity to circuimvent the .GOV?

Of the three guns I have bought, one was shipped to a pawn shop and two others to an attorney.

what? How?

 

[Willfully Armed]

duped delete

 

[Willfully Armed]

dupe, delete

 

[shadowalker]

One thing to keep in mind is most states that have Sales Tax also have Use Tax at the same rate. That means if you buy something online and don't pay sales tax you are supposed to pay Use Tax.

 

[Prion]

Buds is both. Online and a retail storefront. I think more shops should do the same. It is the model of the future. Modernize and equal the playing field. Can't beat 'em join 'em. You can also make pickups at Midway, Powder Valley, etc. Aother online-local model.

 

[the_right_reverend]

Most of the stores in my area are reasonable and i don't mind paying a reasonable mark up for the oppurtunity to fondle a new piece for the collection

BUT

try and charge me $80.00 for a 1000 primers you won't see me or my Visa card ever again

 

[makarovnik]

No sympathy for out and out hosers.

 

[senior]

shops

Got a local here in san antonio that knows nothing but MSRP and up! Even ammo is crazy. Asked for a box of .45 gold dots 200 gr, claimed only box he had and was short 7 rds (13), $37.00 + tax, now that if pure greed! Walked out and not returned.

 

[wishin]

Which internet gun sales places sell guns at cost?

That would be what's called a charity! Selling at cost doesn't even pay the seller's ISP bill.

 

[nerd-with-a-gun]

I guess I am lucky. At my local gun shop I recently purchased a new Ruger GP100 6" SS for $499. I also picked up a used, like new, GP100 for $400. They also have a new Smith & Wesson 686 SSR Pro for $769 that I almost bought just so I could resell it. They also have Magtech .357 158 gr 50 round boxes for $22.95. Their prices are equal to or lower than most online dealers that I have seen. Needless to say I shop there a lot.

 

[StarDust1]

Sat. I stopped in a store in Bullhead City, AZ. Their prices were crazy high. Examples: New Ruger LCP $500, Kel-Tec P3AT $400. Powder for reloading $35 a pound. All plus sales tax. I don't mind paying a lttle extra to keep a local business in business, but not that much. I can buy either of these guns on the internet, pay shipping and transfer fees and save over $100! It's a free country and they can ask any price but neither myself nor my friends do business there. They want $100 for a transfer fee. Guess they think nobody knows there are local FFL's who will do it for WAY less. It will be interesting to see if they stay in business--which I doubt. End of rant.

$500.00 for a Ruger LCP? I wouldn't ante-up $500.00 for an LCP, SR9, or a KP345 combined!

 

[inclinebench]

My local shop is pretty decent, and I try to buy there when I can, but the last few times I have gone, there is no parking, so I park illegally, only to go inside and find about seven or eight guys standing or sitting around, not shopping, just hanging out. usually in the way, and in no hurry to get out of the way. Literally, I had a guy in the narrow isle, in a rocking chair, cocked sideways, so that no one could pass. The owner was helping the only other peson in the place that looked like a customer, but to get to him I had to go back all the way around the store because rocking chair guy, and I had to ask all these other old timers to please excuse me as I walked between them in their conversations. When I got there, some other guy beat me to the owner, to tell him he was low on coffee, but not to worry, they would brew another pot. I shrugged, and walked out. Ordered a holster online. While I like to support a local business, parking illegally, then having to wade through loiterers etc. I just as soon buy online.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Of the three guns I have bought, one was shipped to a pawn shop and two others to an attorney .

I am still stuck on this.

 

[a1abdj]

I am still stuck on this.

Especially since most of the lawyers I know are too busy and their time is too valuable to be engaging in $20 gun transfers.