Potomac Arms - Alexandria, VA

[countertop]

Does anyone know what the story is with Potomac Arms?

I braved the snow today to travel there and check out their selection of guns. As usual, they had a lot of old guns, and in particular, they had a decent assortment of used Colt 1911s (which is why I went there). However, many of the displays seemed virtually empty, their usual supply of mil surplus ammo in odd calibers was empty, and their attitude was especially bad (I am looking at an early Model 70 Gold Cup and ask to break the gun down, the guy pauses, looks at me like I am crazy, and then says absolutely no)t. On top of that, when I inquired about new Colts they told me that Colt is not in the consumer market anymore - only selling a few guns from parts lying around the shop - and that generally, Potomac Arms is looking to stop selling new firearms. Huh!!!!

I walked away from that guy and then found another salesman who actually took the Gold Cup apart - glad I did as the barrel bushing and pin were shot and there was some evidence of what looked like rust on the handle (though I don't know for sure since they wouldn't take the grips off). That, of course was the Colt in the best condition. The others left a whole lot to be desired and weren't exactly attractively priced. Plus, they wouldn't negotiate on the price - and this is for an old used gun.

I hadn't been there in a couple of years (my father bought a Henry golden boy from them a couple of years ago - right when Henry re-emerged as a popular brand) and hadn't been back since then.

Anyone have a clue as to whats going on with them?

 

[Namvet]

Potomac Arms-Alexandria, VA.

I was there the othe day myself and purchased a J frame. Like new, no box, nickel for a very good, below-market price. (I checked) I will agree that their new gun selection is down but they have a tremendous selection of used and like-new guns. If you travel the area you will find that their prices are some of the best around. I saw their selection of 1911 style handguns (had about 20 different varieties) and prices were generally below market. Same with the Smith revolvers. How about a Sig 220 for $389.00? Just an example. I've been going there for nearly 20 years and have never had a problem. Why did you want the Gold Cup disassembled? Just curious.
Regards,
DRC

 

[BigG]

I bought a quite a bit from them in the 80s and 90s when I lived in Alex. Very good selection and reasonable for No VA. They had some really choice items then. Might they have changed owners?

 

[countertop]

Why did you want the Gold Cup disassembled?

Because I don't really like to buy 20+ year old guns without being able to check them out. As I said, they eventually did, but only after some serious prodding and switching sales guys.

 

[mtnbkr]

Odd. The last time I was there, I couldn't get the sales guys to shut up. I've gotten into some long conversations with them over all sorts of topics. Show an interest in a gun and they'll chat all day about it (not sales related either). Dang, they are chatty. The only person I know there that would have an attitude is the older guy who I think owns the place. He's a bit of a curmugeon, but still relatively friendly.

I've never asked to tear down a gun, but I've never doubted they'd do it if I did ask.

I hope this isn't a sign of bad times.

Chris

 

[countertop]

Yeah, it was the old guy. I'd say he was a bit of an ass but didn't get the impression he owned the place. I also inquired about selling a gun and he needed to get someone else to do the deal (I decided not to sell it to them, but he was at least friendly about it). Thats the same guy who eventually let me break it down.

Well, it has been a great little gun shop in the past. Maybe I ought to give them the benefit of the doubt on this one and check it out again. I really do want to buy a Colt 1911 and they seem to have the biggest selection by far around here.

BTW mtnbkr, we still need to get together to shoot the AK one of these days.

 

[SapperLeader]

I was just thinking about stopping by their shop last night. I haven’t been there in over a year, but was impressed with the selection and prices last time. Usually I frequent VA Arms, but I should probably stop by Potomatic to check out their stock. I definitely remember the willingness of the staff to chatter about everything .

 

[Cascade Hunter]

Man, this thread brings back memories. I haven’t been in that store for over 25 years. Years ago I lived in Old Towne and I certainly dumped more money in that store than most. I never had a problem of any kind. John Richards use to have a major interest in that place. (He owned the parking lot beside it too.) He's usually not hard to find. Just across the street to Chadwicks and he'll be the little fella at the end of the bar with the Scotch and soda.

 

[mtnbkr]

BTW mtnbkr, we still need to get together to shoot the AK one of these days.

Except for a couple weekends in Feb, I'm pretty much open for the forseeable future. Let me know when you wanna go. BTW, my brother bought an AK the other weekend. He can't wait to get out and shoot it.

BTW, do you guys know that there's a "new" gunshop in the Manassas area? It's over near the Airport, just off Nokesville Rd. IIRC, it's Guns and Ammo Warehouse. It's similar to Va Arms in what it carries and prices, but they also have a decent reloading section. Va Arms is closer, so I'll probably go there for most of my shopping, but it's nice to know there's a place to get reloading supplies nearby.

Chris

 

[tankertom]

I go in their occasionally and they seemed friendly enough. I will have to check it out again soon and see what's up.

tt

 

[countertop]

Haven't been to Guns and Ammo Warehouse but someone told me about it the other day. I tried to get directions on the internet but couldn't find a listing or even a telephone number.

 

[mtnbkr]

Guns and Ammo Warehouse
10590 Redoubt Rd
Manassas, Va 20110
703-257-0292

Mapquest took me right to them.

Chris

 

[Roadrunner]

Has anyone been to the "new" gunshop on Rt. 28 just outside Manassas. I don't know its name, but see "Gunshop" under the "Bogeda" sign. Anyone with experience there, what do the carry and prices. I keep forgetting to stop in there.

 

[mtnbkr]

I stopped by shortly after they opened. Nothing but overpriced surplus stuff, mosins, etc. I inquired about a few things, but all the owner could do was pull out the Midway or Brownells catalog. I can do that much myself.

Chris

 

[KONY]

Has anyone been to the "new" gunshop on Rt. 28 just outside Manassas. I don't know its name, but see "Gunshop" under the "Bogeda" sign. Anyone with experience there, what do the carry and prices. I keep forgetting to stop in there.

Roadrunner,

That would be Dominion Arms. I have been there once or twice just to browse. Both times, folks behind the counter have been very friendly. If you run a search, I think you'll find a thread or two about them.

 

[SapperLeader]

I might have to check out Guns and Ammo Warehouse, this is the first Ive heard of them. I havent bothered checking out Dominion since the word of mouth was bad on them, but maybe I should do some window shopping.

Usually Bernie at Virginia Arms gets all my transfer business and Ive purchased my fair share of other guns from him too, but I still love going to other shops. All my classes are at the manasas mason campus this spring too, and I have a hour free between work and class, so I might have to kill some time this week