Question for/about local gun stores hours

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

TennJed

Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2010
Messages
3,454
There are always a lot if threads about the merits of online buying vs local buying and I was wondering if anyone was in the same boat as me.

I work M-F and every other Saturday. I leave my house at 8:45am and get home around 6:45 pm. The only time I can even get inside my local store is (usually) every other Saturday, and most Saturdays are booked with family

The last few guns I have bought have been either at a big box store (Sportsman's Warehouse open till 9pm and on Sunday) or online (the FFL I ship to works from home). I would like to give locals owners a shot at my business but honestly Sportsman's Warehouse and online have better prices most of the time. Add to it the fact that to even see what they have or can do, I only have 2 Saturdays and have to take away from family time.

I was wondering how many people find it almost too hard to make it to a local shop. I know a lot of people have online items shipped to the local stores but I assume a lot of people have them shipped to home FFL. I also know a lot of Big Box Stores have a reputation of high prices, but honestly Sportsman's Warehouse is more than competitive.

I also had a suggestion for shop owners. I know most have families and need time off too and I don't expect them to stay open 24/7, but if my local stores had their inventory online and could hold or put on layaway items with a down payment with my cc/debit card I think it would really open up a lot opportunities.
 
Last edited:
I am lucky that my LGS is a general store and opens ar 6:30am and close's at 8:00 pm and sells at 10% above his cost and always has a great selection. Most gun stores are like anything recreational. Open 5 1/2 days a week open only while the working guy is doing just that. working.
 
Basically it's because most people that open gun stores don't really understand the concept of business. They expect the customer to adjust to the store.

The 2 largest independent stories by me are open 7 days a week and untill 9 most days. They also have ranges, but typically have high prices, but people pay more for the convenience.
 
Before Sam Walton business model came about pretty much all shop keepers kept 8/9-5/6 hours and did decent business. I don't know what working folks did back then for shopping but my grandfather had a hardware store that did a booming business. They did keep extended hours during the Christmas holidays as I recall though.
When I was growing up all you could get in town on Sunday was pop out of the machine and the bars were all that was open past 6PM mon-sat.
I do remember a great many time when I'd visit my grandparents and people would call on evenings or Sundays and need emergency parts or were unable to get to town during regular hours and he would meet them down at the store and fix them up, he also did deliveries to those who didn't drive, sometimes quite far out in the country. Service like that is what we have lost with the big boxes.
 
Oh, how I love my small LGS. His "hours of operation" sign, which only very recently went up, says that he's open until 6:00 most days, but he's almost always there 'til 7:00, and if you call for something specific, he will usually stay late for you. And we recently changed his sign so it says that on Mondays he closes on Tuesday. Let's just say that it's more of a social club than a gun shop after about 8pm on Mondays...
 
As much as I love to support local retailers, it sure is hard to do during their hours. Ditto the comment about stores being open only while people are at work. (And not just gun stores...)

This is where the nearby Dick's sporting goods steps in. Competitive prices, convient hours, and some of the best friendly advice by real experienced shooters. Honestly, the level of attention I've received from multiple stores, has rivaled anything from any LGS I've visited. My experience with multiple Dick's locations has earned my future buisness. If LGS were as convient and friendly, they'd earn my business too.
 
Gun store owners are just like the rest of us working stiffs, they want to go home at 5. They don't really want to work on Saturday but they also know the realities of gun/bow shops. Some extend their hours before hunting season...

There are plenty of shops around but I have to drive 45min-1.5 hours to all of the tolerable ones. (My two closest I won't even darken their door because of service and pricing) Some have good prices, some don't, some are friendly, some aren't. Most of them have crappy hours and when looking for something I can't make to but 1 or 2 on any given Saturday.

If I know what I want I contact a friend and he'll get me pricing and order whatever I want. But there's something about walking in looking several over and walking out with an unknown....At any given time there's 4 or 5 or 20 firearms on my want list. When I see one I want at the price I need it's my lucky day. It's up to the LGS to make it their lucky day by being open when I need them.
 
This is where the nearby Dick's sporting goods steps in. Competitive prices, convient hours, and some of the best friendly advice by real experienced shooters. H
Click to expand...

Where is THIS Dick's at? NONE I have ever been in had anyone working there who knew anything about guns or fishing gear - and prices? on what? The bottom barrel quality cheap crap from Mossberg and the euro trash makers...........where is your Dicks so we can all make a trip to this mecca of gun sales
 
There is a retail tradition of staying open later on Thursdays. If more mom and pops did this, they would get more of regular working people's business. If more retailer just followed this simple rule, they would have more time off themselves, and could probably count on Thursday nights making their week.
 
My wifes clinic stays open until 8:30 on Tue & Thr...I'd never thought but you are correct just those two evenings and Saturday half day and they'd probably cover 85% of their sales.
 
People make choices. If working those hours and spending all day with someone's family is his choice, great. But don't expect sole props to adjust their hours to someone's screwy schedule or choice. Most people do fine taking lunch hours or days off to do their LGS shopping.
 
Bubba613 said:
People make choices. If working those hours and spending all day with someone's family is his choice, great. But don't expect sole props to adjust their hours to someone's screwy schedule or choice. Most people do fine taking lunch hours or days off to do their LGS shopping.
Click to expand...

If you notice I do not expect anything or anyone to adjust because of my choices or screwy schedule. If you read my OP you would see I am doing fine and saving money not using my local stores. I would just like to give them a shot. If their attitude is like yours then they obviously do not need my business, so I have no reason to shop from them
. Buds and Sportsman's warehouse have them beat anyway. But if by chance the folks in my town are as nice as they seem, I would like to help them out.

But based on your comments you can't possible defend a Gun Shop owner when he complains about online stores and the Big Box Stores. Choices abound, and if a gun shop owner does not want accomadate as many as he can, then there is no reason to complain. There is enough to go around and the shop owners are not hurting for business right?

I was hoping this thread might bring up good suggestions for local shop owners to consider. Such as, at least listing their inventory online for customers to view. I don't expect a sole proprietor to adjust to my screwy schedule because of the choices I make. I am merely offering a roundtable discussion for possible improvement they could make.

If you don't mind can I ask, are you a gun show owner? If so has your business been affectted by online and big box stores. I assume from your post that it has not. Which is honestly suprising to me
 
Last edited:
Most people do fine taking lunch hours or days off to do their LGS shopping.
Click to expand...

I dont believe that for a second.

I have a few LGS within 10 minute drive from work. Add another 5 minutes each direction to get from the door to the truck and park etc.

So there's 30 minutes.

Even with my CCP and no back ground check, Id be hard pressed to make it back to work in an hour.

And I dont believe "most" people are "fine" taking a day off to do it.

That leaves Sat and Sun which is what the OP used as the basis of the thread.

The shops around me are open shortened hours on Sat and closed on Sun as I suspect a lot of small shops are.

The OP works every other Sat. I work about 1 per month.


So if we're expected to only shop on Sat, and we're working 25%-50% of those Saturdays.... assuming we have family ......... when do we get to shoot?

(tongue in cheek)

Oh yeaaa... we're not supposed to shoot... only hoard ammo bought from...(wait for it).... Wally World because they're cheaper and actually open when we can get there.


My local small shops will stay open if there is something to buy and you call ahead.... and get there by 5:15 :rolleyes:
 
mr.scott said:
Basically it's because most people that open gun stores don't really understand the concept of business. They expect the customer to adjust to the store.

The 2 largest independent stories by me are open 7 days a week and untill 9 most days. They also have ranges, but typically have high prices, but people pay more for the convenience.
Click to expand...
the above post is offensive and not "High Road" .. The mom & pops in my surrounding counties will answer calls and emails after hours, as well as match prices you see online. We all do to compete. The big difference is service, you can walk into your LGS with rifle in your arms, and get your problem fixed with a smile.
 
If you notice I do not expect anything or anyone to adjust because of my choices or screwy schedule. If you read my OP you would see I am doing fine and saving money not using my local stores. I would just like to give them a shot. If their attitude is like yours then they obviously do not need my business, so I have no reason to shop from them
. Buds and Sportsman's warehouse have them beat anyway. But if by chance the folks in my town are as nice as they seem, I would like to help them out.
Click to expand...
You're right. An LGS has no need of business from a price shopper like you. You want to buy stuff online and schedule it at your convenience? Wonderful. Enjoy.
No, my business has not been hurt in the slightest by Dick's Academy or whoever. It is hurt by cheaters who wont pay the use tax due on out of state items delivered in state.
 
Well I guess I am a lucky one also.

one lgs open till 7:30 a few nights and open sunday! (smart guy)

another one half mile from my house open 4 days a week and closes at 5pm
but if I call he will open up.:D

gander ,dicks ,sports authority all in town where I work.

wally world also but they only have ammo.:mad:

some people can not afford to take off of work to go gun shopping or do it on lunch.
 
u're right. An LGS has no need of business from a price shopper like you. You want to buy stuff online and schedule it at your convenience? Wonderful. Enjoy.
No, my business has not been hurt in the slightest by Dick's Academy or whoever. It is hurt by cheaters who wont pay the use tax due on out of state items delivered in state.
Click to expand...

Why such an attitude? I started this thread for some respectful adult connversation and never once bashed LGS. I just mentioned why it is difficult for me to shop there, and I would love to give them business. The ones around me seem to be great people. And I hate to break it to you but attitudes like yours gives all LGS a bad name. You seem to have a big shot attitude and take or leave it I don't need your business. Most good business models will tell you that you need to be respectful to your customers and aware of your competition. Neither of which you follow. I hope for your sake you have a backup plan

Your tone indicates that you are upset that people would buy from places with better prices, hours, and attitudes than yours. Only someone that was truly brothered would be so snarky when defending their own business practices. If you don't mind me asking what city is your store in? I see a potential great business oppurtunity
 
Last edited:
I don't know of too many folks who don't get off early on occasion, or don't have at least one day off when the LGS is open. The first 13 years of my professional life, I worked for other people, and my schedule was either M-F or M-Sat. with a weekday off. I also did get to leave early from time to time, and sometimes used that extra couple hours to hit the gun shop.

Now self-employed, I work 6 days a week, 10-14 hours a day, but I still find time to drop in once a month or so. And I have 2 YO twins.

I appreciate what some of you are saying, but gun stores don't really keep more peculiar hours than any other small-time retailer. If you work a normal M-F 8-5/6 job and Saturdays/Sundays are family days, then either involve the family, or tell them Satuday mornings are for you; Hit the LGS when they open at 10, most likely you'll be done browsing/buying by noon, and give yourself to family for the remainder.
 
MachIVshooter said:
I appreciate what some of you are saying, but gun stores don't really keep more peculiar hours than any other small-time retailer. If you work a normal M-F 8-5/6 job and Saturdays/Sundays are family days, then either involve the family, or tell them Satuday mornings are for you; Hit the LGS when they open at 10, most likely you'll be done browsing/buying by noon, and give yourself to family for the remainder.
Click to expand...

You are completely correct that LGS are like most small business in the hours they keep. But unfortunately you are starting to see less and less of all of them. The town I grew up in has around 10k in population. They currently have zero family owned drug stores, but they have a Wallgreens and a CVS. I can not think of a any sole proprietor auto parts stores, yet they have a NAPA, Advance, and a Autozone. Price and hours of operation are a large driving factors.

If a LGS does not need any more business using the model they have now then great, but I suspect some are being hurt by Online Retailers and Big Box Stores.

I do not price shop first. I do however convienience shop first. I personally would like to see local stores get online and list inventory and maybe expect down payments. If that were possible I could gaurantee they could get some more of my business. That may not be cost effective for the store though. I have no idea what it would cost them versus how much business it would generate. It may not be practical, but it may be. I would be interested in hearing from store owners that have looked into it
 
Why such an attitude? I started this thread for some respectful adult connversation and never once bashed LGS. I just mentioned why it is difficult for me to shop there, and I would love to give them business. The ones around me seem to be great people. And I hate to break it to you but attitudes like yours gives all LGS a bad name. You seem to have a big shot attitude and take or leave it I don't need your business. Most good business models will tell you that you need to be respectful to your customers and aware of your competition. Neither of which you follow. I hope for your sake you have a backup plan
Click to expand...
You are a price buyer. Nothing wrong with that. But your attitude will not get you far with an LGS. You are happy buying from Sportsman's Warehouse and Bud's because they have everyone "beat". Great. Continue to do so. You are their customer.
An LGS has absolutely nothing to offer you. Don't waste your time.
 
The need for a LGS continues to dwindle. It is unfortunately a combination of poor pricing, poor customer service, and bad unfriendly attitudes that have driven people away.

The good news is that your local pawn shop more than likely has much better hours than your LGS. For $25 or less, they will happily transfer any gun you buy online to you.

So my advice is, avoid the attitude, buy online, and support your local pawn shop.
 
Bubba613 said:
You are a price buyer. Nothing wrong with that. But your attitude will not get you far with an LGS. You are happy buying from Sportsman's Warehouse and Bud's because they have everyone "beat". Great. Continue to do so. You are their customer.
An LGS has absolutely nothing to offer you. Don't waste your time.
Click to expand...
Wow you really have no idea what your talking about do you. Did you read the original post? I started this thread about the convienience of shopping local not the price. You may want to study on the difference between price and convenience.

I do not want this thread locked and I am honestly not wanting to be rude, but your attitude is off the charts in both ignorance and arrogance.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
Buying online vs local
2
Replies
47
Views
2K
hotpig
H
S
  • Locked
Buying a gun from an online gun store
Replies
15
Views
1K
wildburp
W
jpruitt
  • Locked
Will online gun sales eventually replace local gun stores?
2 3 4 5 6
Replies
140
Views
3K
orionengnr
O
T
  • Locked
How do you feel about "Big Box Gun Stores"
2
Replies
27
Views
1K
Steel Horse Rider
S
Hanzo581
  • Locked
Supporting local gun shops
2 3
Replies
69
Views
4K
helitack32f1
helitack32f1
Back
Top